Author: KION

Sergio Berrueta

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) – A former employee of The Smith’s restaurant has been convicted of a 1991 double murder in Prunedale.

According to the Monterey County District Attorney, 86-year-old Ira Ulyesses Bastian was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for the murders of George Smith and Eva Thompson.

Both were killed at The Smith’s restaurant in Prunedale on Nov. 11, 1991, with the jury finding Bastian committed the murders.

George Smith owned the restaurant along with his wife Anna Smith, with both living at the restaurant with Eva Thompson, Anna’s mother, living with them.

Anna had found George Smith stabbed 11 times with a kitchen knife. Anna soon found that her mother, Thompson, had been beaten and strangled with her throat slit using the same knife. The Smiths’ bedroom was burglarized, with cash being stolen from it. The knife used was found in a laundry hamper in the hallway.

Bastian claimed not to have been at the restaurant for more than a year before the murder, despite shoe impressions being comparable to shoes Bastian owned.

Bastian was considered a suspect during the initial investigation yet no charges were filed.

It was not until 2024, and earlier this year, that new DNA testing provided support that Bastian’s DNA was on the shoes, the handle of the knife, and a shirt worn by Thompson.

Bastian is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, facing life in prison without any possibility of parole.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) –State and federal regulations continue to tighten around California farms, and in the Salinas Valley, that pressure is building fast.

One study out of Cal Poly found that regulatory costs have risen over 1,300 percent in the past 18 years. For example, an acre of farmland that cost about $109 to operate in 2006 now costs closer to $1,600 in 2024.

In comparison, total production costs rose only 44 percent during the same time period.

The Cal Poly study tracked one Salinas Valley grower over nearly two decades to understand the long-term financial burden of compliance with California regulations.

It found a staggering 1,366 percent increase in regulatory costs for that grower.

“The final number is 1,366% increase, which is just like astronomical in a what, not even 20-year period. It’s less than 20 years. So yeah, I was definitely shocked,” Jynel Gularte said.

A huge portion of those rising costs comes from labor related regulations.

“Labor, whether it’s the wage requirements, whether it’s health care for our workers, or whether it’s workers compensation. So three of the top four biggest increases have to do with labor,” Jynel Gularte said.

Gularte, who works at Rincon Farm Inc. in the Salinas Valley, said that the rules in California go far beyond what growers in other parts of the country have to deal with.

“You don’t see all of the regulations we face as California farmers everywhere else across the nation. We have seen cost increases over the last 20 years without a doubt, especially in the regulatory sector,” Jynel Gularte said.

She also noted that recent years have been especially difficult.

“These last four years, specifically since 2020, have been some of the most financially challenging times for our farm and our business,” Jynel Gularte said.

The growth in regulation has forced some farms to hire additional staff just to handle compliance related tasks.

“All of this added regulation increases our costs. It increases the amount of time that it takes to comply with all of this. Companies are now having to hire completely separate new positions like mine just to comply with regulations,” Jynel Gularte said.

And while costs are skyrocketing, the price growers get for their crops hasn’t changed much.

“Even though our costs have gone up over 1,300%, the cost of the head of lettuce has not gone up 1,300%. So truly, farmers are totally absorbing this regulatory cost, which is why our margins are getting smaller and smaller every year,” Jynel Gularte said.

Some in the industry feel that the regulatory burden has gone too far and is starting to put the entire agricultural system at risk.

“I would love for these non-elected governor-appointed regulatory agencies to rein back a little bit because it’s not only hurting farmers and other businesses,” Jynel Gularte said.

She also said the impact doesn’t stop at the farm. The ripple effect is hitting the consumers as well.

“It’s very hard to be profitable anymore because we’re trying to balance obviously paying for all these costs, paying our employees, most importantly making sure our work environment is safe for them, but also not making this cost prohibitive for consumers because everyone has to eat,” Jynel Gularte said.

Unless something changes soon, either by easing regulations or adjusting prices, farmers warn more operations could be forced out of business. And that, they say, would affect more than just growers. It could destabilize the entire food chain.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jeanette Bent

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 40-year-old Samuel David Salgado of Salinas on felon possession of over 240 grams of methamphetamine with other controlled substances and a loaded and concealed firearm.

Photo Monterey County Sheriff’s Office

Deputies saying that the arrest came from a routine traffic stop on August 23 just before 4 a.m.

The vehicle was pulled over for a code violation while traveling on Penzance Road near San Juan Grade Road in the unincorporated area of Monterey County, according to deputies.

They say that Salgado was confirmed to be a convicted felon who was on active probation, and during the vehicle search, officials found methamphetamine with suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana along with indicia that shows he was likely in possession for sales and distribution.

Deputies say that Salgado was arrested without incident and booked into the Monterey County Jail for being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded and concealed firearm; possession of controlled substances for sales while armed; and violation of probation as well as other charges.

Bail was set at $65,000.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sandra Iveth Santos

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) — Agricultural workers in Watsonville and Salinas have been on strike for several days, claiming that their demands are not being considered by farming companies.

