KRKC COUNTRY

  Salinas, CA – The candidate filing period for elective offices in the November 3, 2026, General Election opens Monday, July 13, 2026. Candidate forms will be available only during the official filing period and must be completed and submitted by the deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.   Official nomination documents will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the filing period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Candidates seeking a city office must file their nomination documents with the appropriate City Clerk. In addition to candidate filing services at the Monterey County Elections Office throughout the filing period, Books and Ballots: Candidate Filing appointments will be available at the following locations during the specified dates between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.     Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Castroville Library, 11160 Speegle St., Castroville     Thursday,...

  Soledad, CA – On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Soledad Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an electric bicycle on the 200 block of East Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 12-year-old male who had sustained injuries as a result of the collision. Officers immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. The juvenile was airlifted to a Bay Area hospital for further treatment. At this time, his injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Soledad Police Department reminds the community that e-bikes are subject to many of the same traffic laws as bicycles and motorists alike. Riders should always wear a properly fitted helmet, obey traffic laws, remain alert, and avoid distractions while riding. Parents are...

  On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Enedina Garcia was appointed as Auditor-Controller by the County of Monterey’s Board of Supervisors. She was selected to fill the unexpired term that became vacant in May 2026 when the previous Auditor-Controller left County service. Garcia previously served as the County’s Assistant Auditor-Controller and was elected to serve as the next County Auditor-Controller in June 2026. As Assistant Auditor-Controller, Enedina Garcia has led the Auditor- Controller’s Department since May of this year, ensuring continuity of critical operational services for County residents. Garcia will be sworn in for her elected term in January 2027. “I am honored to be appointed as Auditor-Controller and truly humbled to have been elected to serve in this role for the upcoming term,” Garcia told the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors upon her appointment. “My priority is to ensure the continuity of the office’s critical operations. I remain committed to three core values:...

  Salinas, CA – On Tuesday, July 7 Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo announced the annual Crop Report for the 2025 production year.   The 2025 Crop Report reflects a production gross value of $4,822,429,000 which is a decrease of 3% from 2024.   “Every year our diverse range of commodities are affected by numerous influences including market demand, production challenges, labor availability, weather conditions, and many others. 2025 was characterized by fluctuating tariffs impacting export of commodities and higher cost of production to our growers from increased costs to farm machinery and fertilizers produced in other nations. These influences can reduce supply, increase or decrease values, and impact commodities dramatically,” states Commissioner Hidalgo in the report.   Top valued commodities this year include Strawberries, which maintain the top spot in the county with a gross production value of $1,068,736,000, a 3% increase from 2024. Leaf...

  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...