KRKC COUNTRY

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, June 23 through Saturday, June 29.  Highway 101: Airport Boulevard – Alta Street/Old Stage Road: June 25   There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Airport Boulevard and Alta Street/Old Stage Road for spraying operation work from 8 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Alta Street/Old Stage Road – Soledad State Prison: June 26   There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Alta Street/Old Stage Road and Soledad State Prison for spraying operation work from 8 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Soledad State Prison – Alta Street/Old Stage Road: June 27   There will be a moving lane closure along northbound Highway 101 between Soledad State Prison and Alta Street/Old Stage Road for spraying operation work from 8 am to 2 pm.  Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.  Monterey County: Blanco, Reservation and River Roads: May 28

  A 2 vehicle crash happened on Highway 101 Southbound and the near the Chualar River Road Offramp in the Chualar area at 3:45 pm on Friday afternoon, June 21. No one was injured. 

  A big rig caught on fire on Highway 101 Southbound and the Walnut Avenue Onramp in Greenfield at 3:34 pm on Friday afternoon, June 21. The #2 lane was shutdown temporarily in this area as firefighters worked on putting out the fire. No injuries were reported. 

  A 2 vehicle accident took place on Highway 101 Northbound and near the Old Stage Road Onramp outside of Gonzales at 2:49 pm on Friday afternoon, June 21. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the wreck. 

  SALINAS, CA, June 21, 2024 – The California Rodeo Salinas has distributed a record-breaking $47,500 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education.  For 38 years, California Rodeo Salinas has proudly provided scholarships. Four years ago, the program expanded from solely offering scholarships through Hartnell College to including a program via the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC).  Students currently attending or graduating from Hartnell can apply for the Hartnell College scholarship. The CFMC scholarship is available to California Rodeo Salinas Committee Members or their relatives, and funds can be used for any college or post-high school education program, including trade schools.   Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, Chair of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Advisory Committee, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Our committee had approximately 50 applications to review this year, with so many incredible students.  It wasn't easy to choose our recipi

(PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce the following performers for the 805 Beer Frontier Stage. All shows are free with your paid admission to the Fair and start at 8:00 pm. The concert series is presented by Five Cities Water Systems. 7/17/24 – Miss CMSF Scholarship Pageant (6:00 pm): Come see the talented local contestants and find out who is crowned Miss CMSF 2024. 7/18/24 - Legends in Concert Tribute to Elton John: Prepare to be mesmerized by Kenny Metcalf’s sensational portrayal of Elton. Metcalf delivers an enchanting performance, capturing the magic of Elton John’s greatest hits, including “Benny and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” 7/19/24 – High Voltage – A Tribute to AC/DC: High Voltage has a well-deserved reputation as the premier high energy, authentic AC/DC tribute act. 7/20/24 – Umphrey's McGee: In the twenty-five years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamati

  June 20, 2024, Salinas, CA: The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors has approved the placement of a measure on the November 2024 ballot to increase the sales tax in the County's unincorporated areas by 1%. If approved by the voters in the unincorporated areas of the County, the measure will address anticipated budget shortfalls resulting from increased costs and funding cuts by the State and Federal Government. This sales tax will raise approximately $29M to help the County maintain and enhance public services. Use of Sales Tax Funds Funds collected from the increase in the Sales Tax will be used to provide funding for critical County services, including but not limited to: • Street maintenance and pothole repair • Enhanced public safety • Programs to reduce homelessness • Emergency services and disaster response, prevention, and recovery • Libraries, parks, and recreation facilities • Water and sewer infrastructure maintenance • Healthcare • Job skill development programs •

  SALINAS, CA – On Tuesday, June 18 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute $5,712,770 in federal funding to health centers in Salinas and Watsonville.   “Federally-Qualified Health Centers, like Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas and Salud Para La Gente, provide vital services to some of the most vulnerable families in the Central Coast. I applaud robust investments that advance public health and expand access to needed care. I will continue to support federal funding that helps keep our communities healthy,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.   Rep. Lofgren announced the following two grants:     $3,404,718 to Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas to continue offering healthcare services in the Salinas Valley.     $2,308,052 to Salud Para La Gente to continue offering healthcare services in Watsonville and surrounding areas in Santa Cruz County.       This funding comes from HHS’s Health Center Program, which

