A CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP IN MONTEREY COUNTY HAS SPOKEN OUT IN SUPPORT OF A GRAND JURY?S RECOMMENDATIONS TO POLICE IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES. MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS COALITION OF MONTEREY COUNTY AGREE WITH A GRAND JURY THAT RECOMMENDED THE MONTEREY COUNTY SHERIFF?S OFFICE INCLUDE CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING. THE RECOMMENDATIONS, ISSUED IN A REPORT RELEASED LAST WEEK, ALSO SUGGESTED THE OFFICE HAVE AN ON-CALL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO DEAL WITH POLICE STANDOFFS.

THE OPPONENTS OF THE RANCHO SAN JUAN SUBDIVISION SAY THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE COLLECTED ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO PUT THE PROJECT TO MONTEREY COUNTY VOTERS. THE 26 HUNDRED ACRE PROJECT, THAT WOULD INCLUDE 4 THOUSAND HOMES, SOME BUSINESSES, A GOLF COURSE AND A LAKE, WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED JUST NORTH OF SALINAS. THE GROUP, WHICH NEEDS JUST UNDER 9 THOUSAND VALID SIGNATURES TO FORCE THE CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT TO A REFERENDUM, SAYS THEY WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE SIGNATURES THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SO THEY CAN INCREASE THEIR MARGIN OF SAFETY. WEDNESDAY IS WHEN THE SIGNATURES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE TURNED OVER TO MONTEREY COUNTY ELECTION OFFICIALS.

JURORS FOUND A SANTA CRUZ MAN GUILTY OF SELLING METHAMPHETAMINE LAST WEEK. 34 YEAR OLD JAMIE CHAVEZ OF SANTA CRUZ WAS FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSING DRUGS, AND CONSPIRACY AND DRUG SALES. CHAVEZ WAS ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF POSSESSING ALMOST 5 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE IN JANURARY OF LAST YEAR. HE COULD BE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON UNDER CALIFORNIA?S ?THREE STRIKES? LAW. CHAVEZ?S SENTENCING DATE HAS NOT BEEN SCHEDULED.

VALLEY CHURCHES UNITED MISSION IN BEN LOMOND SAYS THEY HAVE SAND, SO PEOPLE CAN MAKE UP SAND BAGS TO PROTECT AREA HOMES AND BUSINESSES ?..BUT ANNETTE MARCUM SAYS THEY DESPERATELY NEED THE SAND BAGS?.
VOLUNTEERS AT VALLEY CHURCHES UNITED MISSION CAN BE REACHED AT (831) 336-8258.