Category: kion-local-news

Katie Nicora

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Greenfield is considering increasing sewer rates as a way to pay for the replacement of the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

A city report says the new plant is expected to cost more than $110 million.

The same report suggests modernizing the sewer rate structure and new capacity charges to help finance it.

The new structure would see a uniform fixed charge for each structure along with a variable charge per each thousand gallons of water up to five thousand gallons.

The average single family rate payer would see their payment increase from an average of about $63 per month to a little over $91 per month next year.

Non-single family bills will vary based on water use.

Greenfield could also apply for grants and a small loan to pay for the project, or it could borrow the full amount, which could see rates increase even more to prepare for higher annual payments.

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Jeanette Bent

Disclaimer: There is strong, explicit sexual language quoted from the complaint below. The full court document is embedded at the bottom of this article.

MONTEREY COUNY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County Superior Court reported a lawsuit against the County of Monterey Friday, claiming an alleged sexual harassment and discrimination case against a former deputy and a current captain with the Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, the plaintiff worked for the County of Monterey since 2014, having held roles within crisis negotiations, search and rescue, defense tactics, first aid, jail operations, recruitment, and the collision committee.

The allegations state that the defendant, retired Sergeant Michael Smith’s, “behavior escalated from unprofessional/inappropriate to blatant, severe sexual harassment and overt gender discrimination,” citing an approximate four-year timeframe (2019 until 2023).

Screenshot from page 5 of the complaint

“Mike would tell plaintiff that she was a ‘whore’ and that it was okay ‘because all women are whores, just some more than others,'” according to the compliant. The compliant states: “Mike routinely objectified and sexualized plaintiff and spoke about her physical appearance on a regular basis.”

Screenshot from page 6 of the complaint

Screenshot from page 6 of the complaint

Among these, two explicit examples referenced in the court document stated inappropriate comments to the plaintiff as well as attempts to sexually engage with Smith.

In the document, it was stated that the Smith made “fairy dust” jokes referencing the plaintiff’s genitalia, stating that he “told the whole investigations unit that plaintiff has ‘fairy dust coming out of her vagina,’ that ‘her vagina is magical’ and that every man who experiences it seems to be under her magical spell.”

The plaintiff saying that he sent “group messages with ‘tinker bell’ waving a wand that releases fairy dust.”

Screenshot from page 10 of the complaint

The second example, as outlined in the court document, refers to a “snake shirt” incident:

“Plaintiff was in court to testify for a case on a Friday, and she wore a grey suit with a grey snake print shirt underneath. On Monday, when plaintiff returned to work, Mike said suggestively, ‘You wore my favorite shirt and you didn’t let me see it.’ Plaintiff responded that she didn’t know what he was talking about, and he said, ‘You know which shirt… The snake shirt.’ Plaintiff was surprised and bothered that Mike knew what she wore to court days before, and asked how he knew. She felt like he was stalking her.”

Screenshot from page 10 and 11 of complaint

In addition to this, the court documents reported that not only was the plaintiff being harassed by the Michael Smith, but also his wife Rebecca Smith and a captain at the sheriff’s office. Rebecca Smith is named as the second defendant in this case.

The document outlining multiple alleged instances throughout the four-year period where the husband-wife defendants reportedly harassed, discriminated and retaliated professionally, including throughout the duration of the plaintiff’s two pregnancies.

During one instance, the document outlined an alleged deliberate request from Michael Smith over sexual intercourse:

“Mike cut her off and said, ‘Are we going to fuck after this?’ Plaintiff asked what he meant, he repeated, ‘Are we fucking or not? Because if you aren’t going to fuck me, I really don’t care to know anything about you.’ She asked if he was serious and he responded yes.”

Screenshot from page 11 of the complaint

The court documents stating that tensions continued to escalate until the plaintiff claimed that she felt physically unsafe in the presence of Michael Smith.

“Plaintiff was frightened and began to cry,” according to the document. “She was afraid that her partners had left her alone with Mike when he was that angry.”

Screenshot from page 17 of the complaint

In June 2024, Sheriff Nieto’s response to altercations between the Smiths and the plaintiff were met with indifference. She said that after meeting with the Sheriff regarding a locker issue, she decided to relocate, saying that Sheriff Nieto responded with:

“Good because I don’t want to hear any of that drama. I don’t care if someone doesn’t like you or if you don’t like someone, that’s not something I’m going to spend time resolving.”

