KRKC COUNTRY

  SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center is issuing a warning to drive carefully around gulls in July and early August.  This time of year, fledgling gulls are leaving their nests. These young gulls are the same size as their parents with one major difference: they are not yet able to fly.  "This is a natural part of the fledgling process,” says Beth Brookhouser, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with SPCA Monterey County. “They are supposed to be out of the nest, on the ground, while their parents still tend to them while they learn to fly. Unfortunately, there's nothing natural about where they're landing, and every year hundreds are hit and killed by cars.” The gulls lay their eggs in May, which hatch in June. Fledgling season follows from July to mid-August, a time when young seagulls gain their feathers and learn to fly.  "Sadly, people are driving way too fast,” Brookhouser says. “Drivers expect these large birds, who they don't realize are babies...

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting and luncheon on Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cork and Plough Restaurant located at 200 Broadway in King City. The club’s scholarship winners will be honored at the meeting, while the guest speaker will be Rob Bernosky, former Regional Vice Chair of California Republican Party. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenjleonhard@gmail.com

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif - According to the Monterey CHP, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at approximately 1:41 a.m., a white Tesla sedan, driven by an unidentified driver, was traveling southbound on River Road, north of Chualar River Road outside of Chualar and for reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Telsa veered to the left, off the roadway, and crashed into a tree. The Tesla caught fire, and the driver of the Tesla was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The Monterey County Coroner’s Office will provide the identity of the driver upon their next of kin being notified. It is currently unknown if alcohol was a factor in this fatal crash, or if the vehicle was in full self-driving mode.      This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information about this incident should call the CHP Monterey Area office at (831) 770-8000.

  WASHINGTON, DC – During of Week of July 20 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Norma Torres (CA-35), Lou Correa (CA-46), Grace Meng (NY-06), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) reintroduced the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, H.R. 4696, a bill that makes a simple update to an existing status adjustment process in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), better known as the registry.   The registry provision, first enacted on March 2, 1929, permits certain immigrants who have been continuously present in the United States to apply for permanent residency if they have a clean record. In the 20th Century, the cutoff date for eligibility for the registry was modified several times on a bipartisan basis. The last update was part of the Ronald Reagen-era 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act when the cutoff date was set to January 1, 1972. Nearly 40 years have passed since this important immigration provision wa...

  WATSONVILLE, CA – On Friday, July 25 at 10:30am at the Watsonville Civic Plaza located at 275 Main Street on the Top Floor in Watsonville, CA U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), local leaders, and community members will discuss legislation to unlock a legal path to lawful permanent residence for millions of long-term U.S. residents at an event in Watsonville, CA, a community that relies upon farmworkers, many of whom are undocumented and have positively contributed to America’s economy for decades. Americans have food on their tables day in and day out because of the backbreaking work of ag laborers.   WHO:                  • U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) • City of Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco • Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, Fourth District, Santa Cruz County • Bonita Villalobos Rivera, 3rd Vice President, United Farm Workers (UFW)                           ...

  PG&E restored full line power to the Monterey County Jail shortly after 6:00 PM on Wednesday July 23, 2025. A temporary lockdown and closure to the public that was in place during the transfer from generator to line power has been lifted and normal operations have resumed. PG&E identified an issue with the meter that services the jail facility which required a temporary power shut off on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. During that shut off, PG&E identified a power safety issue that resulted in line power being shut off to the jail facility until repairs could be made. The jail has been operating on emergency power generators since that date. At about 3:00 PM, the process to restore full line power began. During this time, a temporary lockdown was put in place and the jail was closed to the public for visitation. Just after 6:00 PM on July 23, full line power was restored, and the facility was confirmed to be operating as intended. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “I want to thank o...

Sacramento – CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) has launched the new California Vegetation Burn Severity Online Viewer, an interactive public mapping tool that shows how wildfires have impacted vegetation across the state. This resource supports California’s commitment to transparency and wildfire resilience under Senate Bill 1101. The Burn Severity Viewer displays burn severity data for all wildfires over 1,000 acres in California from 2015 to 2023. With this information easily accessible, landowners, planners, scientists, and the public are empowered to better understand postfire conditions, support ecological recovery, and plan for future fire resilience. “This tool helps Californians see and understand how fire affects our landscapes,” said Chris Keithley, Assistant Deputy Director for FRAP. “It gives communities data to support efforts to plan prescribed burns, guide restoration work, and reduce future wildfire risk.” The Burn Severity Viewer has several bene...

