King City responds to youth violence with a plan of action

KION on April 11, 2025

Jeanette Bent

KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) — King City is looking to address a recent uptick in youth violence as the city council took first steps in developing a comprehensive plan during Tuesday night’s meeting.

The city says that this is a response to the steady increase in gang violence that has erupted since the pandemic, citing that in 2023 there were 14 shootings, 24 shootings in 2024 and one shooting in 2025 so far.

The city says that data from 2024 was inflated due to the mass shooting, but trends are still at an “unacceptable” level.

The first phase of King City’s plan to end youth violence was adopted in 2017, and showed immediate results.

According to the city, the overall number of shootings that took place fell dramatically from 32 to one in its first year.

However, the report also showed that shootings in the city have been on the rise in recent years, leading the council to take action.

Amid market turmoil, Mid Oregon Credit Union CEO offers some guidance on what to do about your 401(k)

KTVZ on April 11, 2025

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With the stock market in the midst of some tumultuous times, many people are worried about the future of their 401(k) retirement savings. For some guidance, KTVZ News spoke Monday with the CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union.

In an interview, CEO Kevin Cole stressed that this is not a time to panic. The recent market fall, somewhat lessened on Monday, will impact you differently, depending on how close you are to retiring. If you’re in a position to delay your retirement, doing so might help you wait it out.

Most importantly, your financial situation is unique to you, and you should meet with a financial advisor to get advice.

“I think of this as, you know, working on your car, right?” Cole said. “Cars these days are super-complicated, and most people when they need a repair or a service, they go to a trained professional.

“Yet: a shocking number of people don’t think that they need to do the same thing with their finances, and that’s where a lot of people make a mistake. So in a lot of cases, a trained financial professional is going to be able to give you advice that’s going to help you maximize the return on your investments.”

Cole says it’s also reassuring the market in Central Oregon is slightly insulated from the national market. For better or for worse, there’s no Fortune 500 company based in our area, and that shields us from some things.

“Central Oregon tends to have a more diverse and more a wider range of smaller companies as its economic base,” Cole said. “And in a situation like this, where there’s a lot of market volatility, that can be an advantage to an area.”

Investing and banking locally can help our economy stay afloat, the Mid Oregon official says. By keeping your money here in Central Oregon, you support your own community and ensure greater stability.

Deschutes National Forest seeks public input on revised fuels reduction plan covering nearly 153,000 acres

KTVZ on April 11, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest announced Tuesday it is seeking public input on its Fuels Maintenance Treatments Project, covering nearly 153,000 acres across the east side of the forest in Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake counties.

Since 2000, the Deschutes National Forest has planned and implemented hazardous fuels reduction projects to reduce the risk of undesirable wildfire impacts to the communities and infrastructure of Central Oregon.

“There is a need to maintain and improve the conditions in these previously treated areas to continue to promote forest resilience against large-scale disturbance events such as high-intensity wildfire, damaging insects, and disease,” the announcement said.

The proposal includes maintenance treatments for almost 153,000 acres, including around 91,000 acres within the Wildland Urban Interface.

The treatments would occur in areas that were previously treated between 2000 and 2020. In most units, implementation would occur roughly 10 years after previous hazardous fuels reduction work was completed, or when fuel conditions would lead to elevated fire risk.

Maintenance treatments would include thinning, mowing and mastication, and prescribed burning. Treatments may be applied individually or in combination to meet the desired condition for each unit.

The public comment period comes nearly two years after the forest initially invited “scoping” comments on the fuels reduction project, which at that time was expected could cover a much larger area, of 275,000 acres.

In the new draft environmental assessment, the Forest Service said the plans were modified in several ways in response to scoping comments and further specialist review. For example, all northern spotted owl nesting, roosting and foraging habitat was dropped, as were all units within the Northwest Forest Plan boundaries.

The 30-day comment period opened Tuesday and closes on Thursday, May 8. Comments received after the close of the 30-day comment period will be considered but will not have standing for objection, officials said.

Comments may be submitted electronically using CARA (Comment Analysis and Response Application). This is the preferred method for receiving comments, officials said. Submit electronic comments using CARA by clicking the Comment on this Project link in the right-side menu of the project webpage or by going directly to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=63892.

