KRKC COUNTRY

  Six local authors will host book readings, book signings and activities at the Paso Robles City Library April 1-5, for Children’s Author Week. Monday, April 1 at 10 AM, Vanessa Salas will read from her book “Calm McYogi’s Farm.” The book teaches young readers how to move their bodies in a safe and fun way with breathing exercises, guided visualizations and kid friendly affirmations while exploring themes of animals and nature the yoga way. Salas is a proud Mexican-American wife, mother and entrepreneur. She has dedicated herself to the nurturing development of kids and families through yoga and mindfulness practices. Her continued goal is to bring happiness, confidence, mindfulness and inner strength to youth. Tuesday, April 2 at 10 AM, Ashley Howard-Walter will read from her book “Let It Bee.” The story follows Wee Bee who finds her purpose when she takes the time to quiet her busy mind. It teaches readers about self-awareness and intentional action. Howard-Walter is a former school

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, March 31 through Saturday, April 6.  Highway 101: North Main/Chualar Street: April 3 – April 4   There will be full closure of one lane on the connector of northbound Highway 101 at North Main Street/Chualar Street for drainage cleaning work; and one lane closure along North Main Street  from 8 am to 3 pm.   Highway 101: Alvarado/San Bernardo – Los Lobos Road: April 6   There will be one lane closure along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Alvardo/San Bernardo and Los Lobos Road for utility work from 7 am to 1 pm. California Highway Patrol officers will also be performing traffic breaks during those hours along the northbound and southbound lanes.   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,

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant located at 611 Canal Street in King City. The guest speaker will be King City Police Chief, James Hunt. Chief Hunt will discuss the effort to repeal Proposition 47 that designates a theft of up to $950 a misdemeanor. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or e-mail karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

  KING CITY, Calif.—Mee Memorial Healthcare System announced on Monday, March 25 a new mural in King City.   Artists Paul Richmond and Brenda Scettrini-Saglio designed the scene, located at 809 Broadway Street, facing Canal Street, which showcases Southern Monterey County's natural beauty and vibrant community. It depicts rolling hills, abundant agriculture, native wildflowers, and butterflies.    The project is a collaboration between the artists, King City in Bloom, and King City High School. King City in Bloom volunteers will plant native flowering plants beneath the mural in continuance of its theme, and KCHS students plan to fabricate metal butterfly sculptures to decorate the area.   Located in the heart of King City, the mural is a tribute to Southern Monterey County's beauty and rich heritage. It celebrates the essence of rural life, civic pride, and positivity.   "We are grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing this project to life," said Mee Memori

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that the 2024 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant prize money has increased. The Queen will receive a $2,500.00 cash prize (previously $1,000.00), 1st Princess will receive $1,000.00 (previously $500.00), and 2nd Princess will receive $500.00 (previously $250.00). Newly added cash prize winnings will also include Miss Congeniality $250.00, Interview $100.00, and Talent $100.00. Contestants also receive swag and prizes from local businesses. 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 eve

  On Friday, March 22, 2024 at about 4:00 PM, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to inform the community that the body of missing hiker Caroline Meister had been located. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto announced that search and rescue personnel were performing a high angle search off of the “Cut Off” trail where a waterfall drops off of the trail. Search and rescue personnel rappelled down the steep drop off and located Caroline Meister’s body at the base of the waterfall. Sheriff Tina Nieto said there were no signs of foul play. She added that she had spoken to Caroline’s mother, Jean Meister, earlier in the day. Jean Meister wished to express her gratitude to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the many volunteers that helped search for Caroline Meister to bring her home. On Monday, March 18, 2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Caroline Meister left the Zen Center at Tassajara in the Ventana Wilderness at 10:

  SALINAS, CA – Final certified results for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election are available at  https://www.montereycountyelections.us/latest-election-results/. Final results show a turnout of 32.80% of 210,293 registered voters. For more information visit www.montereycountyelections.us. 

  The County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is accepting applications for the AG Pass Program until March 29, 2024.   With an AG Pass card badge, commercial agricultural operators are able to display this badge to emergency staff at disaster roadblocks for limited emergency access activities on to their property. Scan the QR code above to visit the AG Pass webpage and learn about the program’s eligibility criteria, application submittal requirements and how you can apply. Apply for an AG Pass online or pick up a paper application at the following locations: • Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 1428 Abbott St, Salinas CA • Monterey County Farm Bureau at 1140 Abbott St, Suite C, Salinas CA • Castroville Library, 11140 Speegle St., Castroville, CA 95012 • Supervisor Lopez, District 3 Office, 599 El Camino Real (inside Greenfield City Hall), Greenfield CA For more information go online to: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/agricultural-commissioner

