KRKC COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the bipartisan Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act authored by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) passed the House of Representatives unanimously. H.R. 3539 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop best practices for the establishment and use of behavioral intervention in schools. “Every day, we experience the pain and hardship that can happen with individuals struggling with mental health issues in our schools,” said Congressman Panetta. “Our legislation will make schools safer by providing access to mental health resources and identifying at risk students before their behavior results in self-harm or harm to others. I am proud that our legislation received unanimous support so we can put those most in need on track to mental wellness and keep our schools safe.” The Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop a

SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, September 30 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) released the following statement on the Governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 3005, the Expedited Dam Safety for Silicon Valley Act: “I am deeply disappointed to see AB 3005 returned with a veto from Governor Newsom. “My constituents and the greater Silicon Valley region are at risk of a catastrophic flood from a large earthquake due to the current conditions of the Anderson Dam. AB 3005 would have expedited the dam’s seismic retrofit project and was vital to ensuring the water supply and environmental benefits for the region expeditiously. “The safety of my constituents is my highest priority. I want to thank the bill’s sponsor, Valley Water, many of my colleagues in the State Assembly and Senate, and also our Congressional delegation, all of whom worked hard over the past several months to craft and pass this important bill. We will be discussing next steps in the weeks and months ahead, to contin

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, September 30 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) led a group of 12 members of the California delegation in sending a letter to House Appropriations Committee leadership urging for inclusion of a provision to protect public lands in California from new oil and gas development, including fracking, in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill. Language prohibiting federal funds from being used for any new oil and gas investments on California public lands was secured by Congressman Panetta in the House-passed H.R. 7608. “Without conducting sufficient environmental reviews, the Bureau of Land Management has put forward a plan to open up hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land along the central coast of California to new oil and gas drilling,” said Congressman Panetta. “Now, as the House and Senate convene to negotiate a Fiscal Year 2021 spending bill, my California colleagues and I are call

With the Dolan Fire containment increasing and no evacuation orders currently in place, the Monterey County Evacuation Center at the King City High School Gym located at 720 Broadway Street in King City is now closed. Help is still available for those impacted by wildfires. Those who need information regarding recovery assistance can access the County’s Virtual Local Assistance Center at www.co.monterey.ca.us/2020Fires and housing assistance for evacuees is still available by calling 831-796-3052.

Cal Fire has released its WERT (Watershed Emergency Response Team) report on environmental damage from the Carmel and River Fires. The River Fire and Carmel Fire started on August 16 and August 18, 2020, respectively, and together burned approximately 55,000 acres within Monterey County. In addition, a total of 103 structures were destroyed and 20 structures were damaged between the two fires. Areas affected by these fires pose an increased risk for debris flows, flooding, rock-fall and sediment loading that may impact downslope property and infrastructure and threaten public safety. This report is a critical post-fire review which addresses public health and safety concerns, watershed protection and will help guide recovery in impacted areas. The report provides: ∙ Critical analyses of the watersheds impacted by the fires ∙ Recommends emergency protective measures and mitigation efforts for the burn scars in preparation for the upcoming winter season ∙ Guides for local r

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday, September 30 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 10,087 people, while 91,840 people have been tested in the County. 2,944 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 682 in King City, 886 in Greenfield, 933 in Soledad, 296 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 71 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 10 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,756 are from person to person transmissions, 3,237 have come from community transmissions, 600 people have been hospitalized, 73 people have died, 7,343 people have recovered, 1,750 are under investigation and 2,413 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, September 29 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that the U.S. Department of Labor will award a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) of up to $6,877,500 to the California Department of Employment Development in response to the recent wildfires. The initial award of $3,438,750 will assist California in creating disaster-relief jobs to address debris cleanup and delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the wildfires. Initially, the project will focus on efforts in, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa, San Mateo, Lake, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties. “The Central Coast and California as whole face the daunting challenge of recovering from devastating wildfires that continue to impact communities,” said Congressman Panetta. “This grant is a critical step forward so our communities can better focus on healing and moving forward from these crises. I commend the Department of Labor for awarding this gran

