KRKC COUNTRY

  The County of Monterey has activated its Inclement Weather Response for the time period of Thursday, February 1, 2024 to Monday, February 5, 2024. This activation is for southern and northern Monterey County and the area surrounding Salinas. Inclement weather conditions for the coastal/peninsula region are being monitored.   Homeless residents living in the activated regions of the County may contact one of the participating Inclement Weather partner agencies listed on the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers website https://chsp.org/iwresponse/ for assistance with securing shelter. Motel vouchers for homeless residents may be issued during this period as a last-resort emergency shelter tool when all other shelter options have been exhausted.   A complete list of shelters is attached, however, a reminder that the coastal/peninsula region is not yet activated in the Inclement Weather Response. Homeless residents in that area are still encouraged to seek shelter if the

Applications for King City July 4th fireworks booths are now available online at the City’s website at www.kingcity.com under “Documents and Forms – Applications.”  The deadline for submitting applications to City Hall is March 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.   Three permits will be available for non-profit organizations to utilize for community fundraising.  If the City receives more than three applications, permits will be awarded through a lotter selection process.  There is an application fee of $35 and permit fee of $375.   Fireworks may be sold from noon June 28t through July 4.  The lottery to select the applicant will take place on March 26.   Contact City Hall at 831-386-5925 for more information.

  In anticipation of a storm which is expected to the area beginning early Wednesday morning, January 31 the County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management has been monitoring, compiling, and assessing information from the National Weather Service along with County and local agencies. The County’s Emergency Operations Center is not activating at this time. County of Monterey Public Works has been proactively preparing for more rain with such actions as restocking sand stockpiles for public use, checking and clearing county-maintained culverts, patching potholes and preparing to close low water crossings if needed. Based on information that County of Monterey Officials have been receiving, county coastal ranges are most likely to see impacts from wind and rain; a high wind warning is in effect. The Big Sur, Carmel, Pajaro and Salinas Rivers are not forecast to reach monitor or flood stage at this time. County staff is carefully monitoring the landslide at Arroyo Seco which experi

  On Monday, Jan 22, 2024, the victim of a sexual assault reported being attacked by Christopher Rios of the King City area. Deputies contacted the victim who had many physical injuries and after interviews and evidence collection, Detectives determined they had probable cause to arrest Rios. With the assistance of the Monterey County Probation Department, Detectives were able to locate Rios and place him under arrest. Rios was on parole and was on probation for other crimes as he had an extensive criminal history. Rios was booked in county jail for the following crimes, Kidnapping / Rape / Sodomy / False Imprisonment / Oral Copulation by means of force or violence. At the time of arrest, Rios was being investigated for similar crimes with other victims and there is a strong possibility there may be more victims that have not come forward to report their assaults. Any member of the community with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Jesse Reyes at 831

  SALINAS, CA –The March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election is here and there are a couple of things voters should know to get vote ready. Monterey County local voter information guides and ballots will begin mailing soon. State voter information guides will also begin mailing directly from the state. All active voters will receive a ballot in the mail and in-person voting options will be available.   Important Dates:   Week of January 29                      - Local Voter Information Guides begin mailing   February 5                                      - Ballots mailed by this date   February 5                                      - In-person voting available at the Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas   February 20                                    - Deadline to register to vote   February 21                                    - Same day voter registration period begins   February 24                                    - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday Voti

  According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, a deputy spotted a vehicle that was driving erratic and unsafe on Highway 101 at 7:43 pm on Sunday night, January 28. A records check revealed that the vehicle was stolen recently during a carjacking incident in the City of Gonzales. The deputy followed the vehicle relaying pertinent information until he had sufficient units on the scene.   Once the vehicle reached the town of Chualar, the vehicle began to travel at a high rate of speed. At this point, a traffic stop was initiated, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Once additional deputies joined the pursuit, a plan was made to set up spike strips. The Soledad Police Department opted to assist with deploying spike strips, and a PIT maneuver was authorized. The vehicle continued towards the City of Soledad, where Soledad Police Officers successfully deployed spike strips. The vehicle then took the North Front Street exit off ramp and a successful PIT maneuver was conducted.   Once the

