Category: kion-local-news

Jeanette Bent

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) — What began as 64 high school mascots competing in The64.com National Mascot Tournament’s western division, has dwindled down to four, Hollister High School being one of them.

The four remaining mascots are Hollister High School’s ‘Hank,’ Urbana High School in Iowa (‘Stormin Normin’), Marshall County Central High School in Minnesota (‘Northern Freeze’) and Hutto High School in Texas (‘Hippos’).

The competition is self-described as “a high-energy, bracket-style competition that’s capturing national attention and rallying communities around school spirit.”

According to The64.com, mascots are expected to highlight community engagement, creativity and pride, using design and student-led campaigns to mobilize support and advance in the competition.

The next round of competition began at 9 a.m. on May 6 and end three days later on May 8.

“The stakes are high,” wrote The64.com in a recent announcement. “Each school is competing for a prize and national recognition.”

“Now it gets really competitive,” said Justin Woo, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of The64. “What started as a fun idea has become something much bigger than we imagined. These mascots are bringing entire communities together—students, parents, alumni, even small businesses are jumping in to support.”

Hollister High’s Haybalers’ ‘Hank’ in a high school mascot tournament’s remaining eight

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) — There are two full days left to vote for one of eight high school mascots left from the total 64 contestants in The64.com High School Mascot Tournament, Hollister High’s Haybalers’ ‘Hank’ being one of them!

After two intense rounds of public voting, the winning school as well as voters can win prizes.

The contest says that every click counts to advance to the regional semi-finals and a shot at national recognition.

According to the contest, “This spirited rivalry is more than a popularity contest—it celebrates school pride, student creativity, and community spirit.”Each [school] rallying its fan base with remarkable passion and energy, bringing school students, alums, and fans together to help crown their favorite talisman.”

The West Region Remaining 8 are:

Coalinga, California | “Horned Toads” | Coalinga High School

Hollister, California | “Hollister Haybalers ‘Hank’” | Hollister High School

Center Point, Iowa | “Stormin Pointers ‘Stormin Normin” | Center Point – Urbana High School

Newfolden, Minnesota | “Northern Freeze” |Marshall County Central High School

Pender, Nebraska | “Pender Pendragon” | Pender High School

Las Vegas, Nevada | “Equipo Academy ‘Yeti’” | Equipo Academy

Carlsbad, New Mexico | “Caveman” | Carlsbad High School

Hutto, Texas | “Hippos” | Hutto High School

How voting works:

Sign up for free at The64.com

Vote in each round as the bracket narrows from 64 → 32 → 16 → 8 → 4 → 2 → Champion.

Earn chips: Every vote earns you a chip. Use chips to spin The64 Prize Wheel and win prizes.

The tournament runs for 18 days, with new rounds every 3 days.

Finalists from the West will move on to represent their region in the national semifinals.

“We designed The64 to tap into the fun and energy that school mascots bring to their communities,” said Justin Woo, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of The64. “What’s happening now is bigger than we imagined—these mascots are turning into regional legends, and the students, families, and alumni behind them are making that happen.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Makenzie Bennett

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Chartwell School’s neurodiversity art exhibit is taking off at the Monterey Regional Airport.

On Monday, April 30 the airport unveiled its newest art instillation.

The exhibit features artwork from lower, middle, and high school students at Chartwell School is Seaside.

Art instructors Emily Garber, and Domenique Grillo, curated the exhibition that demonstrated the different ways in which their students see the world, and the ways it enhances their creativity.

“Our students see the world differently—and that difference fuels their creativity, innovation, and brilliance. When we focus on their strengths, especially through the lens of art and expression, we witness the extraordinary. This is the power of strength-based education: it doesn’t just support students—it empowers them to lead, create, and inspire,” said Danielle Patterson, Head of School, Chartwell School.

The gallery has the goal of inspiring those who pass through the terminal to get to understand the value on recognizing unique creative styles and voices.

Passersby can enjoy the exhibit through June.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sergio Berrueta

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Monterey County District Attorney’s office announced Thursday that 56-year-old Joseph John Cubbage of Seaside pleaded no contest to felony elder abuse and misdemeanor resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

This follows an incident from last February where police say that Cubbage threatened to kill his 65-year-old ex-wife.

They say that he entered her private bedroom, woke her up and threatened to kill her.

Police add that since the ex-wife was 65 years old, she is considered an elder adult as defined by California law.

“When Seaside Police officers went to the residence to arrest Cubbage for the threats against his ex-wife, he refused to exit the home,” according to the DA’s office. “Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the house and ordered Cubbage to exit using a loudspeaker, but he did not ultimately leave the residence for more than two and a half hours.”

