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Showing posts from February, 2023

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is now Salinas Valley Health

  The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has officially changed its name to Salinas Valley Health. The name change was announced by Salinas Valley Health president Pete Delgado during an employee thank you lunch on Monday, February 27. Delgado said that the new name reflects the expanded state of the organization in the modern day and while the hospital is still at the heart of Salinas Valley Health, the organization has spread across the region to promote health outside of the main hospital. The name 'Salinas Valley Health' is intended to encompass all of the health care system's resources. The updated name comes with a new logo and new signage.

SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Salinas

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West announced on Tuesday, February 28 the opening of its Disaster Loan Outreach Center to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Dec. 27, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2023. The center will be located at the Monterey County Government Center beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Salinas.  “SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application,” Garfield continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary. MONTEREY COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Monterey County Government Center 1441 Schilling Place Salinas, CA  93901 Opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.28 Mondays -

Registration is Now Open for The 2023 Homewinemaking Competition at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The Central Coast Home Winemaking Competition hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair is now accepting entries. The competition will take place in May and feature wines made from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey counties. The wines are separated into six categories: white, rosé/blanc, red, dessert, wines made with fruit other than grapes and sparkling. The categories are then separated into classes by varietals. The panel of local competition judges evaluate each entry according to appearance, aromatics and taste to determine an overall conclusion. Chief Judge Mike Jones is putting together an extraordinary group of local judges for the annual competition. Judges are qualified based on their experience in the wine industry through multiple forms. The registration period is now through Sunday, April 23 and is $7 per entry. Register today at http://cmsfw.fairwire.com/. For more information, please visit our website, www.MidStateFair.com. The 2023

Gonzales Man Charged with Felony Animal Abuse for the Killing of Gonzales High School 4H Lambs in Monterey County Superior Court

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that 31-year-old Jose Jesse Marquez of Gonzales was arraigned on Monday, February 27 on felony animal abuse with an allegation that the crime involved a deadly or dangerous weapon (4 counts), felony resisting a police officer, and felony burglary. He was further charged with an enhancement for a prior strike conviction and numerous factors in aggravation. The Honorable Jennifer O’Keefe agreed with the People that bail was not appropriate in this case, ensuring that the defendant will not be released into the community absent a further court order. It is alleged that at approximately 2:29 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023, the defendant rode his bicycle to Gonzales High School and entered the property to take a tool. While there, he became upset at his mother. He approached the barn area and stabbed multiple animals belonging to the students. Two lambs died, one lamb survived, and one pig survived. Wh

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County for the Week of February 26

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 26 through Saturday, March 4.  Highway 101: Main Street/Chualar Street – Soledad Prison: March 1 There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Main Street/Chualar Street and Soledad Prison for spraying operation work from 8:30 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Soledad Prison – Arroyo Seco Road: March 2 There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Soledad Prison and Arroyo Seca Road for spraying operation work from 9 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: North Soledad Overhead: February 27– March 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: March 1 – March 2 There will be full closure of

Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Releases Initial Survey Results of Storm Impacts on Monterey County Agriculture

  The County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is releasing initial results of a survey of flood and storm impacts on Monterey County agriculture. These results show damages, current loss estimates and projected future losses totaling $336 Million. This survey was launched on January 22, 2023 and reflects information from more than 50 respondents. Ag industry leaders continue to encourage more farmers and ranchers to contribute information. “We want to know the full scope of these storm impacts and hope those who have not yet shared information will do so,” says Juan Hidalgo, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner. “It is critical to have a comprehensive assessment of the damage to support recovery efforts, including warranting state and federal aid.” Key organizations such as the Grower Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau and Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association are assisting the County by distributing the survey and encou

Paso Robles City Council Updates Downtown Parking Program; Two Free Hours Of Parking Per Day to Continue, New Mobile App Forthcoming

