KRKC COUNTRY

  On Saturday, April 10 of 1982 at approximately 1:30 am, a deceased male, later identified as Cruz Gomez, was found on Williams Road in an unincorporated area of Monterey County, near Old Stage Road. Gomez was found by a security guard who was checking the gates of local farm properties. Gomez was the owner of the “Dos Reyes” Night Club in Salinas. The initial investigation indicated Gomez had been violently beaten and murdered somewhere else and had been placed on the roadway where he was later found. Suspects were identified early, as witnesses led investigators to Saul Ramirez and another suspect. Both had been at the Dos Reyes Night Club, shortly before Gomez left the bar. After many interviews, search warrants, and evidence collection, a fresh tip from the public led investigators to a motorhome at the Mission El Dorado (camp) in Huron, CA. Blood evidence and other items of interest were found inside the motorhome by detectives; however, during the 1980s, no suspect could be ...

  Monterey, CA – As the March 2 priority financial aid deadline approaches, Monterey County high school seniors completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are encouraged to check whether they have a CalKIDS Scholarship that can help pay for college or career training. In Monterey County, more than $27 million in CalKIDS Scholarship funds are available to support students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is easy to claim and doesn’t require essay submissions, recommendation letters, or a minimum GPA. CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships of up to $1,500 for eligible California public school students. Funded by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, CalKIDS helps reduce financial barriers as students plan for college or career training. “CalKIDS was created to support students at moments when financial decisions can feel...

  PASO ROBLES, CA — If you’re already brewing beer or making wine at home, you already have what it takes to enter a California Mid-State Fair competition. The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Central Coast Home Brew Competition and Home Winemaking Competition, both taking place in May. The competitions invite home producers to submit beer, cider, perry, and wine for professional evaluation by experienced local judges, offering a credible and rewarding way to take part in one of the Fair’s longest-running traditions. The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition features beer, cider, and perry entries made by home brewers from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, judged on aroma, appearance, and flavor. Judges are selected locally for their knowledge and experience, with participant feedback a key focus. Home Brew key dates: • Registration opens February 24; deadline May 1 • Physical Entries accepted May 4–8 • Judging May 17; results announced May 19 M...

  SOLEDAD, Calif. — The County of Monterey and the City of Soledad are marking the first-year milestone of a partnership aimed at permanently resolving a long-standing encampment along the Salinas River. Launched in 2024 and supported by a $4.7 million Encampment Resolution Funding grant from the State of California, the initiative focused on relocating 40 individuals identified during the grant application process for services and housing support. Citing public health and environmental concerns, including the encampment’s proximity to active agricultural fields, officials prioritized immediate relocation. Individuals were temporarily placed in motels and at a provisional site while construction began on a 16-bed, noncongregate interim housing facility. In its first year, the program reported the following outcomes:     380 tons of debris and waste removed, and permanent closure of the encampment.     Wraparound case management services for residents, including ...

  SALINAS, CA, February 20, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas is proud to announce its annual drive-thru dinner fundraiser supporting the Golden Circle of Champions, a program dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer and providing financial aid to children and their families. The event will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. The Golden Circle of Champions supports families affected by pediatric cancer by addressing immediate needs, including medical expenses, travel costs, and more. The Salinas Golden Circle of Champions Committee now hosts an annual Family Playday at Hope, Horses & Kids in Salinas, where these families can enjoy farm animals, horseback riding, fishing, and more. This has quickly become a beloved tradition and an opportunity to bond our growing ‘Golden Family.’ Additionally, the program offers one family per year a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, bringing moments...

  Looking for a fun way to make a difference for animals? The SPCA Benefit Shop needs fun, hardworking volunteers to join their team! Located at 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, the SPCA Benefit Shop helps power SPCA Monterey County’s lifesaving programs. They aren't just selling vintage handbags and designer coats, they’re raising the vital funds that rescue injured wildlife, heal neglected pets, and find forever homes for animals in need. The SPCA Monterey County is currently looking for volunteers to help with:     Cashier and Customer Service: At our busy cash registers you’ll work hard, laugh often, and help animals every single day.     Curating, Sorting, and Pricing: Turn compassionate donations into love for the animals. “Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do,” says Christy Jacoby, SPCA Benefit Shop Manager. “We work hard together, we make new friends with customers and team members, and we know that every sale makes a real difference for the animals...