When fire engines pull out of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue King City Station 35 later next year
The King City Planning Commission learned about the project at its Feb
12 meeting during a presentation by TVF&R’s Capital Projects Manager Chad Liggett and Director of Logistics Heidi Hicks along with architects Aidan Katz and Erica Jankowski with Soderstrom Architects
The new station will be two stories high to allow for more staff and apparatus to serve a growing population
The slightly larger new station will top out at 38 feet high in the center with a sloping roof toward the sides with solar panels
The new station will be built over the footprint of the old 1970s station
The Oregon Department of Transportation no longer allows new fire station signals on its highways so the driveway alignment with the current signal dictates the location
The first floor will hold all the apparatus and have bi-fold doors instead of the old roll-up style
are less susceptible to damage and more cost-effective in the long run,” Jankowski said
“The building is designed for any apparatus needed in the future
the trend is getting away from common sleeping areas to individual sleeping and dressing areas not defined by gender
so there will be individual private rooms.”
and there will be a cleaner environment for firefighters
They will store their turnouts on the first floor
The new facility will have lots of windows in the gym in the front part of the second floor
and the second floor also will have an outdoor patio with a grill
Jankowski said that while the new station might not be fully occupied when it opens
there will be room to expand the staff in the future
The new station will have a generator and propane tank for back-up power in the event of a power outage
“That station will be fully operational following a natural disaster.”
The first step in the construction process was setting up temporary on-site housing for the crews and equipment while the old station is demolished and a new one built
The project is expected to take 14 to 18 months to be completed
Site preparations for the temporary facility began in mid-March
with demolition of the old station underway in June
“Part of the reason we’re doing this (new construction) is because retrofitting is never as good as a new build,” Jankowski said
“Fire insurance rates are based on fire response
and this new station with more apparatus and more personnel could shorten response times
a storm-water control pond will be built where the temporary facility was sited
A cell tower on the site will remain along with a smaller AT&T facility
and access to the rear of the property will be blocked by a gate
is expected to cost approximately $12.28 million
It allows TVF&R to issue $122 million in proposed general obligation bonds for emergency services
according to TVF&R Public Affairs Officer Corrine Haning
ROAD CONDITIONS: Highway 1 Into Big Sur Is Now Open. Learn More >
Stay Two Nights and Get Your Third Night Free
Book and host your meeting before April 2025 and save up to $10,000
As you drive past endless rows of leafy greens
the landscape shifts from fog-kissed fields to sunlit vineyards and gently rolling hills
They provide tours on the Elkhorn Slough aboard the El Cat
From the Elkhorn Slough, take a short drive to a local favorite, The Power Plant Coffee & Store. Grab a cub of coffee
take a seat on their outdoor patio and admire the variety of plants the store has to offer
A must stop driving down into Castroville is to visit Thistle Hut
This is a great opportunity to grab fresh produce such as strawberries or artichokes
Locally owned and operated, Phil's Fish Market & Eatery is known for serving fresh and sustainable seafood for 40+ years
A must-try is the famous family-inspired Cioppino
which was Phil's grandmother's recipe and showcased on popular television shows like The Food Network
The Giant Artichoke Restaurant is a great place to stop as well
take some deep-fried artichoke to-go or take a selfie next to the giant artichoke
visiting this iconic local spot will not disappoint
Photo Credit: California Welcome Center Salinas
After visiting the California Welcome Center in Salinas
the drive through South County takes you past expansive farmland
with the Santa Lucia Mountains lining the western edge of the valley
You'll pass through small towns such as Soledad, the gateway to Pinnacles National Park and home to multiple vineyards and tasting rooms
Continuing south, King City offers a great blend of local history and authentic flavor. For a tasty break, head to Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco
perfect for a quick and satisfying bite before exploring the area
Before wrapping up this road trip is to visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum. Nestled within San Lorenzo Park
this hidden gem brings the history of the Salinas Valley to life
Explore barns filled with vintage tractors
and wander through a fully restored one-room schoolhouse
family-friendly experience that offers an in-depth look at California’s rural past — a fascinating stop that’s both fun and educational for all ages
Be sure to take a detour along River Road on the way back to explore the wonderful wineries along the Monterey Wine Trail!