  July 22, 2025, - Salinas, CA -- Know any local jobseekers still applying for work online but not getting the results they want?  Why not try something more traditional? “Sometimes another approach makes all the difference,” said Monterey County Works, Executive Director, Christopher Donnelly. “There’s a lot to be said for meeting employers in person. You’re more memorable, recruiters get to meet you face to face and can better determine your interest and enthusiasm. Jobseekers interested in trying this approach are encouraged to register and attend Monterey County Works August events below:     Wednesday, August 6, Transportation Industry Specialized Recruitment @ Salinas Career Center, 344 Salinas Street, Salinas, Suite #203, 1:30pm-4pm       Wednesday, August 13, City of Greenfield, Multiple Employer Job Fair @ 599 El Camino Real, Greenfield, 4pm-7pm       Wednesday, August 20, Agricultural Industry Specialized Recruitment @ Salinas ...

  MONTEREY, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on July 22 that 4 owners of local smoke shops and markets throughout Monterey County have paid civil penalties for unlawfully selling flavored tobacco products, among other violations of law. The sale of flavored tobacco products is prohibited in California. Tobacco contains nicotine which is highly addictive and harmful to adolescent brain development. Flavored vapes are the most widely used tobacco product among youth, and many tobacco users report that it is easy to purchase flavored tobacco products. These products also tend to be marketed towards youth, with flavorings such as “OMG Blow Pop,” “White Gummy Ice,” “Lemon Heasd” [sic], and “Peach Perfect Slush.” Feras Hanna, the owner of King City Smoke, located at 560 Canal Street, Suite B, in King City, and Soledad Smoke Shop, located at 3052 H Dela Rosa Street, in Soledad, were ordered to pay a total of $30,435 in civil penalties and fees f...

SACRAMENTO— On Monday, July 21 the Legislature filed an amicus brief in the state’s lawsuit against President Trump, asking the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to take up its appeal en banc to stop Trump’s unlawful and unwarranted deployment of the National Guard and protect California’s families, workers, and businesses.   The State of California filed its lawsuit on June 9, naming President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense, arguing that the federal takeover of a CalGuard unit violates the U.S. Constitution and oversteps the administration’s Title X authority. Trump mobilized the National Guard without the consent of Governor Gavin Newsom, as federal law requires. Events on the ground have made clear that this deployment is entirely unnecessary and is harming the state’s economy and residents.   The Legislature’s amicus brief asks the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to stop the illegal federal action. It includes personal accounts from reside...

  SALINAS, CA, July 20, 2025 – The 2025 California Rodeo Salinas brought the spirit of the West to life once again, drawing nearly 55,000 fans over 4 action-packed days of professional rodeo, community celebration, and family fun. From thrilling arena action to meaningful moments like the Golden Circle of Champions, this year’s event showcased the tradition, talent, and heart that make the California Rodeo one of the premier rodeos in the nation. The California Rodeo Salinas showcased top rodeo talent with thrilling performances across all events. Below are the winners of each event:     All-Around Cowboy: Wacey Schalla – Bareback Riding & Bull Riding     Bareback Riding Average Champion: Jayco Roper – 174 points on two head     Steer Wrestling Average Champion: Mike McGinn – 21.3 seconds on three head     Team Roping Average Champions: Tanner Tomlinson / Travis Graves – 48.5 seconds on five head     Saddle Bronc Riding Average ...

  Salinas, CA – July 17, 2025 – The 115th California Rodeo Salinas kicked off in front of an energetic crowd during Wrangler’s Bucking Cancer Night, presented by Mechanics Bank and Salinas Valley Health. Over 12,300 fans filled the Salinas Sports Complex for the first performance of this year’s iconic rodeo celebration. This attendance number was up 1.6% over the Thursday, July 17 performance in 2024.   In honor of Bucking Cancer Night, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Health to support local cancer care and awareness efforts.   The evening featured thrilling rodeo action, including standout performances by trick riders Madison Schalla and Summer & Company, motorcycle jumping by Cowboy Kenny’s Steel Rodeo Tour, and exciting mutton busting, cutting, and barrel racing on the track.   Performance Highlights:     Bull Riding first round leader: Roscoe Jarboe, 84 points on Bridwell Pro Rodeo’s Die...

