KRKC COUNTRY

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, February 29 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren denounced the Department of Justice's request for a year-long extension of government surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), despite the statute's expiration in less than 2 months.   “For too long, federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies have had nearly unchecked access to Americans’ personal data. A broad bipartisan coalition from across the political spectrum agrees that we should not greenlight another major surveillance reauthorization without carefully considering and enacting surveillance reform measures. In 2022 alone, the FBI used Section 702 over 200,000 times to unlawfully access Americans' data without a warrant. These searches unjustly targeted innocent individuals, including a Member of Congress, individuals protesting after the police killing of George Floyd, visitors to FBI offices, and individuals based solely on their race

  KING CITY, Calif., February 28, 2024 — Mee Memorial Healthcare System’s CEO Rena Salamacha has earned recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “110 rural hospital and health system CEOs to know in 2024.” The second time she has been honored by the publication in recent years. The list includes CEOs from rural healthcare systems and hospitals across the nation. "The executives featured on this list are committed to expanding hospital service lines, renovating and improving their facilities, and hiring talented team members. Although many rural hospitals have struggled due to Covid-19 and national staffing shortages in recent years, these leaders have created sustainable models for continued success." The review included the following about MMHS's CEO: "Ms. Salamacha is responsible for leading a team of executives and care providers that offer high-quality healthcare services to the local community. After taking over as CEO in 2019, she went into the Covid

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on February 27 that Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced 38-year-old Juan Pablo Aragon-Herrera of Greenfield to a total term of 17 years in state prison. On November 17, 2023, a Monterey County jury convicted Aragon-Herrera of committing lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under the age of 14, as well as assault with the intent to commit lewd and lascivious acts upon the same child, and child endangerment. These constitute the first criminal convictions for Juan Pablo Aragon-Herrera, and three of the four charges are “strikes” pursuant to California’s Three Strikes Law. Aragon-Herrera was also ordered to register as a sexual offender. On July 2, 2023, Juan Pablo Aragon-Herrera was visiting the residence where Jane Doe and John Doe, both under 14 years of age, were hanging LED lights in a bedroom. Aragon-Herrera walked into the room and used a ruse to be able to remove Jane’s pants and place her on a bed

Salinas, CA – The Monterey County Elections Early Vote Location at Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, opens Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday.   Both the Monterey County Elections Office and the Early Vote Location at Embassy Suites will be open for special weekend hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 2nd and March 3rd. In addition, both locations and Monterey County polling places will be open for voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th.   Voters can vote in-person, return their mail-in ballot, or update their voter information at both early vote locations. Conditional voter registration is available at all voting locations for those who missed the deadline to register to vote.   For more information, including a list of all voting locations in Monterey County, visit www.MontereyCountyElections.us call (831) 796-1499.

  SALINAS, CA, February 26, 2024 – The Monster Jam is roaring back into the Salinas Sports Complex on Sunday, May 5. Tickets go on sale to the public on March 5 at 10 am at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2024/monster-jam only. Ticket prices range from $18 to $48 plus fees. Gates will open at 10 am and the show will start at 2 pm. Festivities will include a pit party from 10 am to noon; a separate pit party pass must be purchased for $15 and must accompany a ticket for the 2 pm show. “Last year was the first time we had a pit party the morning of the show, and we had a great turnout. Bring your family early and enjoy food from one of our vendors while you wait for the 2 pm show to start. Be sure to purchase both a pit party pass and show ticket for entry into the pit party,” said Sam Jenkinson, Chairman of the California Rodeo’s Monster Jam Committee.    The truck line-up* includes Grave Digger® driven by Krysten Anderson; El Toro Loco® driven by Armando Castro; Dragon™ driven by Coty S

