KRKC COUNTRY

  The County of Monterey is partnering with the City of Salinas and Eden Housing to develop 132 affordable-rate apartments on a 5 acre parcel at 855 E. Laurel Drive (the corner of E. Laurel Drive and Veterans Way). This project will serve low-income households, including farmworkers and families. Before the project gets off the ground, the community is invited to a workshop to learn more about the proposed development and share ideas for the design, even help craft a name for the project as well as the look, feel and function of spaces. The workshop is set for Thursday night, August 31 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Everett Alvarez High School. The workshop will have a variety of information and input stations offering: • Project information, • Meeting the architects/developers and resident services teams • Opportunity to give input on the project design, name and other features • Sign up for project updates Workshop details: Thursday night, August 31 6:00-8:00pm Everett Alvarez High School, Lit

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, September 5 at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant located at 611 Canal Street in King City. The guest speaker will be Tony Virrueta, Republican candidate for State Senate in the 17th District. Virrueta will discuss the Monterey County  Veteran's Day Parade and his candidacy for State Senate. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or e-mail karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

  The County of Monterey is planning to begin repair work on Arroyo Seco Road in south Monterey County in September of 2023 and hopes to have work completed by the end of the year. Arroyo Seco Road suffered severe damage during storms in March. Heavy rains and flooding undermined and washed out a section of the roadway, creating a steep 40-foot vertical drop on one side and compromised a travel lane for vehicles. The road has been closed to the general public since that time, only local residents who live along that portion of road are allowed access in and out of the area. Staff within the County’s Public Works, Facilities and Parks Department have completed a design and emergency repair plan for the roadway and bids for the emergency repair are due on Friday, September 1 . Repairs to the road will take place in two locations and anticipated costs for this work are approximately $6 million. Here are the locations and work plans for each area: • Project site #1 at milepost 2.5: Floodin

  SALINAS, CA, August 30, 2023 – The California Rodeo Salinas is hosting the second annual Fall Round Up Festival October 12 – 15 at the Salinas Sports Complex. The event is presented by Brent Eastman Insurance Services, Inc., and will feature a carnival, food trucks, live music, a pumpkin patch, children’s activities, and more. Admission tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2-12. Tickets are on sale online only at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2023/fall-round-up.  The Ticket Office will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 12 for walk-up sales.   The main attraction will be the carnival featuring rides for teens/older children and “kiddie” rides for younger children. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $35 + fees until October 11. The price increases to $40 + fees on October 12th. Purchase online through October 11th and onsite starting at 4 pm on October 12th. Individual ride tickets will be available for purchase at the carnival. Find height requirements and m

  The County of Monterey is partnering with the City of Salinas and Eden Housing to develop 132 affordable-rate apartments on a 5 acre parcel at 855 E. Laurel Drive (the corner of E. Laurel Drive and Veterans Way). This project will serve low-income households, including farmworkers and families. Before the project gets off the ground, the community is invited to a workshop to learn more about the proposed development and share ideas for the design, even help craft a name for the project as well as the look, feel and function of spaces. The workshop is set for August 31 st from 6-8 pm at Everett Alvarez High School. The workshop will have a variety of information and input stations offering: • Project information, • Meeting the architects/developers and resident services teams • Opportunity to give input on the project design, name and other features • Sign up for project updates Workshop details: Thursday, August 31 6:00-8:00pm Everett Alvarez High School, Little Theatre 1900 Independ

  On Saturday, August 19 the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescued an anemic badger. He is now safe and recovering at the SPCA Wildlife Center.  The rescued badger was found hiding in a garage in Soledad. We believe nearby construction scared him away from or destroyed his burrow. The badger was dehydrated and thin and needed help. Blood tests showed he was also anemic, so we are treating him with iron supplements and vitamin K.  The badger is now resting and rehabilitating at the SPCA Wildlife Center. The SPCA will continue to monitor him and offer lots of healthy food, then retest his blood in 2 weeks to see if his anemia improves. Badgers are considered a Species of Special Concern in California.  The SPCA Wildlife Center is the only full-service wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Monterey County, rescuing over 2,500 injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals every year. Right now, the SPCA is caring for 73 animals, including raccoons, opossu

  MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), in partnership with the City of Salinas, has released a “Call for Art” for the Salinas Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project. This call is an opportunity for local artists of all ages and experience levels to create over 100 beautiful and interactive artworks on the sidewalks throughout East Salinas to highlight the safe walking routes connecting schools, parks, and community spaces with long-lasting sidewalk art. The art competition is open to artists who live in Monterey County. It is funded through a Clean California grant and Measure X and is part of TAMC’s Safe Routes to School program. Artists may compete in one of four categories: Elementary School, Middle/High School, Adult Amateur Artist (18+), and Professional Artist. Compensation will be awarded only to the top Doodle, Simple, and Themed Combination designs in each category. In addition to submitting Doodle, Simple, and Themed Combination designs,

  On Monday, August 21, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescued a Western Gull who ingested a fish hook. He is now safe and recovering at the SPCA Wildlife Center.  This rescued Western Gull almost didn't survive. He was found near Monterey Harbor feeling very bad with fishing line coming out of his beak. Radiographs confirmed what SPCA wildlife technicians suspected - he had a hook stuck inside his stomach. Using a special trick, skilled SPCA wildlife technicians stuffed fish with a padding that birds can't digest. The padding became tangled around the hook, cushioning the barb. When he regurgitated the padding, the hook safely came out. The gull is now recovering in the SPCA’s shorebird pool with other rescued wild birds. Once he is ready, he will be released back into the wild.  The SPCA reminds people to safely dispose of fishing hooks and lines and to always be careful around local wildlife. Thank you for your support that makes all rescu

Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be collecting items to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas on Tuesday, October 3. If you would like to participate in this on going project, please drop off items for the troops at the Rustler newspaper office from 10am-4pm Monday through Friday at 522-B Broadway Street in King City or the King City Library at 402 Broadway. Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. Go to www.occ-usa.org to find a "wish list" of requested items and more information about Operation: Care and Comfort. A list of desired items for the troop boxes is also available at the Rustler office or the Library. Money donations can be cash, a check or money order made payable to Operation: Care and Comfort. For more information on this outreach project, call Kathy Imamura at (408)802-4437.

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 25 that on August 22, 2023, Judge Jennifer J. O’Keefe sentenced 29-year-old Juan Jimenez Ramirez of Greenfield to 6 years in prison for 1 count of committing a lewd act upon a child under 14 years old. This offense is a serious and violent felony and is considered a strike under California’s Three Strikes law. Jimenez will also be required to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years. A young girl reported that Jimenez, a family member, molested her on 1 occasion when she was under the age of 14 years old. Jimenez drove her to a local Walmart, away from the rest of her family and sexually assaulted her. The girl was afraid to report what Jimenez had done to her because Jimenez was an authority figure in her life, and she did not think that anyone would believe her. According to research into sexual assault victim behavior, it is very common for victims to delay reporting the sexual a

  MONTEREY COUNTY –Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday,  August 27 through Saturday,  September 2.  Highway 101: Wild Horse Road – Jolon Road: August 28 – August 30 One moving lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and Jolon Road for sweeping operation work from 6 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Canal Street - Broadway: August 28 – August 31 One-way traffic controls and lane closures will occur along Canal Street and Broadway in King City for landscaping and pavement work from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Canal Street: August 28 – August 31 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of northbound Highway 101 at Canal Street for utility work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: First Street – Jolon Road: August 28 – August 31 There will alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound Highway 101, as well as full closure of the northbound and southbound on and off ramps of Highway 101

Salinas, CA – Those interested in running for office in the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election are invited to attend a candidate seminar presented by Monterey County Elections.   The seminar will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Government Center at Schilling, Cayenne Room at 1441 Schilling Place - North Building, Salinas.    This seminar will provide an overview of:     Requirements for office     Important filing dates     Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) guidelines     Nomination/Candidate Filing Documents   There is no cost to attend. Interested candidates should RSVP via email at CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us or call Elections at (831) 796-1499.   For more information visit www.MontereyCountyElections.us.

