Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from October, 2021

Theft of Catalytic Converter in Greenfield

The Greenfield Police Department is looking into another report of a catalytic converter that was stolen from a vehicle in Greenfield on Friday morning, October 29 at 5:48 am off of 9th Street. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

STEM Internship Students at Hartnell College Featured in PBS Program

Two Hartnell College students and their STEM internship experiences this past summer are featured in a just-released edition of “Inside California Education,” a monthly television series produced by Sacramento-based PBS KVIE and shared with PBS affiliates statewide. The 30-minute episode , first aired Oct. 27, focuses on three different community colleges, including the STEM Internship Program at Hartnell. The five-minute Hartnell segment , titled “Internships: Preparing Students for Science Careers,” showcases Hartnell’s STEM Internship Program, the largest of its kind at any U.S. community college. The broadcast highlights the contributions and learning of 2021 Hartnell graduate Jesus Delgadillo Ponce, who interned at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, and current Hartnell student Norma Citlally Lopez-DeLeon, who was the first-ever Hartnell intern at the Elkhorn Slough Estuarine Research Reserve near Moss Landing. Since the Hartnell program’s founding with six interns

Shooting Outside of Gonzales Kills 2 People and Injures 2 People

According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, a fatal weekend shooting took place that killed 2 people and injured 2 people outside of Gonzales on Sunday, October 24 at 1:10 am. Investigators state that the shooting happened at an organized off-road event between Foletta Road and the Salinas River north of Gonzales. Investigators are looking into how many people took part in the shooting as they believe the event brought in around 300 people that included vendors and a live band. The shooting is still under investigation.

Full Overnight Closure of Southbound US 101 in King City Set for Thursday October 28

MONTEREY COUNTY – A Caltrans pavement rehabilitation construction project along US 101 near King City will require a full overnight closure of southbound US 101 between Broadway and First Street. For the last several months, travelers have utilized the #2 (right) lane on southbound US 101 from Jolon Rd, across the Salinas River Bridge, and through King City. This overnight closure will help contractors pave and stripe the roadway to enable travelers to transition to the recently rehabilitated #1 (left) lane. Directional and electronic message signs will be activated to direct travelers and CHP will be on hand to provide additional traffic control. Travelers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes. Full Closure of Southbound US 101 in King City From Thursday October 28 at 9 pm to Friday October 29 at 5 am Southbound US 101 travelers will be detoured off at Broadway St. then directed back on to US 101 at the southbound US 101 First St. onramp. The Canal St. on and off r

Monterey County Health Department Recommendations on How to Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos While Preventing Spread of COVID-19

The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind residents that many Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities carry risk for spreading COVID-19. Combining safety measures can help reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading COVID-19 to others. As you plan Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities this year, the Monterey County Health Department recommends that everyone take the following steps to protect against COVID-19: 1. Get vaccinated. Vaccines are our best protection against infection. All three vaccines currently available effectively reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. 2. Stay home if you are sick or have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Do not attend celebrations or participate in activities if you feel sick, or if you are not vaccinated and have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or if you have been told that you have COVID-19. 3. Wear a face covering. People, even if vaccinated, can carry COVID

Man in King City Arrested for Burglarizing Vehicle and Other Charges

The King City PD arrested a man for vehicle burglary on Tuesday, October 26. The incident took place at approximately 6:09 AM as King City Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary that occurred in a Safeway Grocery store parking lot. While officers were responding, a suspicious subject was seen in the area. When the subject observed police vehicles, he fled the area. Through a review of city camera footage, and victim statements, it was determined that 26-year-old Abram Navarro of King City was responsible for the burglary. During an area check, Navarro was located in a local fast-food restaurant. Navarro was contacted and a probation search was conducted. During the search, glass from a broken vehicle window was found in Navarro’s backpack. With the assistance of Monterey County Probation, items stolen from the vehicle burglary were located in the bathroom of the business. Navarro was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail charged with Vehicle Burglary, Poss

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, October 24 through October 30. Highway 101: Canal Street – Jolon Road: October 25 – October 29 The CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 between Canal Street and Jolon Road for bridge work along the highway. The traffic breaks will be from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Northbound Broadway: October 25 – October 29 There will be full closure of the on ramp of northbound Highway 101 at northbound Broadway Street for bridge work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Southbound First Street: October 21 – October 22 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound First Street for striping operation work from 9 pm to 5 am. Highway 101: Canal Street: October 21 – October 22 There will be full closure of the on and off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound Canal Street for striping operation work from 9 pm to 5 am. Highw

Earthquake in San Luis Obispo County and South Monterey County

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit the southern border of Monterey County, Monday afternoon at 4:42 pm. The U S Geological Survey states that the quake struck about 11 miles northwest of San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County. A 3.6 magnitude aftershock quake took place at 4:49 pm. No damages or injuries were reported.