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The Central Coast Home Winemaking and Home Brewing Competitions, hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair, are now accepting entries. The Home Winemaking Competition will take place in May and feature wines made from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey counties. The wines are separated into 6 categories: white, rosé/blanc, red, dessert, wines made with fruit other than grapes, and sparkling. The categories are then separated into classes by varietals. The panel of local competition judges evaluate each entry according to appearance, aromatics, and taste to determine an overall conclusion. Gracious support provided by Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, Michael Rose Cellars, The Vintner’s Vault, and Jacobs Consulting. The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition will also take place in May and feature beer, ciders and perry’s made from both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Entries will be evaluated according to aroma, appear

  According to Salinas Valley State Prison Officials, a stabbing incident happened on Friday morning, February 23 at around 9:49 a.m. 2 inmates were fighting when 1 of them was stabbed. The stabbed inmate was injured and was transported to an outside medical facility but was released back to Salinas Valley State Prison after being treated. Prison staff did not receive any injuries and were able to stop the fight quickly as"Inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered, while the cause is under investigation. The 2 inmates involved in the fight were transferred to restricted housing until the investigation has been concluded.

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 25 through Saturday, March 2.  Highway 101: Broome Road – Main St./Chualar Street: February 28 – March 1 There will be closure of the right lane and shoulder along northbound Highway 101 between Broome Road and Main Street/Chualar Street for drainage work from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Moranda Road NB On-Ramp – Camphora Gloria Road: Feb. 26 – March 1   The right shoulder of northbound Highway 101 will be closed from the northbound on-ramp at Moranda Road to Camphora Gloria Road for utility work from 8 am to 4 pm.  Salinas: Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term  There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkins Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 p.m., with occasional nighttime work. The Harkins Road work will be located from the City of

  On Thursday, February 22 the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office hosted a press conference to provide additional details into the ongoing investigation of a double homicide that occurred on February 4, 2024.  The incident occurred on the 41000 block of Los Coches Road in Soledad. Commander M. Darlington summarized the details of the incident by stating that on February 4 at about 6:45 pm, CHP officers and MCSO deputies had been dispatched to a report of a subject calling 911 who was reporting he was being chased by “suspects with guns.” Two vehicles were located in the area of the 41000 block of Los Coches Drive in an agricultural field.  Two victims were located next to one of the vehicles.  Both were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  Despite lifesaving efforts being provided, both victims were declared dead at the scene.   The victims were identified as 20-year-old Jack Canchola and 26-year-old Andres Garcia, cousins, who were from Soledad. Detective A. Wilson stated that it is

  SALINAS, CA – The Monterey County Elections Office and the Monterey County Free Libraries are joining efforts to offer Books and Ballots Week in South Monterey County. The event offers early flex voting centers at various libraries throughout the week. Voters will be able to vote in-person, return their mail ballot, visit with the elections team and, of course, check out the latest offerings at their local library.   On partnering with Elections, Hillary Theyer, Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries, states, “Civic engagement and participation in our community is crucial to the mission of Monterey County Free Libraries, and supporting voting and voters is a big part of that.  We are proud to continue expansion of these services and our partnership with the Monterey County Elections Department.”   According to Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters, “In 2022, we launched the flexible early vote center program, essentially bringing the elections office to communities across Monter

Reducing hazards of fire and floods in the riverbed area adjacent to the community has been an ongoing objective for the City of King.  The City has made significant progress in obtaining permits to perform annual silt removal to reduce flooding and conducting a number of debris removal activities.    The City was also recently successful in obtaining a grant from CAL FIRE to prepare a Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan, which will lead to implementation of future wildfire prevention measures.  The City has hired EMC Planning Group and Deer Creek Resources to assist in preparing the Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan.  It will include a vegetation management plan that identifies ways to minimize future wildfires along the Salinas River and San Lorenzo Creek Corridor.   As part of the plan preparation, the City has scheduled a Community Meeting on Wednesday, February 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the King City Fire Station, 422 Bassett Street.  The purpose of the Community Meeting is

  1 vehicle overturned on Highway 101 Northbound and State Route 198 outside of King City at 5:26 pm on Tuesday night, February 20. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the crash. 

