Driver alert: punctured water line disrupts traffic near Abbott and Harkins

Katie Nicora

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Salinas said that a water line was punctured at Abbott and Harkins roads that has been disrupting traffic in that area.

Although there are no current road closures, the city is asking drivers to be careful when traveling through the area.

We are working to learn the cause and when the issue will be resolved.

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Santa Cruz locals concerned over RV removal ordinance

jose.romo

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is discussing an ordinance to allow for abandoned oversized vehicles to be dismantled. This would apply to abandoned parked vehicles along unincorporated county roads.

Members of the public are now speaking out about what this would mean for people close or in close-to-home situations. 

“The problem that this ordinance update really seeks to address is the fact that our county code today doesn’t have any teeth,” said Supervisor Manu Koenig.

Supervisors chose to move forward with the ordinance with a 4-1 vote. 

“I think that really this ordinance did address, you know, what South County is facing with just abandoned vehicles,” said Supervisor Felipe Hernandez. “The question mark that all the board members had was, what happens, what’s the process for folks that actually live in their mobile home?” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez.

After hearing from public comment and the county Sheriff’s Office, supervisors opted to bring the ordinance to a new first reading in their next meeting. They approved adding language that would ensure enforcement incidents would include notices sent via mail and posted in both English and Spanish on the involved vehicles. 

The ordinance, co-authored by Supervisor Koenig and Hernandez, states that this is a recurring issue with some vehicles in the county being cited more than 120 times. 

“We have a lot of, unfortunately, people living in their vehicles. And if we take away their last home, they’re going to be out on the streets. It’s not solution-based.” Alicia Khul added that she was formally unhoused and lived in her RV. During that time, she mentions her RV was wrongfully labeled as abandoned multiple times. 

“The concerns are valid. The problem is the way that they are going about dealing with it,” Khul adds. “If we contribute to street-level homelessness, we’re not helping anybody. and that’s what this ordinance will do.” 

The Sheriff’s Office adding this ordinance would be helpful for their enforcement and also to provide resources to those in need. They say that some people often ignore deputies’ attempts to help. The sheriff’s office says fines for impoundment often have to be covered by their office, as many vehicles have their VIN removed, or owners are unresponsive.

The Sheriff’s Office adds that at this point, 10 to 12 abandoned vehicles would be impacted by the ordinance. The Board of Supervisors will hear from local homeless advocacy groups in their upcoming meeting on September 9th.

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King City Planning Commission delays vote on the future of temporary farmworker housing

Sergio Berrueta

KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The King City Planning Commission is pushing discussion on the temporary farmworker housing to their Tuesday, October 7th meeting. The commission saying that the extension is to allow full discussion of the topic. City staff will also be meeting with the owner of the facility in the interim, hoping to find another solution where both sides get what they want out of the deal. The owner has even offered to pay the difference in discounts that the site had been receiving as part of its temporary status if a new deal is worked out.

Original Article: The King City Planning Commission will decide the fate of a farmworker housing facility.

The commission will vote on whether to extend the current permit of the Meyer Building on First Street, which is set to expire on September 26, 2026.

An extension of ten years for the permit is being sought, with a new date of November 30, 2036.

The facility was built in response to the need for farmworkers’ housing in the area in 2016, with a capacity to house 214 seasonal employees. An additional 150 beds were added along a leisure area in 2018.

At that time, the expiration date was to be five years after the project was completed, with the first expiration date being September 20, 2021.

This will be the sixth extension of the facility’s expiration date. The planning commission is set to vote on a resolution during its Tuesday night meeting.

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Highway 152 back open after deadly crash east of Gilroy

Victor Guzman

SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KION-TV) — At least one person is dead after a crash east of Gilroy, according to the CHP.

Highway 152 reopened near Lovers Lane around 3:30 a.m. after the crash late Monday night.

CHP Dispatch didn’t provide additional details regarding the crash, including identifying information of the persons or vehicles involved.

This is a developing story

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Updates on the alleged sexual assault incident near Frederick Street in Santa Cruz

jose.romo

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — Concern continuing to grow in Santa Cruz after an alleged sexual attack on August 8 between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Some people in the area concerned with how much time went by before police notified the community about the incident and the suspect, who is still at-large.

