Author: KION

Maxwell Glenn

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) – Cal State Monterey Bay Baseball made history, becoming the first team since the 1970s to win four-straight CCAA titles.

The Otters clinched the title with a 13-3 win over San Francisco State in the final game of the regular season.

Prior to the game, Cal State Monterey Bay honored 28 seniors and it was those same seniors who led the charge. 

Max Farfan propelled the offense, driving in five runs off three hits. Farfan’s senior day was highlighted by a three-run home run in the fifth inning to give CSUMB a 9-1 lead.

Senior Dominic Felice extended the lead only an inning earlier, launching another three-run shot.

Javier Felix, Jaden Sheppard, and KW Quilici each logged multi-hit games on their senior day. Felix drove in a pair of runs, while Sheppard and Quilici each drove in one run apiece.

On the mound, another upperclassman led the way, as Mitchell Torres earned his fifth win of the season. Torres threw six complete innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. During that stretch, he struck out three Gators.

The Otters forced a three-way tie for the top spot in the CCAA after a 5-3 win to open their final homestand against San Francisco State. By the series finale, CSUMB walked away with another conference title and the top seed in the CCAA Baseball Tournament.

The Otters’ first game of the tournament is set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 8 in Los Angeles.

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Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) – The missing person in Sunday’s water rescue was identified as a UC Santa Cruz student.

UCSC confirmed the person missing is an undergrad student, releasing a statement that says in part:

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. We are in touch with the family and are providing support to others who are impacted.”

KION contacted Santa Cruz Fire and was told the recovery effort is ongoing at this hour. 

Some locals were still in shock after the two people were seen jumping into the ocean from West Cliff Drive on Sunday.

“We all got kind of spooked on the beach, definitely, so we didn’t know what happened,” says surfer Tifanny Myers.

Authorities quickly responded to reports of two people seen jumping into the ocean. Owen Lawson had just finished a surf competition.

“I saw the notification go out. Me and one of my friends ran over there the engine wasn’t there yet,” Lawson said. “There’s some people in the cliff. We asked them what was on like we’re like, did you see someone go down and not come back up?”

Lawson, a lifeguard with California State Parks and a surfer, says that question is crucial for first responders on the scene. He adds that he asked if they needed help and was immediately sent to search for the remaining person. 

“We did dive lines for about an hour up and down its beach, all the way to the north coast side and then down to the south coast side,” Lawson said of the rescue efforts.

Marine Division Fire Captain David Bodine said three teams were sent out to respond. For him risk around the ocean is year-round. 

“It’s kind of all year round for us. Now that you know you have sunny, nice days in the middle of the winter, we have swells coming from the north and south all year round, so there’s no real peak season for us,” says Bodine.

He says last year, the department had 230 rescues typically in guarded waters where watch towers are open. Surfers like Tiffany Barwick said they always try to be careful when entering the ocean. 

“I always take at least a little bit of a mental risk assessment like looking at what do I see the tides doing the currents doing where all the other surfers in the area try to check what the swells look like before I go out so I can have at least an idea is it going to get bigger is it going to you know taper off,” Barwick said.

One rescued, one missing after jumping into the ocean near Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz Fire says

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — Santa Cruz Fire said one person is missing and another rescued after both swimmers jumped off a cliff near Steamer Lane but struggled to get back to the shore.

Santa Cruz Fire said it happened on May 4 around 4:55 p.m.

Witnesses said one of the swimmers was able to pull themselves out of the water while the other remained possibly submerged.

Santa Cruz Fire and multiple other agencies responded trying to find the swimmer.

Firefighters said after over an hour of an extensive search “it was determined to conclude the search from shore based resources,” with Coast Guard units staying on scene to search by boat.

The swimmers weren’t identified by Santa Cruz Fire.

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Victor Guzman

Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue confirms to Wake Up the city’s efforts to ask the state attorney general to file a criminal case against a CFO accused of misusing Project Homekey funding.

