KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, California—Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that on Friday, January 27, 2023, 26-year-old Bryan Felipe Aguilar of Greenfield was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading no contest to felony driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, felony evading an officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition, and battery upon a peace officer. He also admitted that he has a prior strike conviction. On October 6, 2022, at approximately 6:55 p.m., a California Highway Patrol officer initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by the defendant. The officer clocked the vehicle travelling 110 mph southbound on US 101 near the San Ardo, California exit. The officer caught up to the defendant’s vehicle and signaled with his spotlight for the defendant to pull over to the shoulder. The defendant looked at the officer and then made an accelerated U- turn through the dirt median of US-101 and accelerated to

January 27, 2023 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) amended the California Major Disaster Declaration on Thursday January 26, 2023, to include additional grant funding for permanent work to County infrastructure, that were already designated for Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance Program. (See link to the 4683-DR-CA Amendment 005: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register- notice/4683-dr-ca-amendment-005) What this specifically means for Monterey County is funding to complete permanent work to restore critical infrastructure to its pre-disaster design. The amendment also allows the county to receive reimbursement for necessary repairs to public infrastructure that are not considered an emergency protective measure, such as the road failure in Carmel at Scenic Drive. FEMA’s requirements are very specific, meaning the projects must be built back to t

  PASO ROBLES, CA – January 23, 2023 On Wednesday, February 22, 6-7 pm in the Library Conference Room, the public is invited to meet and discuss Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, a chronicle of a young slave's adventures as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South. As Whitehead brilliantly re-creates the terrors of the antebellum era, he weaves in the saga of our nation. The Underground Railroad is both the gripping tale of one woman's will to escape the horrors of bondage—and a powerful meditation on the history we all share. This title is available in various formats through the catalog. Registration is required for each participant. Group registrations cannot be processed. For ages 16+. The Library is Monday-Friday 9-7 and Saturday 9-4. Call the library at 805-237-3870 or visit prcity.com/library and the Library Facebook and Instagram sites for more information.

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 29 through Saturday, February 4.  Highway 101: Soledad Prison: February 2 There will be a one lane closure along southbound Highway 101 at Soledad Prison for drainage work   from 9 am to 3 pm. Highway 101: State Route 58 – San Ardo: February 2 There will be a moving lane closure along northbound Highway 101 beginning at State Route 58 in San Luis Obispo County and San Ardo in Monterey County for spraying operation work from 8:30 am to 3 pm.  Highway 101: North Soledad Overhead:  January 30 – February 3 There will be full closure of the off ramp of northbound Highway 101 at the Soledad Overhead for bridge work from 7 am to 5 pm. Highway 101 Soledad Overhead: Long-Term There will one long-term lane closure along northbound Highway 101 at the Soledad Overhead for bridge work. Highway 101: First Street (Southbound):  January 30 – February 3 There will be full closure of the off

  Paso Robles, CA.- According to the Paso Robles Police Department,  Officers were dispatched at 8:55 pm on Wednesday night, January 25 to BevMo which is a specialty beverage retailer store located at  2135 Theatre Drive, for a report of a robbery that had just occurred. Store employees told responding officers a white male adult entered the business and handed a store employee an empty bag and a note demanding money. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and placed an undisclosed amount of money in the bag. The suspect left the store without further incident and fled south through the parking lot. There were no weapons used or seen during the incident. The suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 5’10” to 6’ tall, wearing a camo hat, a white face covering, a black “Cali” sweatshirt, black pants, and black/white Converse All-Star shoes. See attached photo of the suspect taken from surveillance footage. This investigation is ongoing, and anybody with informa

  PASO ROBLES – The Paso Robles Police Department reports that on Wednesday, January 25 at 2:40 pm Officers executed a search warrant on the 900 Block of St Ann Drive where they came across controlled substances, paraphernalia, and other evidence to support an ongoing drug sales investigation. Arrested were 30-year-old Ashley Cook of Paso Robles and 34-year-old Stephen Chargin of Paso Robles for drug-related offenses. Both were booked into the SLO County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation, and the Paso Robles Police Department is requesting anyone with any information to call the PRPD at (805) 237-6464 or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers' 24-hour hotline at 805-549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

  A solo vehicle accident happened off of State Route 146 and Fabry Road outside of Soledad at 1:52 pm on Thursday, January 26. The vehicle reportedly went off the road and into a Vineyard. Minor injurires from the crash were reported. The cause of the wreck is unknown. 