Comments may also be submitted by mail to Holly Jewkes, c/o Cristina Peterson, Deschutes National Forest, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701.

The draft Environmental Analysis (EA) can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/deschutes/?project=63892. Members of the public may contact Cristina Peterson, Assistant Forest Environmental Coordinator, at 541-383-5578 or cristina.peterson@usda.gov to request a copy of the EA or ask questions about the project. 

Deschutes Fuels Maintenance Project Draft Environmental AssessmentDownload

Major improvements at Bend’s Sawyer Park due next year; open house on plans coming up soon

KTVZ on April 11, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District is working on a nearly $3 million improvement project at Sawyer Park and will share project information, including plans to mitigate potential impacts to cultural and historic resources at the site, at a Tuesday, April 22 open house from 5-7 p.m. at the park district offices, 799 SW Columbia Street.

Sawyer is one of Bend’s oldest and most beloved parks. Decades of use and increased visitors to the park each year have created the need for an improved entrance and parking lot. The existing amenities can no longer provide the functions and space needed for the park, the district says.

The project plans include relocating the parking area closer to O.B. Riley Road, adding accessible parking, habitat restoration, improving trail accessibility and the addition of a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.

The project was awarded over $1 million from a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant. As part of the grant program, there was a review of potential impacts the project may have on cultural and historic resources on the site. This project was determined to have an adverse effect on some of those resources.

“We worked with the National Park Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to create a plan to mitigate the impact of the adverse effects, and I will share information about that plan at the open house,” said Bronwen Mastro, BPR’sD landscape architect and project manager.

The meeting is open-house style and there will not be a formal presentation. Community members are encouraged to drop in at their convenience, if they would like to learn more.

The project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026. Learn more at the project webpage.

Waiting for the Bus: Royal Oaks families growing frustrated over school buses that sometimes never show up

KION on April 11, 2025

Victor Guzman

ROYAL OAKS, Calif. (KION-TV) — A Royal Oaks community is growing frustrated over the lack of bus service for students in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Families start the school days around 6 a.m. before the sun is out waiting for their bus.

Some have flashlights, hot tea and blankets as they wait patiently, hoping the oncoming headlights could somehow be the bus they’ve been waiting for.

But families say over at least the last three months, the buses just don’t show up.

“It’s not just a few kids at this bus stop,” a mother says. “The schools want children to attend but the district isn’t picking them up!”

Families will often have to resort to adjusting their morning routines to take their kids to school instead.

They also tell KION when letting the district know about the issue, and the possibility of keeping their kids at school, the schools say a late or absent bus is not a reason for the student to be absent. That the parents are responsible for driving them to school at that point.

The district says they recognize the issue they’re dealing with and point to a bus driver shortage.

“We are short 19 drivers, and we have to cover 420 routes every week,” says PVUSD Transportation Director Sarah Lemke.

Families living up some hills face specific access issues for school buses, too. The conditions force families to depend on neighbors to take their children to bus stops to wait for buses. But it loops back to the main issue: The buses don’t show up.

From there, the families say they work to get their kids to school, with some having to travel over five miles away.

Some of the families we talked to say while the district has a service that lets them know if a bus is coming or not, they often get a notice right as the scheduled pick-up time passes, adding to the frustration.

“The district is a little different from others,” says Lemke. “Some districts have a two hour all call, this one has a one hour. Sometimes drivers will call, we call dispatches, and it could be hard to accommodate.”

PVUSD also provided a written statement.

“We recognize the urgency of the situation and are actively working to expedite the process while maintaining the necessary safety and certification standards.”

PVUSD says they are planning to launch a training class in May or June of this year for new drivers.

‘One Battle After Another’ trailer showcases San Juan Bautista

KION on April 11, 2025

Nataly Gutierrez

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. (KION-TV) — A new trailer for “One Battle After Another,” partially shot in San Juan Bautista, has been released.

The film is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who recently directed “Licorice Pizza” and is known for “There Will Be Blood,” which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn.

The film itself was shot throughout parts of California from Humboldt County in Arcata and Eureka, Sacramento County and San Benito County in San Juan Bautista.

The plot is set around a group of ex-revoluntaries including DiCaprio’s character who is looking to get his daughter back inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland.”

The film will open in theaters on September 27.

