KRKC COUNTRY

A 1 vehicle rollover occurred outside of Greenfield off of Paraiso Springs Road on Wednesday night, August 12 at 7:05 pm. The King City CHP reports that the driver was operating a brown Chevy Suburban that went down an embankment on private property. The driver received moderate to major injuries from the accident and was transported by a CalStar helicopter to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

As a gifted community leader who was passionate about improving lives and creating opportunity in the Salinas Valley, Alfred Díaz-Infante dedicated himself personally and professionally to Hartnell College in ways that will long endure. Díaz-Infante, who passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 9 at age 60, was president and CEO of CHISPA (Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning), Inc., a non-profit developer and provider of affordable housing based in Salinas. Since 1982, CHISPA has built and renovated 2,447 single-family homes and apartments for low and moderate-income people in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. He is survived by Elvira, his wife of 31 years; their three grown children, Carina, Alexis and Marco; and a new grandchild. “Our hearts go out to the Díaz-Infante family as we share in mourning this immeasurable loss,” said Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, interim superintendent/president of the Hartnell Community College District. “Alfred contributed enormously to Har...

Monterey, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, August 11 that her office, along with 22 other District Attorney’s Offices in California, resolved four “greenwashing” cases with the following companies: Chewy, Inc.; Petsmart LLC; Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; and Target Corporation. These cases were based on allegations that the companies sold pet waste bags and other plastic products to California residents that were labeled with misleading environmental claims regarding their biodegradability, in violation of California law. “Pet lovers who want to reduce their environmental impact are often targeted by deceptive advertising claims touting supposed environmental benefits of certain plastic bags,” said District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni. “These greenwashing settlements are a win for consumers who have been misled regarding the environmental impact of certain plastic products that they purchase.” “Greenwashing” refers to deceptive ma...

SALINAS, CA, August 11, 2021 – The 90th annual Kiddie Kapers Parade, presented by Sakata Seed America, will start at 3pm on Sunday, September 19th at the Salinas Recreation Center in the Salinas City Center (formerly known as Old Town Salinas). The theme this year is ‘Ready to Rodeo’ and the Grand Marshals are Salinas Police Department’s Comfort Dog, Buddy, and Officer Gabe Carvey, her owner. Buddy brings joy to the citizens of Salinas and the Police Department daily and will proudly lead the Kiddie Kapers Parade this year. No pre-registration is necessary to participate in the parade. The children in the parade are grouped into 8 divisions for judging. The divisions are Playground Floats, Cowboys & Cowgirls, Strollers & Wagons, Community Groups, Costumed Kids & Pets, Dance & Drill Teams, Group Floats and Rolling Riders (skates, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, bikes and trikes-helmets required). Everyone is encouraged to wear western clothing. Check in starts ...

On Tuesday, August 10 Monterey County Sheriff's Detectives with MADCAT and the Property Crimes Unit, were assisted by the SWAT Team with a search warrant at a residence in the city of Salinas. Detectives have been investigating a known gang member, 35-year-old Mario Martinez of King City. With the assistance of their K9 “Olive”, detectives located multiple firearms. Two of the firearms were found to be “Ghost guns” and modified to be fully automatic. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on various weapons and child endangerment related charges. K9 Olive joined has located over 20 Illegally possessed firearms in the past month.

PASO ROBLES (CA) – Rebounding from a 2020 which saw the California Mid-State Fair completely cancelled due to Covid-19, the 2021 Fair returned for 12 full days, Jul 21 – Aug 1. Following all current safety protocols from the State and County, the Fair featured all the usual attractions: 4-H and FFA Exhibitors, Carnival rides, Exhibits, Food, Shopping and Live Music – albeit in a ‘modified’ fashion. The Fair was technically celebrating its 75th anniversary. Interim CEO Colleen Bojorquez said, “What we saw this year was the absolute best in our community. From the attendance numbers to the money raised in support of our Livestock exhibitors, I am literally speechless. ‘Thrilled’ and ‘grateful’ would be the two emotions I’m feeling right now at the community support of the Fair.” LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS Revenue from the 2021 livestock auctions raised $2,302,120 on 515 animals (with Add-Ons, official). Of that, $409,750 came from the Replacement Heifer Sale and $1,892,370 came from the Junior ...

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) released the following statement on the tragic passing of Alfred Diaz-Infante, President and CEO of CHISPA, the largest private, nonprofit housing developer based in Monterey County. “Alfred Diaz-Infante embodied the California Dream and was without question one of Monterey County’s finest leaders ever. The son of farmworkers, Alfred spent his life working to improve the lives of others. His relentless pursuit of safe, decent, affordable housing transformed the lives of thousands of local families. We are all better off for having known him and learned from him. My heart goes out to the Diaz-Infante family and our entire community as we mourn Alfred’s loss. May we all work to live up to his legacy.” Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) represents California’s 30th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of the cities and towns of Aromas, Big Sur, Chualar, Gilroy, Greenfield, Gonzales, Hollister, King City, Morgan Hill, ...