News

The 20-year-old victim in a Jan. 28 fatal accident and fire on Fairview Road died of blunt-force trauma, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office said Thursday.

The California Highway Patrol’s investigation into a Jan. 13 fatal car wreck on Union Road is not finished, according to an agency spokesman.

Roberto " Bob" Ortega went home to be with the Lord after a brief illness, on January 31, 2012, at the age of 72. He was the beloved husband of Nellie Robinson-Ortega, loving father of Lupe Vasquez and stepchildren Lisa Chavez Nino, Jess Perez, Michael Chavez and many loving grandchildren. Survived by brothers Primitivo Ortega, Armando Ortega and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sisters Luz Villasana and Rosario Ortega. He will be missed by all and forever in our hearts

Kordell Baker never needed the pomp and circumstance he received following his state championship in 1987 - the first such title for an esteemed program rich with tradition and success. To him, wrestling was always about the work, the effort and ultimately his education. But on Wednesday night, Baker joined 37 other GHS wrestling alumni for a walk down memory lane as the group was honored in a pre-dual meet ceremony on center mat at GHS.

Harold was born October 24, 1920 in Madrone, California near Morgan Hill. Graduating from Live Oak High School class of 1938, he then attended Hartnell College majoring in Aviation and Engineering. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, he enlisted and was sent to Cal Aero in Chino California, then to advanced training at Luke Field Arizona. Commissioned first Lieutenant, he ferried airplanes around the world with the Air Transport Command. Post war he returned to Salinas and managed the Salinas Valley Airport and developed flying schools in King City and Paso Robles as well. In addition to teaching flight, he flew Airlines, and for many years had a crop dusting business servicing the Salinas Valley. Harold retained his status in the Air Force as a Liaison Officer to the Air Force Academy, retiring after 40 years service as Lieutenant Colonel. The adventure then began as! Harold and his beloved wife of 68 years Mary Jane traveled the world. Active in many local organizations his one constant love was aviation. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane, son Bob Oberg and will be forever missed by his daughter Kristine Hernandez, grand children Anne Nunez, Vickie Hernandez, Christopher Hernandez, Amelia Hernandez, great granddaughters Nicole and Natalie Nunez, Justine Osuna, great great granddaughter Callie Jayne Costa and sister Elena Oberg Moreno. An afternoon to reminisce, open house will be held at the Salinas Airport Terminal-The Landing Zone, Saturday February 25, 2012 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The California Assembly voted today to restore $248 million in school bus funding to California public schools. The bill, SB 81, had a final vote of 60 - 5. Gilroy's Assemblyman Luis Alejo voted in favor of the bill, according to a news release.

Friends and family will celebrate the birthday of drive-by shooting victim Tara Romero today at the scene of her death.

The Christopher High boys basketball team had little time to dwell on a difficult one-point loss to Seaside on Tuesday, as the Cougars were back on the court Wednesday against host Pajaro Valley. After a tightly contested first quarter, CHS went on a tear, outscoring the Grizzlies 29-7 in the second quarter en route to an 86-41 victory.