Crews preparing for Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film set to take place in San Juan Bautista

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. (KION-TV) – The countdown starts now for Leonardo DiCaprio to be shooting scenes on the streets of San Juan Bautista for his upcoming new film.

People in San Juan Bautista might see actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn roaming around the city because they’ll be filming for a new movie and local businesses are getting ready to hopefully see Hollywood stars next Sunday.

“Hopefully we have more foot traffic for customers and actors hopefully they come to enjoy our burgers.” said Jesus Zavala, owner of JJ’s Homemade Burgers & Gigi’s Cafe.

San Juan Bautista is the backdrop for the new Paul Thomas Anderson film tentatively called the “BC Project.” Pre-production for the multiple movie sets in the city are underway.

“It’s going to take them 10 days to decorate the sets,” said San Juan Bautista City Manager, Don Reynolds, “So, this is the first crew to come out and they have furniture, they’re reinforcing floors, for heavy camera equipment and so forth.”

Reynolds said the movie is shooting at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, specifically the Plaza Hotel and the Zanetta house.

Filming runs from next Sunday through Wednesday after the project was delayed due to actors’ and writer’s strikes in Hollywood.

“When all those issues were cleared up, we got the green light and they bumped it up to February.” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said some businesses in downtown are usually closed Monday and Tuesdays, but some of them will be open because of the film.

For business owner Kammie Osborn, she said her business is open 7 days a week and hopes more people visit San Juan Bautista.

“Not only has it been all over the news, but drawing people before they’re even coming,” said Osborn, owner of Jans Rock Shop, “It gives San Juan exposure, this is a cute gem of a town.”

Reynolds said around 200 people who are part of the movie production will be in town starting Feb. 25.

Reynolds said the local hotels are booked and the film crew will be renting out the community center.

It is unknown when the Warner Bros. film will be released.

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Oregon Senate committee votes unanimously to repeal contentious wildfire hazard map, property maintenance rules

KTVZ on April 11, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted unanimously Tuesday to eliminate the state’s controversial wildfire hazard map, first introduced in 2021’s SB 762. The policy advanced Tuesday also scraps the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“Today is a milestone in our wildfire journey. As a whole, SB 762 programs have great support across the state, but the hazard map, which flunked the basic common-sense test for so many property owners, had Oregonians angry and divided,” said Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland).

“Repealing the map clears the way to good collaborative programs on the ground. Now the challenge is to fund them at the levels we need,” Golden said in a news release from the Senate Majority Office.

Senate Bill 83 now moves to the Senate floor for a vote by the whole chamber.

Republican lawmakers hailed the committee vote, calling it a crucial step toward repealing the controversial wildfire hazard map and the excessive regulations tied to it.

Senate and House Republicans released the following statement:

“Today, we’re celebrating with the thousands of Oregonians who have fought for this change. Rural Oregonians raised their voices and demanded action, and as a result, we’re finally seeing real progress.

“Senate Bill 83 puts power back in the hands of the people, not government bureaucrats. The wildfire hazard map caused fear and uncertainty, burdening families with costly and unfair one-size-fits-all mandates. This bill repeals that mess, empowers people to protect their homes without the threat of government interference, and focuses on practical solutions for wildfire prevention. With this step forward, we’re delivering the change that rural Oregon has long deserved.”

SB 83 empowers local communities to make decisions tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to take effective steps to protect their homes. It also ensures taxpayer dollars are spent where they have the most impact—supporting local efforts like defensible space, forest thinning, and wildfire readiness programs.

The measure now moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

In February, two Bend Democratic lawmakers, state Senator Anthony Broadman and Representative Emerson Levy, came out in favor of the map’s repeal. Broadman said it doesn’t “create an equitable system” or account for variations among individual properties.

Small town of Antelope gets a boost from Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund

KTVZ on April 11, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from grant recipient, Visit Central Oregon)

ANTELOPE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Antelope, located in North-Central Oregon, is one of Oregon’s smallest communities. Resident Brandee McNamee says tourism is key to its economic growth.

“When you have a small community of only 37 people, the entire tax base of this whole town only brings in a little over $6,000.” McNamee said Wednesday.

McNamee founded the Antelope 3 LLC project, aimed at creating a safe and inclusive stop for travelers passing through town.

