KRKC COUNTRY

Sacramento, CA— Assemblymembers Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) and Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) introduced legislation to automatically exempt single parents receiving CalWORKs welfare benefits from “welfare-to-work” requirements for the first three years of their child’s life. Welfare-to-work programs, such as looking for a job or studying for professional licensure exams, require significant investments of time, imposing severe limitations on the time CalWORKs single parents can spend caring for their children. Extensive research has shown that a lack of adequate care and parental contact during the critical early years of childhood is strongly correlated with worse health, educational, and other outcomes later in life. Under existing law, single parents only receive a six-to-twelve-month exemption, which they must formally request, from welfare-to-work requirements after giving birth to, fostering, or adopting a child. “A single parent deserves the same rights as anyone else to care

Hartnell College invites Spanish speakers who are learning English to join a free in-person class that will connect them with international graduate students working to improve their Spanish and learn about Latino American culture. This language-exchange class, called English as a Second Language (ESL) 639 will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday from now until May 21 on Hartnell’s Main Campus in Salinas. It is being offered jointly by Hartnell and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey. The MIIS students come to Hartnell for the class. The Spanish-speaking students should already have English skills at the intermediate or advanced level, but with room for improvement. The class is focused on speaking and listening, both in English and in Spanish, as students answer each other’s questions and share experiences. The registration deadline for the non-credit class is Feb. 5. For questions or to register, please email Hartnell ESL instructor Kathleen

Greenfield Acting Police Chief Guillermo Mixer reported on Friday, January 28 that on Thursday, January 27 at approximately 2:30 PM, Greenfield Police Detectives arrested Jonathan Rojas for two murders and an attempted murder, dating back to 2020. On September 1, 2020, Nicolas Gasca was shot and killed while in his apartment complex parking lot, located on the 100 block of 13th Street. On December 31, 2020, Ricardo Gonzalez was sitting in his car on the 1100 block of Heidi Drive when he was shot to death. On February 11, 2021, John Doe, an 18-year-old man, was shot as he walked on the 100 block of 13th Street. The investigation, which was led by Detective Sergeant J. Mattke and Sergeant Guzman, with Detective Diaz and Detective Lerma, consisted of reviewing hours of security cameras, interviewing witnesses, following-up on tips, and serving multiple search warrants at various locations, linked Rojas to all three crimes. Rojas was arrested in Salinas and booked into the Monterey Cou

SALINAS, California—Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Friday, Jaunary 28 that on Thursday, January 27 that 30 year-old Enrique Lopez of Soledad was sentenced to 2 years in state prison after pleading no contest to felony driving under the influence with a BAC of .08 or higher. On March 19, 2018, at 12:29 a.m., California Highway Patrol officers observed a dark-colored Volkswagen Jetta traveling westbound on East Alisal Street straddling the #1 and #2 lanes. Officers stopped the vehicle, contacted the driver, and immediately smelled the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from within the vehicle. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and Lopez was found to be under the influence of alcohol. His BAC was .09/.09. A record check revealed that the Lopez’s driver’s license was suspended, he was required to have an ignition interlock devise installed in the he was driving vehicle, he was on probation for DUI, and he has had three prior DUI convictions

A catalytic converter was reportedly stolen from a vehicle on the 200 block of Oak Avenue in Greenfield on Wednesday, January 26 at 12:57 pm. If anyone has any information regarding this theft they're asked to call the Greenfield Police Department at 831-674-5111.

A 2 vehicle collision involving a Chevy Tahoe and a Toyota Camry happened on Highway 101 Southbound near the Jolon exit in King City on Thursday, January 27 at 3:20 pm. The CHP reports that minor injuries were reported from the crash and traffic was backed up in that direction for over an hour. The cause of the accident is unknown.