Longtime State Farm Insurance Agent Anne Olson in King City is retiring on Wednesday, September 30 after a 27 year career. Olson said that she'll miss working with her team members that she's loved working with throughout the years and her clients that she's built relationships with. Olson stated that she's looking forward to traveling, playing golf and spending more time with her family once she's retired. Willette Jones a State Farm Insurance Agent out of Salinas will temporarily be serving clients at the State Farm Branch in King City until a permanent replacement is hired on which Olson is hoping will happen sometime in February or March of 2021.

The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind all food facilities that live music and entertainment is not allowed under the current guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health. Establishments that serve full meals associated with outdoor dining experiences must discontinue this type of entertainment until they are allowed to resume modified or full operation through a specific reopening order or guidance. In addition, live music or entertainment is not allowed at any public gatherings or community events under the current guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health. State guidance for outdoor dining for restaurants, wineries, and bars: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-outdoor-restaurants--en.pdf For questions, concerns or to submit a complaint to EHB please call (831) 755-4505 or visit the Monterey County Health Department Environmental Health website at: www.mtyhd.org/COVID‐19‐EHB.

Salinas, CA – The Monterey County Local Voter Information Guides are on the way! Guides began arriving in mailboxes on Saturday, September 26 and will continue throughout the week. Monterey County ballots will also begin mailing this week. Voters will begin receiving ballots by the end of this week and into the week of October 5. Local voter guides are also available online at https://www.montereycountyelections.us/ look for the Polling Place and Voter Information Guide Lookup under the ELECTIONS tab. “Monterey County Elections is delivering the ballots ahead of schedule to give voters plenty of time to vote and return their ballots,” said Registrar of Voters, Claudio Valenzuela State Voter Information Guides are available online at https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/. Audio and large format versions of the state voter guide will be available at our early voting locations: Monterey County Elections: 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas Embassy Suites: 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, S

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, September 29 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced $599,867 in grant funding that will benefit UC Santa Cruz and CSU Monterey Bay students. The funding will be used for the Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) Program to help Latino UCSC and CSUMB students prepare for and succeed in graduate programs. “As more Hispanic and Latino students pursue higher education, we must ensure they have the tools they need for academic success,” said Congressman Panetta. “The PPOHA program will prepare these students for readiness and success at the postbaccalaureate level. I am especially proud to announce this critical funding during Hispanic Heritage Month as Latino students continue to enrich the Central Coast with their achievements.” In the last week, Congressman Panetta has announced over $1.9 million in grant funding to benefit Central Coast students seeking higher education, including a $1 million grant to be

SACRAMENTO – On Monday night, September 28 Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2043 and AB 2165, two key pieces of the California Farmworker COVID-19 Relief Package by Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella). Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) was also a lead author of AB 2043. It is the nation’s first legislative package to protect agricultural workers against the coronavirus and garnered broad and bipartisan support as it passed the Legislature in August. “This is a major victory for California’s most vulnerable essential workers – farmworkers,” said Assemblymember Rivas. “I am grateful to the Governor for his signature on AB 2043 and AB 2165, which will help protect agricultural communities against the spread of COVID-19 and ensure workers have access to critical workplace safety information and essential state services during this pandemic. I am proud to have worked with such a

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, September 29 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 10,050 people, while 91,309 people have been tested in the County. 2,935 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 679 in King City, 883 in Greenfield, 930 in Soledad, 296 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 71 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 10 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,709 are from person to person transmissions, 3,202 have come from community transmissions, 597 people have been hospitalized, 73 people have died, 7,240 people have recovered, 1,784 are under investigation and 2,401 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, September 28 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that a $499,999 grant, made possible by CARES Act funding, will be awarded to the San Benito County Free Library. The funding will be used to improve the library’s internet connection, technology unit, and resources for community members. “The pandemic and economic shutdowns have impacted many of our local city and county services, including our libraries ” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “Fortunately, Congress formulated and passed the CARES Act, which provides for this type of funding for such invaluable resources in our community like the San Benito County Free Library. This grant will help the library with its digital resources and improve its community work, not just during the pandemic, but long after.” The San Benito County Free Library will use this funding to improve its internet connection and library resources during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The library will re

