KRKC COUNTRY

  SPCA Monterey County is focused on keeping pets in their homes with their loving families during difficult times with our free Pet Food Bank. So far this year, the SPCA has given out more than 160,000 lbs of free pet food to help over 43,000 pets stay with their loving families throughout Monterey County, from all corners of our community.  “The Pet Food Bank is keeping us alive,” says a new Pet Food Bank recipient from Monterey. “You are a miracle.”  The SPCA thanks the community for their outpouring of support and love this holiday season as the need continues. Gifts of pet food are helping keep our shelves full for our neighbors in need.  Donation Information:     Donate online at www.SPCAmc.org/give-pfb      Shop on our Amazon Wish List: www.SPCAmc.org/pet-food     Shop on our Walmart Wish List: www.SPCAmc.org/walmart      Shop on our Chewy Wish List: www.SPCAmc.org/chewy     Purchase food at your lo...

  King City, Calif. – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. King City Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence. Officers on patrol will be looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk. “We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” King City Police Sergeant Chris Langston said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyon...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on December 18 that a jury convicted defendant 61-year-old Paul Chavez Ramirez an inmate serving a life sentence in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). In a bifurcated trial, the jury also found that the defendant had previously been convicted of 4 “strike” offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law. The Honorable Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over both proceedings. On the morning of August 21 of 2024, correctional officers at the Salinas Valley State Prison observed the defendant in possession of a weapon. A subsequent search revealed that the defendant had concealed an 18-inch piece of rebar beneath his clothing. One end of the rebar was sharpened, and the other was modified with a rope-based handle made of a white cord to provide a firm hold. As configured, it could readily inflict great bodily injury or death. Correctional officers confiscated the weapon a...

  The County of Monterey Health Department announced on Tuesday, December 16 that they are the recipient of a $168,862 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Cannabis Education Program in the Public Health Bureau. The grant will fund community educational outreach and coordinated strategies focused on college-aged youth and young adults to prevent fatalities and injuries as a result of driving while under the influence of cannabis or cannabis and alcohol. "We are honored to receive this grant, which will strengthen our initiatives to prevent drug-impaired driving and support safer communities,” said Elaine Narciso, Health Program Coordinator, County of Monterey Health Department. “By providing education and raising awareness among college students and young adults, we aim to prevent cannabis-impaired driving and reduce related crashes and injuries. We’re committed to shifting community norms and promoting responsible driving behaviors." Accord...

  In the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving through a residential area along the 32000 block of McCoy Road in Soledad. The vehicle was reported to be playing loud music, and deputies were advised the driver may be in possession of a firearm. When the first deputy arrived, the deputy located the vehicle and encountered a subject who was armed with a rifle. During this encounter, the deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the suspect. First aid was immediately provided at the scene, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The deputy was not injured during the incident. “Any time force is used, it is a serious matter. Our focus remains on the safety of the community, the individuals involved, and our deputies. This incident is now under independent review by the District Attorney’s Office,” stated Monterey County Sheriff ...