“It took us a significant amount of time to work through all the details with the survivor,” said Santa Cruz Chief of Police Bernie Escalante. “The survivor actually needed medical attention for the first few days.”

Chief Escalante said that investigative work had to be done in order to solidify some details surrounding the incident.

Some people in the community also wondering if there’s a possible link between this incident and other predatory actions that took place on the U.C. Santa Cruz campus a while back.

Both suspects in the sketches looking similar to one another.

The sketch on the right is of a suspect in a few “Peeping Tom” incidents, which police later confirmed was a former student named Tony Pau.

According to police, Pau was arrested in June and then let out on bail in July.

“We are aware of the fact that the sketch looks very similar to that individual involved in that incident,” said Chief Escalante. “We haven’t ruled that out. At this point, we’re still going through all of the different tips and leads. And, so we will definitely look into that.”

Chief Escalante saying that at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be any risk to the public.

“We have picked up our enforcement and presence in the area, not only looking for additional evidence for this case, but to keep the rest of the community, especially in that particular neighborhood, safe,” he said.

Authorities search for suspect in alleged sexual assault incident

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — An alleged sexual assault in a Santa Cruz neighborhood has left residents shaken and on high alert as police continue to search for a suspect. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of August 8 near the 400 block of Frederick Street, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Authorities say the survivor was found disoriented by a passerby and had visible injuries. Officers responded quickly and began canvassing the area in search of clues.

“We’re scouring the neighborhood for surveillance cameras and any other witnesses that hopefully can come forward,” said Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante. “At this point, there aren’t any major updates, but we’ve increased patrol,” he adds. A sketch of the suspect has been released.  

Residents in the neighborhood, typically described as calm and safe, say the incident has been a wake-up call.

“We’re definitely concerned—especially for young kids,” said Tom Beggs, who lives nearby. “We’re going to be keeping an eye out.”

Other neighbors echoed the concern and expressed a renewed focus on safety and vigilance.

“I did hear from other women in the neighborhood,” said a local resident named Anne. “We all alert each other and feel a lot for the person who was assaulted. We just want to watch out for each other and make sure we’re practicing safe behaviors—not forgetting our vulnerability.”

Sue DeCarlis, another neighbor, shared that she now carries pepper spray while walking her dog late at night.

“I’ve always trusted the neighborhood,” she said. “But I do feel these parks should be patrolled by police a little more often.”

Police are actively working with the survivor to gather more details and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Old Stage Road Overlay Project scheduled for next Monday

Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The Old Stage Road Overlay Project is set for next Monday to repave the current road from Alisal Road to Quail Creek.

According to the County of Monterey, the two-week project will include grinding down the existing pavement, replacing it with new asphalt. After the asphalt sets, the new striping, marking, and reflectors will be added.

Overnight work is expected despite most of the work being done in the daytime. That work will take place from Aug 25 to 27 and again on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During those times, the road will be closed, with those traveling during those times will need to find an alternate way around.

The project was funded using Measure X.

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1924 Hispano-Suiza takes 2025 Best of Show at Pebble Beach’s Concours d’Elegance

jose.romo

Hundreds of historic cars showcased on the central coast this week, all leading up to today. Fans flocking to marvel at the unique models — from future concepts to classics and vintage.

A 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C took home the title as the 2025 Best of Show, a decision that many there said took longer than expected, considering the many qualified contenders. 

A week filled with the most exotic and classic cars — plus people from all over the world — ending on a high note Sunday at the concours d’elegance.

“I’ve always liked cars since I was a kid, but never looked at engine specs,” says Leonel Lopez. “ I own a Mustang GT so that’s my project car. I love knowing what the engines do and how they perform better.” 

Leonel shares that his favorite part is seeing concept cars from various brands. He says it’s the second time he has come to Concours d’elegance as a birthday gift of sorts. For others like Robert Kauffman, it’s a yearly destination. 

“We come to Pebble Beach every year. This is better than Christmas week for us. We come all the time,”  he says, adding he had a car showcased at this edition of the annual event.  