AI Powered by Mindtrip
A King City police sergeant died unexpectedly while on duty Tuesday
according to the King City Police Department
Ryan Kenedy experienced an "apparent medical emergency that ultimately proved fatal," per a news release
"It is with profound sadness that the King City Police Department shares the passing of one of our police department family," said police department officials
"(Sgt.) Kenedy was known to those around him as an intelligent caring individual who showed the utmost care and humility to those he worked and served with—and was a devoted husband and son."
"Kenedy was universally loved by all he worked with
and his passing is an immeasurable loss," the statement continues
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family
and colleagues—please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."
Department officials said they would like to express their gratitude to Monterey County law enforcement partners for providing patrols to allow the department time to mourn the loss
Kenedy began his career with the King City Police Department in July 2014
Kenedy was assigned as a detective to the South County Major Crimes Unit and later the King City Police Department Investigations Unit
Kenedy was promoted to police sergeant in January 2020
Rachel Kazmierski was elected mayor by her fellow City Council members at the April 16 business meeting after a tie vote on two previous nominations
She replaces former mayor Marc Manelis who resigned March 25 after a successful recall petition against him
who won a seat on the council in the November 2024 election
said she decided to run for the council because “I saw there was a need for a voice to represent the community.”
Several former City Council members were recalled after voting in 2023 for the King City Transportation System Plan that includes extending Fischer Road into Kingston Terrace despite strong community-wide opposition
Kazmierski said she does not support the plan “as it was done,” and added
“We need to re-look at the Transportation System Plan
have discussions with the community and collaboratively work with the people most affected by it
The decision can be made more conscientiously because those most affected by the decision should be part of the decision and should be able to comment
Both sides of the city need to be involved in this decision.”
who is a high school math teacher and has been department chair for the past six years
said she believes the role of the City Council is to represent the community
Right out of the gate after becoming mayor
had been inexplicably moved to the end of the April 16 agenda along with dividing the comments between “King City residents” and “Public Guests.”
“The first thing I would like to do as mayor is move open forum up ahead of the items we are going to be voting on,” Kazmierski said at the meeting
Councilor Jessica Braverman made a motion to move up open forum on the agenda
and Councilor John Hartman seconded the motion.
“I support this motion,” Kazmierski said at the meeting
“I feel very strongly that our goal and our purpose is to work for the community
Before we can deliberate on these items on the agenda
it’s very important for me to hear from all of you
I believe that’s why you are all here is to tell us how you feel about the items we are going to vote on
then we have made decisions without your input
which in my opinion is not the correct process
so I will support that motion.” The motion was passed unanimously 6-0
“The role of the City Council is to represent the people
and how do we do that if we don’t hear from them before the vote
People see what I’ve done in the last four months on the council and that I’m here to listen and hear both sides and listen to the community.”
Kazmierski said becoming mayor was “nothing I had ever envisioned
and it’s like drinking from a firehose of information
I’ve been studying proper procedure – there’s been lots of information
but it’s exciting to be out of my comfort zone
who is a police officer with the King City Police Department
have lived in Edgewater almost 10 years and have three young children ages 10
which was seconded by Councilor Vince Arditi; the three of them voted in favor of Braverman
Councilor Jan Tysoe and Council President/Mayor pro tem Denny Gelfand voted no
which was seconded by Gelfand; the three of them voted yes
Braverman then nominated Kazmierski for mayor
is very calm in her approach and always comes to meetings prepared,” Braverman said
I believe she has the best interests of our city and constituents in mind
so I think she would make a wonderful mayor.”
which ended the stalemate and was followed by a round of applause from the audience
Kazmierski and Gelfand changed seats and nameplates before she said
I will do my best to make sure we get this done properly.”
