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Monterey County Crime & Justice Articles



Image caption: Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., a staunch defender of voting rights.
The Attack on the Popular Vote

In more than 30 states, it’s harder than ever to vote this year. But in California, it’s never been easier.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
DA Charges CUSD Board Member and Candidate With Felony Election Fraud for Lying About Her Address.

A current member of the Board of Trustees of Carmel Unified School District and candidate for Area 5 has been charged by the Monterey County District Attorney for lying about her residence when she registered to vote and when she…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
As Salinas City Manager Narrows in on a Finalist for Police Chief, Internal Candidate John Murray Is Out of the Running.

John Murray has made no secret of his ambition to oversee the Salinas Police Department. The 28-year veteran of SPD moved up through the ranks, most recently to the position of acting chief of police after former chief Roberto Filice…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Pacific Grove Police Chief Announces Retirement After an Extended Medical Leave.

For about a year, Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone has been out of the spotlight, reportedly working from home due to an undisclosed injury, followed by a medical leave that began back in April. On Friday, Sept. 27, the…

Salinas Valley Tribune logo LOCAL NEWS
Monterey County DA’s Office Warns Community About Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents of scammers impersonating law enforcement.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Judge Orders Jail’s Health Care Contractor to Prove Its Compliance With Settlement in Advance of December Hearing.

A federal judge on Aug. 1 ordered Wellpath, the County of Monterey’s health care contractor in the jail, to submit a report by Aug. 16 outlining how it is complying with the terms of a 2015 settlement.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
County Jail’s Health Care Provider Could Face Fines for Noncompliance.

The County of Monterey and its health care contractor in the jail, Wellpath, continue to be “substantially” out of compliance with the terms of a 2015 settlement, according to a neutral third-party monitor’s report.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
A Data Breach Comes to Clinica De Salud and the FBI Warns Health Care Organizations Are a Target.

Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas fell victim to a cybersecurity attack on March 11, and on May 1, a team of experts hired by Clinica determined that “certain data was accessed or acquired,” prompting officials with the nonprofit…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Salinas’ Search for Its Next Police Chief Begins in Earnest for the Second Time This Year.

Salinas’ new City Manager Rene Mendez inherited a city with a number of leadership positions being filled by interim roles – chief among them at the police department.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
A North County Housing Case Inches Through the Criminal and Civil Court Process.

North County-based Ruvalcaba Nursery is a staple at farmers markets in nearby Watsonville and beyond, where owner Ana Ruvalcaba stands surrounded by colorful flowers as she peddles her wares.

Image caption: The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here

How the California mental health crisis emerged out of the state’s history of deinstitutionalization and laws designed to protect the mentally ill, as well as the communities around them.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo LOCAL NEWS
Monterey County Superior Court Announces Retirement of Judge Anderson

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Carrie Panetta has announced the retirement of Judge Marla Anderson, effective April 30, after nearly 30 years of service on the Monterey County Superior Court.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo LOCAL NEWS
Military Ordnance Found in Soledad Prompts Evacuation, Bomb Squad Response

SOLEDAD — Officers from the Soledad Police Department were responding to a call for service on April 15 when they were notified of a potential threat to the community — a possible bomb in the bed of a nearby truck.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo LOCAL NEWS
Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Seeks Jurors for 2024-25 Term

MONTEREY COUNTY — Many residents have never heard of a Civil Grand Jury, or if they have, they know little about its purpose. In California, a Civil Grand Jury is required in each of the 58 counties.

King City Rustler logo LOCAL NEWS
Monterey County DA’s Office Warns Against Rental Property Scams

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is alerting Monterey County residents and visitors that an increase in scams have affected renters and properties for rent.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Opinions clash in Carmel over whether to renovate or replace the town’s police station.

Fans of home renovation shows know it happens sometimes: a homeowner wants to renovate and then – surprise – the house is in such bad shape it might make more sense to tear it down and start over.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
After a one year search Marina appoints Randy Hopkins as new police chief.

On Tuesday, Jan. 30 the City of Marina announced Randy Hopkins as its new police chief.

Image caption: A new law seeks to prevent cars from speeding, which causes about one of every three traffic fatalities.
If Drivers Won’t Slow Down, Proposed Law Requires Cars Do It for Them

“Intelligent” speed-limiting technology will be required in all new California cars starting in 2027, if a new law authored by San Francisco Senator Scott Wiener passes.

Image caption: Under a new law, homeless people in San Mateo County can be criminally charged for refusing to move to a shelter.
Should Homelessness be a Crime? New San Mateo County Law Allows Charges

In San Mateo County, a new law allows police to charge homeless people with criminal offenses if they don’t accept shelter. SCOTUS will soon weigh in with a potential landmark decision in an Oregon case.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Salinas City Council unanimously approves a two-year contract for police officers.

Salinas City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to approve a new contract with the Salinas Police Officers Association. Negotiations took place in record time of just three months. The previous contract expired on Dec. 31.

Featured

California cities switch to more inclusive, district-based elections system.
Voting Rights...the Final Frontier
Pushed by activists, cities move from at-large elections to district races.
Access to abortion in California is limited in many areas, though state laws protect a woman’s right to choose.
Abortion Rights in California, Explained
But even in California, access to abortion services in many areas remains limited.
The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here
The making of Gov. Newsom's plan to help get mentally ill Californians into treatment.
The cycle of crime and homelessness is escalating, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Homelessness and Crime in California: Even More Complex Than You Think
What causes the cycle of homelessness and crime, and how to stop it.
The California Supreme Court has defined the state’s legal and political agenda for more than 170 years.
How the California Supreme Court Blazes Legal Trails
From its beginnings in the Gold Rush, the state Supreme Court continues to define the state today.
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