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) has introduced legislation to restore a longstanding ban on the sale of firearm silencers to private foreign companies and individuals. Silencers, or suppressors, reduce the noise made by gunfire by trapping gas released when a bullet is fired. The prohibition, enacted by the State Department to protect American troops and diplomats overseas, was lifted by the Trump Administration earlier this year. “The arbitrary overturning of this rule put our servicemembers and diplomats at risk,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “My legislation will restore the ban on the export of silencers to potential bad actors overseas. My legislation not only pushes back on such whimsical decisions by this administration, it also restores a policy to protect Americans abroad.” The legislation amends Section 38 of the Arms Control Export Act. That section provides the President the authority to control the export of military weapons abr

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, September 28 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 10,008 people, while 90,803 people have been tested in the County. 2,905 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 672 in King City, 878 in Greenfield, 913 in Soledad, 295 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 71 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 10 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,649 are from person to person transmissions, 3,165 have come from community transmissions, 588 people have been hospitalized, 72 people have died, 7,143 people have recovered, 1,847 are under investigation and 2,386 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, September 27 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,953 people, while 90,357 people have been tested in the County. 2,882 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 669 in King City, 870 in Greenfield, 902 in Soledad, 294 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 71 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 10 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,633 are from person to person transmissions, 3,158 have come from community transmissions, 581 people have been hospitalized, 72 people have died, 7,132 people have recovered, 1,831 are under investigation and 2,384 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout Monterey County causing severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths among our residents. Individuals can spread COVID-19 even without symptoms. The primary means of spread involves droplets created by coughing, sneezing and talking, virus particles on hard surfaces can also spread COVID-19. For these reasons, reducing close contact with individuals outside your household, wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and staying home when not feeling well are all important measures to slow the spread. Many traditional Halloween activities are risky activities that could increase the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, as they do not allow you to minimize contact with non- household members and create more opportunities for the virus to pass from person to person. The Monterey Health Department is encouraging residents to seek out safer holiday activities this year: HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES: Not Permitted (gatherings and event

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Wednesday, September 23, Paso Robles Police Department Detectives, along with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, arrested 22-year-old Nyessa Ron, 18-year-old Valente Holquin III in Victorville, Ca, and 25-year-old Alberto Garzon in Riverside, Ca., in connection with the murder of Trevon Perry of Paso Robles who last seen by his family sometime in mid March of 2020. All three were booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail. This investigation is ongoing, and anybody with information is encouraged to call Detective Bryce Lickness at 805-227-7450. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, September 25 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) sent a letter to House leadership requesting a $1 million investment in the Department of Labor (DOL) Farmworker Housing Program to improve housing conditions for farmworkers in Congress’s next COVID-19 relief package. Recent reports detail that farmworkers in California are more prone to contracting COVID-19. The high prevalence of the disease has been intensified by crowded living conditions within farmworker households. “COVID-19 continues to severely impact the health and housing issues of farmworkers on the Central Coast. I’m constantly reminding many of my congressional colleagues that farmworkers are not just invaluable when it comes to our agricultural productivity, but also some are very vulnerable to COVID-19 due to their living conditions,” said Congressman Panetta. "That’s why I’m consistently pushing House leadership to take those issues into account and fund farmworker hou

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, September 25 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), Congressman Ben McAdams (UT-04), and Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21) introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act. The legislation requires congressional approval prior to any new explosive nuclear testing. Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. “Unwarranted and unnecessary nuclear testing is a risk to our national security,” said Congressman Panetta. “That’s why I’m proud to co-introduce bipartisan legislation that provides Congress with the authority to approve any new nuclear testing. Such Congressional oversight will allow us to be more focused, agile, and creative in our nuclear security and allow us to be more secure as a nation.” “The Secretaries of Defense and Energy have reported to the President that the U.S. stockpile is safe, secure, and effective in the absenc