2 Vehicle Accident on Highway 101 in Camp Roberts

A 2 vehicle collision happened on Highway 101 Northbound near an Overcrossing in the Camp Roberts area on Saturday morning, October 23 at 4:33 am. The King City CHP reports that involved in the wreck was a driver from San Ardo who was behind the wheel of a 1951 Chevy Pickup and a driver from Paso Robles who was operating a Freightliner Truck with a Trailer. Minor injuries from the crash have been reported, while one of the drivers was arrested and taken into custody for driving under the influence.

Community Proudly Celebrates New Hartnell College Soledad Education Center

Nearly 300 community members of the greater Soledad area came together Saturday morning, Oct. 23, to experience and celebrate a source of pride and a transformational new asset for the Salinas Valley – the Hartnell College Soledad Education Center. The Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) invited residents of all ages to watch as it formally cut the ribbon on the 16,750-square-foot center at 1505 Metz Road, which was completed this spring and began offering classes in August. Participants were able to tour the building and learn about becoming a student during the upcoming Spring 2022 semester, which starts Jan. 24. The center at the corner of Metz and Orchard Lane has a tutoring and study center known as the Panther Learning Lab, wet and dry science labs and three state-of-the-art classrooms. “This has been such a long time coming,” said Hartnell Governing Board President Erica Padilla-Chavez, who represents Soledad as the district’s Area 6 trustee. “I've spoken to so many

Driver Outside of Chualar on Highway 101 Busted for Possession of 48 Pounds of Meth

According to the California Highway Patrol a 44-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Thursday morning, October 21 on Highway 101 south of Chualar. CHP officers state that after arresting the driver, they found 48 pounds of methamphetamine. Some of it was stored in vacuum-sealed packages and was discovered all over the vehicle. The CHP indicates that the total street value of the meth is estimated at approximately $180,000. The driver booked into the Monterey County Jail and charged with multiple felonies.

California Rodeo Announces 2022 Dates After Successful 2021 Event; The Event Allowed the Association to Donate Over $376,000 to Local Non-Profits

SALINAS, CA, October 21, 2021 – The California Rodeo Salinas will return to its annual July dates in 2022 with the 112th celebration of the event taking place July 21st-24th. The Association was proud to see the local community rally around the California Rodeo Salinas and its volunteers for a big comeback in 2021. Over 54,000 people attended the 4 performances, slightly down from 2019. This total was more than expected with a late start to advertising due to changing state regulations and a date change that included competing with high school sports and more. Fans who did attend enjoyed highlights including Women’s Breakaway Roping taking place in the arena for the first time, Rodeo Entertainer Matt Merritt amusing the crowds and the fast-paced acts by the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls who trick roped and rode. Salute to Military Day included a tribute to the fallen soldiers in Afghanistan and the final round on Sunday featured the top 8 contestants competing in each event before the top

Hartnell College Informs Students of COVID-19 Vaccination Deadline

Hartnell College on Friday, Oct. 22, informed current students that they will need to show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 by Dec. 10 in order to remain enrolled for the Spring 2022 semester. After that date, students will have to provide vaccine documentation before completing their enrollment. The college will consider requests for medical and religious exemptions. The Dec. 10 deadline does not affect students’ ability to complete classes during the Fall 2021 semester, which ends Dec. 18. Spring semester classes will start on Jan. 24. The all-student notification was a follow-up to a Sept. 21 decision by the Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) Governing Board to adopt policies requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all students and employees. Details of how the employee vaccine requirement will be implemented are still being determined in consultation with bargaining units. In addition to an email to all students in English and Spanish, the information was posted on th