The Transportation Agency Board of Directors approved programming $10.5 million in Regional Surface Transportation Program and Transportation Development Act 2% funds to projects of regional significance that improve safety, maintain existing facilities, and/or support the development of a multimodal transportation network utilizing the principles of Complete Streets. Fair geographic balance and cost effectiveness are also taken into consideration when awarding grant funds. Following the recommendation of the grants review committee, the Technical Advisory Committee, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors approved the following projects for funding:     City of King City: US Highway 101/Broadway Street at San Antonio Drive Roundabout Improvement Project: $3,519,000     City of Marina: Del Monte Boulevard and Reservation Road Intersection Improvements: $1,717,500     City of Salinas: Harden Parkway Path and Safe Routes to School Project: $1,

  On August 11, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescued a unique hawk: a 14-year-old leucistic red-tailed hawk.  The hawk was found on the ground in San Benito County. Since San Benito County does not have its own wildlife center, SPCA Monterey County takes in and rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild animals found in that county.  The rescued hawk was thin, unable to stand, and suffering from parasites and a large bruise on his chest. SPCA Wildlife Center technicians provided pain medications, fluids, supplemental heat, and supportive care to get him back on his feet.  What makes him unique is his coloring. Leucism causes partial loss of all types of pigmentation, leading to white coloration on his feathering. Unlike albinism, leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes. He is also on the older side, as red-tailed hawks have a lifespan of up to 20 years.  We know his exact age as he arrived with a band on his leg, showing us that he hatch

  The County of Monterey’s Sustainability Program has been awarded a grant from the State of California’s Strategic Growth Council to implement a two-year community engagement process via a $300,000 Transformative Climate Communities Planning Grant. The County of Monterey was one of seven Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Planning Grants that were awarded across the state in the fourth round of the TCC program. The County applied for this grant last year. Funding will enable coordination with the multiple jurisdictions within the grant’s 5-square mile area of focus that includes Pajaro in unincorporated Monterey County, and part of the City of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County. The planning area was identified by local leaders as an immigrant frontline community of color that is low income, linguistically isolated, and likely to bear disproportionate impacts of climate change, but also includes opportunities for redevelopment and reinvestment along the Pajaro River levee and the

  MONTEREY COUNTY – The southbound US 101 Camp Roberts Safety Roadside Rest Area reopened to the public at 10 am on Tuesday, August 22 following an extensive renovation of the facility. Upgrades include a complete replacement of the wastewater treatment system to improve operational efficiency and to protect groundwater quality as well as major upgrades to the electrical system to support new more energy efficient equipment.   The Electric Vehicle Charge Station will remain off-line pending delivery and installation of a new cell signal power module. However, upgrades to the solar powered EV station have also been made including the addition of a second Level 2 Charger.   The northbound Camp Roberts Safety Roadside Rest Area will remain closed pending completion of similar renovations delayed by material deliveries. No date for reopening of the northbound facility is as yet confirmed.   The southbound renovation project replaced deteriorating concrete septic tanks with larger fiberglas

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, August 20 through Saturday, August 26.  Highway 101: Main Street/Chualar Street: August 21 – August 25 One-way traffic controls will be in place along eastbound and westbound Main Street/Chualar Street at the Grant Street intersection and at the southbound off ramp of Highway 101 to Main Street for striping operations work from 9 pm to 6 am.    Highway 101:  Thorne Road Southbound Off Ramp: August 21 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at Thorne Road for grinding and paving work from 8 am to 3 pm.   Highway 101: Soledad Overhead: August 21 – August 23  Alternating lane closures will occur along northbound Highway 101 at the Soledad Overhead for sign work from       8 am to 4 pm.    Highway 101:  Soledad Prison: August 22 There will be full closure of the off ramp of southbound Highway 101 at Soledad Prison for grinding and paving work from 8 am