  The County of Monterey is continuing it's local assistance center support for residents impacted by winter storms. The County of Monterey has closed its Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building and is opening a second center at a new location. The new spot is at the Monterey County Government Center - Schilling Place, 1441 Schilling Place in Salinas. It will open Saturday, January 28th.   The first center was open January 21st to 26th. This second center will be open from Saturday, January 28th to Sunday, February 5th, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. The center at its new location will have all the resources that are currently available, a wide array of support services from local, state and federal agencies as well as non-profits and charitable organizations. A list of participating agencies is attached. The center will be located in the former Economic Development Department space of the Schilling Place complex. There is ample parking both in the

  Local, state and federal collaborators are ending Day 6 of the County of Monterey Local Assistance Center (LAC) for those impacted by the 2023 storms at the Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building.   This is the final day of the LAC at this location.  The number of families/households registered for disaster assistance over the first six days of this effort is  1,799 .  Additionally today, more than 400 residents benefited from a food, diaper and clothing distribution. The LAC at Spreckels is closing but is reopening Saturday , January 28 th at the Monterey County Government Center - Schilling Place, 1441 Schilling Place in Salinas. It will have all the resources that are currently available. The Virtual Assistance Center is online and always available:    https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/winterstormsVirtualLAC . 

  Local, state and federal collaborators are ending Day 5 of the County of Monterey Local Assistance Center (LAC) for those impacted by the 2023 storms, which is located at the Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building.   Here is some data to share.  The number of families/households now registered for assistance: 1,640. Tuesday’s total was 1,475. MST continues to provide bus service to and from the Center from San Ardo and Pajaro. Thursday, January 26 th is the last day for the Center in its current location. The Center will reopen in a new location on Saturday, January 28 th . We will announce new location soon. The Virtual Assistance Center is online and always available:    https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/winterstormsVirtualLAC .  This is an online, ‘one stop’ shop for resources for those affected by the 2023 Winter Storms.   There was a food and diaper distribution at the assistance center today, courtesy of the Celebration Nation organization. Families in need w

  L ocal, state and federal collaborators are ending Day 4 of the County of Monterey Local Assistance Center (LAC) for those impacted by the 2023 storms, which is located at the Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building. Here is some data to share.  Another good day! The number of families/households now registered for assistance: 1,475 . Monday's total was 939. MST continues to provide bus service to and from the Center from San Ardo and Pajaro. This helps those residents already economically impacted save the cost of driving to get assistance. Today's highlight is the increased connection of storm impacted residents to state services. While FEMA has some limitations for assistance, locals are able to connect with state agencies and other providers for help.   Planning for Next Steps T his Local Assistance Center will close end of the day Thursday, January 26th, but these services are not going away! Plans are in the works for a second location to open Sa

  According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, deputies arrested a man on Monday, January 23 for a rape and kidnapping incident happened on May 15, 2021. During that day, deputies responded to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas sometime after 5 a.m. for a report of a possible victim who had been drugged and sexually assaulted. After interviewing the victim, investigators were told that the victim had been transported to a remote location in an unincorporated area outside of Gonzales. Deputies determined that the victim had possibly been drugged and sexually assaulted. Detectives were able to develop probable cause to believe that 21-year-old Uri Deleon Carcamo of Soledad was a suspect. A search warrant was obtained from a Monterey County Superior Court judge and on Monday, January 23, 2023, detectives arrested Deleon Carcamo on the 300 block of Canal Street in King City. During the arrest, Deleon Carcamo was found to be in possession of a concealed loaded firearm. Following

  Local, state and federal collaborators are ending Day 3 of the County of Monterey Local Assistance Center (LAC) for those impacted by the 2023 storms, which is located at the Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building. Here is some interesting data to share.      It was a tremendous Monday, January 23 at the LAC. The number of families now registered for assistance: 939. The total on January 22 was 305.     The most frequently visited booths today: Catholic Charities, EDD, FEMA     MST continues to provide bus service to and from the Center from San Ardo and Pajaro. This helps those residents already economically impacted save the cost of driving to get assistance.   A note about financial assistance/aid: United Way Monterey County has been able to distribute 195 gift cards to residents, emergency aid for those who were evacuated, have lost wages or had damage to 25% of their primary residence. These cards were donated from the California Fire Foundation. There are no additional gift cards

  Attached are departure and returning schedules for MST shuttles from San Ardo and Pajaro to the Local Assistance Center in Spreckels. Residents in these communities can get free rides to the center to access disaster assistance.   These shuttles will be on going throughout the center’s operation which is Saturday, January 21 through Thursday, January 26.