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a possible stabbing on the 70000 block of Chadwick Drive in Bradley at 9:01 PM on Saturday night, February 17. When Deputies arrived on the scene, they located a victim who had sustained multiple injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries where as of Sunday, February 18 is listed to be in “serious” condition.  While on the scene, investigating deputies learned that the suspect was known to the victim. The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Raul Galvez. Galvez fled the scene prior to deputies arriving. Deputies were able to determine that Galvez and the victim had become involved in a verbal altercation which became physical. Galvez was reported to have initially produced a knife which he used to stab the victim. Galvez then produced a machete and was able to strike the victim multiple times resulting in injuries.  While at the crime scene, Deputies received a separate call for se

  SALINAS, CA, February 16, 2024 – In support of the Golden Circle of Champions, the California Rodeo Salinas is organizing a drive-thru dinner fundraiser on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The Golden Circle of Champions was created to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and provide funds to aid children in their battle against this disease. Through donations and fundraising efforts, the Golden Circle of Champions offers direct assistance to families, addressing their immediate needs such as bill payments, medication expenses, and family care. Additionally, ‘Golden Families’ are granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.   To contribute to this cause, individuals are invited to pre-order a meal designed to serve up to four people at the cost of $60.* Choose from a barbecue meal provided by Salinas City BBQ or a Hawaiian meal provided by Ono Ono Hawaiian. Orders must be placed online by March 1st, with meal pickups scheduled for Thursda

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, February 16 that 32-year-old David Merino Ramirez of Soledad was convicted by a jury of Murder, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, and Driving on a Suspended License. On August 21, 2020, around 9:00 p.m., Ramirez was driving northbound at speeds exceeding 80mph on Metz Road between Greenfield and Soledad. Due to his excessive speed and level of intoxication Ramirez lost control, striking a dirt embankment, and flipping his car upside down. His passenger 26-year-old Noe Santillan was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by first responders. California Highway Patrol Officers arrived on the scene shortly after the crash. After conducting a series of field sobriety tests police determined that Ramirez was under the influence of alcohol. A subsequent breath test showed that he had a blood alcohol level of .17, over twice the legal limit. Jurors also heard that Ramirez had suf

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 18 through Saturday, February 24.  Salinas: Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term  There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkins Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:00 am to  5:00 p.m., with occasional nighttime work. The Harkins Road work will be located from the City of Salinas limits to Fifth Street in Spreckels. The Hunter Lane work will be taking place from State Route 68 to Harkins Road. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that GRAMMY nominated Jelly Roll has been confirmed to perform in concert on Tuesday, July 23. An opening act will be announced at a later date. The concert will take place at 7:30 pm in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series presented by Visit SLO CAL. Ticket prices for the show are $65, $95, $135, and $180 and will go on sale Friday, February 23, 2024, starting at 10:00 am to the general public. New this year is a program called “Local Fan of the Fair” which will allow registered local fans 1-hour early access to purchase tickets. For more information about this early access, please visit www.MidStateFair.com. Tickets can be purchased on the California Mid-State Fair’s Official website www.MidStateFair.com. The Box Office cannot guarantee the authenticity or validity of any tickets purchased outside of our official channel. Nashville native

  SALINAS, CA — The last day to register to vote for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, February 20, 2024.   Eligible citizens can register to vote: ·       Online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov by 11:59 p.m. on February 20, 2024; ·       In-person by 5 p.m. at the Monterey County Elections office, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas; ·       By mail completing a paper voter registration application, postmarked by February 20, 2024. The forms are available at libraries, post offices, DMV, and city/county offices.   To register to vote, you must be: (1) a United States Citizen; (2) a California resident; (3) at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; (4) not be in federal or state prison for the conviction of a felony; and (5) not found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.   Voters who miss the registration deadline can still register conditionally and cast a provisional ballot in person at any early vote location or at a local polling pla

  SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni, along with the California Attorney General and 9 other California District Attorneys, announced on Wednesday, February 14 a settlement with Quest Diagnostics, Inc., resolving allegations that the diagnostic laboratory company unlawfully disposed of hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected health information at its facilities statewide. As part of the settlement, Quest Diagnostics will be required to pay $4,999,500 in penalties, costs, and supplemental environmental projects and make significant changes to its operations and practices at its California facilities. Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni stated: “This settlement will help ensure that patients’ personally identifiable and private health information is protected and will protect worker safety and human health by ensuring that hazardous and medical wastes are properly managed and disposed of.” The settlement is the result of over

  An accident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle took place on Highway 101 Southbound near the Bradley Road exit outside of Bradley at 4:31 pm on Wednesday afternoon, February 14. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the crash. 

