Author: KION

jose.romo

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — Classes are soon to start, and parents, teachers, and district staff are getting ready. Salinas City Elementary School District hosted a kickoff event. 

“I like doing a lot of math, and I like reading a lot of fairy-tale party books.”

Carlos Mendoza says he is ready to start his sixth-grade school year and is excited to meet his new teachers at Sherwood Elementary. 

He joined many of his peers on a student panel sharing with teachers and district staff their school experience ahead of a new academic school year.

“Every year we welcome back our staff and what makes this so special is that this is the first time since I started here, over five years ago, that we’re all together in one space.”

Salinas City Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Rebeca Andrade says the obstacles this summer came after uncertainty over federal dollars. In the meeting on Monday morning, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond shared that through legal efforts on behalf of his office, they were able to recover nearly $1 billion, $25 million of which will fund programs at the Monterey County Office of Education. 

“Right now, this is a tough time our families are afraid to even leave their homes, and we remind schools that they do not have to accommodate ICE in any way at a school unless the ICE groups have a specific type of warrant that means that they are entitled to be on the campus but otherwise they’re not.”

Tony Thurmond says he has worked to empower local schools and districts through his two terms. As he moves on to run for California state governor, he looks back at the work he has done in hopes of inspiring his successor.  

“I’m proud of being able to sponsor our program to have preschool for every four-year-old, to have two free meals a day for all of our hungry students,” said Thurmond. “These are the things that the state superintendent needs to fight for. 

Thurmond adds he is working on legislation to boost teacher salaries by 50 percent by 2030. He says he is proud of the work the Salinas Elementary School District has done and applauds them for their work with the community schools program moving forward.

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Dania Romero

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) – The jury trial has begun in the case of a Watsonville man accused of murdering his roommate in 2023, leading to a stand-off.

Hector Rocha has pleaded not guilty because of insanity to multiple charges, including murder.

Hector Rocha is accused of killing his roommate, 42-year-old Victor Alamillo, on August 8, 2023, in Watsonville. After the shooting, Rocha left in his mint-green colored pickup truck.

After following a tip, officers found Rocha at a strawberry field, leading to a four-hour standoff where Rocha eventually surrendered.

Rocha was deemed fit to stand trial in April 2024 after he was originally deemed incompetent in October 2023 and sent to a state hospital.

Watsonville man fit to stand trial for August 2023 deadly shooting, DA’s office says

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON APRIL 17, 2024 AT 12:32 PM- The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that 45-year-old Hector Rocha is now deemed fit to stand trial for allegedly killing 42-year-old Victor Alamillo in August 2023.

In a preliminary hearing on Friday, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Denine Guy deemed that Rocha was deemed competent to stand trial and criminal proceedings were reinstated per the DA’s office.

In Oct. 2023, Rocha was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the Department of State Hospitals and was receiving medication.

On Aug. 7 2023, Rocha allegedly shot Victor Alamillo multiple times on the 100 block of Beach Street. Watsonville Police said that Rocha drove off from the scene in a mint-green 1967 Chevrolet Truck.

Officers found Rocha on the morning of Aug. 8, 2023 when his truck got stuck in a strawberry field off of McGowan Road and Trafton Road just south of Watsonville.

The DA’s Office said that Rocha is scheduled to be back in court on Thursday morning to confirm a preliminary examination.

According to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court, Rocha is facing multiple charges including six felony counts including murder, violating probation, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He did plea not guilty to all of those charges in Aug. 2023.

Rocha is currently being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail without bail.

Man suspected of Watsonville Beach Street murder deemed incompetent to stand trial

Update Oct. 19, 2023, at 5:47 p.m.- Back in early August a father of three was murdered on the 100 block of Beach Street. Now his alleged murderer is being deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial.

The family of 42-year-old victim Victor Alamillo, said they are disappointed with the Santa Cruz County Superior Court’s decision. They said they would like another doctor’s opinion to see if Alamillo’s alleged killer Hector Rocha, 42, is fit to go on trial.