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 28 through Saturday, February 3.  Highway 101: Espinosa Road – Thorne Road: January 29 – January 31 One lane and shoulder closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Espinosa Road and Thorne Road for concrete pouring work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Moranda Road NB On-Ramp – Camphora Gloria Road: Jan. 29 – Feb. 1 The right shoulder will be closed along northbound Highway 101 between the northbound on-ramp at Moranda Road and Camphora Gloria Road for utility work from 9 am to 3 pm. Salinas –  Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term  There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkins Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:00 am to  5:00 p.m., with occasional nighttime work. The Harkins Road work will be located from the City of S

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, January 26 U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute $3,752,847 in federal funding to two health centers in Salinas and Watsonville as part of the Health Center Program.   “Federally Qualified Health Centers like Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas and Salud Para La Gente provide critical health care services to some of our most vulnerable community members. I’m proud to announce this federal funding that will help ensure residents have access to quality and affordable health care services,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.     Rep. Lofgren announced the following two grants:     $2,214,146 for Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas to continue offering comprehensive healthcare services to residents in the Salinas Valley.     $1,538,701 to Salud Para La Gente to continue offering comprehensive healthcare services to residents in Watsonville and greater Santa Cruz County.    This funding comes fr

  SALINAS, CA, January 26, 2024 – The Clem Albertoni Cowboy Gathering produced by the California Rodeo Salinas will take place on Saturday, April 6 at the Salinas Sports Complex (1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, CA) in the Exhibition Mall. Lacy J. Dalton will headline the event this year with Jake Riley opening the show. Tickets are $80 and include a barbecue dinner along with the entertainment. Doors will open at 5 pm with dinner being served at 6 pm and the show starting at 7 pm. Dinner will be provided by the California Rodeo Salinas’ Barbecue Committee – steak with all the fixings. Tickets go on sale at carodeo.com on January 30th at 10 am.   Dalton is an American country singer and songwriter with a career that has spanned many decades and touched the hearts of millions of music fans. In March 2017 Lacy J. Dalton was inducted into the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame, and in 2022 she was awarded a Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Josie Mus

  SALINAS, CA, January 25, 2024 – Attendees of the Big Week Kick Off Concert featuring Country Mega-Star Keith Urban on Friday, July 12 will be treated to a full evening of country entertainment. Niko Moon will open for Urban with special guest Claudia Hoyser taking the stage before Moon. Moon is all about making people feel good. His first single “Good Time” went #1 on country radio and his other hits continue to climb the charts as he releases more music. Beyond being a solo act, Moon has written eight #1 songs and over 40 major record label cuts for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks Bentley, Pit Bull, Zac Brown Band, Rascall Flatts, and more. Moon’s current 2024 album, BETTER DAYS, debuted as the #1 country album in the nation.   Hoyser is an American country music singer, songwriter, and social influencer. She has recently supported Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Brantley Gilbert, Ryan Bingham, Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Jessie James Decker, Mitchell Tenpenny, Willie N

  SALINAS, CA, January 24, 2024 – The California Rodeo Salinas awarded a record-breaking $37,500 in educational scholarships last year and the application period for 2024 funds is open. There are two options for students: Salinas Valley high school students who are attending or graduating from Hartnell College can apply for the Hartnell Rodeo scholarship and students who are California Rodeo Salinas Committee Members or related to Committee Members may apply for the Community Foundation for Monterey County Rodeo scholarship. The Hartnell Rodeo scholarship program intends to award $2,500 scholarships to continuing students and $5000 scholarships to students transferring to another program. The Community Foundation for Monterey County Rodeo scholarship fund intends to award five $5,000 scholarships.    The Hartnell application will open soon. Please see https://www.hartnell.edu/students/scholarships/.  The Community Foundation for Monterey County application closes on March 15th and can

  SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, January 24 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributed $300,000 to the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc. (CHISPA) to support repairs of multi-family homes for rural, low-income families in Monterey County.   “Everyone should have a safe space to live, and this important funding will help improve existing housing infrastructure in Monterey County. We’re glad to support federal investments that help uplift and protect underserved communities,” said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta.   This funding comes from USDA’s Housing Preservation Grants, which supports the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by rural, low-income residents.   The USDA funding was provided by the FY23 consolidated appropriations package that Reps. Lofgren and Panetta voted in favor of.

