Author: KION

Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — CHP Santa Cruz confirms a motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a Nissan that was abandoned on Highway 17 in the Scotts Valley area early Sunday morning.

The CHP said an unknown driver of a 2012 Nissan 370Z crashed their car into an advisory sign and call box while traveling northbound on Highway 17 north of Santas Village Road around 5:20 am.

Officers said the driver then ran off from the scene. Shortly after a 37-year-old San Jose man was riding his motorcycle in the same area when he collided into the rear of the Nissan.

The rider was ejected and died at the scene.

The CHP said they’re searching for the driver of the Nissan and are asking anyone to contact the CHP if they have any information on the crash or driver.

Anyone with information can call CHP Santa Cruz at 831-219-0200, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, they can call the CHP Monterey Communications Center at 831-796-2160.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) –Big changes are coming to a well-known trouble spot on Highway 101 in San Benito County. Following dozens of crashes near Rocks Road, some of them deadly. Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol are taking permanent action.

“Over the past five years, the intersection near Rocks and Cannon Roads has seen more than 50 crashes, many of them serious. About 25 to 30 percent of those collisions resulted in injuries, and at least two were fatal,” Captain Noel Coady said.

To reduce the danger, Caltrans is permanently shutting down the median crossover at Rocks and Cannon Roads.

This means drivers will no longer be able to make left turns onto Highway 101 from either road. The move is meant to improve safety in an area that sees high traffic volumes, particularly from trucks transporting goods.

“Given the heavier volumes, given that it’s really a vital truck corridor for both agriculture and freight, we want to make sure that everybody going in the north and southbound direction of 101 through Rocks Road, Cannon Road area aren’t surprised by vehicles crossing in front of them,” Kevin Drabinski said.

The closure also has long term infrastructure benefits. Guardrails in the area are often damaged during collisions, leading to frequent and costly maintenance.

“We also have the added benefit of safeguarding the infrastructure. Because of collisions in the area, we have guardrail damage from time to time. So it takes away that maintenance and it adds to the security once the integrity of the guardrail can be safeguarded,” Kevin Drabinski said.

The closure is scheduled to begin Friday night at 9 p.m. During that time, crews will reduce Highway 101 to a single lane in each direction overnight while they close the entrances from Rocks and Cannon Roads.

“That will be the traffic impact, where traffic through that area will be reduced to a single lane while crews close the entrances from Rocks Road and Cannon Road. But that will be a permanent closure,” Kevin Drabinski said.

Drivers who normally use the intersection will need to take a short detour.

“People that come on the, as it were, the eastbound side from Rocks Road who want to go southbound will just jump up northbound 101 to the 156 interchange and turn around. And those coming from Cannon Road who want to go north will head south down to the San Juan Grade interchange,” Kevin Drabinski said.

Emergency vehicles, however, will still have access to the closed median.

“First responders will be able to use that median in order to be able to respond in a timely way to their calls. But it will be closed for the traveling public and reserved for those emergency vehicles,” Kevin Drabinski said.

Drivers in the area should prepare for the overnight work, which is expected to last until 7 or 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sergio Berrueta

APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV) – Cabrillo College confirmed it will be one of the colleges losing funding for its Hispanic grant programs.

The Trump Administration is ending several grant programs reserved for colleges with large numbers of minority students.

The Aptos-based College confirms it’s losing $3 million for two of its programs, Camino al Exito and Abriendo el Camino, under the cuts.

More than $250 million of the total $350 million being cut was budgeted for the government’s Hispanic-serving institution program.

It offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergrads are Hispanic.

The Trump Administration claims the grants amount to illegal discrimination by tying federal money to racial quotas. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jeanette Bent

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) — PG&E has teamed up with the California Fire Foundation (CFF) for the eighth year to award $950,000 in wildfire safety grants to help protect high-risk communities.

Among the recipients are the Bonny Doon Fire Safe Council and the Monterey Fire Department, according to PG&E.

Sixty-three total local fire departments, fire agencies and non-profit groups primarily in Northern and Central California have been awarded, according to PG&E.

A full list of the grantees, including grant amounts, can be found at cafirefoundation.

PG&E says that the grants will be used to purchase personal protective gear, defensible space work, fuel reduction and multilingual public safety outreach.

Funding targets communities identified as extreme or elevated fire risk by the California Public Utilities Commission High Fire-Threat District map.

“This time of year is critical for the California Fire Foundation as we review WSPP grant applications from fire departments, agencies, and nonprofits. Each application reinforces the urgent need for resources to help mitigate wildfire risk,” said Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation. “With drought conditions, warmer temperatures, and drier months ahead, the threat of wildfire remains real. These grants allow us to equip local agencies with funding for vegetation management, fuel reduction, specialized equipment, community outreach, and essential protective gear.”

The grant awards come during National Preparedness Month, observed each September to raise awareness of preparing for disasters and emergencies.