Commercial Structure Fire Put Out in Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Thursday night, October 21 at 6:52 PM., Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a commercial structure fire at 810 11th Street in Paso Robles. Firefighters arrived within 3 minutes and found nothing showing at the reported address, which was Taste restaurant. After making entry, firefighters found a small propane torch and cylinder that were burning under a rack in the kitchen. The cylinder fire had spread and ignited flammables on the shelf above. The sprinkler system immediately activated prior to the firefighters’ arrival and kept the fire from spreading. The restaurant was evacuated, and firefighters spent the next hour repairing the sprinkler system and assisting with water damage. Two fire engines, one truck and one Battalion Chief from Paso Robles responded. The cause of the fire was determined to be a faulty connection between the propane cylinder and the torch head. When the fire ignited, the cylinder was dropped and accidentally

Fatal 1 Vehicle Accident in Greenfield Area

On Thursday night, October 21 at approximately 6:05 pm, 18-year-old Alyssa Ramey of Greenfield was driving a Nissan Altima eastbound on Arroyo Seco Road west of Highway 101 at an estimated speed of 75 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, Ramey made an unsafe turning movement causing the vehicle to spin in a clockwise manner. The vehicle spun in a southeasterly direction, leaving the roadway, striking a barbed wired fence, and it entered an agricultural field. In addition, the vehicle overturned and collided with a large tree. Ramey was not wearing her seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Alcohol and or Drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor in this collision.

2 Vehicle Wreck on Highway 101 in Soledad

A 2 vehicle crash happened off of Highway 101 Southbound near Camphora Gloria Road in Soledad at 5:25 pm on Thursday night, October 21. Minor injuries from this accident were reported. The cause of the crash is unknown.

Railroad Crossing Arm off of Metz and Elm Broken Due to Vehicle Wreck

The railroad crossing arm located at the intersection of Metz Road and Bitterwater was damaged on Wednesday night, October 20 during a traffic collision. The trains are still going to be crossing in this area but at a slow speed. Please exercise caution when driving in this area.

Attempted Homicide Investigation in King City

On Thursday, October 21, 2021, at approximately 5:48 am the King City Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding shots that were heard in the area of North Vanderhurst Ave. Upon arrival, Officers located a vehicle and a house that had sustained damage consistent with what appeared to be gunshot holes. Officers located several casings, bullet fragments, and a victim who appeared to have been targeted by the unknown suspect(s). The victim fled inside a local residence during the shooting incident for safety. At this time, the suspect(s) are outstanding, and this is an active investigation. The King City Police Department is requesting the publics assistance in solving this crime. Anyone with further information regarding this case are encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (831) 386-5980; Sergeant John Dow at (831) 386-5969 or jdow@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely anonymous. The investigation is continuing, an

Homicide Suspect Arrested in King City on October 21

On March 31, 2021, at approximately 1:06 am police officers from the King City Police Department responded to a report of gun shots fired in the area of 60 Broadway Circle. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male on the ground who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, who was identified as 31-year-old Miguel Angel Aviles of King City, CA, succumbed to injuries consistent with gun violence. The King City PD's investigation revealed that the victim was in the area of Broadway Circle and River Drive when he got into an altercation with a subject. Evidence was collected at the scene as well as from the surrounding areas. On April 16, 2021, members of the King City Police Department with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on the 200 block of Oxford Avenue in King City. While serving the search warrant a 15-year-old resident was arrested and charged with the murder of Miguel Angel Aviles. The juvenile suspect was booked

Second Wave of CalSCOPE Antibody Survey Begins in Monterey County

Monterey County residents could soon be receiving an invitation to participate in the second wave of CalScope, a study that will help public health professionals better understand how many people in California have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CalScope study invites randomly selected households in participating counties (including Alameda, El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego, and Shasta) to complete an anonymous survey and a free, at-home COVID-19 antibody test using a finger-prick blood sample. The study will not ask for identifying information, such as name or date of birth. Mailed invitations were sent to 200,000 households in select counties beginning October 15, 2021. Participants receive incentives for completing different parts of the study. Monterey County Health Department is working in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Enable Biosciences, Exa Health, and othe

Reps. Panetta and Adams Urge Congressional Leadership to Maintain $7.75 Billion in Agriculture Research Funding in Build Back Better Agenda