  The Monterey County Jail has lifted the temporary closure to the public and visitations are now being allowed. The jail facility had been closed to the public after PG&E identified a power safety issue on Tuesday July 15, 2025. This issue resulted in power being shut off to the jail facility until repairs could be made. The jail has been operating on emergency power generators that were providing limited power to the facility. On July 16, 2025, just before 10:00 PM, a supplemental emergency power generator was brought in and is now providing additional power to the Monterey County Jail facility. This includes areas of the jail that were previously without power such as our administrative offices, break rooms, briefing room and our main lobby where public visitations are processed. All areas where incarcerated persons are housed have been receiving power throughout the duration of this disruption. Public visitations have resumed as normal however, it is important for the publi...

  SALINAS, CA – A sold-out crowd of 10,498 people watched the Big Week Bull Riding Xtreme Bulls event at the Salinas Sports Complex on Wednesday night, July 17. Presented by Salinas Valley Ford, the Big Week Bull Riding continues to be one of the most popular events held each July, selling out from 2015-2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Colton Byram of Mound City, KS covered two bulls to win the championship – he scored 81.5 points on Red Neck from Four Star Rodeo and 91 points on Chucks Boy from Four Star Rodeo- with a total score of 172.5. Rancho San Lucas sponsored the championship buckle. Tickets are available for the upcoming California Rodeo Salinas, July 17th-20th, twenty-four hours a day at  www.carodeo.com . Thursday, July 18 is Bucking Cancer night at the Rodeo. Fans can bring an empty Coca-Cola bottle or can to the gate after 10 am to receive a $5 admission ticket. Gates open at 4 pm and the show starts at 6 pm. A full list of events and ticket prices ...

  Paso Robles, CA – Congressman Jimmy Panetta, California State Senator John Laird, and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma will speak at this year’s Building Trades Informational Meeting, taking place Friday, July 18 at 11:00 AM on the Headliner Stage at the California Mid-State Fair. This annual event—now in its sixth year—has outgrown its previous location in the Skybox and is moving to the Headliner Stage near the Stockyard Pavilion to accommodate growing interest from students, educators, and the general public. The meeting is a cornerstone of the Fair’s ongoing partnership with the skilled trades community, aiming to connect young people and job seekers with high-wage, high-demand careers. What to Expect: Attendees will hear directly from elected leaders and union professionals about the critical need for skilled tradespeople in SLO County and beyond, and how to get started in the field. In addition to Panetta, Laird and Ma, other speakers and representatives will include Loc...

  On Saturday, July 12, 2025, The Monterey County Jail in Salinas was notified by PG&E of an issue with the meter that services the facility. This issue resulted in a planned power outage to attempt to identify the problem that impacted the meter. This pre-planned inspection outage was scheduled for Tuesday July 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM. During the scheduled outage, PG&E discovered a power safety issue at the facility that required power to be shut off to the jail until such time that the power safety issue can be repaired. The emergency generators are operating as planned and are currently providing limited power to the jail facility. As a result of the power disruption, the jail is currently closed to the public for the operational safety and security of the incarcerated population and jail staff. All jail visits are currently cancelled but will be evaluated throughout the duration of this event. The Monterey County Jail understands the importance of communication between th...

  SACRAMENTO—  California Assembly Democrats are taking action against President Trump’s reckless ICE raids, which are tearing families apart and hurting the state’s businesses, workers, and economy.   On Tuesday, July 15 lawmakers in the Assembly Public Safety Committee advanced legislation that holds Trump’s ICE, Border Patrol and HSI agents accountable, requiring them to clearly identify themselves.   Several Democratic lawmakers also called for an end to the “secret police” that are indiscriminately targeting and detaining immigrants and people of color, and for federal agents to provide stronger identification.   Under Trump’s orders, immigration officers have operated unconstitutionally, taking people into custody without identifying themselves and refusing to show a badge or ID, which has created even more fear in communities.    One bill heard by Public Safety on Tuesday is The No Vigilantes Act, authored by state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, which ...