Click here to follow the original article.

Katie Nicora

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) – Seaside Police have announced the arrest of 19-year-old Ricardo Geronimo Pacheco in connection with attempted murder charges.

He surrendered to police today after he evaded a SWAT operation in Marina last week.

Police are calling it a demonstration of the power of persistence and community collaboration.

Attempted murder suspect wanted; Seaside Police

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — Seaside Police say they need help tracking down an attempted murder suspect.

They say that 19-year-old Ricardo Geronimo Pacheco is wanted in connection to a recent shooting, and was the subject they were looking for during a S.W.A.T. operation in Marina on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Seaside Police at 831.899.6748.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — BCyle, Santa Cruz County’s bicycle share program, is now facing criticism from some, riders saying its too expensive, hard to find, and not reliable.

From missing bikes to broken stations, some users say BCycle has become more hassle than help.

“It just doesn’t seem all that accessible for your average person, and even when people do access it, it is expensive and faulty,” said rider and BCycle user Dylan Woodman Hobbs.

Technical problems are also creating delays, leaving riders stuck at docks, sometimes with no working bikes at all.

“It was just outrageous… we were sitting there at the dock for a fat minute,” said Hobbs. “We were lucky, actually. One of the employees was coming by checking on the docks and having regular maintenance, and they got it out for us.”

Other users remember when BCycle worked well…

“They’re great,” said another BCycle user Michael Joshua Fox-Kent. “It was like a $30 a month and at the time I didn’t have a vehicle, and they were everywhere.”

Lately, riders say that some stations have disappeared. And, they say, the rules and fines can feel overly strict.

“It’s the fines for not returning it; that’s expensive,” said Fox-Kent. “They don’t retrieve the bikes. Like, if I can’t get it to a docking station and I just have to dip it somewhere.”

Tiffany Martinez, the departmental communications officer for Santa Cruz County, says there are reasons behind all of the program’s changes.

“We previously had a contract with BCycles when it was owned by Trek, but last year it was actually acquired by Bicycle Transit Systems, and with that we did have amendments to the contract that we had with BCycles,” said Martinez.

She’s hoping that with some of these changes will come upgrades.

“[Riders will] see some fee updates, and that reflects the overall investment to ensure the longevity and viability of this program for our county,” she said.

New stations are still in the works for unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County, with more on the way, according to Martinez.

“We were supposed to install docking stations and bicycles in areas like Carlitos and more in south county [but] we never finished that,” she said. “At this time, we’re looking at potential docking stations on locations for bicycles in high density areas in the county where people may need to use them.”

Now the question remains: will the county see these new docking stations, and if so, when?

The county says although there is not an exact timeline yet, plans are active. Planners are still identifying key areas and working with the new bicycle operator to bring stations where riders say they need them the most.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that all evacuation warnings previously issued for Zone MRY-G041A due to the Salt/14-2 Fire, have been lifted.

This includes the areas south and east of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Rd, north of Oak St and east of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain.

Deputies asking people in the affected areas to continue monitoring fire updates for the latest information and changes to fire activity by visiting alertmry.org.

Salt/14-2 Fire at 25,643 acres, 40% contained as evacuation warning lifts, order downgraded

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – An evacuation warning has been lifted and an evacuation order downgraded regarding the Salt/14-2 Fire in South Monterey County, near Parkfield.

The Evacuation warning in the ares South and East of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and West of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain has been lifted.

The evacuation order has been downgraded to an evacuation warning in the areas of South and East of Parkfield.Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and East of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain.

The Salt/14-2 is currently at 40 percent contained with 25,643 acres burned.

Original Article

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – Cal Fire is reporting that the Salt 14-2 Fire is 12% contained and has burned over 22,488 acres as of Friday morning.

A road closure has now been issued at Oak Street, intersecting Parkfield Coalinga Road above Center Street. The reason for the closure is to aid first responders on their way to assist in the Salt/14-2 Fires.

Those around the area are being asked to take alternate routes.

The evacuations issued Thursday evening, including the Zone MRY-G041-A in South Monterey County remain in effect.

This includes areas South and East of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and East of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain.

Evacuation warnings are still in effect for South and East of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and West of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain in Zone MRY-G041B, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.

Immediate evacuation orders, warnings issued in South Monterey County near Salt 14-2 Fire

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – An immediate evacuation order and warning have been issued for the area bordering the Salt/14-2 Fire in South Monterey County.

The immediate evacuation order is in effect for areas South and East of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and East of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain are being ordered to evacuate right now in Zone MRY-G041-A.

Those in the area are being asked to evacuate now, follow instructions from emergency personnel, and not return until officials have lifted the evacuation order.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation warning related to the Salt 14-2 Fire for South and East of Parkfield/Coalinga Grade Road, North of Oak Street, and West of Joaquin Canyon and Table Mountain in Zone MRY-G041B.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ata Shaheen

FELTON, Calif. (KION) — Dozens of Felton residents packed into the Felton Fire station Thursday night to hear talk about solutions. The big one is a potential tax to fund the department and have full time staff.