This is the second strike so far this year, with the first taking place last April. Those workers claiming that the company Eat Sweet Farms had reduced their compensation among other unfavorable working conditions.

“The wages they are paying are very low, we demand fair treatment for all,” said one strawberry picker in Salinas, Fidela Lopez.

“It’s not just us, there are many other workers who have already returned to work,” said another farmworker Roselia Lopez. “We are unhappy with the treatment we are receiving from the supervisor, and we have many complaints.”

KION reached out to Eat Sweet Farms for comment but they declined to provide a statement.

Workers say that they are receiving $2.60 per box plus $16.50 per hour, which, they say, compared to H-2A visa workers, which are much higher.

They also say that sometimes pesticides are sprayed in the rows even while they are working.

Some now fearing retaliation and deciding to return to work.

Local agencies now stepping in to help.

“Workers have the right to strike without being reprimanded or sanctioned by their employer,” said an investigator with Agriculture Labor Relations Board of California (ALRB) Federico Guzmán Nieto.

Workers have been on strike since Thursday, saying they were only offered the opportunity to submit individual complaints, which ALRB says is a violation of their right to assemble.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jeanette Bent

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. (KION-TV) — Fort Hunter Liggett confirmed that a vegetation fire started Monday afternoon, growing to 20 acres around 1:30 p.m.

The fire was reported near the Shoot House in Training Area 24/27 with response from Fort Hunter Liggett as well as Las Padres National Forest and Cal Fire.

They said that there is no current immediate threats to any structures or people.

Although forward progress has not been stopped on this fire, as of around 3:15 p.m. Fort Hunter Liggett says they had “good containment and resources” on scene.

This is a developing story and more details will be added once we receive them.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Marine Mammal Center is opening a new triage facility in Castroville, built to help more sick and injured sea lions, seals, and even whales, much faster.

 “We are able to respond to any urgent injuries or animals in distress much more quickly,” said Cecily Majerus, CEO of the Marine Mammal Center. 

This new space could mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of animals each year, according to the Marine Mammal Center.

The new 4,000 square foot triage facility will help stabilize sick and injured animals before heading to the main hospital in Sausalito.

“This is a triage center, and right now animals come here for one to three days so they can rest up before taking that long journey,” said Majerus. “These animals are coming in sicker with more diseases because of pollution, the changing ocean environments and the diseases that are out there. And we are now able, with this facility, to not only continue our work but expand our work.”

The new facility also behaving as a window into the ocean’s health, with Monterey Bay as one of the busiest hotspots for marine mammal strandings in California, according to the Marine Mammal Center.

“[Animals] are telling us what is going on with the ocean,” said Majerus. “They are giving us clues to the ocean’s health.”

Majerus referencing the facility’s large space to being able to help nurture animals back to health.

“It’s much larger than what we were previously operating with, so the volunteers and staff are really excited because we have much more room to expand and house more animals and prepare food for them,” said Response and Animal Care Manager Morgan Fisher.

According to State Senator John Laird, marine research and animal rescue doesn’t just help wildlife, it informs scientists and officials about future ocean policy.

“It’s the science behind [oceanic study] because they will examine why they’re needing rescue,” he said. “Is it because the oceans acidifying? Is it because of propellers? Is it because of bad food? In a way, that tells us about ocean health, so having that as a permanent resource here is a wonderful thing.” 

The center is also dealing with a Leptospirosis outbreak, a serious bacterial disease that can spread to people and pets, so being near the bay could save critical time.

“Right now, we are actually in an outbreak of Liptosporosis, so we always wear our PPE when going into the play with the animals,” said Fisher.

“We are closer to those animals where they’re getting sick,” said Majerus. “We can reach them sooner, provide care much faster, bring them here, get them stabilized before they go up to the main hospital. It will increase our success rate.”

With more than 11,000 rescues from this region already, the center expects hundreds more to come through Castroville each year, serving as a home base for staff and over 100 local volunteers.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — A nonprofit in Santa Cruz is speaking out after the theft of its Black Lives Matter banner, again. The Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center says this is the third time the banner has been stolen, and they believe it’s no coincidence.

“This is where the flag was right here. You can see where the nails and the installments are placed. But obviously there’s no flag missing. And as you see, we have to put it up higher and higher every time that it’s ripped down or vandalized.” Amanda Coto said.

The center has long displayed the banner on the side of its building. It’s more than a sign, it represents support for the Black community. The repeated targeting of this specific banner, staff say, is a clear message.

“We did file a police report because it is vandalism and is trespassing and all of those things. So we did make a police report.” Amanda Coto said.

According to the center, the second theft came with a disturbing note.

“Three times that have been missing. The second time when it was stolen, the person actually left a note and it referenced something to the effect on White Lives Matter, too.” Amanda Coto said.

Other signs posted on the building were left untouched. It’s only the Black Lives Matter banner that continues to be removed.

