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Showing posts from May, 2024

President and Co-Founder of Operation Care and Comfort Julia DeMaria to Speak at SMCRWF Luncheon and Meeting in King City on June 4

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 4,11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant, 611 Canal Street, King City. The guest speaker will be Julia DeMaria, president and co-founder of Operation: Care and Comfort, an organization that sends packages to members of the armed services serving overseas. Members and guests are encouraged to bring items for the troops to the meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or e-mail karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

National Anthem Singers Wanted for The 2024 Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles!

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for National Anthem singers. Each year the California Mid-State Fair offers local singers the opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to the start of Chumash Grandstand Arena shows. Interested applicants can fill out an online form with contact information, as well as submit a YouTube video/link showing the individual singing the National Anthem a cappella style. Applications can be found at www.MidStateFair.com and must be received by Friday, June 14, 2024, by 5:00 pm to be considered. All applicants will be notified via email, after the singers have been selected. The 2024 California Mid-State Fair runs July 17 through July 28 and this year’s theme is “Wide Open Spaces!”. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Rep. Lofgren Announces More Than $1.5 Million for Electric School Buses in Salinas

  SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, May 29 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the Salinas City Elementary School District will receive $1,505,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace 10 old, diesel-fueled school buses with zero-emission electric vehicles.   “Climate change and its unprecedented effects pose serious challenges to our planet. That’s why the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats importantly made the largest-ever investments in clean energy during the last Congress,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Funding electric school buses is a smart move all around – it helps reduce greenhouses gases, improves public health, and saves school districts money. I’m particularly excited that more than $1.5 million is coming to the Salinas Valley and helping one of our elementary school districts transform their fleet. I look forward to seeing more new green, clean school buses on the roads.”   The funding comes from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Pro

SPCA Wildlife Center Caring for Young Killdeer

  SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is caring for 2 young killdeer after their eggs were mistakenly taken from their nest.  The killdeer came to us after students found the eggs and hatched them in an incubator. Killdeer parents don't build typical nests, instead they lay their eggs in a small scrape on the ground, usually decorated with pieces of shells or rocks.  The SPCA Wildlife Center recommends not taking wild eggs. Instead, please contact us with photos or video so we can provide advice. Often eggs that appear abandoned are being cared for by attentive parents scared away by human presence.  Once they hatched, the newborn birds were brought to the SPCA Wildlife Center for care. After care indoors with a feather duster acting as a surrogate parent, the young killdeer are now two weeks old and in an outdoor aviary. Once they are old enough, we will release them to killdeer habitat near the Salinas river.  Killdeer are fairly uncommon in the SPCA’s

County of Monterey Health Department Unveils First Mobile Clinic! Pilot clinic was held at Sherwood Elementary in the Alisal Area on May 24!

The County of Monterey Health Department’s Clinic Services Bureau is proud to unveil the newest way Monterey County residents can access health care services.  With 2 exam rooms, the new mobile clinic is equipped to provide primary care, mental health, and dental services.   The Clinic Services Bureau conducted its first small pilot clinic at Sherwood Elementary School in the Alisal area on Friday, May 24 providing oral fluoride application to kindergarten students. Starting in June, the mobile clinic will be offering dental services one day a week at the Health Department Administration building in Salinas. Later this year, the mobile clinic will be deployed at various school-based and community sites throughout the County to provide primary care and dental services for up to 40 hours per week.   “We are thrilled about the opportunity to better serve our residents where they live and learn” said Elsa Jimenez, County of Monterey Director of Health Services.  “This latest addition to ou

Brad Paisley Announced for The 2024 Mid-State Fair!