Three projects in Salinas were held up for months and eventually placed into default.

The city is working to get the projects up and running after KION’s previous reporting showed the former CFO of Shangri-La was accused of misusing the funding.

Instead of refurbishing the potential homeless housing sites, the CFO allegedly purchased lavish items, such as Louis Vuitton bags, VIP Coachella tickets and expensive jewelry among other items.

In a letter sent to Attorney General Rob Bonta, Mayor Dennis Donohue cited the “irreparable” harm this did to the city’s efforts to provide housing for the homeless.

The full interview with Mayor Donohue is provided at the top of this article.

We also asked the mayor if the state dropped its charges against the city for not working quickly to develop the Homekey sites. The mayor told KION he was unaware if the charges were dropped and spokespersons for the city have not answered our requests for comment.

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Scott Rates

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV) — It was a windy day at the Good Old Days street festival in Pacific Grove Saturday. Despite this, the turnout was great!

The 66th annual Good Old Days provided a good time for patrons and businesses alike.

Lighthouse Avenue packed with people looking for a good deal, to unwind and do a little shopping.

“Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days is an annual event that everyone always looks forward to,” said Scott Soifer, owner of Pacific Grove Meeting House.

Soifer, who has owned the Pacific Grove pub for one-and-a-half years, says that the event isn’t just important for vendors, but brick-and-mortar businesses.

“All of our hospitality business, my friends at the monarch pup, hops and fog, we’re all excited because everybody comes from around the area to see what is going on in pacific grove and listen to our music and sample our food,” he said.

No rain this year, and even in windy conditions that didn’t stop folks from coming out.

“We’re loving the traffic,” said Soifer. “Last year, because of day one with the rain, it was a slow start.”

Soifer says that they are finding that more of the visitors this year are from surrounding areas rather from larger distances.

“Our commitment to the folks in Fresno and Sacramento is that much stronger,” he said. “We’re really excited to see those folks coming in here.”

If you were not able to come out Saturday, you still have a chance on Sunday, and it might not be as windy.

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Jeanette Bent

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) — What began as 64 high school mascots competing in The64.com National Mascot Tournament’s western division, has dwindled down to four, Hollister High School being one of them.

The four remaining mascots are Hollister High School’s ‘Hank,’ Urbana High School in Iowa (‘Stormin Normin’), Marshall County Central High School in Minnesota (‘Northern Freeze’) and Hutto High School in Texas (‘Hippos’).

The competition is self-described as “a high-energy, bracket-style competition that’s capturing national attention and rallying communities around school spirit.”

According to The64.com, mascots are expected to highlight community engagement, creativity and pride, using design and student-led campaigns to mobilize support and advance in the competition.

The next round of competition began at 9 a.m. on May 6 and end three days later on May 8.

“The stakes are high,” wrote The64.com in a recent announcement. “Each school is competing for a prize and national recognition.”

“Now it gets really competitive,” said Justin Woo, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of The64. “What started as a fun idea has become something much bigger than we imagined. These mascots are bringing entire communities together—students, parents, alumni, even small businesses are jumping in to support.”

Hollister High’s Haybalers’ ‘Hank’ in a high school mascot tournament’s remaining eight

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) — There are two full days left to vote for one of eight high school mascots left from the total 64 contestants in The64.com High School Mascot Tournament, Hollister High’s Haybalers’ ‘Hank’ being one of them!

After two intense rounds of public voting, the winning school as well as voters can win prizes.

The contest says that every click counts to advance to the regional semi-finals and a shot at national recognition.

According to the contest, “This spirited rivalry is more than a popularity contest—it celebrates school pride, student creativity, and community spirit.”Each [school] rallying its fan base with remarkable passion and energy, bringing school students, alums, and fans together to help crown their favorite talisman.”

