Author: KION

Mickey Adams

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Responders from Cal Fire hoisted people out of Carmel Valley Sunday morning after an emergency plane landing.

It happened at 9:40 a.m. near Carmel Valley and Cashagua roads.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s office says that the pilot is the one who called the emergency landing in, after the small aircraft flew out of Salinas for a sightseeing flight. CHP aircraft were able to find the plane and passengers, remaining in orbit until Calfire pilots could come out. Hollister Helitack was able to lift two passengers out of the aircraft with minor injuries.

They were taken to a ground ambulance and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Monterey County search and rescue hiked in and secure the aircraft as well as made sure there were no other survivors. 

This is a developing story and more details will be added.

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Sergio Berrueta

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) – Forward progress stopped on the Coach Fire at 12 acres.

The Coach Fire has broken out on Old Stage Road in between Monterey and San Benito Counties.

According to CAL FIRE BEU, the fire is about 15 acres in size, with the potential to grow to 100 acres. The fire broke out

Crews are attacking the fire from the air and the ground.

This is a developing story. We will have more information as it becomes available.

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Briana Mathaw

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION-TV) – The City of Soledad is facing a race against time to put $1.6 million in federal grant money to use, aiming to help young adults facing or at risk of homelessness in Monterey County.

The grant, part of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), was originally managed by a nonprofit that has since exited the region.

Now, Soledad has stepped in to manage the program and make sure the funds reach those who need them most.

“What we’re trying to do is bring stability to those children, maybe experiencing homelessness or, at risk of homelessness,” said Beatriz Trujillo, Soledad’s community and economic development director.

The YHDP targets individuals between the ages of 18 and 24. That includes single young adults and also young families, people who are often in transition and facing significant barriers to stability.

“Youth who are experiencing homelessness between the ages of 18 and 24. This could be, single individuals, but it can also be young families. So that age is a vulnerable age because we are entering into adulthood. People may not have enough work experience. It’s harder for people to have a better paying job,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

After the original nonprofit left the program behind, Soledad acted quickly by hiring a former program coordinator who had already been managing the funds.

“We hired a coordinator that happened to be the person managing this funds with BACS. So we thought that it was a good opportunity to hit the ground running, since we have a limited amount of time to spend the funds,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

Trujillo emphasized the importance of showing that there’s a local need for these services, not just to help now, but to keep the door open for future funding.

“We need to demonstrate that we have the need in the community. This type of funding is open for renewal. So if we show that there is a need in the community, we can apply to renew the funding for the next round of funding,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

The city plans to use the bulk of the grant for rental assistance and related moving costs.

“We can also pay for some of the moving cost. So that includes deposit, first month of rent. We can also pay for some of the expenses that people may need,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

“Most of the money is going to go to rental assistance and moving cost. This is one of the programs where it’s fully grant funded. If we run out of funding, we can place people in a waitlist,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

But once the grant runs out, the city’s ability to help becomes severely limited.

“We can try to provide referrals to other agencies that may be serving the same demographic, but unfortunately, there is no extra money other than this grant. So we can only use what is available through the rent,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

So that means, people are not going to be able to get the services, “Yes. Yeah,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

Spending the funds quickly, and wisely, is critical. If the money is used effectively, it could open the door to more support in the future.

“Spending the funds indicates to HUD that we actually have a need in the community. It’s that tight, that line. So we’ll do our best to spend as much money as possible. We will see what happens from it until December,” said Beatriz Trujillo.

The city has until December to use the entire $1.6 million. If they don’t meet that deadline, future funding could be in jeopardy.

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Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — PG&E is reporting thousands are without power in the Rio Del Mar, La Selva and Aptos Hills area of Santa Cruz County.

So far PG&E is showing 3,188 people are without power.

The outage was first reported around 3:55 a.m.

The cause of the outage is unknown, with PG&E calling it an “unplanned outage.”

The estimated restoration time is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

This is a developing story

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Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The Middlebury Institute of International Studies, which announced the end of its graduate programs in Monterey, is winding down its operations.

The school says it plans to support currently enrolled students, including those starting this fall.

They can complete their degrees by June 20-27. They are also working to support faculty and staff to provide a smooth transition.

The president adds that a steep decline in enrollments and applications following the pandemic is to blame.

Middlebury says that current employees will be employed through the end of the year —

Those whose positions are being phased out will get at least a 4-month notice.

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jose.romo

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A school bus driver shortage is impacting students getting to class on time. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District continues searching for qualified drivers.

Parents are concerned, saying they receive alerts that routes will be canceled. 

“This community is a, you know, a farm working community, so our parents are leaving home early, so I mean our transportation to the school is the bus.” Luis Abrica lives in Las Lomas and recalls having to wait for the bus as a student. Now, he lives just down the street from a school bus stop and says he knows the struggle parents face having to balance early work times and school schedules. 

With many bus drivers having to double up on routes, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is facing an ongoing bus driver shortage. 

The district says they are currently operating 84 routes despite being 19 drivers short. They add many mechanics, and office staff are having to step in to help with some drivers having to work 12-hour shifts. 

“We choose this method because sometimes we don’t have the time, because sometimes work and everything else gets in the way, so sometimes we don’t have the time. That’s why we choose this method so that (our children) can go to school or home.” Maricela Canseco says it’s difficult for her to drop her children off at school, having to work early in the morning. She says she relies on the bus system to safely take her kids to and from school.

The PVUSD website says they are committed to providing a safe way for students to get to school. Yet, due to this bus-driver shortage, they must prioritize routes required by state and federal law, like those of special-need children. Parents, however, still feel uncertainty in their morning commutes.  

“De repente o manda el mensaje que al teléfono que no hay parada,” María Cervantes shares that in prior years, she has received notifications that the routes her children take have been impacted. Both she and her husband work long hours. For Luis, this turns into a safety concern.

“Now you see the kids going up the hill. They get in the street. This side of Las Lomas doesn’t have sidewalks. So you see them on the street, you know? So it is dangerous,” he says.

The district requires potential applicants to have 34 to 45 hours of classroom training, 40 to 45 hours behind the wheel, and 10 hours of in-service instruction. 

Potential drivers must have a clean driving record and no criminal history. The district adds that they will host upcoming dates for those interested. They provide a 4-week course for those looking to become school bus drivers.

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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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Katie Nicora

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Thursday marks the start of this year’s Monterey County Fair, kicking off a weekend of fun on the Central Coast.

All the familiar sights and sounds back in full swing out at the fairgrounds.

Dozens of classic rides returning for guests of all ages, including classics like The Alpine Slide, The Zipper, and The Medusa.

Free concerts are also happening every night at 7:30 p.m., Thursday night featuring the reggae band Steel Pulse.

Also on Thursday, all seniors 62 years and older can get into the fair for free.

There will be a rodeo on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and admission to that is free if you already have a ticket. 

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