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce Brad Paisley has been confirmed to perform on Saturday, July 20. An opening act will be announced at a later date. The show will take place at 7:30 pm in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Ticket prices for the show are $125, $100, $70, and $50 and will go on sale Friday, May 31, 2024, starting at 10:00 am to the general public. New this year is a program called “Local Fan of the Fair” which will allow registered local fans 1-hour early access to purchase tickets. For more information about this early access, please visit www.MidStateFair.com. Tickets can be purchased on the California Mid-State Fair’s Official website www.MidStateFair.com. The Box Office cannot guarantee the authenticity or validity of any tickets purchased outside of our official channel. Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most

Important Dates for the Hartnell Community College District Trustee Area 6 Special Vacancy Election

  SALINAS, CA – The Hartnell Community College District will hold a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, to fill a vacancy in Trustee Area 6. Voters are encouraged to vote early by attending one of our Books and Ballots events listed below or at Monterey County Elections, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.   Important Dates: May 28     Last day to request a replacement vote by mail ballot.     Last recommended day to mail your ballot. May 28 Books and Ballots at Gonzales Library     Vote in person from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.     Located at 851 5th St, Gonzales May 29 Books and Ballots at Soledad Library     Vote in person from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.     Located at 401 Gabilan Drive, Soledad June 4 Last day to vote! Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.     Last day to return your ballot is by 8 p.m. in person to an official return location.     Ballots postmarked by this date must be received by Tuesday, June 11, 2024.   The local voter guide is available online at https://tinyurl.com/Har

Blanco, Reservation and River Roads Seal Coat Project to Begin in Monterey County on May 29

  The County of Monterey announces a seal coat road project will begin Wednesday, May 29, 2024. This work will take place on the follow roads over the next two months. Please watch for signage or traffic controls. • Blanco Road, from Davis Road to Luther Way • Reservation Road, from Davis Road to Portola Drive • Reservation Road, from East Garrison Drive to Panziera Road • River Road, From 1.3 miles west of Chualar River Road to 2.6 miles west of Chualar River Road This project will take approximately 2 months and is expected to be complete by the end of July 2024. The work to be done includes performing localize pavement repair, applying asphalt binder on the existing pavement surface, followed by an application of gravel, and placing new pavement delineation. This preventative maintenance work will provide a new wearing course on the existing pavement surface, extending the life of the pavement. Work will occur during the day between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Traffic control

California Rodeo Salinas is Seeking National Anthem Singers for 2024 Rodeo Performances

  Salinas, CA – May 23, 2024 - Have you ever dreamed of singing the National Anthem at a premier rodeo event? The California Rodeo Salinas is offering aspiring singers the chance to showcase their talent at the largest rodeo in California!   The California Rodeo Salinas is looking for singers to perform the National Anthem on Wednesday, July 17 for the Big Week Bull Riding event and from Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21 for each performance of the California Rodeo Salinas.   Here's how to apply:  1.   Fill out the online application form and submit it by June 14- https://www.carodeo.com/events/2024/national-anthem  2.  Include a link to your National Anthem performance (e.g., YouTube).  3. Await notification to see if you've been selected!   The application deadline is Friday, June 14. A committee will review all submissions, and selected singers will be notified after July 1.   "We are excited to offer this opportunity to talented singers who want to be part of the Ca

Hitchcock Road Animal Services in Salinas is joining statewide Adopt-Pet Day on June 1!

  Salinas, CA - Hitchcock Road Animal Services, located at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas, is proud to announce its participation in the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day organized by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Scheduled for Saturday, June 1, this Statewide initiative aims to find loving homes for over 2,024 shelter pets across California.   More than 150 animal shelters and organizations throughout the State will be offering free adoptions as part of this groundbreaking event. The ASPCA has generously committed to covering adoption fees for participating shelters, ensuring that the adoption process is accessible to all. “California shelters are facing enormous pressures due to overcrowding conditions, as the number of animals entering shelters is outpacing those leaving,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “B

Rep. Lofgren Announces $6.7M for San Benito County to Improve Regional Water Infrastructure

