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Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Conducts Countywide Tobacco Retail Compliance Inspections in April

  During the month of April, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Tobacco Enforcement Unit conducted more than 30 Tobacco Retail License (TRL) compliance inspections across Monterey County. These inspections are part of the ongoing efforts by the Sheriff’s Office to ensure that tobacco retailers comply with state and local laws designed to protect public health, particularly youth, by preventing the sale of illegal flavored tobacco products and addressing other violations. These efforts were funded by a grant that was awarded to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office specifically for this type of enforcement as well as retailer and law enforcement education on tobacco laws and ordinances. One such recent inspection at a tobacco retail facility in Salinas resulted in the seizure of flavored tobacco products which are banned in the state of California. They were also found to be selling the controlled substance psilocybin, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.” Scorpio Imports, was...
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Entries are Now Open for The 2026 Industrial Calf Dressing Competition at The California Rodeo Salinas

  SALINAS, CA, May 5, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas announces that entries are now open for the Industrial Calf Dressing competition, presented by West Coast Community Bank. This fan-favorite event offers a unique and exciting opportunity for non-professional rodeo contestants to get in on the action, competing for the coveted ‘Salinas’ belt buckle and ultimate bragging rights. Each three-person team, sponsored by local businesses, will take on the challenge of dressing a large calf in oversized Wranglers as quickly as possible—without harming the animal. The competition is fast-paced, unpredictable, and always entertaining, making it a must-see event for both contestants and fans alike. Competition Details & Important Deadlines • The top 3 teams from Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18 performances will advance to the championship round on Sunday, July 19. • Entries must be submitted by July 1 • Back numbers must be picked up at the Rodeo Office by ...
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Goats and Sheep are Grazing the Salinas Riverbed in Paso Robles

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The City of Paso Robles announces the return of goats and sheep to graze primary firebreaks within the Salinas River corridor. The herds arrived on Friday, May 1, 2026. Prescribed grazing is an approved method under the City’s Vegetation Management Program to reduce wildfire risk. It has been selected for its proven effectiveness and minimal environmental impact. Since implementing this strategy in 2021, City fire officials have observed a measurable reduction in fire starts and total acres burned. Annual operations continue to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in reducing fire threats to the community. With support from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council, the City will continue to manage seasonal vegetation growth and maintain established firebreaks within the Salinas River. Work will prioritize areas of highest fire risk before expanding as resources allow. Grazing began south of the Niblick Bridge and will progress north, while a second herd w...
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SPCA Monterey County Issues Urgent Warning to Well-Meaning Residents

  Spring has officially arrived in Monterey County, bringing new wild babies to hills and backyards. For the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center, it also marks the start of “fawn-napping” season, a precarious period where healthy baby deer are mistakenly rescued from their mothers. So far this year, the SPCA Wildlife Center has already received 6 fawns that were inadvertently taken from their mothers. Two were successfully reunited with their mothers, two sadly did not survive the ordeal, and 2 are still in the professional care of the SPCA Wildlife Center.  “It’s a heartbreaking mistake,” says Ciera Duits-Cavanaugh, SPCA Wildlife Center Supervisor. “People see a tiny fawn curled up alone in the grass and assume it’s been abandoned. In reality, that mother deer is nearby, watching and waiting for the humans to leave so she can return to her baby. By picking them up, people are unintentionally kidnapping these animals from the wild.” Mother deer naturally leave their fawns hid...
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County of Monterey Planning Projects Impacting Water, Affordable Housing and Vacation Rentals Move Forward

  The week of April 26 has been a week of milestones and success for County of Monterey’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) and its Planning staff as well as good news for the local community and economy as the outcomes will impact more housing and tourist rentals. During the week of April 26, two County of Monterey land use commissions and the Board of Supervisors took positive action on several major Planning Department projects which will impact and improve affordable housing options in the county as well as new vacation rental applications so that property owners can operate under the current county ordinance. These approvals and considerations mark the culmination of years of work by County staff working with developers and property owners to bring additional affordable housing to our community. Land use issues/projects heard during the week of April 26: • The County of Monterey Planning Commission considered a water allocation policy that will free water for development...
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Solo Vehicle Collision Outside of King City on April 30

  MONTEREY COUNTY, California-On Friday, May 1 at approximately 6:57 am the CHP Monterey Communications Center received a call from an individual advising that he had been siginificantly injured in a traffic collision the prior day, at approximately 10 on Thursday, April 30, upon leaving the Williams Hill Campground. The 46-year-old male advised that he unintentionally lost control of his red Dodge pickup truck while traveling on Lockwood San Ardo Road and subsequently rolled down a steep embankment. The adult male found his cell phone on Friday morning, May 1 and called 911 to request for help. King City-CHP officers responded and with the assistance of CAL FIRE and CHP Air Operations an H70 helicopter found the adult male and he was airlifted to a Hospital. The driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision, while drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in crash, but the accident is still under investigation. Lieutenant Pia, Commander of the King City-CHP ...
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2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election Important Dates for Monterey County

  Salinas, CA – The June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election is here, and there are a couple of things voters should know to get ready to vote. Monterey County local voter information guides and state voter information guides are now in the mail and will continue to be mailed out into the week of May 3. Ballots will begin mailing April 30th. All active voters will receive a ballot in the mail and in-person voting options will be available.   April 23 - Local Voter Information Guides begin mailing May 4 - Ballots mailed by this date May 4 - In-person voting available at the Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place –  Salinas May 18 - Deadline to register to vote May 19 - Same day voter registration period begins May 23 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday voting at Monterey County Elections May 28 - Last day the Elections Office will mail ballots to voters - Last recommended day for voters to return ballots via USPS May 29 - Elections Satellite...
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