  Paso Robles, C A , - On February 21, 2023 , the Paso Robles City Council approved updates to the downtown parking program which will take effect March 1, 2023 . The following is a summary of the updates: • All p atrons will be provided two free hours of parking per day (a license plate must be entered prior to receiving free parking) ; • The rate will increase to $2 per hour after the free two hours ; which reflects an increase of $1 per hour from the previous rate; • A new mobile app will be launched to replace the WaytoPark app; existing WaytoPark users will be notified of how to transfer account information to th e new app once it is launched; • Customers can pay or start their parking sessions using: o The new Flowbird mobile application or o The new Pay by Text feature (no app needed) or o Any of the 34 pay stations (Cash is accepted at 3 pay stations in Downtown) • All d owntown parking signs will be updated with the new information ; • How to guides and v

UPDATE: Gonzales PD Arrests Man for Stabbing Incident that Killed 2 Lambs and Injured Other Livestock Raised by Gonzales High School Students 4H Program

  On Thursday, February 23 the Gonzales Police Department through their investigation uncovered additional video surveillance footage from a stabbing incident that killed 2 lambs and injured other farm animals that were being raised by 4H students at Gonzales High School on February 18. The surveillance footage provided valuable information leading to the identification of a male Investigators identified as 31-year-old Jose Jesse Marquez of Gonzales. Officers contacted Marquez riding his bicycle on the 600 block of Rincon Road. Marquez was wanted for an outstanding warrant on an unrelated charge. After a short struggle, he was taken into custody and transported to the Gonzales Police Department for questioning. Marquez confessed to entering the High School grounds on his bicycle, intending to steal an unknown tool. While on the school grounds, Marquez told investigators, “he felt angry,” and bludgeoned three animals before leaving the school grounds. Marquez was transported to the Mont

Application Process is Now Open to Fill Vacancy of District 1 King City City Council Seat

  The City of King is accepting applications to fill the vacant seat on City Council representing District 1.  Serving on the City Council provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in a leadership role to help shape policies, services and the overall future of the community.  The appointment will be selected by the City Council at a special meeting on Wednesday night, March 22 at 6:00 p.m.   Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of District 1 and a registered voter. District 1 includes residents who live north of King Street from Mildred Avenue to the west and Beech Street to the east.  Residents may confirm their district by accessing the Voting Districts map at www.kingcity.com under the “For Residents” menu.   Applications are available at King City City Hall or on the King City website at www.kingcity.com under “Documents and Forms – City Manager” or in the Spotlight section at the bottom of the homepage.    If you have questions, or would like mor

Gonzales PD Investigating Stabbing Incident that Killed 2 Lambs and Injured Other Livestock Raised by Gonzales High School Students 4H Program

  High School Students in Gonzales who take part in 4H found their animals fatally stabbed at around 8:30 am on Saturday morning, February 18. Four animals were stabbed in the head and face; two lambs were killed, while one lamb and piglet are recovering from injuries. The Gonzales Police Department is looking into the attack that was caught on video that shows a male suspect. 24 animals are kept on a lot behind Gonzales High School's Football stadium which is shared with GHS's Future Farmers of America program. Donations from people in the community made it possible for the High School students to purchase 3 new lambs at a discounted price. If anyone has any information about this incident they're asked to contact the Gonzales Police Department at (831) 675-5010.

A Lifetime of Love SPCA Adoption Event Friday-Sunday, February 24, 25 & 26

  Adopt a lifetime of love during SPCA Monterey County’s Adoption Event February 24-26. During the event, adopters can Pick Their Price on all adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, roosters, red-eared sliders, doves, pigeons, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice in our shelter. So many wonderful pets are ready and waiting to love you forever.  SPCA Monterey County is located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, across from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Adoption hours are 11-5 daily. SPCA adoptions include the pet’s spay or neuter surgery, permanent microchip identification, vaccinations, SPCA ID tag, a health evaluation, and more. Regular adoption fees range from $35 to $290.  We recommend arriving early - no holds will be available during the event.  For more information, please call The SPCA at 831-373-2631 or www.Facebook.com/SPCAmc.  Visit www.SPCAmc.org to view adoptable pets!  What:   A Lifetime of Love SPCA Adoption Event Pick Your Price on all adoptable dogs, cats,

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Investigating February 18 Shooting Homicide in Gonzales