On Thursday, January 27 Greenfield Police Detectives arrested Jonathan Rojas for two murders and an attempted murder, dating back to 2020. On September 1, 2020, Nicolas Gasca was shot and killed while in his apartment complex parking lot, located on the 100 block of 13th Street. On December 31, 2020, Ricardo Gonzalez was sitting in his car on the 1100 block of Heidi Drive when he was shot to death. On February 11, 2021 an 18-year-old man, was shot as he walked on the 100 block of 13th Street. The investigation, which consisted of viewing hours of city and home security camera footage, speaking with witnesses, following-up on tips, and serving multiple search warrants, linked Rojas to all three incidents. Rojas was arrested in Salinas and booked into the Monterey County Jail. Also assisting was the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Task Force and the Salinas Police Department. Although Rojas was taken into custody, the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone wi

Salinas, CA – January 31 marks the opening of the Declaration of Intention filing period for Judicial Seats in the June 7, 2022, Statewide Direct Primary Election. All interested candidates must file their Declaration of Intention no later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 9. Judicial Candidates must pay their non-refundable filing fee and/or submit Signature In-Lieu Petitions at the time they file their Declaration of Intention. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling (831) 796-1499 or toll-free (866) 887-9274 or via email at CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us. The Elections Office is located at 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas and is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about this election, including offices up for election, and important deadlines visit www.MontereyCountyElections.us.

Paso Robles, CA – On, Friday, January 14 at approximately 9:45 PM an assault with serious injury and a robbery occurred on the 2800 block of Park. Several suspects attacked two victims, with one victim being hit in the head with an object and the second victim had his wallet taken after being struck to the ground. A third subject was attacked by two of the suspects while trying to help the victims. This incident was determined to be gang related. Through investigations involving Paso Robles Police Officers and Detectives, and with the assistance of the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office and San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Gang Task Force, two arrests were made on Wednesday, January 26. Arrested were 18-year-old Efren Soto-Acuna and 21-year-old Andres Juniro Esquivel-Zavala charged with robbery, assault with serious injury, conspiracy, and a gang enhancement. This investigation is ongoing, and anybody with information is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805)

A 2 vehicle collision occurred in Paso Robles off of the 24th Street exit on Highway 101 on Thursday morning, Janury 27 sometime between 4 am and 7 am. Minor injuries from the accident were reported. The cause of the crash is unknown.

Paso Robles, Calif. – Paso Robles Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint January 29, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am at an undisclosed location within Paso Robles City limits. Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. With the easing of stay-at-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Paso Robles Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe. “The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Commander, Caleb Davis. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.” Paso Robles Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is no

The CHP in Templeton impounded 4 vehicles late this week that they believe were involved in an illegal street racing event in northern San Luis Obispo County on January 21. The CHP said that the vehicles will be impounded for 30 days and added that they respond to more than 25,000 calls involving illegal street racing across the state each year. The CHP advises anyone who witnesses any kind of illegal street racing to report it by calling 911.

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, January 26 Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Billy Long (R-MO), Mike Levin (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy requesting that they include relief for agricultural fairs in any potential upcoming omnibus legislation. There were widespread closures of fairs due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and the federal government still needs to help these vital groups recover their losses and rebuild their operations. Federal relief would allow fairs to support our agricultural producers, inspire the next generation of farmers, and provide services to our communities in times of emergency. “In the last couple years, fairs across the country, including in our counties on the Central Coast, were prevented from opening or operating at full capacity because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman Panetta. “That’s why we are continuing our effort

SALINAS, CA, January 26, 2022 – After two years of postponements, the Big Week Kick Off Concert featuring Superstar Toby Keith with special guest Clay Walker is happening July 15, 2022. The concert is presented by Taylor Farms and ticket prices are $30* for reserved grandstand seats, $70* for standing floor tickets, $85* for reserved floor seats and box seats. Tickets are available online only currently at www.CARODEO.com. The concert will kick off the 112th anniversary of the California Rodeo Salinas which will take place July 21st-24th, 2022. Keith is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and musician among other things. In 2018 he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his debut No. 1 single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” He has sold more than 40 million albums that included favorite songs “Red Solo Cup,” “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Beer For My Horses” and “I Wanna Talk About Me” to name a few. His tours have drawn more than a million fans for a decade straight. Some of his awards inclu

Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, January 26 that the District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Enforcement Program, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, will enforce Civil Code section 52.6’s human trafficking notice requirement. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Human trafficking is an estimated $32 billion-a-year global industry, and, after drug trafficking, is the world’s second most profitable criminal enterprise. California, a populous state with a significant immigrant population, as well as the world’s ninth largest economy – is one of the nation’s top four destination states for trafficking human beings. Human trafficking is often “hidden in plain sight.” Victims of human trafficking often don’t know where to turn for assistance and can be too intimidated to ask for help. With this mind

A catalytic converter was reportedly stolen from a vehicle located on the 900 block of Palm Avenue in Greenfield on Tuesday, January 25 at 3 pm. If anyone has any information about this incident they're asked to call the Greenfield Police Department at 831-674-5111.