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, March 24 through Saturday, March 30.  Highway 101: Broome Road – Main St./Chualar Street: March 25 – March 29    There will be one lane and right shoulder closure along northbound Highway 101 between Broome Road and Main Street/Chualar Street for drainage work from 8 am to 4 pm. Highway 101: Central Avenue – Jolon Road (Southbound): March 26 – March 27    There will be one lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Central Avenue and Jolon Road (southbound) for pavement work from 8 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 7:00 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 St

  SALINAS, CA, March 22, 2024 – The California Rodeo Association is excited to announce its first-ever Junior Rodeo, scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 9 at the Salinas Sports Complex (1034 N. Main St., Salinas, CA). This event underscores the Association’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of rodeo stars while honoring the rich heritage and traditions of the American West.   Young aspiring cowgirls and cowboys are encouraged to participate in this competition, which aims to educate and engage youth in the exciting world of rodeo. “We look forward to hosting our first Junior Rodeo to help grow the sport and keep western heritage alive and well in both our community and the state,” said Steve Davis, President of the California Rodeo Salinas.   Presented by MYCars.com, Junior Rodeo entries will be taken online from May 1 to May 31. Entry fees range from $10 to $35. Buckles will be awarded to the 1st place winners in each event. Check-in will be from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, wit

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, along with over 60 additional search and rescue personnel from other agencies are continuing their search efforts for missing hiker Caroline Meister. Although rain is expected in the area on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, Macrh 24 search and rescue team members are trained to be able to continue searching under these conditions. Caroline Meister went missing n Monday, March 18, 2024 after leaving the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center at 10:00 AM that morning for what was believed to be a day hike but did not return. 30-year-old Caroline Meister is described as a white female adult, 5- 06, 150 pounds. She has long brown wavy hair that is likely pulled up. She was last seen wearing teal-colored boots and carrying a blue bag. She was reported to have only taken snacks for a day hike and did not take clothing or equipment for an overnight hike. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team along with Search and Rescue

  A vehicle versus pedestrian hit and run collision happened on the 200 block of South Belden Street in Gonzales at 7:51 pm on Wednesday night, March 20. The pedestrian was injured and ended up being transported to a Hospital to be treated. 

  A 2 vehicle collision occurred on Highway 101 Northbound near the Old Stage Road Offramp outside of Gonzales at 3:13 pm on Wednesday afternoon, March 20. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the crash. 

A Toyota Travel Trailer overturned on Highway 101 Southbound near Jolon in the Bradley area at 11:27 am on Wednesday morning, March 20. No injuries were reported. 

The US Geological Survey reports that a 3.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Pinnacles National Park area at 3:27 pm on Tuesday afternoon, March 19 which is the third earthquake to hit the area since March 18. The latest one registered as a 3.2 with a depth of 4.1 km. The epicenter was in between Stone Creek and the San Benito River. A 3.2 earthquake rumbled at around 4:57 p.m. on Monday, March 18 followed by a 2.8 right after that took place in between Stone Creek and the San Benito River. The first earthquake on March 18 was registered at a depth of 9.5 km, and the second was registered at a depth of 2 km.

On Monday night, March 18 at 11:27 pm Monterey County Sheriff Deputies received a report of a missing person that had not returned from a hike earlier in the day. 30-year-old Caroline Meister is described as a white female adult, 5-06, 150 pounds. She has long brown wavy hair that is likely pulled up. She was last seen wearing teal-colored boots and carrying a blue bag. Meister left the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, 39171 Tassajara Road, Carmel Valley, at about 10:00 AM on Monday, March 18. She stated she was going to hike a trail that loops back around to the Zen Center. There was also mention of hiking the “Windcave Trail.” She was only carrying snacks for the day and was not dressed or equipped for an overnight stay. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, Drone Team and a California Highway Patrol Helicopter have been working collaboratively throughout the day to attempt to locate Caroline. Additional resources are being requested to assist in continued search effort

  Every Spring, female opossums hold babies in their pouches growing strong and healthy. Sadly, some of these mother opossums are hit by cars as they forage for food, and their babies cannot survive without emergency rescue.  On this first day of Spring we are already currently caring for nine rescued opossum babies after their mother succumbed to suspected rodenticide.  Tragically, many more slowly starve or freeze to death in their mother’s pouch after she was hit by a car. You can help. If you hit an opossum with your car, or see one lying on the side of the road, and if it is safe to stop, please check on the opossum:     If the opossum is alive but injured, please call the SPCA at 831-264-5427 or visit spcamc.org/wildlife.     If the opossum is recently deceased, and if you are in a location where you are safe from other vehicles, please check to see if the opossum is male or female. Their anatomy is easily apparent. If the opossum is female, use gloves and a towel, rag, or washcl

