KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, CA, July 3, 2026 – One of the California Rodeo Salinas' most cherished family traditions returns on Sunday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. as the annual Kiddie Kapers Parade marches through Salinas City Center (formerly Oldtown Salinas). Presented by Bay & Basin Insurance Services, this free community event celebrates patriotism, Western heritage, and the creativity of local children. Now in its 95th year, the Kiddie Kapers Parade welcomes children of all ages to participate—no pre-registration is required. It's free for both participants and spectators and features everything from decorated bikes, wagons, scooters (helmets required), and strollers to community groups, floats, dance teams, and imaginative costumes. This year's theme, "America Salutes Red, White & Boots," encourages participants to show off their patriotic pride with a Western flair. Serving as the 2026 Grand Marshal is Addison Joy McWherter, the California Rodeo Association's 2025 Go...

  SALINAS, CA, July 2, 2026-Maddi Borland was crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 following 2 days of competition at the Salinas Sports Complex and Monterey County Sheriffs Posse Grounds. As the new titleholder, she will represent the California Rodeo Salinas at rodeos, parades, community events, and appearances throughout California over the coming year. Five talented young women competed for the title: Maddi Borland, Miss California High School Rodeo State Queen; Lillian Crummey, Miss Rodeo Oakdale; Emily Drost, Miss San Benito Rodeo; Melody Gist, Miss Cal Poly Rodeo; and Lilly Kier, Miss Rodeo Glennville. Hayley DeMartin, Miss Wine Country Rodeo, withdrew from the competition before it began. Lillian Crummey was named First Runner-Up, while Emily Drost earned Second Runner-Up honors. Contestants were judged in the areas of personality, appearance, scholarship, and horsemanship. Maddi Borland earned top honors in Personality and Appearance, Lillian Crummey received the hig...

  SALINAS, CA, June 30, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas Carnival is back to kick off Big Week with ten days of family fun, exciting rides, classic carnival games, and familiar fair food. Presented by Chick-fil-A, North Salinas, the carnival opens Friday, July 10, and runs daily through Sunday, July 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 295 Sun Way in Salinas. Operated by Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun, the carnival features attractions for all ages—from thrilling rides for adventure seekers to family-friendly favorites and kiddie rides for the youngest guests. Whether you're making memories with family, enjoying an evening with friends, or simply craving a funnel cake, the California Rodeo Salinas Carnival offers something for everyone. "The carnival has become one of Big Week's favorite traditions and the perfect way to celebrate summer with family and friends," said Danny Little, Chairman of the Carnival Committee. "From exciting rides and games to all y...

  SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.   During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.  “Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerat...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – With the 4th of July just days away, SPCA Monterey County is issuing an urgent reminder to local pet owners: this week can be a terrifying and hazardous time of the year for companion animals. The sudden, unpredictable explosions from fireworks can cause otherwise calm pets to bolt blindly into danger. Locally, illegal fireworks celebrations have already begun, and devastated owners are using social media to post about pets already lost. Tragically, this sharp influx of escaped pets also often corresponds with a devastating rise in animals hit by vehicles. “Independence Day celebrations can be fun for families, but the noise terrifies many of our pets,” said Beth Brookhouser, SPCA Monterey County Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “When the unexpected blasts begin, frightened animals can scale high fences or tear through window screens. Taking a few proactive safety measures at home today can mean the difference between a happy holiday and a h...

  SALINAS, California -- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on June 17 that 38-year-old Karen Rodriguez and 34-year-old Elizabeth Vargas both current residents of Arizona, have pleaded no contest to 2 counts each of felony embezzlement and sentencing enhancements for theft over $500,000 because of their $3 million dollar embezzlement scheme from Taylor Farms. Rodriguez and Vargas will be sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in the California Department of Corrections. Rodriguez and Vargas were employed in the Human Resources department of Automated Harvesting LLC, a subsidiary of Taylor Farms, between 2019-2023. During that time, Rodriguez and Vargas issued and cashed hundreds of fraudulent checks that were made out to former H1B Visa employees who had returned to Mexico and were no longer working for the company. Salinas Police Department Detectives Byron Gansen and Pete Gomez began an investigation after Taylor Farms discovered the theft in 2023. The Dis...