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, May 22 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that San Benito County will receive $6,700,000 from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to increase the water supply in the region and better store water.   “As our country faces the effects of extreme heat and prolonged droughts, it is vital to make investments that expand and improve our water supply. The reliable movement and storage of treated water can be easily overlooked by working families day in and day out, but it matters greatly to our lives and livelihood. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Democrats passed in the last Congress, federal funding is flowing in that makes our local communities more efficient and resilient,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.    According to BOR, the project – called the San Benito County Water District's Accelerated Drought Response Project – will provide injection and storage of up to 2,700 acre-feet per year of treated wa

Online Applications Are Now Being Accepted for Employment and Volunteer Positions at the 2024 Mid-State Fair

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Online applications are now being accepted for multiple employment and volunteer opportunities at the 2024 California Mid-State Fair. The Fair is looking for people who would be interested in temporary work this summer in the categories of Admissions, Event Staff, Maintenance, and Stagehands. In addition, the Fair’s “Friends of the Fair” program is looking for people who wish to volunteer their time organizing and implementing the 2024 Fair. Volunteers truly bring the fairgrounds to life as they help manage the Exhibits program, decorate the buildings, and assist guests throughout the 12-day event. Volunteers are asked to dedicate at least 10 hours helping at one workday before the Fair and at least one 2-hour shift during the Fair. To learn more and to apply to work and/or volunteer, please visit the Applications page on our website www.MidStateFair.com. The 2024 California Mid-State Fair runs July 17 through July 28 and this year’s theme is “Wide Open Spaces!”.

2024 Home Brewing Competition Results; Arroyo Grande Man Takes Best of Show

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Home Brew Competition sponsored by Doc’s Cellar. Central coast brewers alike were represented well with entries of all styles. "I was duly impressed by last year's competition and yet this year the field was even stronger. There are truly many skilled homebrewers in our area and it's hard to believe that two very difficult to brew styles are atop this year's results,” says Chief Judge Jason Affourtit. “The competition in our Best of Show round was fierce, and we were fortunate to have the support of very knowledgeable judges to evaluate all the beers that were entered.” The Fair would like to thank first year chief judge Jason Affourtit and all the judges for their time and expertise in making the competition go so smoothly. Many thanks to Doc’s Cellar for their continued support and help with the competition. BEST OF AWARDS: • Best of Show: Mike Meko, Arroyo Grande, Belg

SMCRWF is Seeking Items to Send to Troops Serving Overseas

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be collecting items to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas on Tuesday, June 4. If you would like to participate in this ongoing project, please drop off items for the troops at the Rustler Newspaper office from 10am-4pm, 522-B Broadway St. in King City or the King City Library, 402 Broadway.  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. Go to www.occ-usa.org to find a "wish list" of requested items and more information about Operation: Care and Comfort.  A list of desired items for the troop boxes is also available at the Rustler office or the Library. Money donations can be cash, check or money order made payable to Operation: Care and Comfort. For more information on this outreach project, call Kathy Imamura at (408) 802-4437.

King City Community Power (KCCP) to Issue Rebate Gift Cards to Residential Customers

The majority of King City Community Power (KCCP) residential customers will receive a gift card from KCCP sometime during the week of May 19.  As a community operated power provider, KCCP is able to dedicate excess revenues to the community through projects addressing community needs, lower rates, or rebates. In the absence of KCCP, these revenues would become corporate profits for the utility company.  This year, the City Council voted to dedicate over 75% of the available excess revenues in rebates to customers in the form of a one-time gift card.   The criteria for receiving a rebate are based on timely payments, minimum usage and type of account.  As a result, customers may receive higher or lower gift card amounts, or some may not receive a gift card if they do not meet the minimum criteria.   The card value expires on the date noted on the card.  Therefore, customers are encouraged to activate the card as soon as possible to enjoy the benefits.  It is also important to write down

Rep. Lofgren Announces Nearly $12.5 Million for Wastewater Infrastructure in San Juan Bautista

