Category: kion-local-news

Jeanette Bent

FORT ORD, Calif. (KION-TV) — The U.S. Army announced Friday that as a part of its ongoing environmental cleanup at the former Fort Ord, they will be conducting a large prescribed burn starting this summer.

They say that during this time, that will take place between July and December, people can expect road and trail closures.

The U.S. Army saying that the prescribed burn is to help remove vegetation within the munitions cleanup area and encourage successful recovery of the rare fire-dependent plant species within the Fort Ord Monument.

If you would like to sign up to learn about when and where these prescribed burns will happen, you can sign up for the Direct Notification Program and complete the registration form online at fortordcleanup.com.

If you register for the Direct Notification Program, the Army will notify you via email, text, or by an automated telephone message that:

a prescribed burn could occur shortly (a day or two)

when the prescribed burn is started

when the prescribed burn is complete

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Mickey Adams

CARMEL, Calif. (KION-TV) – New photos show the suspects in this past Friday’s Wells Fargo bank robbery in Carmel.

According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects entered the Wells Fargo around 4:40 pm on May 9 and were believed to have been armed with handguns.

The suspects are seen wearing masks, hats, and gloves, concealing their identities. All the suspects wore hooded sweatshirts, including one wearing a yellow hoodie with a Grim Reaper design on the back and the word “Rebel.”

The suspects were last seen leaving the area in a red car with an undisclosed amount of money.

MCSO is asking those who have any information on who the suspects may be to call Detective Rodrigo Lopez at 831-253-6050 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-597-1228.

Police actively investigating a bank robbery in Carmel, prompts school lockdown earlier

CARMEL, Calif. (KION-TV) — Heavy police presence nearby Carmel Middle School brought the campus to a full lockdown on Friday afternoon.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says that they are actively investigating a bank robbery that took place in the area.

“About 20 minutes before 5 p.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s received a call about an unknown number of people entering the bank believed to be armed with firearms,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s Office PIO Andy Rosas. “When our deputies arrived, they did locate a vehicle of interest and were able to determine there was no one inside the vehicle.”

Rosas said that a group of people were seen fleeing into Carmel Middle School, and despite the school day being over, deputies felt it was best to secure the campus.

Some locals have contacted the station saying they saw helicopters circling the area, and Monterey deputies confirm this by stating that there was a “tremendous” response from law enforcement.

Deputies say that they searched the Carmel River Bed but there were no suspects found. They also said that the lifted the school lockdown, as a result.

Rosas says that a second vehicle was located, and it has been deemed a vehicle of interest. He said that it was towed away from the scene.

Although the search is still ongoing, deputies are telling the public that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

Rosas says that an elderly person did receive minor injuries, and that person was treated at the scene.

Deputies are asking for anyone with further information to contact the non-emergency police line at 831.647.7911.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

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Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) — Salinas Police say Natividad Road is back open after a crash on Wednesday that left thousands without power.

As of Thursday morning, PG&E is reporting around 500 people are still without power along the edge of Natividad Road.

The road closure initially stretched from Saratoga to Boronda Road.

PG&E says power is expected to be restored around 9 am.

Highway 101 back open, thousands still without power in Monterey County

Power has been restored for thousands as of Wednesday night, but there are still just over 2,700 homes without power late on Wednesday, power restoration currently set for just past midnight.

Neighbors say that Natividad road is a dangerous one, with this far from the first time powerlines have been brought down by a bad driver. One local living in the home underneath the fallen pole says that before she bought the home, a powerline had fallen into the home’s backyard. Many now wondering what it will take for the city to take action to improve traffic safety on Natividad Road.

Highway 101 has reopened in both directions at North Main Street in Salinas.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Numerous power outages throughout Monterey County have left thousands without power after a car impacted transmission lines near Highway 101.

According to PG&E, a car driving near North Main Street and Highway 101 hit transmission lines, causing a small fire nearby. That fire has since been put out.

