KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni, along with 12 other California District Attorneys on November 19 announced a $3.15 million settlement against Clark Pest Control of Stockton (“Clark”), Orkin Services of California (“Orkin”), and Crane Pest Control (“Crane”) to resolve allegations that the companies violated state laws governing pesticide, hazardous waste, and customer records privacy laws, by unlawfully disposing of pesticides and hazardous wastes into company waste bins destined for municipal landfills not authorized to accept these wastes. The lawsuit also resolves allegations that the companies failed to shred customer records containing confidential information before disposing of those items into the trash. Clark, Orkin and Crane are residential and commercial pest control service companies owned by Georgia-based Rollins, Inc., with over 70 facilities in California. From March 2021 through February 2022, district attorney investiga...

Monterey County, CA — On Tuesday, November 18 the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Jake Stroud, the County’s current Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector, to succeed and complete the term of Treasurer-Tax Collector Mary Zeeb, who recently announced she will retire on December 30, 2025, concluding 38 years of honorable and innovative public service. Ms. Zeeb, widely recognized across California for her leadership, modernization efforts, and commitment to fiscal responsibility, will step down at midnight on December 30. Stroud will assume office immediately thereafter. “Mary Zeeb’s contributions to Monterey County cannot be overstated,” said Board Chair Chris Lopez. “Her leadership and integrity have strengthened our County’s fiscal stability for nearly four decades. We are confident that Jake Stroud brings the experience and commitment needed to carry that legacy forward.” Stroud brings more than 15 years of public finance experience in state and county governm...

  Soledad, CA – The 2025-2030 Soledad Strategic Plan establishes a clear vision, mission, and set of priorities to guide City operations, resource allocation, and decision-making over the next five years. The Strategic Plan was developed collaboratively by the City Council and staff, incorporating input from community stakeholders and residents gathered through various planning efforts to ensure it reflects Soledad’s shared values and long-term vision. Each priority is supported by specific goals, measurable objectives, and key initiatives that align with the City’s budget, capital planning, and departmental work programs. Implementation will be monitored through regular progress reports and performance indicators to ensure accountability and transparency.   The development of the new Strategic Plan featured extensive collaboration with the City Council and staff, drawing on surveys and plans created in partnership with community stakeholders as the foundation. The process was...

  SPCA Monterey County is focused on keeping pets in their homes with their loving families during difficult times. So far this year they have given out more than 150,000 lbs of free pet food.  This holiday season, the need continues. Every week, the SPCA provides free pet food and supplies to over 800 pets in our community.  “I’m on social security disability and my dog is my helper,” says a Pet Food Bank recipient from Seaside. “He monitors my blood sugar and he’s my psychiatric service dog. If it wasn’t for the Pet Food Bank, I wouldn’t be able to give him the nutrition he needs to help me. I’m really grateful for the SPCA.” The SPCA Monterey County needs your help keeping their shelves full to help those in need:      Purchase food at your local pet store or have food delivered from your favorite pet food company to SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas CA 93908.      Shop on their Amazon Wish List: www.SPCAmc.org/p...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on November 18 the selection of Correctional Healthcare Partners (CHP Monterey), based in San Diego, California, as the new provider of correctional healthcare services for individuals in custody at the Monterey County Jail. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 5-year, 5-month, $139 million contract for medical, dental, mental-health, and Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) services. CHP Monterey was selected following a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process conducted by the Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the County’s Contracts and Purchasing Office, including a multidisciplinary evaluation team. This decision marks a significant transition as the Sheriff’s Office concludes its longstanding partnership with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG). “Our partnership with CHP Monterey marks an important step forward in strengthening healthcare within our jail and meeting the standards ...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – Monterey County agriculture contributed $11.706 billion into the local economy in 2023 and supported 81,315 jobs, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez announced on November 18 as he released the latest comprehensive analysis of the county’s largest industry. “This study goes beyond our annual agricultural report,” said Ordonez. “Instead of stopping at farm production values, it also quantifies local food processing, employment, and economic ripple effects. The findings offer vital information for anyone who values a vibrant and resilient local economy.” To put the contribution in perspective, Monterey County agriculture pumped $32.1 million dollars into the county economy per day, or more than $1.33 million per hour. This annual study was conducted for the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner by Drs. Jeff Langholz and Fernando DePaolis of the Monterey-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Key findings include: • Including local ...