KRKC COUNTRY

 The Monterey California Highway Patrol reports that a Gonzales man is dead and another man is facing felony DUI charges as a result of a fatal 1 vehicle collision that occurred outside of Soledad late Saturday night, January 24. The fatal wreck took place as the driver and passenger were heading at an unknown speed off of Metz Road and Highway 146 south of Stonewall Canyon Road when their vehicle went off the road and overturned. The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Nathan Ruiz, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, while the driver identified as 24-year-old Octavio Hernandez of Gonzales received minor injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated. Hernandez is facing felony DUI charges.

  Salinas, CA – Monday, January 26 marks the opening of the Declaration of Intention filing period for Judicial Seats in the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. All interested candidates must file their Declaration of Intention no later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 4. Judicial candidates must pay their non-refundable filing fee and/or submit Signature In-Lieu Petitions at the time they file their Declaration of Intention. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling (831) 796-1499 or toll-free at (866) 887-9274, or by email at CandidateServices@countyofmonterey.gov. The Elections Office is located at 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, and is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about this election, including offices up for election and important deadlines, visit www.CountyofMonterey.gov/Elections.

  1 vehicle overturned on Highway 101 Northbound near the CTF exit outside of Soledad at 1:08 pm on Friday afternoon, January 23. Minor injuries were reported from the accident. 

  At about 12 am on Friday, January 23 the Greenfield Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire on the 200 block of San Antonio Drive in Greenfield. Thanks to the quick response of the Greenfield Fire Department, with assistance from Cal Fire–Soledad, CTF, South Monterey County, Gonzales, and the King City Fire Departments, the fire was contained to the garage. No injuries were reported. The affected family was connected with resources through the American Red Cross. Preliminary evidence indicates the fire may have originated near a clothes dryer, but the cause remains under investigation. The Greenfield PD states that this incident is a reminder of the importance of regularly cleaning dryer vents and lint traps. Lint buildup is a common fire hazard and can quickly lead to a structure fire. The Greenfield Police Department thanks the Greenfield Fire Department and their neighboring fire agencies for their quick, coordinated response, which prevented the home from su...

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 22 that on January 20, 2026, Judge Carrie Panetta sentenced 30-year-old Jose Christian Montenegro of Gonzales, to 34 years in prison for committing 4 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14 and one lewd act on a child under the age of 14. These offenses are serious and violent felonies and considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes law. Montenegro will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Jane Doe 1 reported that Montenegro, a family member, had been sexually assaulting her for many years. Jane Doe 1 reported that Montenegro began touching her intimate areas when she was 6 or 7 years old. Montenegro would touch her both over and under her clothing numerous times a week. The touching continued until Jane Doe 1 reported the abuse when she was 13 years old. Jane Doe 1’s brave disclosure to law enforcement resulted in Jane Doe 2 reporting t...

  The Soledad Police Department reports that on Wednesday night, January 21, at approximately 6:42 p.m officers responded to reports of shots heard in the area of 1300 block of Palm Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a male juvenile with a gunshot wound to the head. Officers immediately rendered aid, secured the scene, and the juvenile was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas by AMR for medical treatment. A thorough search of the surrounding area was conducted, and surveillance footage is currently being collected and reviewed as part of the investigation.  At this time, no suspects have been arrested. This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Soledad Police Department is asking anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lozano at 831-750-5818. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463