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, October 21 Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12) led 30 Members of Congress in a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer requesting their assistance in preserving the $7.75 billion investment in agricultural climate research, agriculture innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure included in the Build Back Better Agenda. This investment is crucial to maintaining President Biden’s commitment to building sustainable and resilient agricultural communities, and the undersigned members look forward to working with congressional leadership and the White House on protecting these provisions. “As American farmers have consistently dealt with numerous challenges from an erratic market and extreme weather events to the existing pandemic, American government funding for agricultural research has remained dismally flat for the past fifty years,” said Rep. Panetta. “By increasing federal funding for agriculture research and developme

Senator Anna M. Caballero Secures $5 Million for a Teen Innovation Center in the City of Gonzales

SACRAMENTO: Senator Anna M. Caballero, (D-Salinas) visited the City of Gonzales on Tuesday, October 19 to present City Leaders and members of the Gonzales Youth Council with a check for $5 million for the construction of the Teen Innovation Center which will be located off 400 5th Street. The Gonzales Youth Council (GYC) comprised of 7th-12th graders, established in 2015, serves as a platform for young leaders to have a voice to tackle issues and make improvements in their community. Members also serve as advisors to the Gonzales City Council. In 2016, the GYC identified the need for a dedicated space that would be accessible to teens outside of school hours, granting them access to a variety of resources and experiences in preparation for life beyond high school. The Council made it clear that they wanted a safe space to gather that provided STEAM activities and opportunities and a place to receive career readiness. Through the state budget, Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-

Earthquake Outside of King City

The US Geological Survey states that a 3.7 magnitude earthquake shook things about 7 miles south of Tres Pinos which is over 40 miles north of King City on Wednesday morning, October 20 at 1:57 a.m. A 2.8 magnitude rattled in the same area at 1:52 a.m., while a 2.6 magnitude aftershock was felt at 7:07 a.m. No damages or injuries were reported.

Regulations With Regard to the Cleaning of Fall Leaves in King City

Residents in King City are reminded that they are prohibited to sweep or blow leaves on the street or on someone else's property. It creates more volume of debris than the street sweeper is capable of handling and the leaves blow over neighbors property before the next day of street sweeping. City of King Officials advise residents to please place their leaves in a green waste vessel provided by Waste Management to be disposed of by curbside collection services. If you have any questions, contact the King City City Council at 831-385-3281 or Waste Management at 1-800-321-8266.

Power Outages in King City and Soledad

Numerous power outages took place in South Monterey County throughout the day on Monday, October 18. According to PG&E, 107 customers had no electricity in the Soledad area at 1:58 pm until around 5:30 pm. The cause of that outage is under investigation. As a result of weather-related issues that occurred due to some rain that recently fell 105 customers lost power in King City on Monday, October 18 in 2 separate outages. The first outage was reported at 7:05 a.m. and lasted only a few seconds impacting 83 customers who had their power back up and running in less than a minute, while at 10:37 a.m. 22 customers lost power in King City and had their power fully restored by 2:39 p.m. Both outages are believed to be weather-related. PG&E Officials stated that they are expecting more outage activity due to a series of storms that are forecast to impact the region in the coming days, but they're prepared to respond to outages as soon as they occur. The meteorology team at PG&

Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal to Retire in December of 2022 and will not Run for Another Term as Sheriff

Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal announced on Monday, October 18 that he will be retiring as Sheriff and will not seek another term effective on December 31, 2022. Sheriff Bernal who has worked in law enforcement in Monterey County for the past 22 years and for the past 7 years as County Sheriff said that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as County Sheriff and it's a responsibility he has taken very seriously adding that he is grateful for all of the support he's received from the community over the years. Sheriff Bernal stated that this decision was not an easy one to make indicating that he and his wife Leslie Bernal want to focus on their growing family. Sheriff Bernal went on to say that for the next 14 1/2 months he will continue to work hard and make sure the Monterey County Sheriff's Office is providing the best in law enforcement services.