SALINAS, CA, February 14, 2024 – Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024 will travel throughout California promoting the largest rodeo in the state, the California Rodeo Salinas. Young ladies who are passionate about the Western lifestyle and promoting the rodeo industry can compete for the title July 5th-7th with the winner being announced on July 7th. Entries open today, February 14th, and close on Monday, May 6, 2024. The competition is open to young women between 18 and 24 years of age who are representing a recognized horsemen’s organization or another recognized non-commercial community organization.   The contest consists of horsemanship, personality & appearance, and scholarship categories; it starts Friday, July 5th and Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2023 Rose Escobar and Rodeo President Steve Davis will present the winner with her title on Sunday, July 7th. The winner will receive a $3000 academic scholarship, a gold and silver trophy belt buckle, the use of a two-horse trailer

  Find a lifetime of love during SPCA Monterey County’s Lovey Dovey Adoption Event this Valentine’s Day through Sunday. During the event, you get to pick the adoption fee for all adoptable doves, plus many other pets, too!  During the SPCA’s Lovey Dovey Adoption Event, you get to choose the adoption fee on all doves, pigeons, guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, and roosters as well as all adult dogs and cats one year and older.  SPCA Monterey County is located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, across from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Adoption hours are 11-5 daily. SPCA adoptions include the pet’s spay or neuter surgery, permanent microchip identification, vaccinations, SPCA ID tag, a health evaluation, and more. We recommend arriving early - no holds will be available during the event.  Donations and gifts of pet food are gratefully appreciated.  For more information, please call The SPCA at 831-373-2631 or www.Facebook.com/SPCAmc.  Visit www.SPCAmc.org to view adoptable pets!  Wha

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Online applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Miss California Mid- State Fair Scholarship Pageant. Contestants must be between the ages of 17-24 on opening day of the Fair, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, and be a current resident (at least 6 months) of San Luis Obispo County, and have never been married. Each contestant will compete in the following four categories: Interview, Fair/Pageant Platform, Talent, Final Question and Evening Wear. If selected as Queen or Princess, they must be able to attend every day of the 2024 Fair, participating in numerous public events, such as introducing performers, taking pictures and meeting with various dignitaries. Contestants will receive swag, with the Queen receiving a $1,000.00 cash prize and 1st Princess $500.00 and 2nd Princess $250.00 and receiving prizes from local businesses. The pageant takes place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6:00 pm on the Frontier Stage. This show is free to watch with paid Fair admission.

  King City, Calif. – As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LVIII, the King City Police Department reminds football fans to intercept impaired driving if they’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and plan on drinking. Make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go. During Super Bowl LVIII weekend, the King City Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. “Let's make sure Super Bowl Sunday is remembered for great plays on the field, not for unnecessary risks on the road,” Sergeant Anthony Shaw said. “Before you grab a drink, plan ahead for a sober designated driver. Choosing a safer way to go is a win-win for everyone.” The King City Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and und

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, February 11 through Saturday, February 17.  Highway 101: Alta Street/Old Stage Road: February 12 - 14   There will be full closure of the southbound Highway 101 off-ramp at Alta Street/Old Stage Road for pavement work from 6 am to 7 pm. Highway 101: Espinosa Road: February 12 - 16 There will be full closure of the right shoulder on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Espinosa Road for miscellaneous work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Thorne Road: February 12 - 16 There will be full closure of the right shoulder on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Thorne Road for miscellaneous work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Moranda Road NB On-Ramp – Camphora Gloria Road: February 12 – 16 The right shoulder will be closed along northbound Highway 101 between the northbound on-ramp at Moranda Road and Camphora Gloria Road for utility work from 9 am to 3 pm.  Salina