“We need to have a sustainable source of income coming into this fire department. Taxes, unsustainable…not good,” said one public commenter.

The Dire Department hasn’t called for a parcel tax in decades, and now it’s asking for people to pay $700 for each parcel of land they own.

“That number is driven by the chief’s estimate of what we need to make this a healthy district again, to bring us where we need to be. Certainly 400 or 500 is more palatable and has a better chance of passing. But if it doesn’t solve the problem, we’re back in the same boat,” said Craig Winter, Board Director for the Felton Fire Protection District

Many of the people who came out Thursday said they would feel better about paying the tax if they had some reassurance that past issues in the district will be resolved long term.

“I don’t want to ever hear somebody say were gonna be transparent again, because that means they were lying to us in the first place.”

The district was supposed to vote Thursday night on whether to put the tax on the ballot, but opted instead for further discussion and deliberation.

If they don’t find funding soon, or if voters turn down the potential measure, Felton Fire could have no choice but to merge with another department in the San Lorenzo Valley.

“The new district would have their own, they’d have their way in whatever way they want to do. I might not have a job,” said Volunteer Firefighter Owen De Cossy, who gets paid stipends for shifts with the station.

Some people are okay paying up in order to maintain fire services in Felton… but wonder if keeping the district independent is even the right thing to do.

“I am willing to pay the tax. However, I am also in favor of looking closer at the idea of uniting the fire departments across San Lorenzo Valley,” said Bill Fitler, a local emergency professional

With no vote Thursday, there’s still time for all options to be considered.

“I understand it’s a process. And you’re not going to come to one meeting, get all your questions answered and have everything zipped up like a john wayne movie,” said Liz Taylor-Selling of Felton.

The fire district is holding another meeting this Monday with a representative from the county agency that oversees the district.

The Interim Chief of Felton Fire should also be there after missing tonight’s meeting for personal reasons.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – Two people are dead after a deadly three-vehicle crash near Salinas, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identifying the victims as 31-year-old Aristeo Cruz Jimenez of Port Hueneme, California, and 35-year-old Marcos Cruz Alia of Salinas.

The crash happened on Highway 183 near Cooper Road when the driver of a red sedan was looking to make a left turn. As they attempted to do so, the driver of a grey SUV rear-ended the sedan.

It was then that the red sedan was pushed into a semi-truck that was traveling northbound, causing the vehicles to crash head-on. The driver of the red sedan suffered major injuries but both passengers in their car were killed.

The highway was closed in between McFadden and Cooper Roads as CHP investigated the scene.

The CHP said the driver of the SUV ran away from the scene but was later located and identified as a 19-year-old woman from Salinas.

The CHP didn’t indicate if the woman was arrested.

This case is still being investigated by CHP.

Click here to follow the original article.

jose.romo

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is getting the wheels rolling. Despite their continuing struggle with a bus driver shortage, district staff remain committed to getting students to school. Five weeks into the current school year and PVUSD continues struggling with a bus driver shortage. 

“It took maybe about a month, and I was able to get my license and start driving, so it was great.” Raymond Alvarez says after working as a basketball coach for quite some time in the district, he felt he could do more to help. Just two weeks ago, he was able to pass his final test certifying him as a bus driver. 

“When I started here in February we were short 19 drivers and we had a couple that retired, we brought on a couple drivers, but we’re still, we’re now 20-21 drivers short,” says Sarah Lemke, Director of Transportation. “So it’s a struggle every day to make sure that we cover all the routes and the kids to school.” 

For Raymond, being a bus driver is more than just his job. He understands that it’s balancing relationships with both the students and their parents. “We’re taking other people’s kids to school so we have to go through an extensive background check. We have to do drug screenings. We have do all this before we can even start the training, right? And that’s a big thing because you don’t want anybody driving your kids,” he adds.

Lemke says she has committed to bringing change to the department in hopes of addressing the ongoing shortage. She adds that they are no longer canceling routes.

“This year, I let my staff know I would rather students be late and we go pick them up after we’ve dropped the others off and get them to school than cancel a route. I just don’t feel that we should be canceling routes. We need to get our kids there. Even if they’re late.”

Training to become a bus driver includes 20 hours of classroom instruction followed by another 20 hours behind the wheel. 

Lemke adds, “If you have any accidents or DUIs or anything, obviously, we don’t really want you transporting our students. We wanna make sure they’re safe.” 

She adds that starting Monday, they are expecting 36 people to begin the bus driving training program. She understands many of them might weed out on the first day as the training is rigorous and safety focused, but she hopes this program helps address the onging staffing issues.

Click here to follow the original article.