As of Friday morning, January 20 the resources in the County of Monterey include: • Establishment of a comprehensive “one-stop” rather than setting up multiple sites and reducing or separating services and resources. • Co-located FEMA Disaster Resource Center, their version of a Local Assistance Center. Note: To qualify for FEMA Individual Assistance, disaster victims must show that they are a US Citizens or have a family member(s) in the household that are a US Citizen. Anyone can apply but unless proof of US Citizenship can be shown it will be denied. • California, County, and Nonprofit resources can offer much more to individuals. • Our Local Assistance Center also includes SBA and USDA • FEMA will be out in the field going door to door to have people sign up for DisasterAssistance.gov • California EDD will be onsite regarding lost wages as will many others to include nonprofits who will be able to offer gifts cards, etc. for immediate needs (disaster unemployment & referral). •

  The County of Monterey is beginning the important process of updating a key County document with a focus on planning for adequate housing at all income levels in the unincorporated areas of the county. As part of this project, the County invites community members and interested parties to help develop this document - the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update - by providing feedback, comments and to share housing related challenges. There are many ways to get involved, and community feedback will be used to shape the future of policies and programs to encourage development of housing in unincorporated Monterey County. Here are three ways to help now to shape future housing plans: Complete the Community Housing Survey by or before February 10, 2023! It is easy. Complete a Community Housing Survey that is available in English and Spanish on a mobile device through a QR Code, or via a weblink on a browser from any computer at https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/GeneralPlanUpdates. Attend the Virt

  Shortly after COVID-19 testing became available, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) entered into an agreement with Logistics Health, Inc, (LHI) to establish COVID-19 testing sites throughout California including in Monterey County. As public demand for no cost testing increased, LHI increased the number of testing appointments within local health jurisdictions and expanded the types of testing venues offered. Similarly, as public demand decreased, LHI decreased the number of testing appointments, locations, hours, and types of venues.   Recently CDPH notified the Monterey County Health Department that utilization of LHI COVID-19 testing sites continues to decline in Monterey County, similar to declines in other jurisdictions. Consequently, LHI, in coordination with CDPH, will again be decreasing COVID-19 testing appointments locally, and across the state.     The following LHI testing locations will be closed after January 22, 2023.:   493 El Camino Real

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County from Sunday, January 22 through Saturday, January 28.  Highway 101: San Ardo  – Los Lobos Road: January 27 There will be a one lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between  San Ardo and Los Lobos Road for guardrail repair work  from 7 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: San Luis Obispo County Line  – San Ardo: January 23 – January 24 There will be a moving lane closure along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the San Luis Obispo County and  San Ardo for spraying operation work. The northbound  closure will be on January 23, from 9 am to 3 pm. The southbound closure will be on January 24, from 9:45 am to 3 pm. Highway 101 Soledad Overhead: Long-Term There will one long-term lane closure along northbound  Highway 101 at the Soledad Overhead for bridge work. Highway 101: First Street (Southbound):  January 24 – January 26 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southb

RECOVERY HELP IS HERE Federal, state and local agencies are coming together to provide information and assistance in Spreckels to those affected by the recent storms in Monterey County. Agencies and organizations that are offering help.

  Paso Robles, CA- On Thursday, January 19 at approximately 11:20am, PRPD Officers were dispatched to the area of Apion Court, where a resident called 911 to report a male suspect had entered her home through an open garage door. The suspect was reportedly armed with a pry bar and a large knife. The female resident was at home at the time and confronted the suspect as he came out of one of the interior bedrooms. The suspect quickly left the home and attempted to force his way into a neighbor’s home across the street, but was unsuccessful. PRPD Officers arrived in the area and located the suspect attempting to leave in his vehicle, and he was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, 34-year-old Stephen Chargin of Paso Robles, was arrested and found to be in possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription pills, and psilocybin mushrooms. Chargin was later booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail for felony charges of: burglary, attempted burglary, possession of drugs for sa

  A vehicle caught on fire off of New Pleyto Road in Bradley at 8:40 am on Thursday morning, January 19. Firefighters with the Fort Hunter Liggett Fire Department and other nearby agencies were able to assist in putting the fire out. No injuries were reported.  