From old to new, car owners, admirers, and enthusiasts flock to Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway to see who will be named best in show. Many of them see a reflection of their childhood among the cars. 

“For me, it’s kinda a father-son thing,” says Chris Mollen. “I’ve done this with my dad my entire life. He has collected cars and buys anything antique, anything that is not new, basically.” For fans, the cars are what attract them, but in the end, it’s family fun and tradition that keep them coming back.

“There are a lot of people who are very fortunate here, and it’s good that they give back and share with the community,” adds  Kauffman. “This is a big burden on the place, you can see just driving around Carmel yesterday, it’s a bit of chaos.”  But that chaos is all for a good cause —  the Concours d’elegance Foundation, saying each year, the event raises enough funds to help nearly 10-thousand youth across Monterey County. Among the foundations’ main benefactors, over 95 youth-based programs all around the county. 

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Santa Cruz Police asking for the community’s help in finding this man

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — On August 8, Santa Cruz Police say that a woman was violently attacked and sexually assaulted while walking near the 400 block of Fredrick Street in Santa Cruz.

They say that although she survived the incident, she suffered serious and traumatic injuries.

Now, Santa Cruz Police are searching for a white male in his mid-to-late 20s, thin, and stands at about 5’8.”

They are urging people who might recognize him or know anything about this incident to call 911, stressing that any tip or information could help solve this case and prevent potential future assaults.

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Highway 1 road closures in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, August 18 onward

Jeanette Bent

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) — Caltrans announced that starting on Monday, August 18, a series of ramp and lane closures along Highway 1 will happen through Wednesday, September 3, including both daytime and overnight.

They said that drivers should expect delays during this time and allow for extra time for commutes.

The project will start at Trafton Road Undercrossing in Monterey County to just north of Larkin Valley Road in Santa Cruz County.

Caltrans saying that the project is aimed at improving drainage, widening the roadway, installing new culverts, and upgrading lighting systems to enhance roadway safety and reliability.

Traffic Schedule Aug. 18 – Sept. 3

Day Ramp Closures for Electrical Loop Modifications – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm:

Aug. 18: Riverside Dr. On-Ramp and Off-Ramp (SB).

Aug. 19: Riverside Dr. SB On-Ramp and NB Off-Ramp to Riverside Dr.

Aug. 20: NB On-Ramp from Riverside Dr. and SB On-Ramp to Harkin Slough Rd.

Aug. 21: SB On-Ramp to Harkin Slough Rd. and NB Off-Ramp to Harkin Slough Rd.

Night Ramp Closures for Drainage System Improvements – 8:00 pm to 6:00 am:

Aug. 25–27: NB Off-Ramp to Riverside Dr.

Sept. 2: Main St./Route 152 On-Ramp NB.

Night Lane Closures for Drainage System Improvements – Schedule Below:

Aug. 24 (10:00 pm to 6:00 am): Lane #1 NB

Sept. 2–3 (8:00 pm to 6:00 am): Alternating NB and SB lane closures (Lane #1 and #2).

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New sheriff’s office in Davenport following Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument

Mickey Adams

DAVENPORT, Calif. (KION-TV) — A new sheriff’s office service center is coming to Davenport.

Santa Cruz County says the move is meant to meet growing public safety needs following the opening of the Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument.

It will be located at 450 Highway 1 and staffed by a community policing deputy and qualified community volunteers.

Santa Cruz County Parks will also occupy space at the site, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and resource management along the north coast.

The lease approved Tuesday and kicks in September 25, running through September 2030.

New National Monument Cotoni Coast Dairies comes to the Central Coast

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) — The Cotoni Coast Dairies had its grand opening in Santa Cruz County Friday.

It’s opening up new scenic hiking, biking, and recreation spaces for the community to enjoy.

The area is a portion of the California Coastal National Monument, located north of Davenport and featuring nine miles of multi-use trails.

Now accessible after nearly a decade, it was added to the National Monument by President Obama just days before the end of his second term.

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands is launching a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million to support the Cotoni-Coast Dairies.

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