This project was selected as one of the seven recipients of the Central Oregon Future Fund. The grant program will award a total of $280,000 to seven tourism-related projects this year.

Visit Central Oregon started the program a few years ago.

“We’re able to leverage local roads and lodging tax dollars to fund projects that go back to the community in a way that benefits residents and that benefits visitors,” said Visit Central Oregon President and CEO Scott Larson.

The grant money will fund the final phase of Antelope 3, adding four toilets, two showers and one outdoor shower in the Antelope Pavilion.

McNamee says the area originally offered only dry camping, but as more cyclists began passing through, she realized the facility needed an upgrade.

“Well, they’re not going to want to do RV pads, right? They want a short-term stay overnight,” McNamee said.

Visitation to Antelope has also grown since the area was designated as an International Dark Sky Community.

“I received a plethora of phone calls from folks that wanted to book, and I had to turn them away because I was like, ‘Sorry, we don’t have the amenities,'” McNamee said.

McNamee hopes improved amenities will attract more visitors, and maybe create some new jobs.

“Right now, Antelope doesn’t have one 40-hour a week full-time job,” he said. “So think if we create two jobs from this whole project, that’s a 200% increase in job growth.

“Without outside funding, such as tourism, there is no economically sustainable business model that you’re going to be able to do in a small town like this without it.”

The 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund Grantees include:

Antelope 3, LLC – Antelope Pavilion, Final Phase: The Antelope Pavilion project will provide a safe and inclusive “stopping place” for travelers looking to use restrooms, refill on water, and relax while on their rural travels, especially for Antelope Dark Skies.

“The Future Fund strengthens rural communities like Antelope by supporting tourism and local businesses, helping build a more sustainable local economy,” said Brandie McNamee, founder of Antelope Market and RV Park.

“Without tourism, a small town like Antelope (population 37) has very little to leverage. Repurposing lodging tax revenue allows towns like ours to leverage even more: Antelope’s total tax base is just $6,038 in 2024, but if the Antelope Cabins generate $150,000 annually, a 5% lodging tax would bring in $7,500—more than our entire current tax base. It’s a way to recycle dollars today to grow even more tomorrow.”

Dirty Freehub – High Desert Gravel Guide: The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide is a pocket-sized book featuring the best gravel cycling routes in Central Oregon. Featuring curated rides, local history, art, and cultural insights, it connects cyclists to the land and its communities.

“The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide project is more than a collection of great bike rides—it’s a bridge between visitors and the communities of Central Oregon,” said Kevin English, Director of Content & Technologies for Dirty Freehub, which is planning to publish its High Desert Gravel Guide in spring 2026.

“Thanks to support from the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund grant, we are creating a sustainable tourism asset that showcases our region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage and helps generate long-term economic benefits for rural towns like Maupin, Warm Springs, and Prineville. Visitors will connect with the land, spend where they ride, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the area’s stories and stewardship values.”

Explore Prineville – Golf “Fore” All: The Adaptive Golf Project: This will provide a Vertacat, an all-terrain adaptive golf cart, that Prineville’s local golf courses could provide for golfers—including both visitors to our community and locals—at no cost.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund for helping us enhance accessibility and enjoyment at our local golf facilities,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism at Explore Prineville. “Adding a stand-up golf cart will allow more people — including aging golfers and those with mobility challenges — to stay active and enjoy the game they love. It’s a fantastic example of how repurposed revenue from visitors can directly benefit both our community and our guests, making Prineville’s recreation offerings more inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Deschutes River Alliance – Troutfest 2025-Access Adventure Promotion: DRA will leverage Troutfest ‘25 to drive diverse and equitable tourism. This will include promotion beyond typical demographics, diverse instructors, and scholarships.

High Desert Museum – Our Place, Our Cultures: The High Desert Museum will launch a series of new exhibitions and programs that explore the unique landscapes of the High Desert through cultural, artistic, and scientific perspectives, driving broad audiences to Central Oregon.

Oregon Adaptive Sports – Access, Elevated: “Access, Elevated” develops opportunities for adaptive outdoor recreation in Central Oregon by extending ski seasons, creating fall biking programs, and launching an adaptive paddling program.

