Month: August 2025

Katie Nicora

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — One of Monterey County’s busiest roadways — the Highway 156 Castroville Boulevard interchange — is now fully funded, according to Supervisor Luis Alejo.

Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) adding that a new four-lane highway will be built parallel to the existing, two-lane highway with new interchanges constructed at Castroville Boulevard and Highway 101.

The goal is to improve local access and safety at intersections as well as provide traffic relief for the 32,000 vehicles traveling through the area daily.

The project is expected to support $2 billion per year in visitor spending, and close to $4 billion for the agriculture industry.

Supervisor Alejo adding that, once completed, it will also unlock the Chispa Castroville Oaks Affordable Housing Subdivision, paving the way for 90 homes and 124 apartments.

Groundbreaking is expected late next year. 

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Briana Mathaw

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) – A Salinas neighborhood is raising safety concerns about a busy intersection where three schools are located nearby. Parents and residents say it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt if nothing is done.

The intersection of Alvin Drive and North First Street sees constant foot traffic from students and families. Neighbors say the lack of a four-way stop and the high speed of cars have created dangerous conditions.

“This intersection gets really busy with cars and pedestrians, with the kids going home. And, yeah, it’s really dangerous.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

Guillermo uses the intersection several times a day and says the problem is clear.

“I use it five, six times a day, and it’s just really dangerous, you know, from North First Street trying to cross Alvin Drive. There’s no stop sign. So you get the traffic that’s coming to and from North Main Street.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

“We hear cars going right and going zooming past.” Juan Paredes said.

“Sometimes some cars don’t stop right here.” Juan Paredes said.

A year and a half ago, a child was hit by a car while riding a bike in the same intersection. Neighbors remember it as a close call.

“About a year and a half ago, there was a kid that got hit at this very intersection on a bike. Luckily, the kid lived. But, yeah, I mean, it would make a big difference if they would make this a four-way stop sign.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

Speeding is another major issue, especially at night.

“Some cars pass really fast going, going like around, 30, 30, 32, I think, to 35mph here.” Juan Paredes said.

“It would make a big difference if they would make this a four-way stop sign.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

However, the City of Salinas says changes like adding stop signs can’t be made without meeting strict federal guidelines.

“There are specific national warrants. We use a manual to move to city, that specifies what warrants, volume, accidents.” Adriana Robles said.

Guillermo says he’s frustrated the city isn’t prioritizing safety.

“Between 2:30 and 3:30, this intersection gets really busy with cars and pedestrians, with the kids going home. And, yeah, it’s really dangerous. Really dangerous.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

“It comes to the point where I don’t even let my kids, you know, cross this intersection.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

Residents are calling for more than just a stop sign. They want broader safety improvements.

“If they were to light up this crosswalk, you know, make it safer. But, you know, my main thing was, again, not just for the pedestrians. It’s for the traffic also. So I assume maybe putting up two more stop signs.” Guillermo Hernandez said.

The City of Salinas encourages residents to file official traffic calming requests through the Salinas Connect app or directly at City Hall.

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Jeanette Bent

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Ramsay Park Renaissance Project is in full swing and just past its halfway mark.

The City of Watsonville saying that crews have already harvested eucalyptus trees and re-purposed some of the benches at the dog park.

Grading at the all-inclusive playground is almost done, and construction of a maintenance building at the Sotomayor Soccer Field continues.

The whole project is expected to be done by spring 2026.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Ramsay Park Renaissance Project today

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Watsonville held a groundbreaking ceremony for Ramsay Park’s new Renaissance Project, an inclusive community recreational park, playground and athletic space.

Ramsay is Watsonville’s largest park and a well-loved recreational resource. The Renaissance Project is five years in the making and promises to allow access to the park’s pump track, skatepark, tennis courts and Soccer Central to people during construction of the new development. 

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey towards revitalizing Ramsay Park,” wrote the City of Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter in a press release. “We look forward to the positive impact that this project will have on our community for generations to come.”

The upgraded facilities include a renovation to the Sotomayer soccer field, a different multi-use sports field, an inclusive and sensory playground, small and large dog play areas, as well as a 3,500 sq. ft. nature center with culturally relevant exhibits and educational programs.

Funding for the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project took a total of $33 million and came from Measure R, State Grants via Assembly Member Robert Rivas, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the City of Watsonville.

For more information about the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project, please visit the City of Watsonville’s website at watsonville.gov/2252/Ramsay-Park-Renaissance-Project.

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