KRKC COUNTRY

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit has been investigating a series of ongoing diesel fuel thefts throughout Monterey County. During the investigation, detectives installed surveillance cameras, at known fuel theft locations, and identified a suspect as 49-year-old, Pedro Martinez, of Soledad. Detectives conducted surveillance operations and authored multiple search warrants as part of the investigation. On Sunday, May 24, 2026, detectives saw Martinez leaving a vineyard in Soledad shortly after committing a fuel theft. During the investigation, Martinez admitted stealing more than 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from multiple agricultural properties over an extended period of time. The estimated total loss associated with the diesel thefts exceeds $10,000. Detectives recovered Martinez’s truck and fuel tank, which were seized and booked into evidence as part of the investigation. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on the followi...

  SALINAS, CA – May 26 is the last day election offices will mail vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. Any Monterey County voter who needs a replacement mail ballot can call (831) 796-1499 by the deadline to have one mailed directly. Early in-person voting locations are available for voter assistance.   Early Voting Opportunities:     Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place - N. Building, Salinas, 93901, 8a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.     Satellite Elections Office, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955, beginning 8 a.m., Friday, May 29.     The Salinas and Seaside Elections Offices will be open for early weekend voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.    Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot     By Mail: The last recommended day to return a voted ballot in the U.S. mail is May 26. Ballots must be postmarked on or b...

  Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence located on the 84000 block of White Road in Parkfield. On Thursday May 21, 2026, about 11:00 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies contacted the victim, who reported that 45-year-old Elena Juarez of San Miguel, had fired multiple rounds toward him while he was seated inside his vehicle. Deputies detained Juarez at the scene and recovered a Ruger .357 caliber revolver. During the investigation, a witness reported observing Juarez point the firearm toward the victim’s vehicle and fire from about 250 yards away. Deputies determined that multiple rounds were fired in the direction of the victim as he attempted to leave the property. The victim reported that additional rounds were fired as he fled the area and believed one round struck a nearby tree, causing bark and debris to impact his vehicle. Based on statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence collected at the scene, Juarez was arrested an...

  County of Monterey public health officials urge residents to stay up to date with their pertussis immunizations due to a recent increase in the number of reported pertussis cases this year.  Since January 1, 2026, the County of Monterey Health Department has received 43 reports of pertussis infections among Monterey County residents, in comparison to 11 reported infections during the same timeframe in 2025. The 43 pertussis infections reported during the first five months of 2026 exceed the 36 infections reported during the entire twelve months of 2025.  Age of individuals reported to date in 2026 ranged from 3 months to 78 years, with nearly half of cases being between the ages of 5 and 17 years.  Newborns are at the highest risk for complications of pertussis. “I strongly encourage women to get vaccinated during weeks 27 to 36 of each pregnancy.  Immunity developed by mothers during pregnancy is passed to newborn infants,” states Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Of...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on May 21 the indictment of Manuel Galindo Rodriguez, 21, of Greenfield for the murder of 6 Monterey County residents and other crimes Rodriguez committed in Monterey County in early 2024. The Monterey County Criminal Grand Jury returned the indictment after 5 days of testimony from witnesses. Grand Jury hearings are secret proceedings where prosecutors present both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence and grand jurors are tasked with determining whether there is probable cause to bring charges. After deliberation the Grand Jury indicted Rodriguez for a February 3, 2024, armed robbery in Salinas; the February 4, 2024, double murder of Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola outside Greenfield; and the March 3, 2024, shooting at a King City party where he murdered Francisco Perez, Olivo Perez, Mario Guzman, and Alicia Aparicio. Seven more victims also sustained gunshot wounds. The Grand Jury found that R...

  SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.   The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.   While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.  “Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” Commissioner Sean Duryee CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE   Whether ...