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, May 16 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren announced that the City of San Juan Bautista will receive $12,492,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a combination of grants and low-cost federal loans to improve wastewater infrastructure.   “Proper water infrastructure – that prevents contamination and allows for clean drinking water – is a basic need in communities. I applaud this federal funding that will protect our environment and ensure people stay healthy. Thanks in part to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which House Democrats passed in the last Congress, neighbors in San Juan Bautista will have cleaner and safer water resources,” said Rep. Lofgren.   The City of San Juan Bautista will receive a loan of $10,268,000 and a grant of $2,224,000.   The USDA funding comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grants program, which supports rural clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste dispo

Speaker Robert Rivas Appoints Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President Tahra Goraya to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs

  (May 8, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya has been appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs by the Honorable Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly. Established in 2002, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is charged with elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) in the state. “As the daughter of Pakistani Punjabi Muslim immigrant parents and an advocate for shared economic growth and prosperity for all, I am deeply honored to accept this important role,” said Goraya. “I look forward to uplifting the voices and needs of our diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across California and the Monterey Bay region specifically.”  “Ms. Tahra Goraya’s life experiences and accomplishments in public service, civic engagement and public policy make her a p

May 20 is the Last Day to Register to Vote for the June 4 – Hartnell Community College District, Trustee Area 6, Special Vacancy Election

  SALINAS, CA — The last day to register to vote for the June 4 – Hartnell Community College District, Trustee Area 6, Special Vacancy Election is Monday, May 20, 2024. Eligible citizens can register to vote: ·       Online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov by 11:59 p.m. on May 20, 2024; ·       In-person by 5 p.m. at the Monterey County Elections office, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas; ·       By mail, completing a paper voter registration application, postmarked by May 20, 2024. The forms are available at libraries, post offices, DMV, and city/county offices.   To register to vote, you must be: (1) a United States Citizen; (2) a California resident; (3) at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; (4) not be in federal or state prison for the conviction of a felony; and (5) not found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.   Voters who miss the registration deadline can still register conditionally and cast a provisional ballot in person at any early vote location

Chair Lofgren Announces Nearly $64 Million for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in California

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, May 14 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), the elected chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CDCD), announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHA) will distribute $63,702,988 to the California Department of Transportation to repair and replace electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.   “Climate change poses a serious threat, and investments must be made in sensible and environmentally-friendly solutions like electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This important federal funding will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote EV adoption, expand the EV workforce, and spur economic growth across California,” said Rep. Lofgren.   This funding comes from the FHA’s Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program, which supports the repair and replacement of broken and non-operational electric vehicle charging ports.   The FHA funding was provided by th

City of King Unfunded Priority Needs Plan Public Hearing on May 14

The City of King has made substantial progress over the past several years in becoming financially solvent.  It has come from a $5 million negative General Fund balance to a reserve of over $3 million while addressing a number of other priorities.  2023 was the first time the City had a positive General Fund balance in 20 years.   However, since the City went through such a lengthy financial crisis, there are a number of important needs that have been deferred over a long period of time that are not currently funded.  The King City City Council recently approved a draft 12-year plan of the highest priority needs that remain unfunded, which have been identified as street improvements, facility improvements, increased public safety staffing, street and park maintenance staffing and long-term financial stability.      Over the past several months, the City has been undertaking a number of community outreach efforts to educate everyone on the components of the plan. A public hearing has be

2 Vehicle Crash on Highway 101 Outside of King City on May 13

  A 2 vehicle wreck took place off of Highway 101 Northbound and Los Coches Road outside of King City at 1:26 pm on Monday afternoon, May 13. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the accident. 

An Evening of Music & Wine Featuring Cheap Trick Announced for the 2024 Mid-State Fair!