Tower Theatre Foundation – Enhanced ADA Accessibility at Tower Theatre: The Tower Theatre will replace a 20-year-old wheelchair lift for access to the stage from the auditorium and install a one-push automatic door at the ADA entrance on Wall Street, continuing the theatre’s long-standing commitment to accessibility.

Man sentenced 26 to life for the 2023 murder of his girlfriend’s mother

KION on April 11, 2025

Ricardo Tovar

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) – Kevin Durran Hart has been sentenced to 26 years to life for the 2023 murder of his then-girlfriend’s mom, Jackie Robinson.

The sentencing occurred this morning, with six of Robinson’s family members speaking at the sentencing.

According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Hart had beaten Robinson to death during an angry outburst, believing Robinson’s daughter had been unfaithful to him.

Seaside Police had found Hart covered in blood in Robinson’s home, with unsuccessful attempts made to save Robinson.

Man found guilty of first-degree murder in 2023 in Seaside, Monterey County DA’s Office

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County District Attorney’s office announced Friday that 47-year-old Kevin Durran Hart of Patterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing 65-year-old Jackie Robinson in her Seaside home in 2023.

The DA’s office says that a jury found that Hart used a deadly weapon during the murder. They say that he will be sentenced on May 7 this year.

According to the DA’s office, Hart is facing 26 years to life in prison for the crime.

The DA’s office says that on May 5, 2023, Hart was angered when he thought his girlfriend was unfaithful to him, prompting an angry outburst on his then-girlfriend’s mother, Robinson.

He entered Robinson’s home and “brutally beat her to death,” according to officials.

Seaside Police say that they found Hart in the home covered in blood, and that efforts to save Robinson’s life were unsuccessful.

Central Valley man accused of murdering elderly Seaside woman pleads not guilty

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE ON MAY 9, 2023, AT 3:48 PM- A man accused of murdering his girlfriend’s mother was arraigned in a Salinas courtroom Tuesday.

Kevin Durran Hart, 45, pled not guilty to charges of murder, with a special allegation he used a deadly weapon, and for resisting a peace officer, according to our reporter in court. He is due back in court on May 24 for his preliminary hearing. His bail remains set at $2,000,000, according to a Salinas judge.

His victim was identified as Jackie Robinson, 65, an usher at Bethel Missionary Baptists Church, according to Seaside Police.

ORIGINAL STORY

Seaside Police said they are investigating a murder that took place on Friday on the 1200 block of Hamilton Avenue.

Police said they arrived around 3 p.m. for a disturbance call. They found Kevin Durran Hart, 45, of Patterson, covered in blood, and a 65-year-old woman suffering from head trauma.

Hart attempted to fight the responding officers, but he was subdued. The victim, a long-time Seaside resident, was taken to the hospital but later passed of her injuries.

Hart was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail for murder, attack with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury, resisting a peace officer, torture, and kidnapping.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said the defendant is accused of beating his girlfriend’s mother with his bare hands and a piece of glass from a nearby table.

On Monday, he was scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. in a Salinas courtroom, but he refused transportation to court. His arraignment has been moved to Tuesday, said the district attorney’s office.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office filed charges for murder, with a special allegation he used a deadly weapon, and for resisting a peace officer, according to Seaside Police.

The district attorney’s office said his bail is set at $2,000,000.

Police will not yet release the name of the victim. When asked about how they knew each other, Seaside Police said they were not in a relationship and were acquainted.

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County of Santa Cruz seeking community input for Hazard Mitigation Plan

KION on April 11, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The County of Santa Cruz has announced that they are seeking public input to help the Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3) mitigate impacts from future disasters.

With the help of secured federal funding, OR3 say that they are creating a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) in partnership with nine other jurisdictions.

According to the county, this plan is to ensure continued eligibility for federal Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants.

They are asking members of the public to fill out a survey, which will help them to assess potential impact and propose targeted mitigation actions.

“By addressing vulnerabilities within each jurisdiction, the plan supports lifesaving measures, property protection, and environmental resilience and helps reduce the long-term risk of natural disasters,” according to the county.

The county says that the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires local governments to reassess and update their Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) every five years to reflect changes in population, infrastructure and disaster occurrences.

This effort covers unincorporated areas of the county as well as the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola andWatsonville, according to the county.

Other participating agencies include Soquel Creek Water District, Scotts Valley Water District, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Port District and Cabrillo College.

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