“I feel like they need to fight more for my uncle, and get a second opinion and do more to help his case because him being so called incompetent I don’t believe that is is accurate, Alamillo’s niece Corinna Sanchez said. “It’s all affected us emotionally, mentally, as well. It’s just taking a burden on all of our family, especially his three daughters that he leaves behind.”

Rocha allegedly fired at his victim multiple times and drove off in a mint-green 1967 Chevrolet truck on August 7, 2023, per Watsonville Police. He was found around 11:30 a.m. the next day after getting stuck in a strawberry field off McGowan Road, just south of Watsonville.

Courtesy: Watsonville Police Dept.

Photo of suspect’s truck. Courtesy: Watsonville Police Dept.

The DA’s Office said in a statement given to KION:

Mr. Rocha’s case was in court today and he is being sent to the Department of State Hospitals and will be receiving medication.  After a thorough review of the case, Mr. Rocha’s medical history and medical records, and numerous interviews a Dr determined he was not competent to stand trial. 

I met with the victim’s family this morning and they expressed their concerns to me. Our office has taken steps to address their concerns.

Santa Cruz County District Atorney’s Office

When KION asked if there was anything that could be done to change the court’s decision they responded by saying that the court had deemed Rocha medically incompetent to stand trial at this time.

Rocha’s next court hearing is on Dec. 9 and that will be to determine which state hospital he will be placed into.

Alamillo’s family has started a GoFundMe to raise money for an attorney to get justice for him.

ORIGINAL STORY

Update August 8, 2023, at 4:19 p.m.- The suspect accused of murdering a 42-year-old man on the 100 block of Beach Street was arraigned Friday at the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

Hector Rocha, 42, of Watsonville pled not guilty to six felony counts including murder, violating probation, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, said the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

He is being held on no bail. Rocha will be in court again on August 17.

Rocha allegedly fired at his victim multiple times Monday night and drove off in a mint-green 1967 Chevrolet truck. He was found around 11:30 a.m. after getting stuck in a strawberry field off McGowan Road, just south of Watsonville.

After an hours-long standoff, Rocha was arrested.

Family has identified the 42-year-old victim as Victor Alamillo. A father of three girls ages 25, 17 and 15.

“We love and miss him so much. We are all devastated,” said a family member. Family of the victim has set up a gofundme to help with funeral costs.

Suspect in deadly shooting charged with murder after south Watsonville stand-off, says police

Update August 8, 2023, at 4:19 p.m.- CHP confirms with KION that law enforcement has a suspect in custody wanted in connection with a fatal Monday night shooting on the 100 block of Beach Street.

Law enforcement had the suspect surrounded for several hours in a strawberry field off McGowan Road, just south of Watsonville. The man accused of murdering a 44-year-old man was identified as Hector Rocha, 42, of Watsonville.

CHP says the suspect was stuck in the mud and he was unable to get out. He was in a mint-green 1967 Chevrolet truck that Watsonville police sent out a “be on the lookout” warning for on Tuesday morning.

“We received information from a community member informing us they had spotted the suspect’s truck in an agricultural field near Trafton Road and Mc Gowan Road, just outside Pájaro,” said Watsonville Police.

He refused to get out of the car for more than four hours. He eventually agreed to surrender.

Rocha was booked in Santa Cruz County Jail for murder said Watsonville Police.

ORIGINAL STORY

Watsonville Police are searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting on the 100 block of Beach Street Monday night.

Police said around 8:45 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting and found a 42-year-old man suffering multiple gunshot wounds. First responders gave immediate aid, but the man died on the scene.

During the investigation, Watsonville Police identified 44-year-old Hector Rocha as the suspect. Police describe Rocha as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, medium build, and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, khaki shorts, and white shoes.

“I’m worried because they murdered a man right next to my house. I have four kids and it worries me because one never knows. You can get hit with a stray bullet, one never knows,” said a concerned neighbor.

Police add Rocha is armed and dangerous and was last seen leaving the scene in a distinct mint green 1967 Chevrolet single-cab truck with rust throughout the body and a white roof.