Hartnell College and its partner, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, are reaching out to veterans and family members with an immediate opportunity for free courses in agricultural technology and paid on-the-job training at some of the largest Salinas Valley ag companies. The registration deadline is Feb. 5. Interested individuals can learn more on this webpage and can apply here. For more information, contact Hartnell program assistant Celia Anderson, 831-755-6798 or canderson@hartnell.edu. The offer to all members of the Monterey Bay-area military community is an expansion of the Metallica Scholars program launched this fall with students who began studying diesel technology after being referred by the Veterans Transition Center in Marina. The effort is funded through a $100,000 grant from the All Within Our Hands Foundation, created and funded by the heavy-metal band Metallica to support technical education. Veterans and their dependents will complete si

Sacramento, CA— Assemblymember Robert Rivas released the following statement regarding the Colorado fire: “On Friday evening, January 21, CAL FIRE responded to a wildfire in Palo Colorado Canyon in Big Sur. That wildfire is still burning. Fortunately, firefighters and first responders safely and rapidly evacuated residents and have been working around the clock to contain the blaze. This unprecedented winter wildfire in my Assembly district is just the latest major fire along the Central Coast in recent years and represents yet further evidence that climate change is an immediate threat. In addition to urgently needed efforts to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, we must adapt to our new reality and take every action necessary to protect residents from climate disasters. Over the coming weeks, I plan to introduce climate resiliency legislation and collaborate with the Governor and legislative leaders to implement adaptation strategies. One smart step in this direction is Sen

SALINAS, California- District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, January 24 that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Task Force a $535,000 grant for the use of DNA technology in cold-case investigations and prosecutions. The grant which is one of seven awarded is titled “FY 2021 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA,” was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The program was designed to increase the capacity of state and local prosecution offices to address and close violent crime cold cases. The grant will provide funding to support forensic testing and investigative activities in the prosecution of cold cases where DNA from a suspect has been identified. Violent crime cold cases include homicides, forcible rapes, missing persons, or unidentified persons that have remained unsolved for at least 3 years and have the potential to be solved and/or prose

On Sunday night, January 23 at approximately 6:15 pm a 2 vehicle wrong way DUI collision happened on Highway 101 Northbound south of the Walnut Avenue offramp in Greenfield. According to the King City CHP, 24-year-old Gerardo Bautista of Greenfield was driving a 2005 Saturn Vue southbound in the #1 lane of northbound 101 just south of Oak Avenue at an estimated speed of 65 MPH, while 66-year-old Karola Simongraham of La Jolla was operating a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser northbound on 101 in the #1 lane just south of Oak Avenue at a stated speed of 75 MPH. The Saturn Vue collided head on with the Toyota Land Cruiser and as a result Bautista and Simongraham sustained major injuries. In addition, Simongraham had three juveniles in her vehicle who all received moderate injuries. All involved parties were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. Bautista was arrested for felony DUI causing great bodily injury, driving with a suspended license (prior DUI), and violation of DUI probation

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, January 23- January 29 . Highway 101: Southbound post marker 48.7 near Hobsen Road: January 24- 28 CHP will be performing traffic breaks at post marker 48.7 near Hobsen Ave to seven hundred twenty five feet south of the marker for shoulder work from 8 am to 3 pm. ighway 101: NB/SB Paris Valley Road to Rancho: January 26- 28 CHP will be performing traffic breaks on Paris Valley Road to Rancho for slab repair from 7 am to 5 pm. Highway 101: NB Canal Street to Broadway (Northbound): January 26- 27 CHP will be performing traffic breaks at NB Canal Street to Broadway from 12 pm – 12:15 pm. Highway 101: NB Broadway and NB Route 101: January 26 - 27 There will be a full on-ramp closure for bridge work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: NB East Garrison to Nacimento River Bridge: January 27 CHP will be performing traffic breaks on NB East Garrison to Nacimento River Bridg