PG&E is on scene assessing the damage wth Highway 101 shut down in both directions.

Transmission lines are larger lines that connect and power other communities, such as Carmel Valley. Power lines only affect portions of cities and towns near those power poles.

According to PG&E’s outage map, more than 17,000 people are without power in Monterey as of 3:10 p.m.

Parts along the coast from Andrew Molera State Park down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are without power, along with Carmel Valley and near Fort Ord National Monument.

There is no estimated time of restoration.

Another part of Salinas is also without power near Creekbridge and Natividad Road. The estimated restoration time of that area is expected to be 5:45 p.m.

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jose.romo

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION – TV) — A recent study is looking at potential reasons for a seal population decrease in Pacific Grove. Researchers are pointing to overall noise from construction and nearby traffic as potential reasons. 

Imagine sleeping while hearing the noise of traffic, construction, and heavy machinery. Perhaps a constant complaint for many who live near congested streets, yet we often don’t think that loud noises can affect marine life. 

“I didn’t realize that they needed quiet for the babies, so moms just staying and all that,” said Cindy Nachtman, who used to live in the area and was visiting today. 

“So we were just watching and there’s definitely not as many (seals) as there usually are, but I don’t know if that has anything to do with the noise or anything.”

A recent study by the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University at Pacific Grove joined various local researchers who study the population of harbor seals in the region. 

From 2022 to 2023, the study found a nearly 30 percent decrease in seal population as compared to projected numbers based on prey fish availability. Some, like Sean, who lives down the street from this beach, mentions he’s seen a decrease. 

“It seems like this year there are definitely fewer pops. There are definitely fewer seals.” He adds, “When there are people around and there are a lot of people, especially when it gets busy down here, you can tell that the noise does disturb them.”

Researchers say the seal population saw a peak in 2009 and has steadily decreased since then. They say construction in 2022 led to various miscarriages, taking pupping success rates from 94 percent in  2021, to 67 percent in 2022. 

“It’s terrible because this is like one of the only areas that’s super protected for them,” says Sean. “They know that it’s kind of safe to come here and have pups, but at the same time, there are a lot of people coming around.” 

Experts say seals often don’t return in full numbers to beaches where their populations decrease. Some, like Nick Nachtman, say more should be done to protect them.

“I think whatever you can do to make sure that they get to stay here, not only so that we can watch them, but so that they can continue to thrive. I think is very important.” This fawning season, various signs have been placed reminding visitors to remain quiet.

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Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (KION-TV)- A new state report highlights the growing severity of the housing crisis in Santa Cruz County.

The report reveals that a two-person household earning $127,000 per year now qualifies as low income. In 2016, that figure was just $64,000, illustrating how rapidly the cost of living has increased.

“What’s happening is, we’re getting pigeonholed into $3,000, $4,000, even $5,000 rents for a one- or two-bedroom. What we need to do is continue to build at the level of which people are getting paid for in this county,” Elaine Johnson executive director housing santa cruz county said.

Santa Cruz renters say they are paying more and getting less in return.

“Just being in downtown. But even if I wasn’t downtown, I have friends who pay probably $100, $200 less than me. And they are still it’s just really expensive for not what you expect paying at that price,” Sean Lee said.

While developers are trying to build more affordable housing, the county says delays are making projects more expensive.

“When projects get held up for two, three, four, or five years, we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars more to now pay to build it, because the material has gone up. And so that has to be recovered somewhere,” Johnson said.

The problem extends beyond housing. Many believe it’s a wage issue as well.

“The county and the city are really looking at how much they’re paying the people and how can they increase it,” Johnson said.

“The county should raise the minimum wage. I believe in Santa Cruz County, it matches the state minimum wage, which is $16.50. And that’s just not enough to pay any sort of rent,” Lee said.

More and more people are leaving Santa Cruz County during the day to find work elsewhere, often over the hill in neighboring regions.