Hartman’s late December appointment to the council is being challenged by a writ filed by Sandra Cunningham in Washington County Circuit Court alleging the city Code was not followed in appointing him
(KION-TV) -- King City Police Department announced the funeral service for Officer Ryan Kenedy on April 3rd
The service is being held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey at 10 a.m
Officer Kenedy died unexpectedly after a medical emergency on duty around 12:45 a.m
with King City Police calling the loss "immeasurable."
King City Police announced Tuesday that Sergeant Ryan Kenedy experienced an "apparent medical emergency" while on duty that resulted in his unexpected passing around 12:45 a.m
Police say that Sergeant Kenedy's passing is an "immeasurable loss" and they are mourning along with his family
Sergeant Kenedy began his career at the station in July 2014 as a Patrol Officer and then was assigned as a detective to South County Major Crimes Unit in April of 2020
They say that Sergeant Kenedy was later transferred to the King City Police Department Investigations Unit before being promoted to Police Sergeant in January 2020
King City Police say that Sergeant Kenedy was survived by his wife
I’ve been an international professional writer and performer for over 25 years
I find the intersection between all of these skills lands itself somewhere under the term “storytelling.”
Sergio Berrueta has been in the news for quite awhile going from studying print media to entering the realm of broadcast
Berrueta started his professional news career in Eureka as a newscast producer for North Coast News (now The Northstate’s News) at KAEF ABC 23 in 2022
He pivoted a year later in 2022 going from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera as a multimedia journalist for Redwood News Channel 3 (KIEM/KVIQ) also in Eureka
Berrueta studied journalism at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) earning his Bachelor’s Degree
social media manager and editor-in-chief of the university’s El Lenador
the only bilingual publication in all of Humboldt County
Berrueta had earned his Associate’s Degree at East Los Angeles College in 2019 after beginning his educational journey in 2012
He also was on staff for the ELAC’s publication
Berrueta has also been in education as an AmeriCorps tutor in East Hollywood from 2017 to 2019 and served in a government role as a National Hometown Fellow for Lead for America with the City of Arcata in 2021
Berrueta is an avid amateur cinephile having written about films in free time
attempting to get through a backlog of video games
enjoys visiting new places along the California Coast
and trying to keep up with the latest music and podcasts
KION 46 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation
Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here
If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here
EEO Report | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | FCC Applications |
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
King City Mayor Marc Manelis (who was just elected mayor by the City Council on Jan
He emailed his fellow councilors of his decision on March 25
and City Attorney Peter Watts confirmed to Tigard Life via email March 26 that “I received an email from Marc stating he was resigning from the Council.”
Following a successful recall petition filed against Manelis
he was facing a deadline of March 26 at 5 p.m
to either resign or submit a statement of justification (to remain in office)
According to the Washington County Elections Division
the chief petitioner of the recall petition against Manelis
had submitted enough valid signatures from King City electors to warrant a special recall election
Second recall for ManelisThis was the second recall petition filed against Manelis
cited him and other council members for voting for the King City Transportation System Plan and Kingston Terrace Master Plan
the recall group stated that “Councilor Manelis has shown a desire to hear community feedback and adjust his council decisions to reflect the community will
his name was not submitted to be on the recall.”
The latest recall petition stated that “Marc Manelis voted to reappoint a recalled King City councilor (Smart Ocholi) to City Council…”
It also stated that “Marc Manelis failed to declare his conflict-of-interest multiple times
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found he violated ORS 244.120(2)
Marc Manelis voted to remove local street connection protections for Fischer Road and voted for an extension of Fischer Road against the wishes of his constituency… Even with continued vocal objections from his constituency
and the previous recall of City Councilors
he has done nothing to amend the planned Fischer Road extension… King City deserves a representative that listens to our community.”
who managed the latest petition process and coordinated the signature gathering
“The positive reaction is stronger than last year
Their understanding is higher after they voted to recall last year and their disgust that Council President Marc Manelis convinced his councilors to reappoint recalled Councilor Ocholi after we had just voted Ocholi off council.”