The West Region Remaining 8 are:

Coalinga, California | “Horned Toads” | Coalinga High School

Hollister, California | “Hollister Haybalers ‘Hank’” | Hollister High School

Center Point, Iowa | “Stormin Pointers ‘Stormin Normin” | Center Point – Urbana High School

Newfolden, Minnesota | “Northern Freeze” |Marshall County Central High School

Pender, Nebraska | “Pender Pendragon” | Pender High School

Las Vegas, Nevada | “Equipo Academy ‘Yeti’” | Equipo Academy

Carlsbad, New Mexico | “Caveman” | Carlsbad High School

Hutto, Texas | “Hippos” | Hutto High School

How voting works:

Sign up for free at The64.com

Vote in each round as the bracket narrows from 64 → 32 → 16 → 8 → 4 → 2 → Champion.

Earn chips: Every vote earns you a chip. Use chips to spin The64 Prize Wheel and win prizes.

The tournament runs for 18 days, with new rounds every 3 days.

Finalists from the West will move on to represent their region in the national semifinals.

“We designed The64 to tap into the fun and energy that school mascots bring to their communities,” said Justin Woo, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of The64. “What’s happening now is bigger than we imagined—these mascots are turning into regional legends, and the students, families, and alumni behind them are making that happen.”

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Makenzie Bennett

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Chartwell School’s neurodiversity art exhibit is taking off at the Monterey Regional Airport.

On Monday, April 30 the airport unveiled its newest art instillation.

The exhibit features artwork from lower, middle, and high school students at Chartwell School is Seaside.

Art instructors Emily Garber, and Domenique Grillo, curated the exhibition that demonstrated the different ways in which their students see the world, and the ways it enhances their creativity.

“Our students see the world differently—and that difference fuels their creativity, innovation, and brilliance. When we focus on their strengths, especially through the lens of art and expression, we witness the extraordinary. This is the power of strength-based education: it doesn’t just support students—it empowers them to lead, create, and inspire,” said Danielle Patterson, Head of School, Chartwell School.

The gallery has the goal of inspiring those who pass through the terminal to get to understand the value on recognizing unique creative styles and voices.

Passersby can enjoy the exhibit through June.

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Sergio Berrueta

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County District Attorney’s office announced Thursday that 56-year-old Joseph John Cubbage of Seaside pleaded no contest to felony elder abuse and misdemeanor resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

This follows an incident from last February where police say that Cubbage threatened to kill his 65-year-old ex-wife.

They say that he entered her private bedroom, woke her up and threatened to kill her.

Police add that since the ex-wife was 65 years old, she is considered an elder adult as defined by California law.

“When Seaside Police officers went to the residence to arrest Cubbage for the threats against his ex-wife, he refused to exit the home,” according to the DA’s office. “Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the house and ordered Cubbage to exit using a loudspeaker, but he did not ultimately leave the residence for more than two and a half hours.”

The DA’s office says that Cubbage is scheduled for sentencing on May 28 for formal three-year probation with a suspended prison sentence of four years that will be imposed if he violates the terms of his probation.

Seaside man arrested in hours-long standoff over criminal threats

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A Seaside man is arrested after an hours-long standoff due to making harmful threats to three people including a congressperson.

According to Seaside Police, officers began investigating a criminal threats case this morning involving a man who had made threats to kill a Seaside resident, a sitting congressperson, and a former elected official on the Monterey Peninsula.

During the investigation, Seaside PD tracked the alleged suspect Joseph Cubbage at his home with a standoff ensuing.

Cubbage then surrendered and was arrested. No one was harmed during the standoff incident.

The identities of the current and former officials threatened have not been released.

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Dania Romero

MORGAN HILL, (Calif.) — Morgan Hill Police released new video of body cam footage showing the chaos inside a Safeway store back on April 18 where officers shot a man who allegedly attacked a store employee.

Police arrived at the scene and tried to ask the man to drop the knife he held in his hand.

The suspect, later identified as Shaun Hillman, didn’t comply and ran to the back of the store.

It was during that time some body cam video showed Hillman appearing to strike a Safeway employee with a wine bottle.

After that, police tried to subdue Hillman using tasers and bean bag rounds with no success.