  SALINAS, CA- Get ready for an adrenaline-charged night at the 2025 Big Week Bull Riding, presented by Salinas Valley Ford, as the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour storms into the Salinas Sports Complex on Wednesday, July 16. This high-octane event will showcase some of the best bull riders in the world, including top contenders from the PRCA RAM World Standings and elite qualifiers from Xtreme Bulls events across the country. Gates open at 5:00 PM, with the action starting at 7:00 PM. Among this year’s standout riders are seven of the top ten in the standings:     Wacey Schalla (Arapaho, OK) – Ranked #2 in Rank 45 X Bulls     Ruger Piva (Challis, ID) – Ranked #4     Qynn Anderson (Koumala, QL, Australia) – Ranked #5     Tristen Hutchings (Monteview, ID) – Ranked #6     Dustin Boquet (Bourg, LA) – Ranked #7     Luke Mast (Hutchinson, KS) – Ranked #9 & the 2024 Big Week Bull Riding Champion     Jace Trosclair (Chauvi...

  If you are visiting the County of Monterey Government Center on Alisal in Salinas in July, you’ll see construction activity around the government and court buildings as the County’s COVID-19 Memorial is being installed. The beautiful new installation made of colored glass panels will be placed along the pedestrian plaza across from the Crime Victims Memorial, serving both as a reminder of lives lost and a way to honor all those that helped our county through the pandemic – our local healthcare workers, public servants and the community. The County of Monterey lost 940 residents to COVID-19 during the pandemic. This tribute was funded by donations made over the last three years and managed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Contributions are still being accepted. Major donors to the project include: Supervisor Luis Alejo Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Monterey County Office of Education Grower Shipper Association of Central California Salinas Valley Health Foundation Salin...

  SACRAMENTO—  On Monday, July 14 California Democrats spoke out against President Trump and Republicans’ historic, punishing cuts to food programs for families, which take away nearly a billion dollars in much-needed groceries and nutritional assistance from California parents and children.   Republicans in Congress recently slashed billions from SNAP and imposed harsh new eligibility requirements through Trump’s so-called “megabill,” threatening access to food for millions of Californians. These cuts hit vulnerable groups the hardest, including children who depend on school meals and older adults living on fixed incomes.   On July 14, California Democrats criticized Trump and Republicans during the Assembly Floor Session, condemning the GOP for making heartless cuts to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. Members voted to pass Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3, which urges Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP.   What Speaker Robert Rivas Says   “Everyone should b...

  KING CITY, Calif., 14 July, 2025 — The Lown Institute, a nationally recognized healthcare think tank, has released its 2025–26 Hospital Index, a national independent ranking of the top-performing hospitals. This index, considered a benchmark in the healthcare industry, evaluates hospitals and recognizes leaders in the movement for socially responsible healthcare. Mee Memorial Healthcare System earned top marks across all major categories in this year’s prestigious ranking, continuing its strong performance seen in the 2024 and 2021 editions of the index.   Mee Memorial Healthcare System received an A grade in the following six key areas:     Value of Care     Patient Outcomes     Clinical Outcomes     Inclusivity     Social Responsibility     Cost Efficiency  "There has never been a more critical time to champion rural healthcare,” said Rena Salamacha, CEO of Mee Memorial Healthcare System. "Mee Memorial exists...

  July 11, 2025 – Salinas, CA – The Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) has received a 2nd round of funding from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, for the Youth Service Corps employment program. “The Youth Service Corps funding, of almost $2 million dollars, will help MCWDB address local challenges surrounding climate change and food insecurity while providing our local young adults with the opportunity to make an impact in Monterey County through the Green CADRE program,” said Monterey County Workforce Development Board, Executive Director, Christopher Donnelly. The Green CADRE program will provide up to ninety young adults, between the ages of 18-30 over an 18-month period, with paid job training, work experience and community service projects in Monterey County. The MCWDB Green Cadre program works closely with the California State parks, the City of Monterey and the Food Bank for Monterey County. Green CADRE projects include:     Park a...

  SALINAS, CA – The California Rodeo Salinas is more than just world-class rodeo—it’s a weeklong celebration packed with family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Beginning on Friday, July 11th, and running through Sunday, July 20, families can enjoy various engaging events designed to entertain, inspire, and celebrate the next generation of rodeo fans. California Rodeo Salinas Carnival July 11–20, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily at 295 Sun Way in Salinas Presented by Chick-fil-A North Salinas The week kicks off with the Rodeo Carnival. Admission and parking are only $5 each. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 until July 10th. From July 11th through 20th, wristbands are $35 at the gate. Purchase online at carodeo.com until July 10 th or onsite once the carnival is open. More information: www.carodeo.com/events/2025/rodeocarnival Get Ready to Rodeo at Northridge Mall July 12, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Northridge Mall This free, family-friendly event will ...