Police add the truck might have the following two California license plate numbers: 4JC939 / 87823K3.

Photo of suspect’s truck. Courtesy: Watsonville Police Dept.

If seen, you are asked to call 911 immediately and not approach Rocha. Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call 831-471-1151.

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jose.romo

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — Tonight marks the final day of the 31st annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival, the community coming together to recognize one of the region’s most important crops.

While the event is a celebration, strawberry farmers say 2025 has been a challenging year for various reasons. Many are looking to Watosnviille’s yearly festival as an anchor for their sales. 

“Weather always plays into it; it’s been a bit of a cold year, but they’re still doing very strong. One of the other challenges we’ve been facing is obviously coming from our own government.” 

Veronica Reighard with Oxnard Golden West Packaging Company says fears over heightened federal immigration enforcement among field-working communities have hit close to home. 

“What we’ve been trying to help provide is a safe, fun, happy environment for our employees, but also their families,” she says. “Having them come in and just spend the day with us in our community, in our different facilities, just knowing that we’re all there together.”

Oscar Vasquez, a local strawberry vendor, says he has seen an impact on his clientele when going out to other local markets and festivals. He shares that he has seen a 30 percent drop in sales this year. 

Festival organizers are also feeling the financial strain this year. “Absolutely, across the board, we’re seeing that everything is costing a little bit more,” says Jessica Beebe, recreation supervisor for the Festival. “So there’s some, some of that is impacting pricing and costs for just running the festival for sure, but people are here, they’re showing up, they are having a good time.”

Organizers and farmers add that this berry festival stems from resilience. Veronica is reassuring people that no matter the challenge, the strawberry industry is here to stay. 

“Berries have been around in Watsonville for over 150 years, and we’re here to help make sure it stays another 150 years with the entire community.” 

Jessica Beebe, one of the organizers, says last year the festival welcomed 57 thousand people. While they say official numbers will be out next week, this year, they are only expecting about 40 thousand attendees.

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Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – A home was deemed a total loss after being fully engulfed this past weekend in Boulder Creek.

According to the Boulder Creek Fire Department, crews responded to the fire around 8:30 p.m., two miles north of Boulder Creek, where they found a fully engulfed building.

Upon arrival, they saw the home engulfed in flames, with fire coming from all sides, and embers causing a brief spread into the surrounding vegetation. Mutual aid was called with Ben Lomond Fire, Santa Cruz Fire, and CAL FIRE CZU arriving on scene.

Those living at the home were outside having evacuated safely. Unfortunately, the pets inside were lost. Goats that were outside were saved and taken to a nearby neighbor.

Highway 9 was closed off to drivers with PG&E and Caltrans at the scene.

The fire was knocked down at 3 a.m., with mop-up finished at 6 a.m. The house was deemed a total loss, with the cause of the fire undetermined after an investigation.

CAL FIRE CZU and Santa Cruz Fire remained around the scene on fire watch duty for the last 48 hours to put out any “hot” areas that were smoking or smoldering.

Structure fire north of Boulder Creek erupts Saturday night

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Boulder Creek Fire confirmed that a two-structure fire broke out two miles north of Boulder Creek Saturday night, a little after 8:30 p.m.

They said that the structure was fully engulfed and that multiple units, including Ben Lomond Fire, responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We will update this story as more details become available.

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Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – It’s mid-summer, and wildfire season is reaching its peak across California. As conditions dry out and rainfall becomes increasingly scarce, CAL FIRE crews are keeping a close watch on how the season is unfolding and what lies ahead.

“I’m concerned about wildfire all year long,” a local resident said.

CAL FIRE says conditions right now are pretty much where they expected them to be for this time of year.

“We’re not any drier or wetter. We’re right on track for the amount of rain that we had this winter. We’re tracking on where our conditions are for June and July every other year,” a CAL FIRE official said. “We’re just getting to the point where our grasses are cleared out and very receptive,” said.