  County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) staff have been able to remove immediate winter storm hazards and debris in nearly all County Parks.   All Monterey County Parks, except Jacks Peak Park, will reopen on Friday, January 20. Jacks Peak Park will remain closed while staff works to remove a large volume of downed trees from trails and roads. An announcement will be made regarding when this park can be reopened.   Jacks Peak Park, Manzanita Park, Royal Oaks Park, San Lorenzo Park and Toro Park have been closed since January 4 due to severe storms that hit the County. During this time, San Lorenzo Park did stay open for camping only, while Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento were open for camping and boating, but the trails in those areas were closed.

  Paso Robles, CA-On Monday, January 16, 2023, Paso Robles Police Officers, with assistance from the Paso Robles Police Department Detective Bureau, conducted a probation search of a residence on the 1200 block of Stoney Creek Road. During the probation search, Paso Robles Police Officers discovered a large amount of narcotics including 25 grams of fentanyl and 26 grams of methamphetamine . Officers also located a 12-year-old juvenile who was taken into protective custody by San Luis Obispo County Child Welfare Services. The suspect, 45-year-old Samantha Davidson of Paso Robles, was taken into custody and booked into the SLO County Jail on felony charges of sales of illegal drugs and child endangerment. This investigation is ongoing, and anybody with information is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP.

  The County of Monterey has been added to the federal major disaster declaration for California announced early during the week of January 15, 2022 for areas affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on Dec. 27, 2022. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) added three more California counties, including Monterey County, late Tuesday, January 17. https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/4583-dr-ca-amendment-001 Along with Monterey, FEMA added San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties on Tuesday, January 17. The major disaster declaration was initially approved for Santa Cruz, Sacramento and Merced counties. The declaration will open federal assistance to people and businesses in Monterey County affected by the county's 2023 Winter Storms. Storm victims can apply for assistance if their home or business sustained storm-related damage. Assistance includes grants, low-cost loans or other programs.

  Dear Residents and Businesses, In the last 3 weeks, we have braved winter storms that have flooded our communities, downed trees, seriously damaged farmland, and devastated homes, resulting in the displacement of our families and friends as well as considerable economic damage. Countless organizations including law enforcement, county governments, city and state partners, and the National Guard have assisted our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) spearheaded by our Department of Emergency Management. The EOC’s foundation is operated by steadfast and dedicated county employees serving as disaster emergency workers. Our objective was to safeguard residents through the series of unpredictable storms and river flows. To do so, we utilized information from our partners at the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, the Water Resources Agency and other experts to remain ahead of the storms’ impacts and take proactive measures to reinforce key areas to mitigate dam

  The SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has been rescuing Red Phalaropes in distress. So far for the month of January, the SPCA Wildlife Center has rescued 17 phalaropes. The annual average we usually rescue is 6.  The phalaropes are arriving weak, emaciated, cold, and lethargic. They are being found all over the Monterey Peninsula, from Marina to Big Sur, including Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. One was even found inland in Cachagua. We believe the birds are suffering due to the recent storms in our area. Red phalaropes are small pelagic shorebirds that spend most of their lives at sea. They weigh less than 2 oz and are approximately the size of a robin.  If you see a phalarope in distress please gently capture it using a towel, place it in a box, and bring it to us. Time is of the essence to save these little birds. If you are bringing a phalarope to us, or if you are unable to safely capture the bird, please call us at 831-264-5427. We are

  (MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIF.) — The 2023 winter storms have caused widespread destruction and hardship for many Monterey County residents and their families. Tens of thousands of people have been under evacuation orders or warnings due to dangers from heavy rains and flooding. Call centers, agencies and organizations across the county are receiving offers to help community members during this challenging time. One of the largest nonprofit organizations in the area, the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), has created the Monterey County Storm Relief Fund to raise funds to provide relief for affected individuals and families. “Some people have been out of work for weeks now and are in need of food, housing and immediate assistance,” said Krista Hanni, Equity Officer for the Emergency Operations Center and Program Manager for County of Monterey Health Department. “We anticipate local nonprofits to play a critical role in recovery, and this fund will help support their efforts.”

  Salinas, CA - January 15, 2023 – The County of Monterey having done a very preliminary damage assessment has released initial damage estimates as part of their reporting to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The County Department of Emergency Management estimates at least $30 million in public infrastructure damages. This estimate includes debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, parks, and recreation. In addition, initial estimates are that the Agriculture Industry has suffered losses to the tune of $40 to $50 million.