  The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that Cheap Trick has been confirmed to perform in concert Friday, July 26 at 7:30 pm. An Evening of Music & Wine with Cheap Trick will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Ticket prices for the show are $40 and $85 (Golden Circle) and will go on sale Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00 am to the general public. If you were a table holder in 2023, table renewal information will be sent to you via email at a later date. If you are interested in putting your name on the waiting list for a table, please email tickets@midstatefair.com.  New this year is a program called “Local Fan of the Fair” which will allow registered local fans 1-hour early access to purchase tickets. For more information about this early access please click HERE. Tickets can be purchased on the California Mid-State Fair’s Official website www.MidStateFair.com. The Box Office cannot gu

Sublime with Rome Announced for The 2024 Mid-State Fair!

(PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce Sublime with Rome have been confirmed to perform on Friday, July 19. An opening act will be announced at a later date. The show will take place at 7:30 pm in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Ticket prices for this general admission show are $50 and will go on sale Friday, May 17 at 10:00 am to the general public. New this year is a program called “Local Fan of the Fair” which will allow registered local fans 1-hour early access to purchase tickets. For more information about this early access please visit www.MidStateFair.com. Tickets can be purchased on the California Mid-State Fair’s Official website www.MidStateFair.com. The Box Office cannot guarantee the authenticity or validity of any tickets purchased outside of our official channel. Sublime with Rome is hitting the road one last time with an incredible lineup of musicians to join Rom

Salinas Valley Fair in King City to Unveil Newly Renovated Expo Building Honoring Nate Holaday’s Legacy on May 11

  KING CITY, CA – The Salinas Valley Fair is excited to announce the completion of the extensive renovation of the Expo Building, marking a new chapter in its storied history. The 12,000 square foot, multipurpose facility underwent upgrades in 2022 and 2023, transforming it into a venue for a wide array of community events. The renovation project focused on enhancing the functionality and accessibility of the Expo Building. Notable improvements include the installation of new ADA accessible bathrooms, a modern catering kitchen, upgraded flooring, and basketball hoops, among other enhancements. These updates ensure that the Expo Building meets the highest standards of comfort and convenience for all visitors. As a year-round venue, this Salinas Valley Fairgrounds building plays a crucial role in hosting private events, fundraisers, and sporting events, such as youth basketball and volleyball games. The multi-purpose design allows for seamless transitions between various activities, prov

Fatal 2 Vehicle Crash on Highway 68 Outside of Salinas on May 10

The Monterey CHP reports that at least 2 people were tragically killed as a result of a fatal 2 vehicle collision on Highway 68 at Spreckels Boulevard outside of Salinas at 4:40 pm on Friday afternoon, May 10. The westbound number 2 lane was closed for several hours, while Offramp at Spreckles was also shutdown. The cause of the accident is unknown. 

1 Vehicle Wreck Outside of Greenfield on Highway 101 on May 10

  A 1 vehicle crash happened on Highway 101 Southbound and Arroyo Seco Road outside of Greenfield at 4:04 pm on Friday afternoon, May 10. No injuries were reported.

3 Men Arrested for Mass Shooting in King City, Double Homicide in South Monterey County and Armed Robbery Incident in Salinas

  On Friday May 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM, The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, King City Police Department and Salinas Police Department held a joint press conference to announce that arrests have been made related to the King City mass shooting that occurred on March 3, 2024 that left 4 people dead and the South Monterey County double homicide that occurred on February 4, 2024 that resulted in the deaths of 2 cousins. Also announced were charges related to a Salinas Armed Robbery. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stood present with representatives from the nearly 30 local, regional, state and federal law enforcement agencies that assisted in the ongoing investigation into these tragic incidents. She presented details of the South Monterey County double homicide that occurred on February 4, 2024, that left cousins Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola dead of apparent gunshot wounds. She then presented details of the King City Mass shooting that occurred on March 3, 2024, in which 11 persons

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, King City Police Department and Salinas Police Department To Hold a Press Conference on May 10 Announcing Significant Developments in the King City Mass Shooting, South Monterey County Double Homicide and Salinas Armed Robbery

 The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, King City Police Department and Salinas Police Department will hold a joint press conference on Friday May 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM to make a major announcement regarding significant developments related to the double homicide that occurred on February 2, 2024, in South Monterey County, the King City Mass Shooting that occurred on March 3, 2024, and an armed robbery that occurred in the City of Salinas. Speaking at the press conference will be Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, King City Police Chief James Hunt, Interim Salinas Police Chief John Murray, District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez and King City Mayor Mike LeBarre. The press conference will be held at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office located at 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906.