Screenshot from page 23 of the complaint

These allegations continued throughout 2024, the document stating that the “plaintiff is informed and believes that the MCSO took no actions to investigate her complaints of sexual harassment and retaliation, or to prevent further harassment or retaliation.”

Screenshot from page 24 of the complaint

The plaintiff, claiming that by the time it got to August 2024, she had experienced “severe emotional distress with catastrophic consequences for her mental and physical health. She has been enduring Mike and Rebecca’s torment since 2019, and despite reporting the harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, she knows that MCSO did nothing to stop Mike and Rebecca’s behavior. Respondent did nothing to protect plaintiff from unlawful, severe and pervasive harassment discrimination, and retaliation.”

Screenshot from page 26 of the complaint

Finally, at the beginning of 2025 and after being denied an interview for a new professional position after allegedly being the only candidate, the plaintiff took action against the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office by filing a lawsuit with six claims.

The claims are for sexual harassment; sex discrimination; failure to investigate and prevent harassment and discrimination; intentional infliction of emotional distress; and two counts of retaliation. The plaintiffs attorney is demanding a jury trial, damages, and individual action.

KION has reached out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for comment, but they declined to respond.

The full court document:

MCSO LAWSUITDownload

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Jeanette Bent

SALINAS, Cailf. (KION-TV) — Salinas Police were called to the Central Coast Goodwill Monday morning over a suspected grenade that my have been donated to the facility.

“Upon discovery, the item was immediately isolated outside and law enforcement was notified,” wrote the Goodwill in a statement. “The donation center and outlet store were closed to the public, and approximately 80 employees working inside were directed to shelter in place as a precaution.”

They said that the bomb squad was called in to investigate the situation, but after a couple of hours, discovered that the object was not actually a grenade.

As a precaution, they detonated the object before clearing the scene.

The grenade-looking-object was located in a blue bin in the employee parking lot.

The Goodwill said that the origin of the device and how it came to be included in the donated items remains unknown.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Santa Cruz Police Department announced Monday that they are investigating a shooting that took place on Wilkes Circle Sunday.

They said that at around 5:34 p.m. they responded to reports of gunshots in the area before securing the scene and collecting multiple pieces of evidence.

Investigators said they believed the incident to be gang-related and are pursuing leads on the case.

They say that no injuries were reported.

They are asking anyone with further information to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831.420.5995.

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Jeanette Bent

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that three of its correctional officers were injured after an attack by an inmate.

Sheriff Eric Taylor taking to Facebook to make the announcement.

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jose.romo

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) –The 92nd Annual Festa Italia at the Old Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf drew a crowd of eager families and festival-goers who gathered to enjoy a weekend full of music, food, and lively traditions. The closing event was a true celebration of Italian culture, with activities ranging from a spirited bocce ball tournament to the delicious array of Italian dishes and desserts that have become a hallmark of the event.

“We start working on it the week after, and we close it. It’s a year-round work of love,” said Joe Cardinalli, President of the Festa Italia Foundation. The festival, which has been a staple of the community for nearly a century, is no small feat. Cardinalli and his team are already brainstorming ideas for next year’s event, as the planning process begins soon after each year’s festivities conclude.

Festival-goers like Jan Crompton and Jensen Hastings expressed their love for the event’s atmosphere, highlighting the diversity of entertainment as a key factor in its appeal. “The food’s great, the people are great, and we love the music,” Crompton said, while Hastings noted, “The variety of music gets me. It’s not just one style; the Italian-based music completely challenges my western dance lessons.”

As with every year, volunteers were a cornerstone of the festival’s success. Hundreds of volunteers, including families who cook and serve much of the food, ensure that the event runs smoothly. Cardinalli explained that the preparation is immense, with various families and community organizations running different food booths throughout the weekend.

“The volunteers are what make this event truly special,” Cardinalli said. “Families come together to share the food, the culture, and the memories that have been passed down through generations.”

Sebastian Crivello, who has volunteered for decades, emphasized the importance of keeping Italian traditions alive for future generations. “My tradition is to keep the Italian tradition going, pass it on to my kids and grandkids. It’s in your heart, and that’s why all the effort has been put out here,” he shared.

Festa Italia has deep roots in the community, dating back to 1933 when Italian fishermen began celebrating their patron saint. For many, attending the festival is a way to keep those memories alive. Vince Ferrante, a former board director, spoke about how the event has evolved over time. “I see kids now who were once junior princesses and are now adults with their own children. It’s amazing to watch this tradition pass from one generation to the next,” he said.