According to San Obisipo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson, a wanted felon was shot and killed after he tried to go at it with Sheriff deputies in a gun battle in Templeton on Thursday morning, September 24. The fatal shooting incident happened sometime between 10 am and 11 am when a sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle belonging to the wanted felon parked along the side of the road. The deputy turned around and discovered that the vehicle was unoccupied but shortly after, saw the suspect walking near the Templeton Cemetery on Cemetery Road and initiated a “pedestrian traffic stop.” However, the suspect fled towards the cemetery. The deputy received assistance from a second sheriff’s deputy from the Templeton substation. SLO County Sheriff Parkinson states that the suspect ran into the cemetery and hid before firing at the deputies, striking one of them in the lower leg. Two more deputies arrived on the scene after hearing reports of shots being fired. The shooting, which ended on Theater Dr

A 1 vehicle rollover occurred off of Jolon Road and Fruddan Road about 7 to 8 miles from Highway 101 and over 30 miles south of King City at 7:43 am on Friday, September 25. The CHP reports that alcohol did play factor in the crash. The driver who was the lone occupant in a compact vehicle was transported by air ambulance to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated for minor to moderate injuries.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, September 25 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,807 people, while 89,097 people have been tested in the County. 2,826 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 661 in King City, 852 in Greenfield, 878 in Soledad, 292 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 68 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,586 are from person to person transmissions, 3,110 have come from community transmissions, 571 people have been hospitalized, 71 people have died, 7,041 people have recovered, 1,799 are under investigation and 2,361 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

A 2 vehicle crash took place at around 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 23 on Highway 101 Northbound about 2 1/2 miles south of the Alvarado Street exit and over 20 miles south of King City. The accident involved 2 sedans which received major damage. 1 person was injured, while the cause of the collision is unknown.

Paicines, CA –The west entrance of Pinnacles National Park will reopen beginning Friday, September 25. All park trails remain closed except for the Bench and Sycamore trails due to high fire danger and the overloading of the national wildland fire response system. The trail closure includes the climbing areas accessed from the closed trails. “We are continuing to take preemptive safety measures for the protection of our visitors, staff, and the resources in Pinnacle National Park. We are evaluating conditions daily and will reopen the remaining trails once safe conditions return,” said Superintendent Blanca Alvarez Stransky. The west unit of the park located near Soledad, CA will be open starting Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. The Prewett Point Trail, an ADA trail on the west unit of the park, will also open on Friday. The remaining park trails are closed except for the Bench and Sycamore Trails and the ranch road through the Bacon Ranch on the east unit of the park.

KING CITY – South County is invited to the Salinas Valley Fair’s Pop Up Fair Food To Go activity Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September 27. Some of your favorite flavors of the fair will be for sale for a limited time only! Capitol Concessions will be serving corn dogs, funnel cakes, lemonade and cheese-on-a-stick. While Jayden’s will be on hand (Friday and Saturday only) with fresh popped kettle corn. Dates/Times/Vendors Thursday, September 24, 4pm-8pm, Capitol Concessions Friday, September 25, 4pm-8pm, Capitol Concessions, Jayden’s Kettle Corn Saturday, September 26, 1pm-8pm, Capitol Concessions, Jayden’s Kettle Corn Sunday, September 27, 11am-2pm, Capitol Concessions Pop Up Fair Food is located between the Rava Equestrian Barn and the King City Golf Course. Patrons are asked to enter at San Lorenzo Street and park at the adjacent lot or at the Stampede Grounds. No tables or seating will be provided as all food is “to-go” only. Guests are reminded to maintain social d