On Sunday, January 23 at about 2:00 A.M., Greenfield Police Officers responded to the 400 block of 9th Street in Greenfield for a report of a stolen catalytic converter. An alert citizen provided officers with a description of two suspects who were seen getting into a “getaway” vehicle, and leaving the area. Officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop detaining 35-year-old Xue Houa Moua Vang and 35-year-old Charlie Yee Leng Yang both of Fresno. Upon hearing the license plate number of the vehicle broadcast, Soledad Police Officers were advised that the vehicle was involved in a catalytic converter theft in Soledad. A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers located a police radar detector, power tools, a jack, shaved keys, catalytic converters, as well as other items of evidence. Yang and Vang were booked into the Monterey County Jail. Later in the shift, two additional reports of stolen catalytic converters were taken. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone w

PAICINES CA – Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Park were reinstated as of January 18, 2022, according to Park Superintendent Blanca Alvarez Stransky. Last year 12 pairs of Prairie and Peregrine Falcons produced a total of 40 fledglings. Additionally, the park had successful nesting by birds of prey including American Kestrels, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Long-eared Owls, Barn Owls, and Great Horned Owls. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. “We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, the Piedras Bonitas/Gargoyle area, Resurrection Wall, Little Pinnacles/Yaks Wall, and the Egg Rock/Teapot Dome areas,” said Stransky. “Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is,” Stransky continued.

(PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that 3-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker has been confirmed to perform in concert on Thursday, July 21 at 7:30 pm. An opening act will be announced at a later date. Rucker’s concert will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center. This is his first performance at the California Mid- State Fair. Ticket prices for the show are $30, $40, $50, $70, and $90 (Pit, standing only) and will go on sale Friday, January 28, 2022, starting at 10:00 am online only at www.MidStateFair.com. Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Diamond-certified debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the Top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has ear

SALINAS, CA – On Thursday, January 20 Rep. Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) further called on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to not list the federal property located at 1352 Lighthouse Avenue, otherwise known as the Pacific Grove NOAA building, for auction. Rep. Panetta recently wrote to Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Shalanda Young, on January 11th, 2022, about his concerns with the process in listing this federal property and the potential negative impact of a private buyer purchasing the Pacific Grove NOAA building. The letter again reiterates the Congressman’s support for a transfer of the property to a nonprofit organization or consortium of marine and education organizations committed to upholding the requirements of the Local Coastal Program. “My goal is to make sure that the federal government listens to the concerns of the local residents here in Pacific Grove when it comes to the sale of the NOAA building to a private buyer,” sai

Hartnell College announced on Thursday, January 20 that it has received a multi-year grant of $260,000 from Bank of America that will strengthen its ability to help Salinas Valley agricultural workers succeed and advance in an industry increasingly shaped by technology and automation. The grant will support Hartnell’s new $2.6 million, three-year Ag Tech Workforce Initiative, which provides training for farm workers so they can move into jobs that require higher skill levels and provide higher pay. The new courses begin in January and will be free and non-credit for workers in Salinas Valley agricultural production, processing and manufacturing with a focus on the areas known as STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. During the hands-on training, participants will earn $15-18 an hour for up to 10 hours a week. The training is expected to lead to full-time job opportunities paying $20-29 per hour, such as food safety technician (in the field and in the plant)

KING CITY, CA. — Mee Memorial is using a portion of a grant awarded from the Federal government to hire a vaccination assistant and another portion to install four billboards along the Highway 101 corridor to encourage the unvaccinated to step up for a shot — areas where much of its patient population travels to and from work. Billboards would be installed from Soledad to San Ardo to get the vaccination message out as education and outreach. San Ardo and Soledad areas have the lowest levels of vaccination rates in Monterey County. In addition to commercial billboard space, the King City Lions Club has partnered with Mee Memorial in the spirit of public health education, to rent their prominent billboard near the King City Golf Course and the Soledad Chamber of Commerce is leasing their billboard near Front Street in Soledad — which will be installed in early February. The boards have an audience reach of over 600,000 per month. The promotion features members of the community