Online Applications Available for Mission Market Place at the 2024 Mid-State Fair! 20 Local Artisans and Producers Will Be Chosen to Participate This Summer!

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Online applications for the 2024 California Mid-State Fair’s Mission Market Place are now available. The Mission Market Place is designed to showcase the Central Coast’s best products and locally made goods. It will give twenty artisans, growers, and producers a home to showcase their items to over 330,000 fairgoers. Product examples could include artisan cheeses, honey, olive oil, vinegars, almonds, walnuts, teas, coffees, dried fruit, spices, jerky, preserved food, hand crafted and repurposed items, and products that have a unique story to the Central Coast. The Fair will provide each of the participants with product placement in the Mission Market Place located in Estrella Hall, the Fair’s largest indoor commercial building, along with staffing of the area. Vendors must provide the product and pricing, and the Fair will do the rest. Vendor spaces cost $435.00 plus 20% commission on products and services sold. Vendors who participate beyond product display by of

Tri-County Collaborative Receives a CDPH Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Grant of Over $1.2 Million

  Tri-County Collaborative has been awarded a CDPH Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Grant to Tackle Rising Overdose Rates. Tuesday, May 7, marked Fentanyl Awareness Day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and has contributed to a staggering rise in opioid-related deaths in recent years. Unbeknownst to people using drugs, fentanyl is frequently and cheaply mixed into other substances like counterfeit prescription pills and other drugs. Combined with its potency, this makes it a particularly lethal substance, often leading to accidental poisonings, overdoses, and fatalities, even in small doses. Fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise across the Central Coast region in 2023 claiming over 200 lives last year alone (California Overdose Surveillance Data Dashboard; Coroner-Sheriff's Offic

SPCA Wildlife Center Continues to Rescue Pelicans in Distress

  SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is continuing to rescue pelicans in distress.  The SPCA Wildlife Center has rescued 52 pelicans since April 19, including 12 from another wildlife rescue that asked for assistance.  The pelicans are all thin or emaciated with poor blood values. They are unable to fly and in need of immediate rescue.  The SPCA Wildlife Center is stabilizing the rescued pelicans, most of which are in serious to critical condition. The pelicans eat 25 to 50 pounds of fish per day.  Monetary donations are greatly appreciated to help the nonprofit SPCA Monterey County purchase the food and supplies needed for the pelicans and all their wild patients. Donations can be made online at www.spcamc.org/donate.  The pelicans are often being found in unusual places across Monterey County, including on Alvarado Street and Camino Aguajito in Monterey, in the middle of Carmel Valley Road, in Point Lobos, at the Monterey Coast Guard Pier, on Cannery Row,

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office to Host Memorial Service on May 8 in Salinas Honoring Deputies Who Have Lost Their Lives In The Line Of Duty

On Wednesday May 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will host a public memorial service to honor the memories of the 10 deputies who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the nearly 174-year history of the department. The ceremony will be held at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Memorial Wall located in front of the main office at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas. Sheriff Tina Nieto, along with local dignitaries and the men and women of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will gather as the names of our fallen deputies are read aloud along with the story behind the ultimate sacrifice, they each made while serving the residents of Monterey County. This ceremony coincides with California Police Week, during which the names of 7 law enforcement officers were recognized and honored for giving their lives in the line of duty serving the citizens of California. It also precedes National Police Week which is from Sunday May 12 through Saturday May 19, 2024. Durin

3 Vehicle Wreck on Highway 101 in Chualar on May 6

  A 3 vehicle collision happened on Highway 101 Southbound in the Chualar area at 5:30 pm on Monday night, May 6. Injuries were reported as a result of the accident. 

