KRKC COUNTRY

  PASO ROBLES, CA, January 27, 2026 - The California Mid-State Fair is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 with the announcement of its official Fair theme: Back to the 80’s. The theme marks the Fair’s 80th anniversary, honoring 8 decades of agriculture, entertainment, creativity, and community on the Central Coast. Each year’s theme helps shape the overall Fair experience, influencing décor, promotions, and interactive elements throughout the grounds. In 2026, Fairgoers can expect an atmosphere inspired by the 1980s – celebrating the music, fashion, and pop culture that defined the era. The theme also plays an important role in the Fair’s Community Exhibits competitions, providing a creative framework for exhibitors of all ages and all skill levels. From first-time youth exhibitors to seasoned makers, bakers, artists, and growers, the Back to the 80’s theme is designed to inspire participation, creativity, and fun across every exhibit category. “Celebrating 80 years is a meaning...

  On Monday, January 26 the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center took in an injured gray fox with a corrugated pipe stuck around his neck. The fox is currently recovering.  The fox was first seen in the Corral de Tierra area on January 11. Concerned neighbors set traps and posted alerts about the fox on social media to try to help him. Thankfully, early in the morning hours of January 26, the fox walked into a trap baited with syrup-soaked bread on Mesa del Toro.  “Thank you for taking care of the little fox,” says Claire Pendleton, who trapped the young fox and brought him to the SPCA Wildlife Center. “I have been working with neighbors daily to catch him and have lost a lot of sleep worrying about him.” Skilled SPCA wildlife rescuers sedated the young male fox and carefully cut the corrugated pipe off his neck. The fox suffered multiple deep wounds around his neck from the pipe. T he SPCA Monterey County cleaned and applied ointme...

  Monterey County, CA — Bright Futures Educational Partnership and CalKIDS are spotlighting the impact of their partnership in Monterey County and celebrating the success of Bright Futures’ MCGives campaign, which raised $4,610 in community donations to support local outreach and awareness efforts for CalKIDS. The total includes a $1,000 matching gift from the Community Foundation for Monterey County and $3,610 contributed by community donors. CalKIDS is a statewide program that provides eligible public school students and newborns with state-funded scholarships of up to $1,500 to support college or career training. CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts are automatically established for eligible children and students, but families must take the step to claim them.  In Monterey County, an estimated 77% of public school students are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship, and 100% of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 are eligible. Bright Futures has become a trusted local leader in help...

 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.