  On Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 9:08 am deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a physical altercation in progress on the 28000 block of Alta Street, Gonzales, CA. Upon arrival, deputies located two brothers, later identified as 65-year-old Brian Luis Violini and 68-year-old Kirk John Violini, with apparent life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite deputies’ efforts, Brian and Kurt Violini succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division responded and began the forensic collection of evidence and analysis of the scene. At this time, this investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office does not believe there are any outstanding suspects related to this investigation nor does any further threat to the public exists. Any member of the community with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Rafael Garcia 831-755-3914 or Detective Sergeant Nic

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County for the Week of February 19

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, February 19 through Saturday, February 25.  Highway 101: North Soledad Overhead:  February 21– February 24 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:  February 21– February 22 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of northbound Highway 101 at First Street for miscellaneous work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: First Street (Southbound):  February 21 – February 23 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at First Street for miscellaneous   work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: First Street – Wild Horse Road:  February 21 There will be one lane closure along southbound Highway 101 betw

2 Vehicle Wreck in Greenfield on February 16

  A 2 vehicle crash happened off of Pine Avenue and 12th Street in Greenfield at 2:45 pm on Thursday, February 16. One of the vehicles struck a power pole. Minor injuries from the accident were reported. The cause of the collision is unknown. 

Applications Now Available for 2023 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Miss California Mid- State Fair Scholarship Pageant. Contestants must be between the ages of 17-24 on opening day of the Fair, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, and be a current resident of San Luis Obispo County, and have never been married. Each contestant will compete in the following four categories: Interview, Fair/Pageant Platform, Talent, Final Question and Evening Wear. If selected as Queen or Princess, they must be able to attend every day of the 2023 Fair, participating in numerous public events, such as introducing performers, taking pictures and meeting with various dignitaries. Contestants will receive swag, with the Queen receiving a $1,000.00 cash prize and 1st Princess $500.00 and 2nd Princess $250.00 and receiving prizes from local businesses. The pageant takes place on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm on the Frontier Stage. This show is free to watch with paid Fair admission. Applications are due Friday

Beloved King City City Councilmember Darlene Acosta Passes Away

  The City of King is sad to announce that Councilmember Darlene Acosta passed away on Tuesday evening, February 14.  City Council and staff wish to express their sorrow along with paying tribute to Acosta for her many accomplishments and contributions to the community, and express their deepest sympathy to her family who meant so much to her.  Councilmember Acosta was loved and appreciated by everyone in the City of King organization, as well as many people throughout the community.  She had a big heart and treated everyone with respect and kindness at all times.   Acosta represented Council District 1 and was recently re-elected for her 3rd term on the City Council.  She was first elected to the City of King City Council in 2014. Acosta was particularly passionate about supporting programs and services to help youth.  While on the Council, Acosta served on 4 Cities 4 Peace, the Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence Community Task Force, and several other boards and committees. She

Focus of Winter Storm Impacts Now on Recovery; Emergency Operations Center in Monterey County Demobilizes

  While recovery and emergency repairs from the recent Winter Storms continues, the need for an active Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by the County of Monterey and partner agencies is no longer needed. For that reason, the County of Monterey’s EOC is now demobilized. The Center was active for 40 days and was the heart of emergency operations during the storms, coordinating emergency and community response with partner agencies at the local, state, and federal level as well as cities, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations. The first weather emergency began on December 26, 2022 and the EOC was activated shortly after. During the most severe impacts of the storms, the Emergency Operations Center had more than 200 people working on disaster response at its physical location at the Department of Emergency Management office in Salinas as well as hundreds of people in the field as serving as Disaster Works doing shelter operations, evacuations, flood fighting, road surveillance and

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post Discussion will be held at the Paso Robles City Library on March 15; Cereal Company Heiress Dared To Do More

  PASO ROBLES, CA – February 15, 2023 Join the discussion of Allison Pataki’s The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post on Wednesday, March 15, 6-7 pm, in the Library Conference Room. Marjorie Merriweather Post’s journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that Post’s Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. And yet her story, though full of beauty and grandeur, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. This title is available in various formats through the catalog. Registration is required for each participant. 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 In

Paso Robles City Library to Showcase Local Watercolorists; Paso Robles Art Association’s Painters Guild to Display in March 2023

  PASO ROBLES, CA –February 10, 2023 The Paso Robles City Library is pleased to showcase the Paso Robles Art Association’s Painters Guild during the month of March. Working with watercolors, artists Betty Scanlan, Daisy Witcosky, Kay Eichert, Jeanette Perry, and Pam Haste will present a joyful representation of landscapes, seascapes, and still life. The Library is open 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.