  The Annual King City State of the City Address Luncheon is scheduled at noon on Wednesday, January 31 in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. The Mayor, City Manager and other City officials will provide an update on the City’s efforts and plans. The event is co-sponsored by the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the Rotary Club of King City. The cost of the lunch is $20 per person.  Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 831-385-3814 for more information. Everyone is also invited and encouraged to attend an additional bilingual presentation of the King City State of the City Address on Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. There is no charge for this event and refreshments will be provided. Please contact City Hall at 831-385-3281 for more information on this presentation.

  The City of King closed the Little League field on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in order to allow for work to be done on the field in preparation of the 2024 baseball season. The field will remain closed until Little League opening day which is scheduled for Saturday, March 9. Everyone is requested to please stay off of the field during this period to enable the City of King Public Works Crews and the Little League volunteers to perform needed maintenance to maintain this important facility in good condition.  

  Monterey County Free Libraries announced on January 23 that they are now accepting online payments. You can pay fees owed on your library accounts with your credit or debit card by visiting emcfl.org. Monterey County Free Libraries eliminated fines for overdue library material January 1, 2022. However, library users who want to pay for lost items or long overdue items, can now pay using a credit or debit card. Kris Amaral, Managing Librarian for Technology says, “Library users have been asking for a convenient way to pay fees for a long time. We are very happy to be able to provide this new service to our patrons. It will allow the convenience of paying fees from anywhere there is internet access, saving time and effort.” The service was piloted in late December 2023 to work out the kinks. Starting during the week of January 21, they are promoting the service to make it open and available to all library users. To pay for fees, login to your MCFL library account and click on “Fees”. T

King City, CA – If you are a junior or senior high school girl; who is a resident or student of School Districts in the counties of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Northern San Luis Obispo, Parkfield and Coalinga, think about applying for the prestigious title of Miss Salinas Valley Fair. But think quickly, the deadline is March 21!   The contest will be held at the fairgrounds in King City, April 4 & 5, 2024 and the winner will reign over the 80th annual Salinas Valley Fair.   In addition to her many duties as Miss Salinas Valley Fair, the winner will have the opportunity to represent the fair at local and regional events including the California Rodeo in Salinas.  “Our ideal candidate is a young woman who loves the Salinas Valley Fair and wants to be an ambassador for the Salinas Valley Fair at local events,” said Darla Mantel Miss Salinas Valley Fair Director and Competition Chair.   Entrants will be judged on personality (40%), a written test (25%), poise and appearance (20%)

  1 vehicle overturned on Highway 101 Northbound and the Camp Roberts Offramp in the Bradley area at 6:37 am on Monday morning, January 22. 1 occupant was injured and was transported to a Hospital to be treated. 

  The Monterey CHP reports that 1 person was tragically killed as a result of a fatal 1 vehicle crash on Highway 101 northbound and Spence Road south of Salinas sometime after 9:15 am on Monday morning, January 22. The name of the occupant who died in the vehicle has not been released. The accident is under investigation. 

  SOLEDAD, Calif.— Soledad Community Health Care District (SCHCD) is delighted to announce the celebration of a momentous milestone in the life of one of our cherished residents, Ms. Jeannie Aquino, who is turning 105 years old. Jeannie Aquino, a lifelong resident of the City of Soledad, has been an integral part of the community since her early years. Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, she arrived in Soledad with her family as a baby. Over the decades, Ms. Aquino has contributed significantly to the fabric of the Soledad community, working in the central coast fields, teaching catechism at Our Lady of Solitude Church, and becoming a beloved figure among residents. Currently residing at the Eden Valley Care Center, Ms. Aquino has been a pillar of strength and inspiration. The Soledad Community Health Care District is thrilled to celebrate her remarkable journey on Friday, January 26, 2024, just before her actual birthday on January 27. The celebration will take place at the Eden Valle