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, October 17 through October 23. Highway 101: Canal Street – Jolon Road.: October 18 – October 22 The CHP will be performing 15-minute traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 between Canal Street and Jolon Road in King City. The traffic breaks will be from 8:30-8:45 am and 11:30-11:45 am each weekday. Highway 101: Northbound Broadway: October 18 – October 22 There will be full closure of the on ramp of northbound Highway 101 at northbound Broadway Street in King City for bridge work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Southbound First Street: October 21 – October 22 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound First Street in King City for striping operation work from 9 pm to 5 am. Highway 101: Canal Street: October 21 – October 22 There will be full closure of the on and off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound Canal Street in Ki

Theft of a Catalytic Converter in Greenfield

The Greenfield Police Department is looking into another report of a catalytic converter that was stolen from a vehicle in Greenfield on Thursday afternoon, October 14 at 2:57 pm off of 10th Street. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

Brush Fire Doused Off Of Highway 101 in Bradley

A vegetation fire sparked off of Highway 101 northbound near the Jolon Road exit in Bradley at 3:13 pm on Thursday, October 14. The blaze burned 2 acres and was knocked down at 3:51 pm. Firefighters from CAL Fire along other agencies were on site to assist. No structures were damaged and no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

1 Vehicle Rollover in Lockwood

1 vehicle overturned off of Interlake and Jolon Road in Lockwood at 11:21 am on Friday, October 15. The CHP reports that there were major injuries from the crash. One of the occupants in the vehicle was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated. The cause of the accident is unknown.

“California Transportation Commision Allocates $19 Million to Imjin Parkway Project”

MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) announced that the California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $19 million in Senate Bill 1 Local Partnership Program competitive project funds to the Imjin Parkway Improvement Project in the City of Marina. The Marina-Salinas Multimodal Corridor: Imjin Safety & Traffic Flow is a regional Measure X project on Imjin Parkway from Imjin Road to Reservation Road. It serves as one of the major commute corridors between the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas, ranging at various points in the project limits from 24,000 vehicles to 39,000 vehicles traversing the roadway each weekday. The Improvement Project will widen the Imjin Parkway from Imjin Road to Reservation Road from two to four lanes, construct four roundabouts along the corridor and make transit and pedestrian improvements, along with on-street buffered bike lanes and stormwater treatment areas, retaining and sound walls. The improvements w

Theft of Catalytic Converter in Greenfield

The Greenfield Police Department is looking into another report of a catalytic converter that was stolen from a vehicle in Greenfield on Tuesday afternoon, October 12 at 2:45 pm off of Chalone Drive. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

Hartnell College Invites the Community to Celebrate their New Soledad Education Center on Oct. 23

Hartnell College’s Grand Opening Celebration for its new Soledad Education Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 23, will combine an official ribbon-cutting, building tour, family festival and free hot dog-hamburger picnic for all. The event will include a Presentation of Colors by the Soledad High School Navy Junior ROTC and performances by the San Vicente Dance Team and the Soledad High Band. The picnic meal is being provided by the Soledad Rotary Club. The public is invited to walk through the 16,750-square-foot building at 1505 Metz Road, watch science demonstrations by Hartnell students and talk to college staff about course offerings and how to become a Hartnell student. The Soledad City Council voted Sept. 1 to proclaim Oct. 23 “Hartnell College Higher Learning Awareness Day” in honor of the event. “This event is one we have looked forward to for a long time,” said Erica Padilla-Chavez, president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board, whose district in

Mee Memorial Healthcare System to celebrate ‘the power of rural’ on Nov. 18 for Rural Health Day

KING CITY, Calif., — There are many advantages to living in rural areas, among them less noise, more privacy, a close proximity to nature and a strong sense of community. As the only comprehensive medical facility within 40 miles of its base in King City, Mee Memorial Healthcare System will celebrate National Rural Health Day with its neighbors on Nov. 18. Each year, the third Thursday in November is set aside to highlight rural communities as wonderful places to live and work, to increase awareness of rural health-related issues, and to promote the efforts of organizations that address these issues. This year the theme is “Celebrate the Power of Rural,” with plans to honor the community-minded spirit that prevails in the countryside of America. However, today’s rural hospitals and clinics face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. To better prepare rural healthcare leaders for the future, the National Rural Health Association has instituted a CEO Certification Program. Among t

Power Outage Caused by Wind Impacts Numerous PG&E Customers in King City

More wind related power outages took place on Tuesday, October 12 affecting 47 PG&E customers for hours in King City. For more information call 1-800-743-5002 or go online to https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/.