Successful ethics complaintThe reference in the recall petition to Manelis violating Oregon ethics law refers to a complaint filed last year by Mike Meyer
who lives in King City’s urban growth boundary area that is being developed as Kingston Terrace
Meyer filed a complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission against Manelis and other councilors on the grounds that all four of them lived in Edgewater and voted in favor of the Kingston Terrace Master Plan and King City Transportation System Plan without declaring a conflict of interest
All four were found in violation of ORS 244.120 (2) regarding conflict-of-interest provisions in Oregon government ethics law
The final order states that Manelis owns property on Southwest 136th Avenue
which is to be improved under the TSP and which “could impact property value
of the existing properties on 136th Avenue adjacent to the extension
Marc Manelis is a Real Estate broker and owns Tualatin Valley Realty Group
As the Tualatin Valley Realty Group is a business with which Mr
any decision or action he takes in his role on the City Council that could result in future business for the Realty Group could give rise to a potential conflict of interest
Manelis to make a public announcement of his potential conflict of interest…”
“Marc Manelis contends that any violations were unintentional
In addition to agreeing to the terms and conditions set forth in this stipulated final order
Marc Manelis commits to completing additional ethics training from the Commission’s training staff within the next six months.”
Manelis responseManelis was invited to comment on the recall campaign and responded to Tigard Life on March 12
calling it “a misguided effort that threatens to undermine the progress and representation our community has achieved.” He added
“Councilor Manelis has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the betterment of King City
and the reasons cited for his recall do not warrant such drastic action. It is imperative and time that our great community of King City comes together and not be torn apart.”
“Recalls are serious measures intended to address egregious misconduct or dereliction of duty
the differences of opinion regarding city planning and specific votes do not rise to the level of justifying a recall
Engaging in constructive dialogue and participating in regular electoral processes are more appropriate avenues for addressing policy disagreements. Councilor Manelis is actively working on a resolution
Writ against new councilor appointmentIn other legal matters affecting King City
Sandra Cunningham filed a writ in Washington County Circuit Court over the city’s rejection of her application for an open seat on the City Council and its decision to proceed with interviewing other candidates and appointing John Hartman to the vacancy
Cunningham claims the council did not follow the King City Code on the number of days the application period should remain open and the number of days following the application period before interviews can be held
The writ asks the Court to declare Hartman’s appointment null and void and order the City Council “to conduct a new interview and selection process” that includes Cunningham and any other qualified candidates who submitted applications by the Dec
City seeks new trial judgeIn the Cunningham case
filed a declaration to disqualify two Circuit Court judges from hearing the case
Harris stated that between 2004 and 2011 he had “extensive contact with
“I believe that Judge Bailey cannot serve as a fair and impartial trial judge in this case.”
Judge Erwin ruled against the city in its attempt to keep Smart Ocholi on the council after he was recalled and then appointed back on the council
the City Manager for the City of King City
has expressly indicated a belief that Judge Erwin cannot serve as a fair and impartial judge in this case.”
Judge Bucher will now preside over the May 2 hearing of the Cunningham case
a group formed to bring “all of King City together for a bright future together,” has thrown in the towel and dissolved after recent actions by the City Council
It states on its website that the “King City Council appears to be digging in their heels to resist change
We’ve heard a desire for a united community
and the actions of the current King City Council are troubling.”
The group criticized the “old” City Council for rushing to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Ocholi a second time before a “new” council with three new councilors elected in November 2024 took office
“completely dismissing the electorate’s will and simultaneously restricting one of the new applicants to the shortest term possible.”
People are always looking at their phone — during dinner
and while many of those occasions can be annoying to others
when that person is behind the wheel of a vehicle — taking a call
texting or glancing at a social post on their phone is illegal and potentially deadly
which is Distracted Driving Awareness month
King City police will be on the lookout for distracted drivers in violation of the state’s hands-free cellphone law
In 2022, 148 people were killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California
a number that is likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash
“Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences," Sgt
drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle
"People think it's okay when they're stopped at a stop sign or at a red light to utilize their phone or look at their phone — when in reality
Using a mobile phone while driving is punishable by a fine
and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record
"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,” Shaw stated
"Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly
stay alert and help us keep our roads safe.”