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – It’s time to enter! The 2024 Still Exhibit, Livestock, and Horse Show Competition Handbooks are now available. The Adult and Youth Still Exhibits include departments like Arts and Crafts, Fine Arts, Flowers, Farm Art, Home Arts, and Photography. This year’s “Featured Contests” are: • Apple Pie Baking, presented by Visit Atascadero • Salsa Making, presented by Grocery Outlet • Best Themed Table Setting, presented by Coast Hills Credit Union • Best Themed Scarecrow, presented by Community West Bank • Best Fair Poster • Best Themed Spaceship (Special Stars), presented by Mechanics Bank Each “Featured Contest” comes with a 1st place $500 cash prize, a 2nd place $250 cash prize, and a 3rd place $100 cash prize! All Still Exhibits entries are judged, awarded, and displayed during all twelve days of the Fair for the community to enjoy. The deadline to enter is June 4, 2024, for all departments except for Ag Horticulture and Floriculture, which is July 9, 2024. Livestock

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 19 that the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office supports the launch of the California Human Trafficking Investigators & Prosecutors Association (“CalTIPA”). California has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the country according to CalTIPA President Tyson McCoy. Monterey County is the third largest agricultural county in California. (www.co.monterey.ca.us, 2022). Monterey County also boasts the longest coastline of any California county, attracting more than 3 million visitors annually. (Id., 2022). Running through Monterey County are two heavily used state routes, Highway 101 and State Route 1, both running north/south, connecting Monterey County with Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County to the north, as well as San Luis Obispo County to the south. With Monterey County’s unique position within the state, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office recognizes

  According to the US Geological Survey 2 earthquakes rattled the Pinnacles National Park area on Monday afternoon, March 18. A 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck at around 4:57 p.m., followed by a 2.8 magnitude earthquake afterwards that shook in between Stone Creek and the San Benito River. The first earthquake registered at a depth of 9.5 km, and the second was registered at a depth of 2 km.

  On Sunday night, March 17 at 6 pm 2 Monterey County Sheriff deputies entered a K-Block housing unit of the Monterey County Jail, after they were advised of an incarcerated person tattooing another incarcerated person.  This is a violation of Monterey County Jail rules. Upon contacting one of the incarcerated persons, he began to back up and push away from both Deputies. Without warning 4 more incarcerated persons rushed in and surrounded the Deputies and began to repeatedly hit them with closed fists.  During the attack one of the incarcerated persons took a Deputy’s baton and began to repeatedly hit the deputy in the head and back. Multiple additional deputies responded to the housing unit and began to order the incarcerated persons to the ground. During this time, one of the incarcerated persons threw the baton which had been taken from a deputy which struck another Deputies causing injury. A short time later, order was restored to the housing unit. The housing unit was searched, a

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce TLC & Shaggy have been confirmed to perform in concert on Thursday, July 25. DJ Flashback will open the show 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, $60, $75, and $85 and will go on sale Friday, March 22, 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. TLC’s influence transcends genres from pop, hip-hop,

  KING CITY, CA – The Salinas Valley Fair is excited to be celebrating the 80th annual Salinas Valley Fair May 16-19, 2024 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division Street. Maddie & Tae, an award-winning duo, is scheduled to perform at the Salinas Valley Fair on Saturday, May 18. Their unbreakable bond, honest songwriting and “some of the tightest harmonies on Music Row” (Rolling Stone) are channeled into their new collection of songs Through The Madness Vol. 2, out now. The pair, Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr, drew praise for their Gold-certified The Way It Feels album, including the Double Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Die From A Broken Heart” – topping the Country Airplay Charts, Maddie & Tae became the first and only female twosome with multiple No. 1s. In 2013, “Girl In A Country Song” took country radio by storm, establishing them as only the third female duo in 70 years to top the Country Airplay Charts. “Woman You Got” recently took home Group/Duo Video of the Year

  SALINAS — Updated Results Report No. 7 for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election in Monterey County is available at https://www.montereycountyelections.us/latest-election-results/. The Department is tentatively scheduled to certify final results on Friday, March 22, 2024. The deadline for voters to return signature statements to cure a missing or mismatched signature is Wednesday, March 20. The final results will include those ballots where a signature statement was received by the deadline as well as any Monterey County mail ballots returned timely to other county election offices. 