Locally, fire activity tends to spike as summer transitions into fall. CAL FIRE says they’re now preparing for the most active stretch of the year.

“Very typical busy fire season, which for us locally is usually August, September, October. That’s where we on the coast, Monterey County, really see our call volume start to transition into more volatile conditions,” the CAL FIRE official said.

“June was a busy month for CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit, with firefighters responding to a total of 661 calls for service. The breakdown includes 266 medical emergencies, 101 vegetation fires, 4 structure fires, 76 vehicle accidents, 7 technical rescues, and 207 other types of incidents,” a CAL FIRE official said.

For those living in high-risk fire zones, this time of year always brings heightened anxiety.

“I do get worried about people not properly putting out their fires, especially as the wind starts picking up and it’s hot. Really just feels like a perfect storm for another fire to hit,” a concerned resident said.

So far, CAL FIRE says the largest wildfire incident they’ve responded to this year was several months ago.

“Our largest fire to date was out in the solar fields up in March. That fire was right around 600 acres. But for the most part, all of our fires are being contained at a relatively small size, which is, you know, great for us locally,” the CAL FIRE official said.

Some residents are taking extra steps to make their homes more fire-resilient by clearing brush and creating a buffer zone.

“Our home became fire safety certified. So someone actually came out and checked everything that we did. We cleared all the brush within five feet,” a homeowner said.

As dry conditions persist and no significant rainfall appears in the forecast, CAL FIRE says it’s a recipe for rapid fire spread if people aren’t careful.

“We get a few days of rain, followed by a week or so of sun, which really let that grass crop—or our light, flashy fuels, really have those ideal conditions to thrive. So, yeah, we are concerned, looking forward as things get into that very typical busy fire season,” the CAL FIRE official said.

Despite the risks, CAL FIRE reports they are fully equipped and ready.

“We were able to hire back our seasonal workforce, which was huge. We have all the tools in the toolbox to have a very aggressive and successful run towards the end of the year. We’re at full staffing,” the CAL FIRE official said.

As the peak season approaches, CAL FIRE is urging people to create defensible space around their homes, be prepared to evacuate if needed, and stay informed on current fire conditions.

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Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – If you’re planning a beach day anytime soon especially with your dog you’ll want to be aware of a dangerous bacterial infection that’s been spreading along the Central Coast.

Wildlife experts are sounding the alarm about leptospirosis, a disease that’s affecting marine mammals in Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas.

“Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that in California, sea lions and other marine mammals can cause kidney failure. It is a severe disease,” Giancarlo Rulli said. Giancarlo Rulli is a spokesperson for the Marine Mammal Center.

The Marine Mammal Center has rescued more than 150 California sea lions with suspected symptoms of leptospirosis.

Just within the month of July, however, it’s been more than 100, so we have seen a very sharp uptick, Giancarlo Rulli said.

Rescue teams have been responding to increasing numbers of calls stretching from Del Monte Beach in Monterey up through Santa Cruz.

“We’re responding to anywhere between about a half dozen or so California sea lions almost daily now, between Monterey and Santa Cruz County. Now, that’s not necessarily unusual in that more than 40% of our rescues occur in those two counties alone annually,” Giancarlo Rulli said.

As for what the public should look for when spotting marine mammals on the shore, there are a few specific signs.

“Some of the telltale signs for a California sea lion impacted by this disease are tightly tucked front flippers. Basically crossing kind of their lower abdomen or stomach region,” Giancarlo Rulli said.

“California sea lions and most marine mammals get all the hydration that they need from the food that they eat. And so if they’re actively drinking water separately, that’s a flag,” Giancarlo Rulli said.

While leptospirosis has been surging in marine wildlife, veterinarians are reminding pet owners that dogs can catch the disease too, often by coming into contact with contaminated water.

“It’s bacteria that enters the dog usually by them drinking contaminated water that has the bacteria in it,” Kelly Akol said. Kelly Akol is a doctor of internal medicine at Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists.

Fortunately, local veterinary clinics have not seen a rise in dog infections, even during the recent surge in marine cases.