Following a two-hour special work session and a long discussion at the March 19 King City City Council meeting
councilors approved a controversial resolution involving use of eminent domain in part of the future Kingston Terrace development
Eminent domain is defined at the government’s power to take private property for public use but only after paying the owner “just compensation” as outlined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S
R-2025-02 relates to property acquisition and originally included a third clause that stated: “Commitment to Property Rights: The current King City Council affirms that they will not use eminent domain to acquire private property for the Southern East-West Corridor from SW 137th Avenue to 150th Avenue.”
“What is the harm in us just adopting a resolution that says we won’t use eminent domain in the City of King City and the surrounding area?”
“Imagine if there’s a situation and we need to use eminent domain to resolve a situation whether it’s a water or sewer line or a road – whatever it is – it is a tool in the toolbox that cities use as a last resort
“Our desire is to negotiate for the fair sale of a property
That’s our goal – to always negotiate with property owners.”
“Everyone knows the City has the legal right – I just don’t know why we have to put it in the resolution… I’m asking my councilors to adhere to the voices of our constituency and the voters
This doesn’t take away our right to do what we need to do if proper and necessary
It just says we’re taking it out of the resolution.”
“It doesn’t do much to assuage the concerns of the people in Rivermeade and beyond
We do have it in here that it’s our intention to work in good faith with people.”
Braverman made a motion to add to the first clause in the resolution: “Voluntary Transactions: The City will endeavor for voluntary land acquisition agreements if necessitated within King City and the surrounding area…”
The second part of the resolution included removing the third clause
Councilor Vince Arditi seconded the motion
with Mayor Marc Manelis abstaining because he said Braverman had a conflict of interest because she is the president of the Edgewater Homeowners Association
(KION-TV) -- King City is looking to address a recent uptick in youth violence as the city council took first steps in developing a comprehensive plan during Tuesday night's meeting
The city says that this is a response to the steady increase in gang violence that has erupted since the pandemic
citing that in 2023 there were 14 shootings
24 shootings in 2024 and one shooting in 2025 so far
The city says that data from 2024 was inflated due to the mass shooting
but trends are still at an "unacceptable" level
The first phase of King City's plan to end youth violence was adopted in 2017
the overall number of shootings that took place fell dramatically from 32 to one in its first year
the report also showed that shootings in the city have been on the rise in recent years
the City of Tigard hired Brent Stockwell as its new manager
who comes to the job following a decade as the Scottsdale
was unanimously approved by the City Council with a $225,000 annual salary during an April 23 meeting in which his hiring was the sole agenda item
The several-month recruitment and application process to find a successor for former city manager Steve Rymer included an all-staff town hall and a panel interview with the community
“We got a bunch of good perspectives and council heard all of those
taking into consideration all of the feedback we got
and was pleased to recommend the appointment of Brent Stockwell,” said city attorney Shelby Rihala
Stockwell will oversee day-to-day operations and work with City Council to implement community initiatives and Council priorities
“I’m honored by the trust that you are placing in me,” Stockwell told Councilors
“I’m really excited to serve the people of Tigard with you
I’m excited to move forward and build on the excellent work that’s already been done.”
In his 23-year career with the city of Scottsdale
Stockwell additionally worked as an assistant to the mayor and city council
served as a liaison in the Citizen and Neighborhood Resources Department
“We had many really great candidates and (we’re) excited that Brent has agreed to join our team,” said Mayor Heidi Lueb
Tigard Council members echoed Lueb’s enthusiasm before voting to make it official
throughout the entire process,” Councilor Jake Schlack told Stockwell
“I think you’re going to bring a lot of knowledge
and new perspectives to the team and help us take Tigard to the next level.”