Since December 1st, SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has rescued 38 emaciated red-tailed hawks. The hawks are mostly young males, close to one year old. They are found throughout Monterey County from San Ardo to Carmel, as well as in San Benito County which does not have a wildlife rescue center. The young hawks are found on the ground, emaciated and unable to fly. We do not know if this is due to a food shortage or poor hunting skills for birds spending their first winter on their own. By the time the birds are so emaciated that they cannot fly or evade capture, this is a critical emergency situation. They are rushed to our wildlife hospital, but sadly most are too weak to survive the night. All the rescued hawks are given a full examination and rehydrating fluids, and are slowly introduced to a liquid diet. If needed, our skilled wildlife rescue technicians also provide supplemental heat and medications. Many of the young hawks are placed on a

Monterey County’s State supported community testing sites located in Seaside, Salinas and Soledad are expanding hours in response to demand Salinas site located at Sherwood Hall will be open from 8 am to 8 pm 7 days a week starting Tuesday, January 25th Seaside site located at the Salvation Army’s Community Center will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm starting this Saturday, January 22nd Soledad site located at Soledad Library is changing hours to 8 am to 8 pm still open Tuesday through Saturday with additional staff to increase availability beginning Tuesday, January 25th Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are taken as supplies allow. Appointments may be made by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting or individuals may call 211 for assistance in making appointments. There has been a high number of no shows for appointments at all three sites. If you cannot make an appointment, please cancel it. This allows others to find testing appointments more e

Students, teachers and staff at the main Hartnell College campus in Salinas were evacuated in Building B on Thursday, January 20 between 12 pm and 1 pm after Salinas Police Officers reported that a homeless person left a package in the structure stating that it was from UPS. The Salinas police and Fire departments were on the scene and their investigation revealed that the package was just filled with trash. The building was re-opened sometime before 1:30 pm on the same day.

Paso Robles, CA-The involved pedestrian in the previous press release (below) has been identified as 35-year-old Sean Casey Colwell of Atascadero. This incident remains under investigation and the Paso Robles Police Department is requesting anyone with any information regarding this incident to call the Paso Robles Police Department immediately at (805) 237-6464. On 01-19-2022, at about 6:49pm, Paso Robles Police Department Dispatch received several calls regarding a pedestrian walking in traffic on Highway 46, west of Buena Vista Drive. Almost immediately after those calls came in, several 911 calls came in to report a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the same location. Paso Robles Police Officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male victim was deceased in the roadway and it was immediately apparent the victim had been struck by a moving vehicle. It has been preliminarily determined the pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane of traffic of the highway for an un

Paso Robles, CA-On Wednesday night, January 19 at about 6:49pm, Paso Robles Police Department Dispatch received several calls regarding a pedestrian walking in traffic on Highway 46, west of Buena Vista Drive. Almost immediately after those calls came in, several 911 calls came in to report a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the same location. Paso Robles Police Officers arrived on the scene to discover that an adult male victim was dead in the roadway and it was immediately apparent that the victim had been struck by a moving vehicle. It has been preliminarily determined that the pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane of traffic of the highway for an unknown reason and was struck by a westbound passenger vehicle. Two other vehicles, which were also westbound, attempted to avoid the victim in the roadway, but may have also struck him with their vehicles. This fatal traffic collision is currently being investigated by the Paso Robles Police Department’s Traffic Unit, wi

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, January 19 that 38-year-old Elizabeth Gonzalez of Greenfield, was sentenced on January 19 to 6 years in state prison for striking and killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence of methamphetamine. On August 28, 2021, at 1:29 a.m., Gonzalez was driving westbound on E. Alisal Street near the intersection of N. Wood Street in central Salinas when she struck and killed 30-year-old pedestrian Domingo Trinidad Rodriguez. Gonzalez waited at the scene for police to arrive. An investigation by the Salinas Police Department determined that she had been driving under the influence of methamphetamine and speeding at the time of the crash. This case was prosecuted by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office specialized DUI Vertical Prosecution Unit. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safe

You could be our 2022 Miss Salinas Valley Fair! If you are a young lady between the ages of 16 - 20 who resides in the counties of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Southern Santa Clara, Northern San Luis Obispo, Parkfield or Coalinga; YOU COULD BE THE 2022 MISS SALINAS VALLEY FAIR! Contestants may not be less than 16 years of age as of January 1, 2022 and no more than 20 years of age as of December 31, of the year in which she competes. But think quickly, the deadline is March 28, 2022. The contest will be held at the Fairgrounds April 7 & 8, 2022 and the winner will reign over the Salinas Valley Fair, which runs May 12th – 15th, 2022 in King City. Entrants will be judged on personality (40%), scholastic ability (25%), poise and appearance (20%) and horsemanship (15%). The 2022 Miss Salinas Valley Fair will receive a $2,000 scholarship, a custom belt buckle and many other prizes. Awards are also given to the winner of each competition category. In addition to her ma

