Omicron Variant Detected in Monterey County

On Thursday, December 23 the Monterey County Health Department received confirmation of the first 6 cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant among Monterey County residents. The Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory identified Omicron by whole genome sequencing of surveillance specimens submitted by the local medical community. Monterey County Health Department is not releasing personal information such as health status, age or gender to protect the identity of these community members. The specimens were collected from mid-December to date, indicating the variant has been present in Monterey County for at least a week. Based on data from other areas where Omicron has been active, Monterey County Health Department cautions residents that a surge in local cases may be likely in the coming weeks. While Delta is currently the predominant variant, preliminary information about Omicron indicates it spreads more quickly than other variants. More data is needed to know if Omicron causes more or less severe disease than other variants. However, evidence is growing that a booster of COVID-19 vaccine may be needed after the primary series is completed to effectively prevent infection with the Omicron variant. Individuals interested in scheduling a booster appointment can visit www.vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy offering boosters, visit Monterey County Health Department’s vaccine website to find a community-based clinic: www.montereycountycovid19.org, or call 2-1-1. The Monterey County Health Department recommends that all residents continue COVID-19 risk reduction activities throughout the holiday season including: Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 if you have not already been vaccinated. Get a COVID-19 booster if you are 16 years or older and it has been 2 months since your first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine or 6 months since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Wear a well-fitting face covering in indoor public settings and on public transportation. Do not go to work, school, shopping, and holiday parties if you are ill. Consider getting tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling and before and after attending gatherings with people outside of your household. Testing locations can be found on the Monterey County Health Department’s website: www.montereycountycovid19.org Monterey County Health Department will continue to update the number of COVID-19 cases caused by variants on its COVID-19 website weekly: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-local-data-10219. For more information: CDC Omicron website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html CDPH Omicron website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Omicron-Variant-Fact-Sheet.aspx CDPH Getting the Most Out of Masking: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Get-the-Most-out-of-Masking.aspx

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Fatal 3 Vehicle Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver on Highway 101 Outside of King City on January 10

A fatal multi-vehicle collision happened on Saturday night, January 10 at 9:51 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 outside of King City. According to the King City CHP a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Otis, Oregon was heading the wrong way going southbound in the northbound lanes south of Jolon Road, while a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez of Salinas was heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in the #1 lane and a Honda Accord driven by 36-year-old Ignacio Sangerman of King City was also traveling northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road but was in the #2 lane. Due to Cooper's level of impairment his vehicle went the wrong way on Highway 101 going directly into the path of Gomez' vehicle causing the rear of her car to crash with the front of the vehicle driven by Sangerman. Cooper was arrested, sustaining major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas where as of January 12 is...

Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...

King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23. José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

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