Councilor Jeanette Shaw cited Stockwell’s “expertise in economic development
ensuring that our city puts a plan in place that moves forward with growing our jobs (and) also prosperity for our community members.”
While Councilor Yi-Kang Hu praised Stockwell’s “previous commitment to being present and engaged with his community,” he added “leadership is about building trust and listening and being visible to the people we serve.”
Stockwell has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington and completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program
Before beginning his two-plus decade run with the city of Scottsdale
and as a youth director with an Arizona non-profit
15 King City City Council meeting had barely started when the first shot was fired across the bow
with a motion to unseat a councilor appointed three weeks earlier
The next 25 minutes were a contentious melee among the seven councilors with motions and counter-motions made
defeated or not recognized amid an accusation of a personal attack and arguments about decorum
the Municipal Code and a Writ of Review filed against the city in Washington County Circuit Court that day
Seated at the dais from left to right were newly elected Councilor Vince Arditi
Councilor Jan Tysoe and newly elected Councilors Jessica Braverman and Rachel Kazmierski
After City Manager Mike Weston swore in Arditi
Manelis tried to start the meeting with the election of a mayor and council president when Braverman made the motion to unseat Hartman
saying he should not be recognized as a councilor because his appointment was an unethical violation of the Municipal Code and City Charter
Braverman passed out copies of a November/December 2024 calendar and the Municipal Code before saying
“We have an ethical duty to make sure the Municipal Code is followed properly
A writ has already been filed with the Washington County (Circuit) Court
If you allow a councilor on the bench who has not been properly appointed
everything that has been voted on in this meeting will be invalid…”
Braverman said that city officials had not properly counted the days from when a notice ran in the Nov
15 Oregonian announcing an opening on the council following the resignation of Smart Ocholi to the end of the application period
She said the 30-day count should have started Nov
the application period should have been open through Monday
Four applications had already been received when two more came in Dec
Sandra Cunningham filed the Writ of Review
20 proceeded “with the interviews of other candidates and (appointment of) John Hartman to fill the vacancy.”
Braverman stated that the city should run a new notice in the Oregonian and start the application process again “so the appointment process is fair to all
another writ by a judge in Washington County and to make sure we are following the code.” She added
She made a second motion to run a new notice in the Oregonian and restart the clock to make a council appointment for Ocholi’s seat
City Attorney Peter Watts said the city had not received the writ and added
“We can’t conduct any business until the two appointments (mayor and council president) are made.”
Manelis said that Braverman’s motions were not on the agenda and needed to be added to the agenda
saying that voting on the agenda would become invalid if the writ was successful in court
“This is becoming a personal attack,” Hartman said
Kazmierski and Arditi said they were given no opportunity to add items to the agenda before the meeting
so during the meeting was their only opportunity
Watts said that agendas are published in advance for the public to view because “the public should be adequately notified.”
“I did not recognize the speaker (Braverman)
so all of this is out of order,” Braverman countered
We are moving on to the City Council officer appointments.”