  Salinas — On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Monterey County Elections invites you to sign-up to be a poll worker in honor of National Poll Worker Volunteer Day. They also invite community members and organizations to join them in promoting poll worker sign-ups by taking to the web with the following statement:   “It’s National Poll Worker Volunteer Day. Think Globally, Act Locally: Help America Vote, Volunteer To Be A Poll Worker In Monterey County. https://tinyurl.com/MCE-Poll-Worker”   Monterey County Elections thanks their many poll workers and volunteers that are always ready to serve the community and help Monterey County Vote.   For more information about becoming a poll worker, call the poll worker recruitment team at 831-796-1485 or email mcepollworker@co.monterey.ca.us

  According to the US Geological Survey a 4.3 magnitude earthquake shook things up 4 miles northwest of Parkfield and 25 miles northeast of Paso Robles close to the border of Fresno, Kings and San Luis Obispo Counties at 12:17 pm on Thursday afternoon, August 10. The quake was also felt people as far south as San Luis Obispo. The quake came in at 9.5 kilometers deep. No damages were reported. 

CDCR Officials are looking into a riot that happened at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad that resulted in 4 inmates being stabbed at around 6:30 pm on Wednesday night, August 9. The riot reportedly began in a yard at the prison and when officers arrived they used "less-than-lethal options including chemical agents and direct impact rounds" to control the situation. 4 inmates received stab wounds during the fight and were transported to a hospital for treatment. Inmate-made weapons were found on the scene. One of the inmates was treated and released to the SVSP, while the conditions of the 3 remaining inmate is unknown. No staff was injured. The incident is under investigation.

  PASO ROBLES, CA – On Thursday, August 10 shortly after 12 am, PRPD Dispatch received an alarm call at Paso Robles High School off of 801 Niblick Road. Police Officers received information of alarm activations in multiple rooms throughout the campus. As officers arrived, they located a group of juveniles who began running from one of the classrooms which had an alarm activated. 2 of the juveniles were detained. One of the juveniles was in possession of a large hammer and a fire extinguisher. During the officers’ investigation, they discovered multiple classrooms with broken windows and damaged property scattered across the campus. The damage to the school property was estimated to be approximately $30,000. Both juveniles were booked into the San Luis Juvenile Services Center for 459PC, 594PC. This is an ongoing investigation, and the Paso Robles Police Department is requesting anyone with any information to call the PRPD at (805) 237-6464 or persons wishing to remain anonymous are enc

  The County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities and Parks is changing warning signs at Lake San Antonio from “DANGER” to “CAUTION” regarding blue-green algae in lake waters.  Staff collected water samples from Lake San Antonio North and South Shores on July 27, 2023. On August 3, lab results were received that showed a significant decrease in toxicity.  Visible signs of algae have decreased, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board advised a downgrade of the warning level from “Danger” to a less restrictive “Caution”.  Visitors to Lake San Antonio should abide by the recommendations on the enclosed sign.  Both Shores have immediate availability for camping and day use. Lake San Antonio South Shore Launch Ramps are currently open 7 days per week from 6am – 8pm, and North Shore Launch Ramp is open 6am – 8pm Thursday – Monday.  First come first served camping availability remains extensive on both shores.  Now is the perfect time to take advantage of reduced visitation.  Grab your c

  On August 5, SPCA Monterey County held a very successful free microchipping event that will help 141 pets be reunited with their families should they ever become lost. On August 12, the SPCA will host a 2nd free event to hopefully double that number.  Every year, SPCA Monterey County rescues over one thousand stray dogs and cats. Sadly, 87% of those stray pets arrive with no form of identification - no collar, tag, or microchip - making it incredibly difficult to reunite them with their families.  “It is heartbreaking to see a pet who is healthy and well-loved arrive with no identification,” says Ben Shaw, SPCA Shelter Manager. “We post their photos online and search through lost pet reports, but often no owner comes looking for them. If this free microchip event reunites even just one pet, it will be completely worth it.”  A microchip is a small, electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique identification number that is tied to your information. In additio

  Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections is accepting new outreach volunteers to get Monterey County Vote Ready for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.   With one of the most complex elections on the horizon, Monterey County Elections is expanding the pool of volunteers as part of the “Take Action, Vote” campaign. The Department is seeking applications from members of the community who are interested in joining a nonpartisan election outreach volunteer team to work with other community members who are passionate about democracy. The outreach team will table community events and provide nonpartisan information to voters related to important election dates, voter registration, the presidential primary, and how to be vote ready before ballots are mailed out.   For more information, call (831) 796-1499 or email mce.outreach@co.monterey.ca.us or go online to www.MontereyCountyElections.us.

  MONTEREY COUNTY –Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday,  August 6 through Saturday, August 12.  Highway 101: First Street - Broadway: August 7 – August 10 One-way traffic controls will occur along eastbound and westbound First Street, Canal Street and Broadway in King City for landscaping and pavement work from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Wild Horse Road – Jolon Road: August 7 – August 11 Alternating Lane closures will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and  Jolon Road for pavement repair and shoulder work from 6 am 4 pm. There will also be full closure of the northbound and southbound on and off ramps of the highway.   Highway 101:  Camp Roberts Rest Areas: Long-Term There will be full closure of the Camp Roberts Rest Areas on northbound and southbound Highway 101 for work to upgrade the facility from 10 am to 12 pm. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

In June of 2023, a juvenile victim came forward and disclosed being sexually abused by a relative. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office contacted the victim and initiated an investigation into the allegations. Deputies assigned to the Patrol Division and Detectives from the Investigations Division began following up on investigative leads and conducted a forensic interview of the victim. Through the ongoing investigative efforts, the suspect was identified. On Tuesday, August 1 20-year-old Hugo S. Chavez was contacted at his residence on the 75000 block of Hidden Creek Road in San Miguel and he agreed to talk to Deputies. During the interview, Chavez admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim and was subsequently placed under arrest and was later booked into the Monterey County Jail on a variety of charges, to include: PC 288(a) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child. PC 288 (a) – Contact a Minor With the Intent to Commit Sex. At this time, this inves

  PASO ROBLES (CA) – The 77 th annual California Mid-State Fair returned for 12 full days of fun July 19-30 with a theme of “Shake, Rattle & Roll!” In addition to the usual attractions of 4-H and FFA Exhibitors, Carnival Rides & Games, Exhibits, Food, Shopping and Live Music... the Fair was also highlighted by the return of the popular dance area, La Cantina, and Barnyard Races! CEO Colleen Bojorquez said, “On behalf of the Staff and the Board of Directors, we are delighted with the results of the 2023 California Mid-State Fair. The support from the community to celebrate the traditions of San Luis Obispo County and to see the staff’s hard work is truly inspiring. We couldn’t do it without you.” LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS Revenue from the 2023 livestock auctions raised 2,689,519 on 770 animals (unofficial). Of that, $672,000 came from the Replacement Heifer Sale and $2,017,519 came from the Junior Livestock Auction, an increase over last year. Add-ons close August 6, so auction totals

  Every year, SPCA Monterey County rescues over 1,000 stray dogs and cats in addition to the thousands of pets and wildlife who come to them in different ways. Sadly, 87% of those stray pets arrive with no form of identification - no collar, tag, or microchip - making it incredibly difficult to reunite them with their families.  To help reduce this number, the SPCA is holding 2 free microchipping events for all cats, dogs, and rabbits. The events will take place on Saturday, August 5, and Saturday, August 12, from 11 am to 2 pm at the SPCA.  “It is heartbreaking to see a pet who is healthy and well-loved arrive with no identification,” says Ben Shaw, SPCA Shelter Manager. “We post their photos online and search through lost pet reports, but often no owner comes looking for them. If this free microchip event reunites even just one pet, it will be completely worth it.”  A microchip is a small, electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique identification number t