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, January 19 Congressman Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced a $405,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) to fund a transit oriented development study along its Busway and Bus Rapid Transit Project between Marina and Sand City. In July of 2021, the Monterey-Salinas Transit board approved the proposed SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit Project, a bus-only lane next to Highway 1 between Marina and Sand City. The federal grant funding provided for this project study was allocated through the FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning, which helps communities integrate land use and transportation planning, improve economic development and housing access, and foster multi-modal transit access and mixed-use development. “Traffic, congestion, and vehicle emissions have increased substantially along Highway 1 between Marina and Sand City,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “Fortunately, the MST

A crash involving several vehicles happened on Highway 101 Southbound near the 5th Street onramp in Gonzales at 1:44 pm on Tuesday, January 18. Minor injuries from the collision were reported. The cause of the wreck is unknown.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 16- January 22. Highway 101: SB at Hobson Ave Area: January 20- 21 The CHP will be performing one- way traffic controls near Hobson Ave at post mile marker 48.7 and seven hundred twenty-five feet southwards for shoulder work from 8 am – 3 pm. Highway 101: NB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road northbound to First Street to allow for a paving operation from 5 am - 4 pm. Highway 101: SB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along southbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road southbound to First Street to allow for a pavement work from 5 am - 4 pm. Highway 101: Canal Street – Jolon Road: Ongoing June 30, 2022 The CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 between Canal Street and Jolon Road for bridge work along the highway. The t

On Monday night, January 17 at about 10:15 P.M., Greenfield Police Department Officers conducted a traffic stop on the 800 block of Palm Avenue for a Vehicle Code violation. After stopping the vehicle, the driver, 19-year-old Javier Villa of Greenfield immediately exited the vehicle, but he was detained. Officers learned that Villa was driving without a license. Inside the vehicle, officers found two semi-automatic guns without serial numbers (ghost guns), four high-capacity magazines, two 65-round (drum style) rifle magazines, 9mm ammunition, .40 caliber ammunition, over $1,000.00 in cash, and evidence of gang membership. Villa was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple firearm charges. In addition on early Tuesday morning, January 18 the Greenfield Police Department with the assistance of Soledad Police Department and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at Villa’s home. Additional gang information was found. This investigation is

The Greenfield Fire Department was busy during the Holiday weekend assisting their partners in Soledad with two different fires. On Sunday night, January 16 at approximately 10:00 PM, Soledad CalFire, SVSP/CTF Fire Department, American Medical Response and the Soledad Police Department responded to a structure fire in the area of Monterey Street and West Street. Units were able to contain the fire to an outbuilding threatening a trailer home. Hours later on Monday morning, January 17 at around 4 AM crews were dispatched to a reported commercial fire that broke out on the 1600 block of Monterey Street. Soledad CalFire, SVS/CTF Fire, Monterey Vounty Regional Firefighters local 2606 , the Salinas Fire Department, and the King City Fire Department responded to a commercial fire in that area. Fire crews were able to get a knock down on and get containment. Pine Canyon Fire provided station coverage during both incidents. No injuries were reported, while the cause of both fires is unknown

At the conclusion of the Forensic Examinations conducted by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Unit it was determined Selena Gonzalez Godoy was pregnant at the time she was murdered. The Coroner Unit determined Ms. Godoy’s pregnancy had progressed in excess of 8 weeks. Due to Ms. Godoy’s pregnancy having progressed past eight weeks the Police Department has charged Raul Omar Lucas with one additional count of homicide and Rocio Villa Vasquez Martinez with one additional count of aiding and abetting in the homicide. On Friday, January 14, 2022, at approximately 10:00am, Detectives from the King City Police Department contacted 19-year-old Guillermo Becerra, a male resident of Salinas, CA in Salinas after developing probable cause he was involved in the commission of the murders. Becerra was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on three counts of homicide. The King City Police Department is continuing its efforts to locate Elizar Ayron Arrellano and is seeking the