The DA’s office says that Cubbage is scheduled for sentencing on May 28 for formal three-year probation with a suspended prison sentence of four years that will be imposed if he violates the terms of his probation.

Seaside man arrested in hours-long standoff over criminal threats

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A Seaside man is arrested after an hours-long standoff due to making harmful threats to three people including a congressperson.

According to Seaside Police, officers began investigating a criminal threats case this morning involving a man who had made threats to kill a Seaside resident, a sitting congressperson, and a former elected official on the Monterey Peninsula.

During the investigation, Seaside PD tracked the alleged suspect Joseph Cubbage at his home with a standoff ensuing.

Cubbage then surrendered and was arrested. No one was harmed during the standoff incident.

The identities of the current and former officials threatened have not been released.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dania Romero

MORGAN HILL, (Calif.) — Morgan Hill Police released new video of body cam footage showing the chaos inside a Safeway store back on April 18 where officers shot a man who allegedly attacked a store employee.

Police arrived at the scene and tried to ask the man to drop the knife he held in his hand.

The suspect, later identified as Shaun Hillman, didn’t comply and ran to the back of the store.

It was during that time some body cam video showed Hillman appearing to strike a Safeway employee with a wine bottle.

After that, police tried to subdue Hillman using tasers and bean bag rounds with no success.

It was also during that time video shows Hillman tossing wine bottles at officers.

Eventually, an officer shot Hillman in the leg and police were able to arrest him.

Hillman is facing Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges, including on a police officer.

Both Hillman and the store employee survived the encounter.

Police were also able to recover the knife Hillman had in his possession.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney is investigating the incident.

The full video can be watched by clicking here

One person shot by police at a Morgan Hill Safeway

On April 18, 2025, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Morgan Hill Police officers responded to the Safeway grocery store, located at 840 E. Dunne Avenue, to investigate the report of an in-progress disturbance, according to MHPD. Upon arrival, officers contacted 40-year-old Shaun Hillman, from Van Nuys.

During the investigation, officers located a victim who had been attacked by Hillman and sustained injuries due to the assault.

Officials say that because of Hillman’s actions, officers shot at him. Following the shooting, Hillman received first aid until he could be transported to a local hospital, according to MHPD.

Hillman’s injuries are not considered to be life-threatening at this time. According to MHPD, no officers were injured during this incident.

Hillman was arrested for multiple felony violations, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and resisting a police officer, according to officials.

Click here to follow the original article.

Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said investigators recovered more than $30,000 in stolen bikes and tools from a homeless camp on Tuesday.

The sheriff’s office said deputies were conducting a foot patrol at a protected habitat area where homeless camping is illegal.

It was there the deputies made the discovery into the stolen items.

Items of which the sheriff’s office said included multiple mountain bikes, E-bikes, E-scooters and dozens of tools believed to have been stolen.

The sheriff’s office said the thefts were taking place from the Arana Gulch area into the Live Oak community.

At the camp, deputies approached a man who was detained and arrested after a brief pursuit.

A social media post from the agency identifies the man as Joshua Morris.

Deputies said Morris had over 10 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, cash and police scanners.

The sheriff’s office said they’re working to return the stolen items to their owners.

If you believe your property may be among the recovered items, please contact Detective Alex Spencer 831-454-7636 or email him at alexander.spencer@santacruzcountyca.gov.

Investigators said Morris is booked on multiple felony charges in connection to this investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

jose.romo

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Two arrests were made in Monterey County after alleged cases of sexual assault where the perpetrator contacted victims through social media. Salinas PD confirms two victims, while Soledad has mentioned at least five minors reported being victims of that case. Both departments are saying, while the cases are similar, they do not have a connection. 

“Our officers and detectives have been investigating Saúl Hernández for sexually based crimes against juveniles,” Sergeant Zack Dunagan with Salinas Police says. “We were able to obtain enough information in the investigation to warrant an arrest for those charges.” 

In Salinas, 28-year-old Saúl Hernández was arrested facing various charges related to sexual offenses involving minors. Detectives say Hernández used social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat to target victims under the age of 16. 

“We have been able to confirm two separate victims who don’t know each other,” Dunagan says. “That’s why our concern is, there are more out there potentially.”

In an unrelated case, but with similar circumstances, Soledad police arrested 33-year-old Rutilio Calihua Quiahua, a resident of King City. He is presumably responsible for committing sexual offenses, targeting the Oaxacan community. Officials are confirming five victims total. Dunagan is adding that cases like these must be handled with care. 

“It’s hard to reach victims because this is something that people don’t necessarily want to talk about. So it’s a constant back and forth of us trying to reach out but not trying to push too hard, where… we still want victims to understand that they are a victim of a crime.” 