The Pros and Cons of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); City Staff to Discuss Local Ordinance and Standards at the Paso Robles City Library on March 8

  PASO ROBLES, CA –February 8, 2023 The Paso Robles City Library is pleased to host City planning staff on Wednesday, March 8, 5:30-6:30 pm in the Library Conference Room as they present information about the city’s local Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and standards of operation adopted last December. Topics to be covered include: • What is an ADU? • Where in the city are ADUs allowed? • What are the development standards for an ADU (floor area, height, setbacks, etc.)? • Can part of a residence or a detached building be converted into an ADU? • Can tiny houses or recreational vehicles be used as an ADU? • What is the process and cost to permit and construct an ADU? The State of California has identified ADUs, sometimes referred to as mother-in-law units, second units, granny flats, and rear yard dwellings, as a significant way to help address the statewide housing crisis. ADUs are a relatively affordable way to add extra housing for family members and can serve as a source of

Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit to visit King City, CA on February 19 to Honor Veterans and Supporters

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is the organization most recognized for placing over 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths at over 3700 locations nationally and abroad on National Wreaths Across America Day. However, the work to recognize our nation’s veterans, military families, active duty servicemembers is a yearlong effort. WAA is proud to announce that as part of its yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom, its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE) will make a stop in King City, CA on Sunday, February 19, 2023, to share this mission with the community. The stop will take place at: King City, CA, February 19, 2023 – The SMCRWF Group is proud to announce a local stop for the WAA Mobile Education Exhibit national tour. The MEE will be free and open to the public locally at the King City Center, 530 Canal St , King City, CA  93930 - from 10am - 4pm. “The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the fa

Keeping Warm Safely - It's going to be cold in Monterey County - Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The National Weather Service’s forecast for freezing temperatures this week leaves residents vulnerable to cold.  The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind everyone to keep warm safely.        Resources   Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet   Qué es el monóxido de carbono   Carbon Monoxide Flyer English and Spanish   To protect yourself and your family in cold weather, remember to wear several layers of clothing, add extra blankets to beds and be alert for the symptoms of exposure. Monitor family members and those around you who are at greatest risk from exposure, such as seniors, young children and people with underlying illnesses or chronic conditions.   Symptoms of Exposure   Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering are signs of possible hypothermia. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.   Gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy skin are symptoms of frostbite. If you exper

Road and Lane Closures on Highway 101 in South Monterey County for the Week of February 12

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, February 12 through Saturday, February 18.  Highway 101: North Soledad Overhead:  February 13 – February 15 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 (Northbound):  February 13 – February 15 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of northbound Highway 101 at First Street for concrete pouring work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: First Street (Southbound):  February 13 – February 15 There will be full closure of the on   ramp of southbound Highway 101 at First Street for grinding operation work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: First Street – Wild Horse Road:  February 14 – February 15 There will be One lane closure

Robert Masterson Appointed Interim Police Captain for the King City Police Department

  The King City Police Department announced on Friday, February 10 the appointment of Robert Masterson as Interim Police Captain. When former Police Chief Keith Boyd left to become the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Undersheriff, the King City Police Department’s Captain, James Hunt, was appointed as Interim Police Chief. This created an existing need for someone to serve as Captain on an interim basis. Interim Captain Masterson comes to the department with over 35 years of law enforcement experience, and he previously served as Chief of Police for King City from July of 2016 to January of 2021. Under his leadership, the King City Police Department was restructured with largely new staff, established a new organizational culture and policies, and implemented the award-winning Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence leading to a significant decrease in crime. Mayor Mike LeBarre stated: “We are fortunate to have someone with Interim Captain Masterson’s experience, expertise and fa