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair would like to remind ticket buyers that many online ticket brokers (StubHub, SeatGeek, VividSeats, Tickets-Center, Ticketsales, Ticketsonsale, Event Tickets Center, etc.) may imply that they are an official website for concert ticket purchases for the California Mid-State Fair, but only this website: www.midstatefair.com is the official online ticket purchase point for the California Mid-State Fair concerts. The California Mid-State Fair is not affiliated with any third-party ticket company or selling sites. They cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from other sources are legitimate nor will they be able to assist you if there is a problem with tickets purchased from such companies. Tips to avoid purchasing fraudulent tickets: • Make sure your URL matches https://www.midstatefair.com/fair/. • Check that you are not purchasing tickets ahead of the official on-sale date and time. These sites do NOT have early access to purchase ticke

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, February 7 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will distribute $13,284,896 to nonprofits and local governments in San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties to help end homelessness.   “Homelessness is a serious problem in our communities, and addressing it requires action from all levels of government. That’s why we’re proud to announce this robust federal investment that will help boost local resources and improve access to housing for individuals and families in need,” said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta.   The Members announced the following grants:      $1,481,893 for Bay Area Community Services     $1,406,406 for the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz     $986,928 for the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency     $863,684 for Step Up on Second Street, Inc.     $841,435 for Families In Transition of Santa Cruz County, Inc.     $81

  SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has been receiving an influx of calls concerning seabirds washed ashore. This increase in rescues is likely due to inclement weather, higher winds, and rougher ocean conditions.  Rescued seabirds include loons, grebes, common murres, and scoters. They are emaciated, hypothermic, and wet. Some have oil on them due to natural oil seepage that can occur in Monterey Bay. Skilled SPCA wildlife rescue staff are providing fluids, medication, and nutrition to stabilize the birds. .  Many seabirds are not able to walk on land, and many are unable to take flight while not in the ocean. If you find a seabird beached in need of help, please safely contain the bird using a towel or blanket and a box that the bird can breathe in but not escape from. If you are unable to safely contain the bird, please stay with the bird and call The SPCA Wildlife Center directly at 831-264-5427 during normal business hours.   For more information pleas

  Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to a report of individuals being chased in a vehicle on the 41000 block of Los Coches Road in Soledad at 6:45 pm on Sunday night, February 4. When units arrived on the scene, they found 2 unresponsive males with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were evaluated and life saving measures were administered, however they were pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of both victims will not be released at this time until proper notifications to the families has been made. At this time, this investigation is ongoing. If you were a victim and/or have additional details regarding this case, you are encouraged to contact Detective Arras Wilson 831-597-1225 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy 831- 755-3773 of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Investigations Unit.

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce Zac Brown Band has been confirmed to perform in concert on Sunday, July 21. There will be no opening act and the show will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. The concert will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series presented by Visit SLO CAL. Ticket prices for the show are $50, $75, $120, and $160 and will go on sale Friday, February 9, 2024, starting at 10:00 am to the general public. New this year is a program called “Local Fan of the Fair” which will allow registered local fans 1-hour early access to purchase tickets. For more information about this early access, please visit www.MidStateFair.com. Tickets can be purchased on the California Mid-State Fair’s Official website www.MidStateFair.com. The Box Office cannot guarantee the authenticity or validity of any tickets purchased outside of our official channel. Zac Brown Band is a mul

A public workshop on the proposed roundabout project at the intersection of Broadway Street and San Antonio Drive will be held in the City Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  The City’s consultants will share the current designs and provide an opportunity for public input on options regarding landscaping, hardscape and other aesthetic design features.  It will be a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and have a say in how it will look.    The City has received approval for two grants totaling $4.7 million to construct the  proposed roundabout.  The purpose of the roundabout project is to improve circulation, address conflicting turning movements, increase vehicle and pedestrian safety, and prevent future traffic congestion.  It will also feature landscaping and a wind sculpture to beautify the entrance to the City. The project design is nearing completion and will be coordinated with the San Antonio