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), along with Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), announced on Thursday, September 24 that they will be introducing a ban on fracking come December, when the next legislative session starts. This announcement follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order introduced yesterday, which set a goal to phase out fracking by 2024. The Governor has invited legislative efforts to accomplish this. “Fracking is one of the most toxic and environmentally damaging forms of fossil fuel extraction,” Assemblymember Rivas said. “As a county supervisor, I helped pass one of the first local bans on fracking in the country, and I believe a statewide ban is long overdue. If we’re going to solve our climate crisis, we cannot afford to kick the can down the road on this critical issue. I look forward to working with Senator Wiener and Assemblymember Limón on this important and ambitious undertaking. I also want t

PASO ROBLES, CA – At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21 Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services was dispatched to the area of Niblick Bridge for a vegetation fire. The first fire engine arrived on the scene within approximately 5 minutes. The initial arriving units found fire burning within a large dead tree in the riverbed, on the south side of Niblick Bridge. The fire was isolated to a large downed tree and burning with a slow rate of spread into the surrounding vegetation, despite windy conditions. Due to the vegetation management treatments, the first arriving fire engine was able to contain the fire to the dead tree and cancel additional responding fire units. The area of the fire had recently been grazed by goats and sheep, which reduced the lighter vegetation that causes fire to spread rapidly, making it difficult to control. Two fire engines, one squad and one Battalion Chief from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic and mutual aid agreements four air

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Thursday, September 24 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,772 people, while 88,556 people have been tested in the County. 2,809 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 655 in King City, 847 in Greenfield, 874 in Soledad, 290 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 68 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,549 are from person to person transmissions, 3,073 have come from community transmissions, 568 people have been hospitalized, 70 people have died, 6,972 people have recovered, 1,836 are under investigation and 2,339 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Phase 1 clean-up of properties which suffered wildfire damage in Monterey County is expected to begin on Monday, September 28 and take 4 to 6 weeks. The government sponsored Debris Removal Program clean-up process is coordinated with State and Federal partners and is a free service to help home and property owners remove hazardous debris so that rebuilding can begin. Phase 1 includes the removal of hazardous waste generated and remaining on the property by recent fires and is done by expert teams from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These teams have the equipment and training to remove waste such as car batteries, herbicides, pesticides, propane tanks, asbestos siding, paints and e-waste, and will safely dispose of what is collected. It is important to note that these teams are solely focused on debris removal. No assessment about the permit status or other code related issues of any site or remaining structures on a property is part of this work. All property owners with damage

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, September 23 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced the distribution of over $1 million in federal government grants for CSU Monterey Bay. The University was awarded $1,306,400 grant funding under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP Partnership) Program. This grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Students located in Monterey, Seaside, and Santa Cruz will benefit from the program. “Underserved students face many challenges on their journey to academic achievement,” said Congressman Panetta. “The GEAR UP program will help over 1,600 students prepare for academic readiness, success, and affordability at the postsecondary level. I am proud to announce this critical funding and commend CSUMB for its role to help local students thrive in their academic careers.” GEAR UP provides six-year grant

Washington, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) joined Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Nita Lowey (D-NY), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in introducing legislation to adjust the Federal cost share of certain Federal disaster assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). Their legislation, the FEMA Assistance Relief Act, H.R. 8266, would help ease financial burdens on states, as well as local and tribal communities that have been granted Stafford Act Emergency and Major Disaster declarations this year. Typically, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments pick up 25 percent of the costs of FEMA assistance, but, with their own response costs up and tax receipts down, it’s critical these communities have the resources to respond to multiple crises, including wildfires, and the ongoing pandemic. “COVID-19

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Rivas has released the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to phase out gas-powered to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2035 and to phase out fracking: “We’re in a climate emergency. Having grown up in farmworker housing and now representing one of California’s poorest and most rural regions, I can attest from personal experience that the most vulnerable members of our society are already feeling the worst impacts of climate change – from extreme heat, to unprecedented wildfires, to catastrophic flooding. It jeopardizes the future of our communities, health, and economy. Climate change is costing our state billions of dollars in damages - we cannot afford to kick the can down the road. A comprehensive solution to this crisis is long overdue. I commend the Governor’s historic decision to move our vehicle fleet closer to 100% clean and renewable power, which will have huge impacts on not only our fight against climate change