“About 12 cases a year for us. The peak is usually in summer in the fall, but we have not been experiencing any uptick in our levels of patients that we’ve seen,” Kelly Akol said.

Still, vets strongly recommend keeping your dog on a leash during beach visits and getting vaccinated against leptospirosis, as it makes a noticeable difference in recovery.

“The number of patients that come in, about 50% of them are vaccinated and 50% aren’t. But again, the ones that are vaccinated are the ones with better survival, shorter term in the hospital,” Kelly Akol said.

“The earlier that we treat these dogs, the quicker. And so these dogs are going to usually feel sick. Maybe have a fever, vomit, not want to eat, which of course is a presenting signs for lots of diseases,” Kelly Akol said.

Experts say the best things dog owners can do are to talk with their vet about vaccination, keep pets leashed during beach trips, and wash paws and water bowls after every visit.

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Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – The controversy over political artwork on public streets is fueling a new federal safety push aimed at keeping roadways free of what officials call distractions.

One piece of art at the center of this debate is the Black Lives Matter mural outside Santa Cruz City Hall.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is calling for a crackdown on what it refers to as “political artwork” painted on roads and intersections.

That includes murals like the one in Santa Cruz, which has been repainted, restored, and celebrated by the community since 2020.

B”eing a part of something. The Black people come together. At last. We come together into something positive in that this mural on the street just gave me strength,” Curtis Reliford said. Curtis Reliford is a Santa Cruz resident.

Now, with a new federal directive in place, street murals could soon be scrutinized or removed if deemed noncompliant. But local advocates say that framing the art as a safety hazard misses the point entirely.

“This cannot be seen as a distraction. And the only question that we should be asking is who is it distracting and what is it distracting from, and what is it distracting towards,” Ayo Banjo said. Ayo Banjo is the Project Director of The Village Project, Inc.

According to the Department of Transportation, intersections and crosswalks should be free from political or distracting messages of any kind.

That has raised concerns about whether the Santa Cruz mural might eventually be ordered to come down.

“How is a painting on the road? On the street is a distraction, a low 25mph living within a 25mph street? I think it’s a 15mph street in front of the courthouse. How, how are we distracting,” Curtis Reliford said. Curtis Reliford is a Santa Cruz resident.

“I don’t think that it’s a distraction. I think by being a good driver and paying attention to what you’re supposed to be paying attention to,” Glynnes Speaks said. Glynnes Speaks lives in Soquel.

Critics of the new federal directive argue that the effort has more to do with silencing political expression than with preventing accidents.

“I think taking away our ability to express ourselves through art and through statements in public places is an infringement on our rights,” Glynnes Speaks said. Glynnes Speaks lives in Soquel.

States now have 60 days to submit lists of roadway markings the federal government considers noncompliant, including murals with political messages.

That has community leaders urging swift action to protect public art.

“Every single community leader must be standing up and fighting in solidarity with protecting this type of expression,” Ayo Banjo said. Ayo Banjo is the Project Director of The Village Project, Inc.

Federal officials point to more than 39,000 traffic deaths last year as a reason to implement stricter guidelines for roadway safety. But so far, they’ve released no data connecting any of those fatalities to painted murals.

“Safety should never be used as camouflage for censorship. Right. The Black Lives Matter mural in front of Santa Cruz City Hall isn’t a distraction. It’s a declaration. A declaration that this city refuses to ignore injustice, refuses to erase history, and refuses to let visibility be treated like a threat,” Ayo Banjo said. Ayo Banjo is the Project Director of The Village Project, Inc.

When asked if the Santa Cruz mural could be directly affected, the city said they are currently unaware of any impact at this time.

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Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – You can now legally run a food business straight from your own home kitchen in Santa Cruz County, thanks to a new two-year pilot program known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO).

Approved by the County Board of Supervisors, this initiative opens the door for residents to cook and sell food directly from their private kitchens, once they meet health and safety requirements and obtain a permit from the county’s Health Services Agency.