“Major STEM jobs are out there, but the majority of people living here don’t have those jobs. They’re living based on the jobs we have directly here, and they can’t really sustain themselves with the rent that people are asking for,” Lee said.

Local officials say they are taking steps to address the shortage of affordable housing.

“We just stood up in front of the Board of Supervisors last week to move forward. Rezoning, like 42 to 47 different properties. And within those, some of them are going to be low and very low income housing,” Johnson said.

Sean Lee, a Santa Cruz resident, says he’s paying about $1,500 in rent and living with a roommate to afford it.

“I didn’t feel like the price that I was paying reflected the amenities. It more so felt like I was paying because I was so close to downtown, even though I was basically paying $800 for half of a single room,” Sean Lee said.

A chart from Santa Cruz County shows that the area median income is now $132,800. Yet even households earning close to that amount are struggling to keep up.

“I think everyone needs affordable housing. I mean, it’s not like our salary-to-rent ratio here is very good in terms of what people are paying for this area and what they’re expecting for rent,” Lee said.

According to the state report, Santa Cruz isn’t alone. Several counties in California now consider individuals and families earning six-figure incomes eligible for low-income housing programs.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION-TV) — A new report from the California Department of Housing and Community Development shows the goal posts are changing once again when it comes to who is considered low-income in the state.

It’s a metric that’s considered when low-income housing programs determine who is eligible.

In some California counties, even a six-figure salary would qualify for low-income housing programs.

KION looked at low-income limits for a two-person household for the years 2016, 2024 and 2025.

Back in 2016, the low-income designation was listed for the following counties:

SANTA CRUZ: $64,550

MONTEREY: $48,750

SAN BENITO: $51,550

The state income limits for those considered low-income has gone up drastically since then.

The following numbers are for 2025:

SANTA CRUZ: $127,000

MONTEREY: $92,600

SAN BENITO: $85,600

Each of the above numbers are an increase from 2024, too, as shown below:

SANTA CRUZ: $116,250

MONTEREY: $84,800

SAN BENITO: $78,350

To look at additional reports from 2016 to 2025 and study other income designations in this year’s report click here

Low-income eligibility levels jumped for individuals by 8.8% from last year in the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Clara County.

A similar increase was reported in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties, along with Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Some home loan brokers tell CBS Sacramento they use the annual report to help clients “so it sets the rules on who can apply for some income-based loan programs.”

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jose.romo

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The REAL I.D. deadline is May 7th, and many in Salinas are taking care of last-minute appointments at the DMV before the federal enforcement takes effect. Starting tomorrow, airports will require a REAL ID when traveling. 

“If you plan on traveling, we need your help to prevent delays. Get a REAL ID.” 

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, says people should expect delays if they fly without a REAL ID. Some, like Bertha Barajas, feel these measures are done for a reason. 

“Well, if the government makes these requirements, they must have their reasons,” Barajas says it is everyone’s responsibility to comply. 

She visits the DMV today to make the switch while renewing her license. Barajas, like others, waited for their license to expire before making the change. Others, like Enrique Garcia, fear not having a REAL ID may keep them from traveling.  

“Yes, I think I will apply for my REAL I.D. I can now use it when I fly. What if they don’t let me back into the country next time I travel?”

Garcia says he will likely make the switch since having a REAL ID will make the process easier. Ignacio Torres agrees. “Who doesn’t carry their wallet?” he says. These changes will also apply to electronic licenses. The California Department of Motor Vehicles says, “Those who do not have a REAL ID can comfortably wait to upgrade when their driver’s license is due for renewal. In the meantime, they can use a federally accepted document, like a valid passport or permanent resident card, to fly domestically.” 

If you haven’t yet requested your REAL ID by tomorrow’s deadline, you might face delays when traveling or going through TSA.

Still, you can use another form of ID, like your passport, and continue the process for your REAL ID.

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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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