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday, September 23 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,701 people, while 87,802 people have been tested in the County. 2,780 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 646 in King City, 837 in Greenfield, 866 in Soledad, 288 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 68 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,515 are from person to person transmissions, 3,022 have come from community transmissions, 564 people have been hospitalized, 70 people have died, 6,876 people have recovered, 1,854 are under investigation and 2,313 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

According to a report from the California Highway Patrol in Monterey on Tuesday, September 22 a driver was killed in a fatal accident off of Chualar Canyon Road in Chualar at 9:40 pm on Friday night, September 18. The CHP states that the driver was in a Ford that was hauling a 15-foot flatbed utility trailer east of Old Stage Road at a high rate of speed. As the vehicle came to a slight left curve, the driver lost control, left it's lane, and the trailer struck a large oak tree near the road going towards the road edge and up a dirt embankment before overturning onto the shoulder. The trailer came off the vehicle and went down 250 to 300 feet before hitting a power pole. The impact caused the top to shear off and around 200 residents nearby lost power. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is still under investigation, but the CHP said that it suspects alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) joined his colleagues to introduce a bicameral commemorative resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the heritage, culture, and immense contributions of Latinos to the Central Coast and communities nationwide. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. Hispanic Americans are the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the U.S. and represent more than 59 million people. Latinos are a major component of growth of the U.S. workforce and contribute $2.13 trillion in GDP to the American economy. “On the Central Coast we value and appreciate the strength and pride of our Hispanic and Latino community members,” said Congressman Panetta. “Our resolution provides the opportunity for everyone to recognize the incredible role of Latinos in our culture, economy, and identity not just on the Central Coast, but also all across the country. We must recognize all that the Latino community

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, September 22 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,645 people, while 86,965 people have been tested in the County. 2,761 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 642 in King City, 830 in Greenfield, 862 in Soledad, 285 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 67 in Chualar, 17 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,463 are from person to person transmissions, 2,967 have come from community transmissions, 561 people have been hospitalized, 70 people have died, 6,757 people have recovered, 1,894 are under investigation and 2,275 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 22 Monterey County Free Libraries is resuming meal and activity kit distribution at its south county branches. Thanks to a partnership with South Monterey County Joint Union High School District and funds from the California State Library, six library branches in this part of the county will once again be a meal pickup point for students. This past summer, all library branches were a ‘grab and go’ lunch site where families could come pick up a prepared meal pack on one designated day each week. In addition, the California State Library is once again sponsoring activity bags for each child to take home a fun and educational activity, so families that pick up a meal pack will also get a kit for each student. The branches included in this south county program are Greenfield, Gonzales, Soledad, King City, San Ardo and San Lucas. Here is the schedule for meal pick up at each of the branches. · Gonzales Library – Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 · Greenfield Library –

MONTEREY COUNTY – A Caltrans pavement rehabilitation construction project along US 101 near King City is continuing, while the northbound US 101 First Street off ramp will close from Wednesday, September 23, until October 20, 2020. Temporary detours will be made available. Northbound motorists on Highway 101 will be directed off at the northbound Wild Horse Road exit in order to access First Street via northbound Mesa Verde Rd. Electronic message signs will be activated to inform the public about this closure. Motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes. The northbound US 101 Wild Horse Road on and off ramps are fully open. The southbound US 101 Wild Horse Road on and off ramps are closed until the end of October. This roadwork is necessary for the safety of travelers and to protect adjacent properties.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, September 21 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 9,568 people, while 86,374 people have been tested in the County. 2,740 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 635 in King City, 823 in Greenfield, 859 in Soledad, 282 in Gonzales, 49 in San Ardo, 67 in Chualar, 16 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 3,405 are from person to person transmissions, 2,924 have come from community transmissions, 558 people have been hospitalized, 69 people have died, 6,646 people have recovered, 1,911 are under investigation and 2,241 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.