Fort Hunter Liggett continues prescribed burns
JOLON — Fire and Emergency Services at Fort Hunter Liggett announced plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns during the final week of May as part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts.
According to the notice, the controlled burns are intended to reduce dry vegetation and lower the risk of wildfires ahead of California’s fire season. Officials warned that smoke may be visible from surrounding areas and could linger into the morning hours following operations.
The tentative burn schedule includes operations in Bull Rocks, Coyote Mesa, MPRC, Hay Camp and Stony Valley training areas between May 26 and May 31.
Fort Hunter Liggett officials said the burns will be carried out under controlled conditions by trained personnel. Prescribed burns are commonly used by fire agencies and military installations to manage fuel loads, improve defensible space and reduce the severity of future wildfires.
Spartans host awards banquet for track program
GONZALES — This Friday the Gonzales High School track and field program will host the annual banquet and awards night at the school multipurpose room.
Parents and family are invited to the May 29 event to support their athletes. Track members have been asked to bring soft drinks or dessert as dinner will be provided.
There will be a special speaker attending who will speak after dinner and before the awards presentation. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.
LAFCO appoints Wysocki as executive officer
SALINAS — Local Agency Formation Commission of Monterey County has appointed Ken Wysocki as its new executive officer, succeeding longtime Executive Officer Kate McKenna, who is retiring June 30 after 22 years leading the agency.
Wysocki most recently served as public works director for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where he oversaw infrastructure planning, environmental compliance, capital programming and resilience efforts, according to LAFCO. His previous experience includes leadership roles with the East Bay Regional Park District and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Division, where he worked on regulatory compliance and public policy issues.
“We are excited to welcome Ken Wysocki as LAFCO’s next executive officer,” said LAFCO Chair Wendy Root Askew. “His extensive experience and collaborative approach will ensure a smooth transition and continue LAFCO’s mission to promote orderly growth while safeguarding agricultural lands and open space.”
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Commission and staff in delivering exceptional LAFCO services to the communities of Monterey County,” Wysocki said.
McKenna is retiring after a 48-year career in public service as an urban planner and local government executive. She joined Monterey County LAFCO in 2004.
“I have been deeply honored to work alongside my city, county, and special district colleagues and elected officials to address the needs and challenges of our local communities,” McKenna said. “Thank you to my Commission, staff, and our communities for your tremendous support and partnerships, and for the accomplishments we have achieved together.”
Earlier this month, McKenna was honored by the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions with an award recognizing her longtime service to Monterey County and the statewide organization. She previously received the group’s Distinguished Service and Outstanding LAFCO Professional honors.
According to LAFCO, Wysocki will become the agency’s 11th executive officer since its founding in 1964. His start date is June 1.
Monterey County earns Clean California Community designation
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County has been officially designated a Clean California Community by Caltrans through the state’s Clean CA initiative, recognizing local efforts to reduce litter, combat illegal dumping and improve environmental health.
The designation highlights Monterey County’s participation in California’s Zero Litter movement and its coordinated approach through the Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force, a partnership of local agencies, law enforcement, agricultural businesses, industry leaders and community groups.
The task force, formed in 1996, has developed programs such as the county’s Disposal Voucher Program, a partnership with the Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and ReGen Monterey that provides free disposal services for cleanup events and victims of illegal dumping.
County officials say approximately 200 tons of illegally dumped waste are removed from roadways each year at a cost of more than $300,000. In 2024, the county increased fines for illegal dumping and launched a pilot camera surveillance program to improve enforcement and accountability.
To earn the designation, the county met at least 10 of 15 Clean California criteria, including regular cleanup events, public outreach campaigns, expanded roadside abatement efforts and community partnerships.
The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion statewide initiative launched in 2021 to clean and beautify public spaces. More information is available at CleanCA.com/Designation.