King City mayors and council presidents are elected by the council for two-year terms in odd-numbered years
and Gelfand nominated Manelis for mayor with Hartman providing the second
Kazmierski tried to amend the motion to vote for an interim mayor until a judge rules on the writ
but Manelis said there would be no amendments and called for the vote
Tysoe and Manelis voted in favor of Manelis for mayor
Kazmierski nominated Braverman for council president
with Arditi seconding the nomination; Arditi
Braverman and Kazmierski voted in the affirmative
Tysoe and Manelis voted against the nomination
Hartman nominated Gelfand for council president
and right now it doesn’t look like we have one,” Braverman said
“The illegal appointment of John Hartman gives them a voting block
and all of you in the audience are seeing what is going on here
and I am making a record of this because when the writ is decided
I am going to play this tape for the judge… and I want them to hear the entire record…”
Tysoe and Manelis voted in favor of Gelfand as council president
Braverman and Kazmierski voted in opposition
The remainder of the meeting was congenial as the council voted on the approval of previous minutes
City Council committee assignments and Charter Committee appointments
King City City Council meetings are available for viewing on the city’s YouTube channel
there was a recall election underway for a majority of the council members
and 2025 finds the city in potential legal jeopardy over the controversial appointment of a new councilor to replace one forced to resign because of a previous lawsuit
The appointment occurred during a hastily called Zoom work session on Dec
20 after a protest involving several dozen people forced city officials to close City Hall for the day over safety concerns and cancel the in-person meeting
Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Erwin ruled from the bench that he was ordering the City of King City to remove Smart Ocholi from the City Council
Karl Swanson filed the successful suit after Ocholi
filed an application for one of the open seats and was appointed back on the council
Because the seat was declared vacant after the Nov
it had to be filled by appointment instead of by the fourth runner-up in the election
Rachel Kazmierski and Vincent Arditti winning seats on the council and Steve Gearhart right behind Arditti in the vote count
The city advertised the council seat opening in the Nov
with the application period open for 30 days
and the council planned to hold a work session Dec
to interview four people who applied for the seat – Gearhart
John Hartman and Cynthia McCollough – and potentially choose one to fill the open seat
a press release was issued with Mike Meyer
a resident of the King City urban growth boundary and future Kingston Terrace area
It announced that there would be a protest outside City Hall from noon to 1 p.m
and inside Council Chambers beginning at 1 p.m
“In their haste to appoint someone of their choosing before the dynamics of the council change
they (the current city councilors) will be violating Municipal Code chapters 2.38
which covers the process of filling council vacancies
computation of time to establish deadlines.
the election results were certified for three incoming councilors
Just seven votes separated the third- and fourth-place candidates
The fourth-place candidate received 1,298 votes
The City Council has so far resisted calls for the vacancy to be filled by the voters’ choice instead of by the six remaining councilors…
“If the City Council proceeds with this appointment on Friday
a writ of review will be filed in Washington County Circuit Court challenging the appointment in violation of King City’s Municipal Code
This would be the third voter-related court action against the city in the last 12 months.”
City officials hastily closed City Hall for the day
sent the staff home and changed the council meeting to a Zoom format with Mayor Shawna Thompson and Councilors Marc Manelis
Dennis Gelfand and Randall Olsen present; Gary Wallesen did not participate
The protest went on as scheduled with about 50 participants
The atmosphere was energetic with impassioned speeches by several speakers
including newly elected City Councilor Jessica Braverman
who took turns standing on the bed of a pickup truck
speaking through a megaphone as participants looked on
protestors joined in chants of “Unite King City” and “Elect Steve Gearhart.”
Thompson said that the staff had been sent home over an abundance of caution and that “any intimidation tactics or perceived or real threats (against City Council members) have been and will be forwarded to the police.” She also said that during the application process
“the City Charter was followed to a T,” noting that two applications were received on Dec
and “these applicants were not offered interviews.”
Olsen read a statement saying the application process was not in compliance with City Code for not accepting the last two applications
“This election process is tainted in every possible way,” he said before leaving the meeting
“This appointment should be left to the voters
This is what the community is advocating for – advocating for the choice they made in last month’s election…”
Thompson repeated that the council was “100 percent within the limits of our charter,” which the other councilors affirmed
all the councilors stressed that they had an outstanding pool to choose from
and Manelis made a motion to appoint Hartman
Hartman said he didn’t run in the November election because he didn’t want “to be part of a popularity contest that I thought the last election was.”
is a project executive at Truebeck Construction in Portland
he wrote that he has 20-plus years in construction “that has given me experience in contract review and negotiating contract creation and review” and he has “countless hours of experience in conflict resolution.”
Besides bringing that experience to City Hall
Hartman said he thinks the city should offer more community engagement opportunities and more opportunities for discussion outside of City Council meetings because “people clearly feel like they don’t have a voice.”