The goal of the program is to help home cooks in low-income or underserved communities get started without needing a full commercial kitchen.

“A program, adopted through the state, in 2018, to primarily assist, start up, people to start up into the retail food industry without a lot of overhead expense associated with developing a full restaurant or a market or what have you,” Andrew Strader said.

Under the MEHKO guidelines, home-based food businesses can serve up to 30 meals per day and a total of 90 meals per week.

The program officially launched on January 1, 2025, and so far, only eight permits have been issued. Still, for many local entrepreneurs, especially those juggling caregiving responsibilities or trying to minimize costs, this is seen as a big opportunity.

However, the rollout hasn’t been without challenges. Fewer people applied than anticipated, and a key source of federal funding tied to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives was cut during the Trump administration.

Fortunately, the county was able to reallocate funds to keep the program moving forward.

Since 2019, California law has given cities and counties the authority to allow MEHKOs. Santa Cruz County only recently adopted it, making this pilot program a first for the area.

“I think this sort of thing is going to allow a lot more entrepreneurs to start up,” Sean Burau said.

Burau, the owner and founder of Cliffside Coffee, spent the past year building a mobile coffee bar in his garage.

“So this is the coffee start I’ve been building for the past year. I designed it myself,” Sean Burau said.

His custom cart is powered by golf cart batteries and features a gas-fueled espresso machine, designed to operate completely off-grid.

“I’m going to be deploying this, basically spots that don’t have any power at all. So it has to be totally off grid,” Sean Burau said.

After meeting all necessary health regulations and getting his MEHKO permit, Burau is ready to bring his mobile coffee bar to the streets.

“I think this sort of thing is going to allow a lot more entrepreneurs to start up because the cost of living is already so high here,” Sean Burau said.

For him, it’s not just about business, it’s about passion.

“All I’m looking to do. Make coffee? She’ll buy the ocean,” Sean Burau said.

But there are limitations. MEHKO businesses are not allowed to publicly advertise their home locations.

“Part of the Meeko permit is that you can’t advertise at the spot, so they don’t want you running something where, like, yeah, I guess, like, people are, like, showing up, because they saw a sign in your yard or anything like that,” Sean Burau said.

Even with restrictions, mobility has its perks.

“It’s just very flexible if I’m not having, like, a lot of business at that spot on a certain day. I can go somewhere else. I go to a farmer’s market. I can book a private event. Yeah. I mean, I think the mobile stuff is a good way to work around a lot of the bureaucracy and lock in that you find in a lot of businesses in Santa Cruz,” Sean Burau said.

He’s banking on the steady foot traffic at Pleasure Point, a popular local surf spot, to bring in business.

“I’m hoping to be getting lots of customers every day at that point. It’s a really popular surf spot. Lots of people walk there already, usually with coffees from other locations. So I’m hoping that I can provide something that’s a little more convenient, right at the spot,” Sean Burau said.

Still, starting a small business can be daunting.

“If I could give any message to the city, it would be that, the process right now to start a business is very, very unfriendly. Individually, everyone that I dealt with was professional and nice, but the system as a whole is really, really dysfunctional,” Sean Burau said.

Within MEHKO regulations, Burau is limited in what and how much he can serve.

“There are limits on the amount you can do, because I think they don’t want you to be, like, operating a full size, like, ghost kitchen out of your house or whatever. But fill out the packet, give them your, like, menu. So for me, it’s just like coffee, tea, cold foam, that kind of thing,” Sean Burau said.

The pilot will run through the end of 2026, with a report from the county expected at the end of 2025 and another upon the program’s conclusion.

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Mickey Adams

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Salinas Coca-Cola bottling plant shut down operations Friday after serving the Central Coast for over seven decades.

According to a Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling spokesperson, the company has completed the transition of operations and employees from the Salinas center to the company’s San Jose distribution center.

“We are looking forward to continuing to serve our customers and consumers in the area,” the spokesperson said to KION.

There’s no word yet on what will become of the soon to be vacant building.

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