Monterey County Dispatchers Commended for Exceptional Performance During 2 Critical Search-and-Rescue Incidents in 2025

Monterey County, CA — County of Monterey Emergency Communications Department on December 4 proudly recognized the outstanding actions of Dispatchers Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark, whose professionalism and technical expertise directly contributed to the safe recovery of 2 lost hikers in separate incidents this fall.

On October 18, 2025, Veteran Dispatcher Dawn McNeil received a 9-1-1 call from a young woman who became lost while hiking with her dog in San Lorenzo Park in South Monterey County. Disoriented and increasingly panicked after circling dense brush, the caller sought emergency assistance. McNeil remained calm and reassuring, leveraging RapidSOS technology to accurately determine the caller’s location. Over the course of approximately 13 minutes, she provided step-by-step guidance, safely directing the hiker and her dog back to their vehicle.

In a separate incident on November 4, 2025, at approximately 6 pm Dispatcher Donald Clark managed a 9-1-1 call from a young woman lost in Point Lobos State Park after nightfall. Clark immediately accessed RapidSOS to identify her exact position within the park and stayed on the line for 24 minutes, offering detailed, turn-by-turn instructions. His composed and steady guidance enabled the caller to navigate back to her vehicle safely along the highway.

These incidents highlight exemplary composure, operational skill, and the effective use of advanced location technology. McNeil and Clark’s actions reflect the core mission of the 9-1-1 system: providing calm, professional, and life-saving support in moments of urgent need.

Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark are hereby formally commended for their exceptional performance and exemplary application of technology in the service of public safety.

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

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

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

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

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield. The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding. The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada. Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.

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