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, February 6 at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant located at 611 Canal Street in King City. The guest speakers will be Phillip Nickerson, candidate for the Soledad City Council and Tony Virrueta, Republican candidate for State Senate in the 17th District. They will discuss their campaigns and qualifications for office. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or e-mail karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 4 through Saturday, February 10.  Highway 101: Espinosa Road: February 5 - 9 There will be full closure of the right shoulder on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Espinosa Road from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Thorne Road: February 5 - 9 There will be full closure of the right shoulder on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Thorne Road for from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highway 101: Moranda Road NB On-Ramp – Camphora Gloria Road: February 5 – 9 The right shoulder will be closed along northbound Highway 101 between the northbound on-ramp at Moranda Road and Camphora Gloria Road for utility work from 9 am to 3 pm. Salinas: Spreckels: Harkins Road & Hunter Lane:  Long - Term  There will be temporary lane closures and one lane reversible traffic controls along Harkins Road and Hunter lane for pavement work beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. The work hours are 7:

  SALINAS, CA – On Friday, February 2 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren announced that the California Department of Housing and Community Development will distribute $233,264 in federal funding to the City of Salinas from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program.   “As a founder and former director of a housing nonprofit, I am acutely aware of the homelessness crisis in our communities. That’s why every bit of funding is important, including this grant that will help the City of Salinas provide much-needed emergency housing assistance to individuals and families in need. I remain committed to working with federal, state, and local government leaders to improve affordable housing options, resources, and access. The current situation is simply unacceptable,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.   Under the ESG program, HUD provides grants to states who allocate the resources to local governments and nonprofits. The program aims to help individua

  SALINAS, CA, February 1, 2024 – The entertainment lineup for Big Week just got bigger. The Concierto Baile de Salinas will feature Los Tucanes de Tijuana, El Fantasma, and Chiquis performing on Saturday, July 13th at the Salinas Sports Complex. Produced by the California Rodeo Salinas, David Drew Productions, and NOK Entertainment, the concert is presented by Tequila Alderete. Gates will open at 4 pm for this all-star lineup. Tickets start at $35 + fees and will be available starting at 10 am on February 8th online only at carodeo.com or tickets831.com.  The official after-party will take place in the Bull Xing Cantina (north end of the midway at the Salinas Sports Complex) following the concert from 10 pm to 1 am with more music and dancing. Ticket pricing and information will be published before tickets go on sale on February 8th.   Los Tucanes De Tijuana are a Meixcan norteno band led by Mario Quintero Lara. The band was founded in Tijuana, Baja California in 1987. During their ca

  The US Geological survey reports that a magnitude 3.4 earthquake rattled in parts of Monterey County and San Benito County at 9:32 am on Thursday morning, February 1 while at 11:16 a.m. an earthquake registering a magnitude 3.3 shook things up in the same area along with a 2.6 magnitude earthquake that was felt at 11:19 am and another 3.4 magnitude earthquake was felt in that same area at 11:28 a.m. The epicenter of each quake was 8 miles South of Tres Pinos. No damages were reported. 

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is now accepting online registration for the Central Coast Wine, Olive Oil, Spirits, and Vinegar Competitions. Peachy Canyon Winery was named “2023 Winery of the Year” and Calivirgin Olive Oil was awarded the newest honor of “2023 Olive Oil Producer of the Year” with both companies receiving a custom jeweled belt buckle and a feature on a billboard along Highway 101 North in San Luis Obispo, CA. Winning entries are also displayed during the California Mid-State Fair for over 330,000 visitors to see. The Central Coast Wine Competition, presented by Bank of the Sierra and KRUSH 92.5 FM, promotes the quality and diversity of commercial wineries while recognizing the fastest growing wine region in California. The Central Coast Wine Competition is the largest evaluation event for wines produced exclusively from grapes grown in California’s Central Coast AVA and is hosted by three central coast fairs: the California Mid- State Fair, Contra