It was also during that time video shows Hillman tossing wine bottles at officers.

Eventually, an officer shot Hillman in the leg and police were able to arrest him.

Hillman is facing Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges, including on a police officer.

Both Hillman and the store employee survived the encounter.

Police were also able to recover the knife Hillman had in his possession.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney is investigating the incident.

The full video can be watched by clicking here

One person shot by police at a Morgan Hill Safeway

On April 18, 2025, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Morgan Hill Police officers responded to the Safeway grocery store, located at 840 E. Dunne Avenue, to investigate the report of an in-progress disturbance, according to MHPD. Upon arrival, officers contacted 40-year-old Shaun Hillman, from Van Nuys.

During the investigation, officers located a victim who had been attacked by Hillman and sustained injuries due to the assault.

Officials say that because of Hillman’s actions, officers shot at him. Following the shooting, Hillman received first aid until he could be transported to a local hospital, according to MHPD.

Hillman’s injuries are not considered to be life-threatening at this time. According to MHPD, no officers were injured during this incident.

Hillman was arrested for multiple felony violations, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and resisting a police officer, according to officials.

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Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said investigators recovered more than $30,000 in stolen bikes and tools from a homeless camp on Tuesday.

The sheriff’s office said deputies were conducting a foot patrol at a protected habitat area where homeless camping is illegal.

It was there the deputies made the discovery into the stolen items.

Items of which the sheriff’s office said included multiple mountain bikes, E-bikes, E-scooters and dozens of tools believed to have been stolen.

The sheriff’s office said the thefts were taking place from the Arana Gulch area into the Live Oak community.

At the camp, deputies approached a man who was detained and arrested after a brief pursuit.

A social media post from the agency identifies the man as Joshua Morris.

Deputies said Morris had over 10 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, cash and police scanners.

The sheriff’s office said they’re working to return the stolen items to their owners.

If you believe your property may be among the recovered items, please contact Detective Alex Spencer 831-454-7636 or email him at alexander.spencer@santacruzcountyca.gov.

Investigators said Morris is booked on multiple felony charges in connection to this investigation.

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jose.romo

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Two arrests were made in Monterey County after alleged cases of sexual assault where the perpetrator contacted victims through social media. Salinas PD confirms two victims, while Soledad has mentioned at least five minors reported being victims of that case. Both departments are saying, while the cases are similar, they do not have a connection. 

“Our officers and detectives have been investigating Saúl Hernández for sexually based crimes against juveniles,” Sergeant Zack Dunagan with Salinas Police says. “We were able to obtain enough information in the investigation to warrant an arrest for those charges.” 

In Salinas, 28-year-old Saúl Hernández was arrested facing various charges related to sexual offenses involving minors. Detectives say Hernández used social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat to target victims under the age of 16. 

“We have been able to confirm two separate victims who don’t know each other,” Dunagan says. “That’s why our concern is, there are more out there potentially.”

In an unrelated case, but with similar circumstances, Soledad police arrested 33-year-old Rutilio Calihua Quiahua, a resident of King City. He is presumably responsible for committing sexual offenses, targeting the Oaxacan community. Officials are confirming five victims total. Dunagan is adding that cases like these must be handled with care. 

“It’s hard to reach victims because this is something that people don’t necessarily want to talk about. So it’s a constant back and forth of us trying to reach out but not trying to push too hard, where… we still want victims to understand that they are a victim of a crime.” 

That is why agencies like the binational center for the development of Oaxacan indigenous communities reiterate their support to potential victims. In a statement, they say they continue providing services in their greenfield and offices.

Still, Dunagan reminds parents to stay vigilant of their children’s social media activity. 

“There are a lot of ways to hide apps. And I think parents just need to stay on top of that accessibility and also know what is prevalent in the social media world at the time, because that’s what kids are going to flock to.”

Sargent Dunagan says that although access to internet and social media presence is more prevalent, they have not seen a rise in these types of cases.

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