Category: kion-local-news

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) —The heat sent thousands flocking to the coast this Labor Day weekend, with beaches across Santa Cruz County packed with families and beachgoers looking for relief.

But while the coast offers a break from soaring inland temperatures, it also comes with a warning: strong rip currents are making conditions especially dangerous.

“The swell, the crowds, and the temperature are really going to increase the number of rescues that we see,” said a lifeguard.

KION’s Briana Mathaw reports from Santa Cruz, where the beach boardwalk and surrounding shores were filled with people enjoying the long weekend.

Beaches were busy Monday afternoon as people looked for a way to cool down.

“I got to get in the water. It’s way too hot not to be in the water right now,” said one beachgoer.

“Are you planning on getting into the water today?”

“Yeah, I am,” the beachgoer replied.

“It was really hot. So it was a great day for the beach, means great day to be in the water. And we have just larger crowds and larger swell,” said a lifeguard.

Lifeguards were out in full force, watching swimmers closely as rip currents continued to form.

“A really strong current that will pull you out. And then with the slope of the beach, as the water comes back down that hill, it’ll kind of pull you down so people will get knocked over. And then if you can’t find your feet, it can be really dangerous,” said a lifeguard.

Checking in with a lifeguard before heading into the water can make all the difference.

“Checking in with a lifeguard is going to be a great idea, because they’ll know the section of the beach that they’re on is going to have its own sort of hazards,” said a lifeguard.

Some beachgoers were choosing to stay safe by keeping their distance from the shoreline.

“Just keep watching the water, be safe on the shore. I won’t be too close,” said one person.

“Keep your eye on the ocean. Never turn your back on the ocean,” said another beachgoer.

Parents especially were keeping a close eye on their children.

“We’re just making sure they’re close to us and that we have an eye on them at all times. And, you know, we’re not getting too far, too far away from the shore,” said a parent.

Lifeguards say they’ve already performed dozens of rescues over the holiday weekend.

“Over the past couple days, we’ve had probably in the 30s, and those have ranged from people out in the water who got caught in a rip,” said a lifeguard.

Some experienced swimmers said they feel safe as long as they respect the water and pay attention to the conditions.

“If we commit ourselves to getting in the water for a swim, we swim through the shore break offshore. And then the only concern is when you’re coming in,” said a swimmer.

Those strong rip currents are expected to last through 11 PM Monday night. If you’re headed to the beach, officials are urging everyone to stay alert, check in with a lifeguard, and never turn your back on the ocean.

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Victor Guzman

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — New stores coming to the Northridge Mall are sparking excitement among people on the Central Coast, but some law firms are debating safety and security of the new Dave & Busters.

The Salinas Planning Commission is scheduled to hear about the new site during a meeting on September 3rd. Including an appeal filed by the law firm Cox, Castle and Nicholson.

CC&N represents a large chunk of the Northridge Mall and Steerpoint Capital, which owns a portion that includes Round One entertainment. The Sears property, however, is owned by Ethan Conrad Properties.

The firm argues bringing a Dave & Busters would increase crime around the old Sears building and in neighborhoods around that part of the mall.

In a statement to the planning commission, the firm says in part “Concern over the Project’s operation is not speculative. With its appeal, Steerpoint submitted evidence of numerous instances of violent behavior at Dave & Buster’s – murders, shootings, stabbings, assaults, robberies.”

The firm also emphasized the project is detrimental to public health, safety and welfare. Citing a number of violent incidents at Dave & Buster locations in Washington D.C and in Times Square in New York City among others.

Another law firm, however, is denying those claims and is supportive of the new Dave & Busters location.

Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson says Salinas Police is working closely with the mall and Dave & Busters company to insure safety at the new site by providing new security measures in and around the venue.

SS&J represents the applicant, Dave & Busters.

Some of which involves new lighting outside of the old Sears building, but also includes a video surveillance system that police would have access to in case of an incident.

Armed Security would also be provided by Maddison Group, which also helps with security at other Dave & Busters locations.

The statement from SS&J also says safety and awareness trainings for staff will be conducted in conjunction with Salinas Police.

“To cast aspersions on Dave & Buster’s for these events is both unfair and misplaced. Further it is unfair to compare those incidents and locations to Salinas. Salinas does not suffer from the same general community challenges as does Times Square in New York City,” says SS&J.

SS&J also argues staff at these locations responded “swiftly.”

In a letter from Salinas Police Sgt Gerardo Magana to City Senior Planner Tom Wiles, the SPD acknowledges while there may be an increase for Police services once D&B arrives, they do not object to the business being placed there.

They ask the company to follow a number of conditions, including some of the elements referenced earlier about video surveillance and lightning, but also include posting “No Trespassing signs” and stopping the sale of alcohol by no later than 2 a.m.

The letter also states an armed security officer should be on site from 5 p.m. to closing on Fridays and Saturdays and a second officer available from midnight to closing within the same dates.

Documents related to the topic scheduled for September 3rd are available by clicking here

Leases signed for Dave & Busters, Burlington and other businesses at former Northridge Mall Sears building

Staff at Ethan Conrad Properties confirms to KION multiple new businesses are taking over the former Sears building, including a new Dave & Busters.

Floor plans on the company’s website also show plans for a Burlington, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Gohan Buffet.

Ethan Conrad Properties confirms the leases for those businesses plus the Dave & Busters have all been signed and remodeling is underway.

Plans for First Floor of former Sears building (Courtesy of Ethan Conrad Properties)

Exterior images of businesses coming to Northridge Mall (Courtesy of Ethan Conrad Properties)

Exterior image of businesses coming to Northidge Mall (Courtesy of Ethan Conrad Properties)

Plans for Second Floor of Former Sears building (Courtesy of Ethan Conrad Properties)

The company said the Dave & Busters is listed on the floor plan for the Second Floor of the former Sears building.

Floor plans for the first floor also indicate plans for a “Smash n’ Axe,” but it’s not listed as having a lease signed.

Northridge Mall said despite the opening of the Dave & Busters they still intend on keeping the Round One Entertainment and arcade area open.

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Victor Guzman

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — One person is dead and five others hurt after a suspected DUI crash along Old Stage and Natividad Road on Sunday night.

The CHP said a red Ford pick-up truck driven by 29-year-old Miguel Garcia Soto of Watsonville was traveling northbound on Old Stage Road, while a gray Nissan SUV crashed head-on just before 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The driver of the SUV, a 47-year-old man from Salinas, died as a result of their injuries while the passengers in the vehicle — all ages ranging from 12 to 42 years old from Salinas — suffered moderate to major injuries.

For reasons still under investigation, the CHP says that the pickup crossed into the southbound lane, resulting in a head-on crash with the SUV.

“The driver of the pickup sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital,” according to the CHP. “Four of the SUV’s five passengers sustained suspected moderate to major injuries and were transported to a local hospital. One passenger required emergency air transport.”

Soto was arrested for Felony DUI. The California Highway Patrol is working in collaboration with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office to pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.

The identity of the SUV’s driver will be released by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified.

Old Stage Road along Hebert and Natividad was shut down as part of the investigation.

The CHP encourages anyone with information related to this crash to contact the Monterey Area office at (831) 770-8000 or email MontereyCHPTips@chp.ca.gov.

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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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