KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, Calif. — The County of Monterey is proud to announce that homelessness has declined by 23% in unsheltered homelessness and 15% in overall homelessness according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, marking another significant milestone in the County's ongoing efforts to address homelessness through collaboration, strategic investments, and evidence-based solutions. Additional notable reductions include a 39% decrease in chronic homelessness, a 43% decrease among veterans, a 30% decrease among families, and a 37% decrease among unaccompanied children and transition-age youth. The full report is available at: https://chsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Monterey-County-Census-Report.pdf.  The latest results continue a positive trend for Monterey County, which has now experienced decreases in 3 of the last 4 Point-in-Time Counts, demonstrating that sustained investments and coordinated community action are making a meaningful difference in the live...

  The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has arrested 40-year-old Marcus Bee of Pismo Beach in connection with intentional vandalism of at least 3 Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras located throughout Monterey County. During the investigation, detectives determined Bee traveled to Monterey County and intentionally damaged multiple Flock Safety cameras, causing thousands of dollars in damage to public safety infrastructure in the communities of Lockwood and Bradley. Although Bee intentionally damaged the ALPR cameras, his actions were captured by other surveillance cameras located nearby. That evidence, combined with other investigative leads, enabled detectives to identify Bee as the suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on a charge of Felony Vandalism (594(a)(3) PC). His bail was set at $30,000. Flock Safety ALPR cameras are an important investigative tool used by law enforcement agencies throughout Monterey County to solve cr...

  Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto has released the Coroner’s findings following the death investigation involving 37-year-old Joanna Ruth Shields of Carlsbad, California, whose body was recovered from the Sykes Hot Springs area within the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest on April 10, 2026. A comprehensive forensic examination and investigation was conducted by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Coroner and Criminal detective units. The manner of death has been determined to be “Natural.” The cause of death has been determined to be “Probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.” Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives worked closely with the Coroner's Office to thoroughly examine all available evidence surrounding Ms. Shields' death. The manner and cause of death were determined through the forensic examination, a reliable medical and health history, and information obtained from Ms. Shields' fa...

  The public is invited to join the County of Monterey Parks and Lakes Division for a free family event celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month at Toro Park in Salinas on Sunday, July 26.    Come visit with local parks, open space, health and public safety agencies and see all that Toro Park has to offer.    Partnering agencies will be leading guided hikes and conducting activities such as zumba and yoga to get our bodies moving.  Agencies will have informational booths, giveaways and if you come by the County of Monterey Parks booth, you’ll be able to see a real mountain lion!

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center is issuing a warning to drive carefully around gulls in July and early August.  This time of year, fledgling gulls are leaving their nests. These young gulls are the same size as their parents with one major difference: they are not yet able to fly.  "This is a natural part of the fledgling process,” says Beth Brookhouser, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with SPCA Monterey County. “They are supposed to be out of the nest, on the ground, while their parents still tend to them while they learn to fly. Unfortunately, there's nothing natural about where they're landing, and every year hundreds are hit and killed by cars.” Right now, the SPCA Wildlife Center is caring for 20 young gulls, some of which were hit by cars and survived. Hundreds more are not so lucky. So far this year, the SPCA has rescued 157 gulls.  "Sadly, people are driving way too fast,” Brookhouser says. “Drivers expect these lar...

  SALINAS, California - The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents and businesses about several fraud schemes currently circulating in Monterey County, including those involving fake government invoices, claims of compromised accounts, and real estate title fraud. “Fraud affects everyone, whether through higher insurance rates, lost wages, or threats to a family’s home and life savings,” said District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni. “Our specialized fraud units are working every day to protect Monterey County residents, but tips from the public are often the first step in stopping these crimes. If something feels suspicious, report it right away.” The Office urges anyone who receives a suspicious payment request, money-transfer instruction, or property document to stop, verify independently, and report concerns to the Fraud Hotline at (831) 755-3224 or ReportFraud@countyofmonterey.gov. Scam Alert: Fake County Invoices Scammers are sending fake invoices and em...