District 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to Announce $2.1 Million in Federal Funding for Salinas Workforce Development & King City Projects

  SALINAS, CA – On Friday, May 10, 2024 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) will hold 2 events to present checks appropriated by Congress for 3 projects totaling $2,100,000.   The first event will take place at 10:00amPT on the Racho Cielo Youth Campus located at 710 Old Stage Road in Salinas. Rep. Lofgren will be joined by CEO, Chris Devers, and a student at the Drummond Culinary Academy who is an aspiring pastry chef, Kaitlyn Davis. A $1 million check will be presented to help expand the Drummond Culinary Academy, which primarily serves minority and at-promise youth by allowing them to build new skills that are much-needed in the hospitality industry.   The second event will take place at 12:00pmPT at King City City Hall located at 212 South Vanderhurst Avenue in King City. Rep. Lofgren will be joined by King City Mayor Mike LeBarre and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. A $600,000 check will be presented for a project to create an electric vehicle charging station in downtow

Republican Candidate for Congress in the 19th District Jason Anderson to Speak at the SMCRWF Meeting and Luncheon in King City on May 7

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant, 611 Canal Street, King City. The guest speaker will be Jason Anderson, Republican candidate for Congress in the 19th District. Anderson will discuss his candidacy and qualifications for office. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or e-mail karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

Man in King City Arrested on May 3 for Stabbing Incident

  On Thursday night, May 2, 2024, at approximately 10:00 PM Officers from the King City Police Department were dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street for a report of a stabbing incident.       Upon arrival, Officers contacted the victim, a 40-year-old male, who reported that 42-year-old Rene Correa had stabbed him in the upper torso near his shoulder. The victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center for his stab wound where he is listed in stable condition.      Officers and Detectives from the King City PD authored a search warrant for the suspect's residence serving it in the morning hours of Friday, May 3, 2024. The suspect Correa and evidence were located, and the suspect was eventually booked into the Monterey County Jail on the charge of 245(a) PC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon.      Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (831) 385-4848; Captain Robert Masterson at (831) 385-4848 or rmasters

Greenfield Man Busted in Motorcycle Chase in Templeton on May 2

  CHP officers and other law enforcement agencies arrested 25-year-old Seth Peyton Mays of Greenfield man in Templeton on Thursday, May 2 as a result of a motorcycle pursuit that started in Monterey County. The chase began at around 7:49 a.m. when a King City CHP officer attempted to overtake the high-speed motorcycle traveling 130 mph on southbound Highway 101 near Jolon Road. A CHP helicopter found the motorcycle matching the description traveling at 110 mph. Despite multiple attempts both in Monterey County and then in SLO County to pull over the motorcycle, the rider intentionally accelerated to speeds in excess of 140 mph while splitting traffic prior to fleeing westbound on State Route 46 West towards Cambria. East of the Vineyard Drive roundabout, officers again attempted to stop the motorcycle and the rider passed over double yellow lines at high rates of speed in an attempt to elude capture. Once at the roundabout, the rider fled southbound on Vineyard Drive until CHP units ca

Spring Into Love Adoption Event Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5 at the SPCA Monterey County!

  Spring has most definitely sprung, and love is in the air!  Find a lifetime of love during SPCA Monterey County’s Adoption Event on Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. During the event, you get to pick the adoption fee for all pets six months and older!  During the event, you get to choose the adoption fee on all pets ages six months and older. That’s right, every pet - from dogs and cats to rabbits, guinea pigs, doves, bearded dragons, red-eared sliders, and more are waiting just for you.  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. We recommend arriving early - no holds will be available during the event.  Donations and gifts of pet food are gratefully appreciated.  For more information, please call The SPCA at 831-373-2631 or www.Face