Looking ahead, organizers are already planning for the 93rd edition of the event. This year’s addition of Italian ice and other sweet treats was a hit with attendees, and organizers are eager to bring even more exciting features to next year’s festival.

Festa Italia remains a testament to the dedication and passion of the volunteers and families who keep the tradition alive, ensuring that the Italian-American culture in Monterey continues to thrive for years to come.

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Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) – Three upcoming town hall events will put residential and employee parking permit programs in Monterey in focus for neighbors to have their say on what can be improved upon.

The City of Monterey is asking for final recommendations on the 10th Street Employee, Casanova Oak Knoll and Cannery Row Residential Parking Permit Programs.

The 10th Street Employee Parking town hall will focus options for a restructuring of the program, impacts to local businesses and how to balance parking for residents, customers and businesses.

The Casanova Oak Knoll Residential town hall will discuss what’s working well, challenges with the current enforcement of the program, and ideas on what to improve.

The Cannery Row Residential Parking Permit Program aims to bring up options on how to improve the high demand for parking in the area, how permits affect paid parking and enforcement, and solutions for a batter balance between residential and visitor parking.

These town halls will be held in person at the Monterey City Council Chamber at Few Memorial Hall of Records on 580 Pacific Street and online via Zoom.

The schedule is as followed:

10th Street Employee Parking Permit Program10:00 to 10:45 a.m.Zoom Link

Casanova Oak Knoll Residential Parking Permit Program11:00 to 11:45 a.m.Zoom Link

Cannery Row Residential Parking Permit Program12:00 to 12:45 p.m.Zoom Link

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Sergio Berrueta

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV) – Bookworms and library guest be aware: the Greenfield Branch Library will be temporarily closed starting Monday, Sept. 8 for repairs.

According to the County of Monterey, the library will begin work on their new roof starting on Sept. 8 lasting until Sept. 15 fixing underneath the roof to stop leaks.

The traditional tile roof that adorns the library will be intact with the tiles being reused after repairs are done.

During this time, the library will not accept any returned item as those can returned to other branches or at the Bookmobile stop in Hicks Park.

Wireless internet access around the library will still be active between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. with print, scan, and copy services also available at the Hicks Park Bookmobile stop.

Other upcoming projects of note are seating and shade enhancements at the San Lucas Library, upgrades to the Pajaro Library at the Porter-Vallejo Mansion, and the closure of the Gonzales Library the week of Thanksgiving to reopen in their new home at the Dennis & Janice Caprara Community Center in 2026.

New libraries are also in the planning stages for Bradley and East Garrison, with construction expected to begin in 2026.

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Sergio Berrueta

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (KION-TV) – The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) may be changing the scope of the coastal rail trail project in the face of funding problems.

According to a staff report, the Measure D funds that make up a bulk of the commission’s budget have been getting spent faster than they’re being accrued.

The commission is passing motions today to look into financing options for short or long-term borrowing, as well as developing strategies that will reduce costs and avoid delays. This deals specifically with beginning segments 8 through 11 of the project.

Those strategies could include scaling down the project’s scope. Staff also recommending that the city, county and other sponsors work directly with the RTC to help reduce costs.

“That’s the intent of my motion, its to I think bring an additional degree of accountability from a financial standpoint and also to present us with a couple different plans, what do we have to pay and finance, what might we have to finance in the future and we can make decisions around scope at that point,” said Scotts Valley City Council Member Steve Clark.

Keeping projects on track is especially important, as a delay could lead to the California Transportation Commission taking back some grant money.

The commission is expected to receive a report on possible financing options by December, as well as a decision whether to move forward with railbanking the line or instantiating a zero emission passenger train.

If the funding can be sorted out, the RTC says that they may begin planning for segment 9 in 2026.

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Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — The CHP Santa Cruz reported three recovered stolen cars within a 24-hour time period Wednesday and Thursday.

They said that the Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reduction and Enforcement task force (S.C.A.R.E.), a CHP-led task force comprising multiple law enforcement agencies—including the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Watsonville Police and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office—successfully retrieved a 2020 Skid Steer valued at $45,000. Image below:

Then, they said on Wednesday evening, a CHP officer tracked down and stopped a stolen 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The driver was a 36-year-old man from Gilroy, and was arrested on scene for vehicle theft. Image below:

Finally, Thursday afternoon officers stopped a stolen 2023 Chevrolet Malibu and arrested the 36-year-old female driver from Santa Cruz. Image below:

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