As for the proposed Fischer Road extension into Kingston Terrace in the city’s Transportation System Plan that started the whole upheaval at City Hall nearly 1 ½ years ago
“What it says on paper – that’s not how it’s going to look in 10 years
We’re going to find something in that dirt that’s going to make us move a road or have to move a park – something
It never ends up being the way it starts on the drawing board
“That’s why contractors like myself are hired – to find the most equitable solutions
There’s never going to be a solution where everyone is 100 percent happy
but there’s always a solution everyone can live with
Hartman said he has not participated in any King City community organizations
He and the other applicants also were asked if they had any plans to replace the city manager or city attorney
they have done a fine job in their roles,” but he added that there should be performance reviews and that the officials should be held accountable
The council switched into a special session
and following Manelis’ motion to appoint Hartman and Tysoe’s second
the two of them and Gelfand voted to appoint Hartman
and Thompson abstained; City Manager Mike Weston then swore Hartman into office
attorney Kenneth Dobson sent City Attorney Peter Watts a letter stating that 30 days after the Nov
a Sunday and that the City Code states that if the last day of the time period is a Sunday or holiday
the deadline for applications to fill the vacancy to be submitted was Monday
“It is my understanding that Sandy Cunningham and Karl Swanson attempted to submit applications to fill the vacancy on December 16
but the applications were rejected by Mike Weston
The rejection of the application was in error
the City Council will commit additional legal error if it interviews the candidates at today’s meeting
KCC 2.38.050(A) states… Interviews shall take place no sooner than five days after the filing deadline.” Five days after the December 16 filing deadline is December 21
Should the City Council go forward with prematurely interviewing the candidates at today’s meeting
it will invalidate the appointment of whoever the Council selects to fill the vacancy and subject the city to another petition for writ of review.”
and Weston was on vacation and did not respond to a request for comment
The next City Council meeting is set for Tuesday
(KION-TV) -- The man accused of killing a King City teen has pleaded not guilty in an arraignment Tuesday
The Monterey County District Attorney's Office says Adrian Pineda Juarez pleaded not guilty to charges including murder in the recent King City shooting that left a 17-year-old dead
The D.A.'s office seeks to try a 17-year-old suspect as an adult while another 15-year-old suspect is not eligible to be tried as an adult
Investigators are still working to determine the culpability of the other two underage suspects
The King City Police Department announced five suspects have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting on February 28th
a 17-year old was riding his bicycle north on Third Street when he was approached by 4-5 assailants unknown to him
Police said the suspects produced handguns
Police said when officers arrived on scene
the victim was conscious and alert and provided a brief statement while medical aid was rendered
The teen was taken to Natividad Medical Center by ambulance where
Police said concerned residents reached out during the investigation with reports of suspicious people jumping into backyards
Soledad Police and the Monterey County Sheriff's Department responded
Police said through the use of a sheriff's office drone and officers conducting searches
one adult suspect and three male juveniles were located and detained; they were found to be in possession of two guns matching the type used at the crime scene
a fifth male juvenile suspect was also arrested at a King City residence
The four juveniles have been booked into the Monterey County Juvenile Detention Center
identified as 20-year old Adrian Pineda Juarez of Greenfield
Jail records show Juarez faces charges of murder
conspiracy to commit crime and participating in a criminal street gang; his bail is set at $2,035,000
Katie Nicora is the Dayside Producer for KION News Channel 5/46
Calif. SWAT Officer Killed Serving Warrant in Sweeping Police Operation
A California police officer died suddenly after suffering an apparent medical emergency while on duty earlier this week
attempted to resuscitate him via CPR," Chief James Hunt told KSBW
they were unable to resuscitate him and save his life."
"It's a chief's worst nightmare … suffering the loss of one of your own
Joining the King Police Department in 2014
Kenedy served as patrol officer and was promoted to sergeant in January 2020
He had been assigned to the Southern County Major Crimes Unit and then to the Investigations Unit during his time with the department.
"Sergeant Kenedy was known by those around him as an intelligent and kind person who showed utmost care and humility towards those he worked with and served
"Sergeant Kenedy was universally loved by everyone he worked with