  On Thursday night, March 14, 2024, at 9:02 pm Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies were patrolling the King City area as part of their ongoing efforts to assist King City Police as a result of mass shooting that took place on March 3, 2024, where 11 people were shot, 4 fatally. Deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the area of San Antonio Drive and Campbell Avenue for multiple traffic violations. The driver was identified as 25-year-old Edgar Mejia Jr. of King City. Deputies quickly learned that Mejia Jr. had an outstanding arrest warrant for domestic violence related charges out of Tulare County. During the contact with Mejia Jr, he disclosed to deputies that he may have a firearm in his vehicle. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a loaded and concealed firearm. Mejia Jr. was taken into custody without incident for his outstanding arrest warrant out of Tulare County for violation of 243(e)(1) PC, Domestic Battery; 25850(a) PC, Carry Loaded Firearm in

  The City of Salinas announced on March 15 that they chosen Rene Mendez to be their next City Manager.  Mendez who is currently the City Manager for the City of Watsonville was selected from 4 finalists comes to Salinas with 30 years of experience in state, county and local government. Mendez was previously the City Manager for the City of Gonzales for over 17 years before accepting the City Manager position for the City of Watsonville in 2022. If his employment agreement is approved, Mendez will become the City Manger of Salinas as early as May 28, 2023. 

  A 2 vehicle collision took place 1 mile south of Chualar on Highway 101 Northbound at 9:15 am on Friday morning, March 15. Injuries were reported as a result of the wreck. 

  A car fire sparked on Highway 101 Southbound near the Lockwood/San Lucas Road Offramp outside of King City at 11:07 am on Friday morning, March 15. The fire was put out in minutes and all of the 4 of the occupants were able to evacuate from the vehicle safely. 

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, March 17 through Saturday, March 23.  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.

  SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 15 that her Environmental Protection Unit entered into a stipulated judgment with Fresh Express Incorporated for violations of pesticide-related laws that exposed its employees to noxious odors resulting from the use of sodium hypochlorite (commonly known as bleach) for approximately one month in early 2020. Over 80 Fresh Express employees complained of symptoms consistent with exposure to the strong chlorine-like smell resulting from use of sodium hypochlorite during this time period at their Salinas processing plant located at 900 E. Blanco Road in Salinas. Reported symptoms included coughing, eye irritation, blurred vision, and chest pain, among others. Fresh Express ultimately determined that equipment leaks and calibration of its sodium hypochlorite injection system in its produce washing equipment was causing these symptoms to various employees. Ultimately, following these incidents,

  Soledad, Monterey County, Calif. — The recent approval of the Special District Grant Accessibility Act by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee marks a watershed moment for special districts nationwide. For leaders like Graig Stephens, President of the Soledad Community Health Care District Board of Directors, and Ida Lopez Chan, CEO, this legislative milestone represents a critical opportunity to amplify the voices of rural communities and secure much-needed resources for underserved areas. "That's why we have to have someone at the table," remarked Graig Stephens, President of the Soledad Community Health Care District Board of Directors. His sentiment underscores the necessity of representation in shaping policies that directly impact local communities. With over 35,000 special districts across the country, including 32 in Monterey County alone, having a seat at the table ensures that the unique needs and challenges of rural areas are not overlooked. Ida L

  SALINAS, CA, March 14, 2024 – Hold onto your hats and polish those boots because the California Rodeo Salinas is thrilled to announce its very first Sweetheart Soiree Cowgirl Luncheon on Wednesday, July 17. Get ready for a rootin'-tootin' good time as we transform the Coors Banquet Bull Xing Cantina at the Salinas Sports Complex into the ultimate destination for cowgirl camaraderie and celebration!   From 11 am to 2 pm, the air will be filled with laughter, mimosas, and music, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable afternoon. This is not just a luncheon; it's a celebration of the fearless spirit and undeniable charm that defines the cowgirl way of life.   Tickets are priced at $75 per person, and with only 200 seats available, they are sure to disappear fast. For those looking to make a grand entrance, reserved tables are up for grabs with sponsorships for this celebration. As we embrace the spirit of giving, a portion of the proceeds from this Sweetheart So

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Contracted crews have initiated repairs during the week of March 10 to drainage structures along northbound US 101. Travelers on northbound US 101 will encounter a closure of the #2 (right) lane from 8:30 am to 4 pm. These lane closures will begin one mile south of Chualar and continue up to the Chualar offramp at northbound US 101. Contracted crews are addressing drainage issues at locations that have experienced flooding during past rain events. Crews hope to take advantage of clear weather in the forecast to accomplish this work over the next 2 to 3 weeks. Travelers can expect delays of 10 minutes. Message and directional signs will be in placed in advance of the project area to alert travelers. Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.  Caltrans crews deserve to get home safely too. Drive slowly and carefull