KRKC COUNTRY

  Salinas, CA - The County of Monterey is pleased to announce the release of the County Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27. This year’s budget, totaling $2.34 billion, reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the delivery of essential services to Monterey County’s diverse communities. Budget Highlights: • Total Budget: $2.34 billion, a $117.2 million (5.3%) increase over the prior year. • Workforce: Supports 5,700.8 positions, a reduction of 111.1 positions (2%) from FY 2025-26, achieved primarily through targeted elimination of vacant positions to align ongoing costs with available resources. • Digital Release: For the second time, the CAO Recommended Budget is being released digitally for public review, enhancing accessibility and transparency for all residents. • Strategic Investments: The budget prioritizes public safety, health, social services, and infrastructure, while maintaining prudent rese...

  The Monterey County Peace Officers Association is honored to announce the 28th Annual Peace Officer Memorial Procession, which will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Monterey County. This annual event is held to honor the sacrifice and remember the service of peace officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving their communities. Law enforcement personnel from agencies throughout Monterey County will participate in a memorial procession culminating at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 15 Railroad Avenue in Spreckels, California. A memorial service will be held following the procession. Participating agencies will assemble at designated locations throughout the county before converging in Salinas and proceeding together to the church. Procession details are as follows: • South County agencies will meet at the Soledad prison visitor parking lot at 4:30 PM • Peninsula agencies will meet at Blanco Road and Research Drive in Marina at 4:45 PM • Salinas-area agenci...

  Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is putting out an alert to family and friends of people that are currently incarcerated at the Monterey County Jail. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Our agency has been made aware that family members of persons who are currently incarcerated at the Monterey County Jail are receiving phone calls from persons identifying themselves as employees of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.” The sheriff stated that on multiple occasions, family members of incarcerated persons received a call from a person stating that due to “overpopulation at the jail,” incarcerated individuals were being offered release options that include $1,200 bail with an ankle bracelet followed by weekly payments of $200 or a flat $1,800 payment for release with a watch monitoring device. The caller tells the potential victim that the jail kiosk set up to make payments at the jail is out of service and that payment needs to be made at a local pharmacy or other retail establishment. Sh...

  The Monterey County Coroner’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating the family of 48-year- old Alejandro Marcelo Dionisi, who passed away over 2 years ago on Thursday, April 4 of 2024. The Coroner’s Office has searched numerous databases, but attempts to locate his family have been unsuccessful. It appears that Dionisi may have been traveling through the area at the time and was staying in Monterey County temporarily. Locating Dionisi's immediate family members is a priority to allow them the opportunity to make proper funeral arrangements. If anyone has any information then they're asked to please contact the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office at 831- 755-3792 or send an to email at Coroner@countyofmonterey.gov.

  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...

  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 ...