Theft of Catalytic Converters in Greenfield

The Greenfield Police Department is investigating more reports of catalytic converters that were taken from vehicles in Greenfield on Monday, October 11. The first theft was reported off of Huerta Street at 10:03 am, while another theft of a catalytic converter occurred off of Walnut Avenue at 10:46 am. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

Monterey County Public Health Department Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program

Monterey County Public Health Bureau is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that will prioritize the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. Monterey County Public Health is excited to continue working with OTS to promote walking and biking to and from school to reduce traffic congestion and collisions during drop off and pick up times. OTS funding will support continued outreach and education in cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Seaside and Pacific Grove while making walking and biking to school safer, more interactive and fun for families and students in Monterey County. “Our roads are increasingly riskier for people who walk or ride their bike,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The goal of this funding is to reverse the growing trend of bicyclist and pedestrian-involved crashes by educating the public on safe road behaviors.” Grant funds will pay for a comprehensive safety program that will tea

Rep. Panetta Introduces Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act

SALINAS, CA – On Tuesday, October 12 Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act, directing the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with relevant state, local, and Tribal entities, to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties as a National Heritage Area (NHA), specifically the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area. “On the central coast of California, we not only appreciate, but we also cherish our region’s rich history, culture, and environment,” said Congressman Panetta. “My Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act initiates the process of studying and ultimately establishing the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. Ultimately, such a designation will help secure additional resources and protections for our communities and ensure that future generations can continue to be enlightened and enr

Theft of Catalytic Converters in Greenfield

The Greenfield Police Department is investigating more reports of catalytic converters that were stolen from vehicles over the weekend. The first theft was reported on Saturday, October 9 off of the 1000 block of Apple Avenue in Greenfield, while 4 separate thefts of catalytic converters were reported on Sunday, October 10 off of Harvest Way, Santa Lucia Street and Heidi Drive. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

High Winds Cause Power Outages in South Monterey County on October 11

Numerous wind related power outages took place throughout South Monterey County on Monday, October 11 affecting 253 PG&E customers in King City, 431 in Lockwood, 41 in Soledad, 37 in Jolon and 21 in Gonzales. For more information call 1-800-743-5002 or go online to https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/.

McDonald's of Soledad/Monterey County Health Department Covid-19 Pop-Up Clinic Event on October 17

McDonald's in Soledad is super excited to announce that in cooperation with both the Monterey County Health Department and the Monterey Community Foundation's VIDA program, McDonald's will be hosting a Pop-Up Clinic on their property/lot on Sunday, October 17 at 1215 Front Street in Soledad, CA. McDonald's of Soledad will be giving a FREE Big Mac to anyone who gets their 1st, 2nd or booster shot (if applicable) as well as the FLU shot (limited amount available of FLU shots). Please see the attached flyer and feel free to share on your social media platforms and any other means of communications.

Homicide Shooting Investigation in Soledad

On Sunday night, October 10 at 8:00 PM, Soledad Police Officers responded to a shooting on the 100 block of Iris Place in the San Vicente Townhomes. Upon arrival, officers located 2 gunshot victims in front of and inside of a residence. Additionally, officers were advised that 2 suspects had fled the area prior to the officers arrival. The Soledad Police Department was assisted by numerous units from the Greenfield Police Department, the King City Police Department, and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. Officers obtained a possible vehicle and suspect description from witnesses, while Soledad Police detectives continue to investigate this incident. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a hospital and is now recovering with family. If you have any information, please contact Detective Santiago at 831-223-5139 or Detective Solis at 223-2176. Additionally, you can remain anonymous and call the WeTip line at 1-800-782-7463.

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County

Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, October 10 through October 16. Highway 101: Harden Farms Road – Arroyo Seco Road: October 13 One lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 from Harden Farms Road to Arroyo Seco Road for slab repair work from 9 am to 3 pm. Highway 101: Northbound Broadway: October 13 – October 15 There will be full closure of the on ramp of northbound Highway 101 at northbound Broadway Street for bridge work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Southbound First Street: October 14 – October 15 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound First Street for striping operation work from 9 pm to 5 am. Highway 101: Canal Street: October 14 – October 15 There will be full closure of the on and off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at southbound Canal Street for striping operation work from 9 pm to 5 am. Highway 101: Broadway Street: October 14 – October 15 There will b