  As of January 14, 2023 the residents of San Ardo are advised to not drink the water, use the water for food prep, or for brushing teeth. The water in San Ardo can be used for showering or bathing, but you should avoid getting any in your mouth or open wounds. If you have concerns, you may contact your doctor. The water system has been impacted by floods and contamination has been found in the water. The water district is working on removing any contamination so the water will be safe to drink again. There will be multiple days of testing done to confirm the contamination has been removed.   For more information, questions, or concerns please contact Environmental Health Bureau at (831)-755-4505

  Paso Robles, CA-- The City of Paso Robles will host a community celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16 at City Park (11 th St. and Park St.) in Paso Robles. This annual event is designed to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King, focusing on his lifelong commitment to equality, unity, and peace. An opening ceremony at noon in the City Park gazebo will feature local performers and will be followed by a march, led by drummers, commencing at 12:30 p.m. from City Park. Those interested in participating in the march are asked to gather at 11:45 a.m. at the gazebo. The march, which is reminiscent of the marches led by Dr. King in Washington D.C. and Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement, will travel from City Park along Spring Street to 14th Street and conclude back at the park. A commemorative souvenir will be provided to the first 100 march participants. The theme of the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration is The Power o

  (MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIF., Jan. 12, 2023) — Evacuation orders in some Monterey County communities are lifting. Those permitted to return to evacuated areas are encouraged to proceed carefully.    If a yellow or red placard was placed on a structure on your parcel, please get in touch with the Housing and Community Development Department of Monterey County for assistance at (831)755-5025.      If your home was red tagged, your home is damaged and not safe to enter.      If your home was yellow tagged, people can go inside the unit, but it is unsafe to live in because of ongoing conditions like structural issues or lack of utilities.       Damaged homes and structures are not good places for small children or pets.     If your home or business was affected by the flood and has not received a red tag, you are able to work on cleaning and repairing any damage from flooding.      If work is needed on your home or place of business, use appropriate safety gear such as boots, rubber gloves,

  STORM UPDATES: For information about emergency notifications evacuation orders, and road closures, click here:  www.tinyurl.com/winterstormmc   MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 15 through Saturday, January 21.  Highway 101: Central Avenue: January 18 The right shoulder and one lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 at Central Avenue for utility potholing work from 9 am to 4 pm. Highway 101 Soledad Overhead: Long-Term There will one long-term lane closure along northbound Highway 101 at the Soledad Overhead for bridge work. Highway 101: First Street (Southbound):  January 17 – January 19 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at First Street for grinding work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Canal Street:  January 17 – January 19 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of southbound Highway 101 at Canal Street for grinding operation work from 8 am to 4 pm

  PASO ROBLES, CA – On Friday January 13, 2023, the Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department received a call for a person trapped in the Riverbed, near the 13th Street Bridge. First arriving units found a male standing on an island in the middle of the River. He was unable to move from his location without entering the water. He told rescuers that he was exhausted and needed help. Paso Robles firefighters evaluated their options and using an aerial ladder performed a high angle rope rescue to secure the patient and bring him to safety. Three fire engines, a Battalion Chief, a Deputy Chief, a heavy rescue and an aerial ladder responded from Paso Robles. San Luis Ambulance and Paso Robles Police Department also assisted.

The Soledad Police Department reports that on Friday morning, January 13 with the assistance of the Monterey County Probation Department, the King City Police Department, Soledad Police Detectives, Greenfield Police Detectives and members of the SMCTF served a search warrant on the 100 block of River Drive in King City. 20-year-old Jesus Barraza a known King City Sureno gang member, who is currently on probation, was taken in to custody for weapons possession and other charges and was booked into the Monterey County Jail. 

  On Tuesday morning, January 10 at about 4:30 A.M., the Greenfield PD received multiple calls from residents on the 100 block of 10th Street who reported a suspicious person in their front yard. When officers arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Detectives of the South Monterey County Task Force arrived on the scene and took over the investigation.  Derick Martin Barajas, of Greenfield, was identified as the suspect, and an arrest warrant was issued for Barajas. On Wednesday morning, January 11 Barajas appeared for a previously scheduled court hearing at the Monterey County Superior Courthouse in Salinas. Barajas was arrested and held on the warrant for attempted murder. The Greenfield Police Department thanks community members who called 911 to report that there was a victim in their yard. Without their help, the victim may have succumbed to his injuries. The Greenfield PD also thanks the