That is why agencies like the binational center for the development of Oaxacan indigenous communities reiterate their support to potential victims. In a statement, they say they continue providing services in their greenfield and offices.

Still, Dunagan reminds parents to stay vigilant of their children’s social media activity. 

“There are a lot of ways to hide apps. And I think parents just need to stay on top of that accessibility and also know what is prevalent in the social media world at the time, because that’s what kids are going to flock to.”

Sargent Dunagan says that although access to internet and social media presence is more prevalent, they have not seen a rise in these types of cases.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jeanette Bent

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Cal State Monterey Bay announced Tuesday that the new Otters for Life statue was defaced in what they believe was an attack against student housing.

“We were deeply saddened that our new Otters for Life statue was defaced,” said university spokesperson Walter Ryce. “Actions such as these divide our community and are not in alignment with our Cal State Monterey Bay values of engaging in respectful and productive dialogues.”

According to Ryce, the investigation is ongoing and active as the school tries to identify the vandals.

“Any individual found responsible will be held fully accountable for all related expenses, and if the person is a student, they will face student conduct consequences,” said Ryce.

Ryce says that the otter statue represents the strength of CSUMB’s Otter Raft as well as the school’s dedication to community and belonging.

The graffiti made statements directed at student housing and even called out the director of Student Housing & Res Life W. Jeff Cooper.

“We currently have a waitlist for student housing for fall 2025, and our Student Housing and Residential Life team is working diligently to place students on the waitlist in available spaces,” said Ryce, addressing the graffitied statements.

Ryce also cited rising rental costs in the surrounding area as adding further pressure on the housing committee as more students are applying for on-campus living.

Click here to follow the original article.

Victor Guzman

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) — The California Highway Patrol has identified the vehicle that could have been involved in the deadly hit-and-run on Highway 1 near Scott Creek.

Investigators say that a black Subaru Impreza with damage to its front left corner may have been involved in this crash.

CHP hopes these photos of the 2017 to 2023 models will help people identify the vehicle.

Hit and run investigation underway after pedestrian hit, killed along Highway 1 near Scott Creek

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — CHP-Santa Cruz says they’re investigating a deadly hit and run collision where a pedestrian was struck by a car late Sunday night.

The CHP says it happened around 11:17 pm near Swanton and Scott Creek.

An unknown vehicle was traveling south on Highway 1 in that area when the CHP says it struck a man who was walking in the southbound lane of the highway.

The CHP says the pedestrian was possibly hit by multiple other vehicles before investigators arrived. Officers say the man died at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP.

The victim was not immediately identified by investigators and they’re working to find information on the suspect vehicle.

Click here to follow the original article.

Victor Guzman

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV) — Marina Police said they arrested a 39-year-old man for setting fire to several large eucalyptus trees in Marina early Friday morning.

Police identified the man as Sean Canava, who they described as a transient.

Police said he was observed leaving a wooded area and admitted to officers he set the fire along Beach and Melanie Road around 12:35 a.m.

Police said the fire was threatening the nearby Canaan Korean United Methodist Church by the time they got there.

Officers said when they tried to detain Canava he resisted but was ultimately arrested.

No injuries were reported and the fire was contained to the trees and fence.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maxwell Glenn

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) – The Sand City Volleyball Club’s 18 Gold girls’ team will be traveling to Utah for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship.

The team is comprised of some of the best talents from around the Central Coast, but also includes skilled players from outside the area, like Ava Van Brasch from San Luis Obispo.

“I think it just shows how much we love this sport,” Van Brasch said. “How much we’re willing to dedicate parts of our lives for it.”

Van Brasch and others regularly make the commute to practice and play for the club.

Despite the distance, it’s a tight-knit group. That’s something that stands out to players like Natalie Mendoza.

“I think it is really important that we connect off the court, too, as well as on,” Mendoza said. “When you’re on the court, it all just makes sense.”

But it’s on the court where Hannah Garrett said the team ran into a variety of setbacks.

“Everyone was sick. We had hurt players,” Garrett said. “We had people with their backs hurt, people with hurt shoulders. We just came out, and we were down a lot in a lot of the sets, but we came back and won.”

The team persevered, qualifying at the NCVA Sierra National Qualifiers in Sacramento to punch their ticket to Nationals for a fourth straight year. Maya Giannini called it a special moment for the team.

“I think we’ve seen our downs and our ups, and I think we’ve overcome so much as a team that we can put our best foot forward to succeed in the tournament,” Giannini said.

SAND will begin competition at the three-day tournament, starting Friday, April 25.

Click here to follow the original article.