  According to the Monterey County Health Department, the US Food and Drug Administration along with state and local health officials are advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters from Sociedad Acuicola GolPac (MX 06 SP) harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico on December 18, 2023 or December 27, 2023 because they may be contaminated with norovirus. The oysters consumed go by a common name of “Rocky Point oysters”.   On January 10, 2024, the California Department of Public Health notified the FDA of an outbreak of Norovirus in San Diego County, CA that has been linked to consumption of oysters tracing back to a specific harvest location in Mexico. An investigation is ongoing, and the number of illnesses is being tracked.  Mexican Shellfish Authorities have initiated an investigation into the source of the illnesses and have closed the Bahia Salina growing area to harvest on January 12, 2024.  Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 21 through Saturday, January 27.  Highway 101: Espinosa Road – Thorne Road: January 22 – January 26 There will be one lane and shoulder closure along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Espinosa Road and Thorne Road for concrete work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Moranda Road NB On-Ramp – Camphora Gloria Road: Jan. 22 – Jan. 26 The right shoulder will be closed along northbound Highway 101 between the Moranda Road northbound on-ramp and Camphora Gloria Road for utility work from 8 am to 4 pm. Salinas –  Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkin Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:00 am to  5:00 p.m., with occasional nighttime work. The Harkins Road work will be located from the City of Salinas

  A 1 vehicle crash happened on Highway 101 Northbound near the Arroyo Seco Road Offramp outside of Greenfield going off the highway into a center divider at 10:33 am on Thursday morning, January 18. 1 occupant was injured and ended up being transported by air to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas. 

  The City of King on Tuesday, January 16 filed a lawsuit for breach of contract against Shangri-La Industries, Inc.  In November 2021, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shangri-La to acquire and develop the former Days inn Hotel at 1130 Broadway Street into a permanent supportive housing project for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  The project is part of the State Homekey program, which involved a grant from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for approximately $​​12.4 million.  Despite the grant funding, the project experienced months of delays, and the property is now in foreclosure proceedings after the developer defaulted on loans they acquired without any required approvals.     According to City Manager Steve Adams, "Not only has their mismanagement, misconduct and fraudulent actions put this important project and shelter for many people in need at risk, it has also placed the City and operating p

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, January 14 through Saturday, January 20.  Highway 101: Bromme Road: January 16 – January 19 One lane and shoulder closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 south of Bromme Road to Bromme Road near Chualar for drainage cleaning work along the highway from 9 am to 3 pm.  Highway 101: State Route 198 – Lockwood/San Lucas Road: January 16 – January 17 One lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 between State Route 198 and Lockwood/San Lucas Road for drainage cleaning work along the highway from 8 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: State Route 198 – Lockwood/San Lucas Road: January 19 One lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 between State Route 198 and Lockwood/San Lucas Road for tree work from 8 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Jolon Road (South) – Broadway (South): January 18 One lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 southbound Jolon Road and south

  According to the Greenfield Police Department, Officers responded to a domestic disturbance on the 100 block of 11th Street in Greenfield between 2 pm and 3 pm on Tuesday afternoon, January 9. During the investigation, it was determined that 21-year-old Eric Servin stabbed 2 individuals inside the home. Both victims sustained non-life threatening injuries and are receiving care at a local hospital. Greenfield Police detectives and crime scene investigators were called in and took over the investigation. Servin was arrested and was transported to the Monterey County Jail charged with 2 counts of attempted homicide.

Monterey County Free Libraries is offering an 8 week long English as a Second Language (ESL) course for adult learners starting on Thursday, January 11 at the King City Library located at 402 Broadway Street.   This is a 'basics' English class with short readings, dictation, conversation and similar activities. The course will run from January 11 to February 29 from 530 pm-7 pm at the King City Library. While registration is not required, the King City Library would appreciate hearing from people who are interested so there are enough handouts.   Feel free to call the course coordinator at 831-883-7597 or the branch at 831-386-6885. 

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Online applications are now being accepted for singers and bands who wish to perform at the 2024 California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. Local bands will have the opportunity to play the Mission Square Stage, Island Stage, or at La Cantina. Please visit the Applications page at www.MidStateFair.com to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 22, 2024. Late applications will not be considered. Acts will be notified by email no later than Friday, April 5, 2024 if they are selected. The 2024 California Mid-State Fair runs from July 17 through July 28 and this year’s theme is “Wide Open Spaces!”. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Salinas, CA – The nomination period to qualify as a write-in candidate for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election is as follows:     For voter-nominated offices opens January 8th and ends February 20th     For presidential candidates opens January 8th and ends February 13th Candidate forms will be available only during this time and must be submitted by the deadline.   Official documents may be obtained from and filed at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Schedule an appointment via email at CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us or by phone (831) 796-1499.   For more information related to the election, including filing requirements and qualifications, please visit: www.MontereyCountyElections.us.

  Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni alerts Monterey County residents and visitors that an increase in scams have affected renters and properties for rent. The scams vary in sophistication but share the same core fraud: the suspect will pose as the property owner or leasing company, and then collect the usual first/last/deposit. The victim suffers the double blow of losing a housing opportunity and losing thousands of dollars. Often this scam involves the suspect posting a house for rent on social media or real estate rental websites based on a legitimate listing posted previously. To make it seem more real, the suspect can even send you an application, lease agreement, and request a processing fee for a credit check. Scammers will often work off of legitimate listings, so take extra steps to protect yourself. For example, when you visit the rental location, try to make contact with the current residents, see if the landlord left a physical rent

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 7 through Saturday, January 13.  Highway 101: Wellsona Road (SLO) – San Ardo: January 8  A moving lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between Wellsona Road in San Luis Obispo County and San Ardo in Monterey County for spraying operation work from 9 am to 3 pm. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Anselmo Road: January 9  A moving lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 between San Ardo and San Anselmo Road for spraying operation work from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Salinas –  Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkin Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:00 am to  5:00 p.m., with occasional nighttime work. The Harkins Road work will be located from the City of Salinas limits to Fifth Street in Spreckels

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 4 that 28-year-old Adrian Gonzalez of Salinas, pled no contest on January 4 to charges of Carjacking, Assault With a Deadly Weapon, DUI Causing Great Bodily Injury and Evading Police. On October 11, 2022, just after 1:30 p.m., Gonzalez called for a taxi to pick him up near the Home Depot on North Davis Road in Salinas. Shortly after picking Gonzalez up the taxi driver noticed that Gonzalez was acting strangely and making nonsensical comments. The taxi driver quickly became afraid and asked Gonzalez to get out of the vehicle. Gonzalez initially complied and got out but then pulled the female driver out of the taxi, punched her in the face, and threw her to the ground. Gonzalez took the keys and drove off in the taxi. The victim immediately called police and reported the incident. Gonzalez was spotted by Salinas Police almost 2 hours later – still driving the stolen taxi – entering Highway 1

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 4 that on December 12, 2023 62-yerar-old Michael David Paulsen of Lockwood, pled guilty to 3 counts of Penal Code section 288(b)(1), for committing forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14 years of age. Judge Rafael Vazquez will sentence Paulsen on February 13, 2024 to a stipulated sentence of 30 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. All 3 counts are violent felonies and are considered “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes law. In addition to his prison sentence, Paulsen will be ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Paulsen sexually molested a relative who was under 14 years of age beginning in 1995. He sexually assaulted her when nobody else was present and would often abuse her in a vehicle so that he could have privacy and she could not escape. He sexually abused the victim for years. The victim courageously came forward to report the abuse

  KING CITY, Calif., — Mee Memorial Healthcare System in King City has announced Noah Hawthorne M.D. as Chief Medical Officer.   The Chief Medical Officer oversees medical staff, physician recruitment, and system-wide provision of quality care, bringing a clinical perspective to the administrative strategy and mission of the organization, a role requiring exceptional communication and leadership skills.   “We are thankful to Dr. Valladares, our former CMO, for his to dedication and commitment to Mee Memorial since 2019,” said CEO Rena Salamacha. “We are also excited to have Dr. Hawthorne join us as our new Chief Medical Officer. He brings a wealth of leadership experience and vision to this role and a true passion to serve the people of South Monterey County.”   Formerly serving as Chief of Staff and member of the Mee Memorial Board of Trustees from 2021-22, Dr. Hawthorne currently serves as Medical Director of Mee’s Emergency Department, a role for which he was honored earlier this ye

Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni alerts Monterey County residents of an online scam that has been hitting Monterey County Residents. The scam begins with a text message or e-mail warning the recipient of some potentially fraudulent charges on their account. When the person clicks the link, they are contacted by a person claiming to work for their banking institution. The story progresses that their account has been compromised, that the bank security officer is working with the FBI or other government agency to catch the hacker. They explain the only way to keep the account safe is to withdraw money and turn it over to the scammer via cryptocurrency, cash, or some other transaction method for safekeeping. The scammer promises that it will be held until the account is secure, but the money is never returned. Per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), business and government impersonation scams are the third most common cryptocurrency scam. In 2022