“We have had graffiti and tags, but nothing specifically like this, where it’s an obvious there’s teeth attached. So, there’s a reason, you know, there’s an intentional reason that they’re doing this. And unfortunately, it’s a message of hate.” Amanda Coto said.

Now, the center is taking steps to prevent further vandalism.

“We have had discussions and because it’s the third time, we’re looking at some possible options for some security cameras just facing in particular that corner, because that is the only sign. We have multiple signs, banners around the building.” Amanda Coto said.

Community members have responded with support. One local activist says the crime goes far beyond the banner itself.

“It’s disheartening. At the end of the day, you can steal a banner, but you can’t steal belonging. You know, this isn’t just about a banner on the wall. It’s about a community right to be seen, to be protected and to be proud.” Ayo Banjo said.

Ayo Banjo, who has worked with the nonprofit in the past, says the fact that a group serving victims of domestic violence was targeted makes it even more painful.

“To target not just a nonprofit, but one that serves domestic violence in the disproportionate, serves Black residents.” Ayo Banjo said.

Banjo says this isn’t an isolated act.

“We’ve seen with the sign, with the street art, now with this situation going on, with the flier being missed you know, all of these things are revealing patterns.” Ayo Banjo said.

Despite the repeated thefts, the Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center isn’t backing down.

“Every time that banner returns, it’s a small act of resistance.” Ayo Banjo said.

“I think we’re just always going to maintain our stance. And just because people have any feelings about it, it’s not going to change our minds. If anything, as you notice, we just have to keep putting it up higher, making it a little less reachable for folks.” Amanda Coto said.

The center has already ordered another banner and have recieved a even small donation to help.

Click here to follow the original article.

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Santa Cruz is celebrating a major milestone as it breaks ground on a long-anticipated development that promises to bring more affordable housing to the area and create a vibrant cultural hub.

The Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project has been in the planning stages for years and will now rise from what was once a surface parking lot.

The project will include 124 apartment units designated as affordable housing, a modern public library, a childcare facility, and commercial space. In addition, a public parking garage will be built to support the downtown retail community.

“It will allow social workers, service workers, construction workers and workers of various industries in our community to live where they work, raise their families here and contribute to the rich tapestry of our community.”

Housing affordability is a key component of the development. Rents will vary depending on income eligibility, but are significantly lower than the local market rate.

“A one-bedroom, for example, will be as low as $975 a month up to a little over $2000,” Andrea Osgood said, Eden Housing said

The city also announced that the weekly Downtown Farmer’s Market, which currently takes place at the development site every Wednesday, will be relocated to a new permanent home elsewhere in downtown Santa Cruz.

The entire project is scheduled for completion by early 2028.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sergio Berrueta

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The search for a missing San Juan Bautista man who has not been seen for over a month.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance as a homicide. Investigators say 60-year-old David Souza was last seen on July 25th.

Several search warrants have been served, with deputies are now waiting for responses from multiple companies.

Search and rescue teams have also been combing the county. 

The sheriff’s office is receiving lots of tips and information, adding that they continue to pursue every lead.

Ongoing search for the disappearance of David Souza

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that they suspect malicious activity leading to the disappearance of 60-year-old David Souza from July 25.

They said that they are treating the case as “more than a missing persons case.”

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies have written and served numerous search warrants and are currently waiting for responses from multiple companies.

San Benito County Search & Rescue along with the Department of Justice, California Office of Emergency Services and other agencies, are continuing to try and locate Souza as well as find answers surrounding his disappearance.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.

Missing San Benito County man now officially being investigated as homicide; Sheriff’s Office

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said that the disappearance of 60-year-old David Souza is now officially being investigated as a homicide case.

Back at the end of July, deputies say that the case was already “suspicious” with certain evidence leading officials to believe there was foul play.

Now, nearly one month later, deputies have said that they are treating the case as a homicide.

This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are released.

Missing person in San Benito County reported, considered ‘suspicious’

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – A man is reported missing in San Benito County after last being seen on July 25.

60-year-old David Souza has been missing since last Friday, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.

His disappearance is being considered suspicious, with the detective currently investigating.

Souza is described as being 5 feet, 9 inches in height, slender build, and with a bald head.

Those with information on Souza’s disappearance or his whereabouts are asked to call 831-901-5061.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maxwell Glenn

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) – Featuring over 400 cars in 14 race groups, the 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brought four days of high-octane action to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The highly anticipated event celebrated 75 years of Formula 1, bringing together more than 30 iconic F1 cars in a special display in the paddock.

Those cars also took center stage on track, highlighting a historic weekend at Laguna Seca. In addition to F1, the IROC Series became one of the most popular groups at the Reunion.

Bringing together NASCAR, IndyCar, and F1 legends, IROC’s return to Laguna Seca also marked the first time all seven generations of IROC cars were displayed together.

Sports Director Maxwell Glenn talks with racing legends and gives a first-hand look at what it’s like to ride on a superbike in Laguna Seca Season Pass.

Click here to follow the original article.