  SALINAS, CA, June 17, 2024 – The California Rodeo Salinas is thrilled to announce the upcoming Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024 contest, a prestigious event celebrating horsemanship, personality, appearance, and academic achievements. The reigning Miss California Rodeo Salinas, Rose Escobar, will pass the crown to one of the following accomplished contestants: Kyndal Castle (Miss Folsom Pro Rodeo), Summer Fanning (Miss Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo), Vianette Garcia (Miss Norco Rodeo Horseweek), Lillian Kier (Miss Clovis Rodeo), or Kate Richardson (Miss Bulls Only Rodeo). Miss California Rodeo Salinas serves as a year-round ambassador, traveling to rodeos, parades, and community events to promote California's largest rodeo. The 2024 contest, presented by Holiday Inn Express & Suites, will kick off on Friday, July 5th, and conclude on Sunday, July 7th, with the winner being announced before noon at the awards ceremony. The winner of this esteemed title will receive a $3,000 cash

  On Sunday night June 16, 2024 at about 11:25 PM, Monterey County Sheriff Office Deputies were parked in the area of Cornwall Street and England Avenue in Salinas. The deputies heard a subject yelling at someone. They then observed some males running. Deputies immediately drove towards the subjects that were yelling and contacted a male in the roadway. The male pointed to another male who was walking away and told deputies that he had just stolen his dirt bike style motorcycle. Deputies were able to find the motorcycle on the ground and could see the suspect walking away. As deputies approached the suspect, he began running and fleeing. However, Deputies were able to capture the suspect after a brief foot chase and take him into custody without further incident. He was identified as 43-year-old Roque Hernandez Tejada of Gonzales who was found to be in possession of controlled substances. Additional information was obtained from the victim who stated that Tejada had approached him and

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, June 16 through Saturday, June 22.  Highway 101: Arroyo Seco Road – Lagomarsino Avenue: June 18   There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Arroyo Seco Road and Lagomarsino Avenue for spraying operation work from 9 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Lagomarsino Avenue – Jolon Road (South): June 19   There will be a moving lane closure along southbound Highway 101 between Lagomarsino Avenue and southbound Jolon Road for spraying operation work from 9 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Jolon Road (North) – Greenfield Exit: June 20   There will be a moving lane closure along northbound Highway 101 between northbound Jolon Road and the Greenfield exit for spraying operation work from 9 am to 2 pm. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent. Lane closures and one-lane reversible traffic control will be in place along the following Monterey County roads for p

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, June 14 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Greenfield Market and Gas, Inc. will receive $877,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help create infrastructure for the sale and production of renewable fuels.   “Climate change and its unprecedented effects pose serious challenges to our planet, and a large variety of actions must be taken to combat the crisis. The Salinas Valley’s rich ag sector makes it possible to produce bioenergy, and this federal funding will boost the local clean energy economy. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which Democrats passed in the last Congress and provided the largest-ever investment in clean energy, we are seeing more and more important investments like this. I will continue to support projects that help expand renewable fuel options in our community,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.   This funding comes from the USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which invests in projects to

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, June 14 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), as well as U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the bicameral Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control.   "When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across the United States continue to help feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters cause them to lose work and income. In my congressional district, after severe flooding in early 2023, hundreds of farmworkers in the Pajaro community faced displacement and lost wages. They and all farmworkers deserve better. That's why I'm proud to be co-leading the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act with Rep. Salinas and Sens. Padilla and Bennet. Our bill ensure

According to a release put out on Friday, June 14 by the Greenfield Police Department, 42-year-old Julio Martinez of Greenfield was arrested and charged with child molestation. It's reported that Martinez committed lewd acts with 2 children who were under 10 years old. Police are investigating whether Martinez may have more victims. Anyone with information about Martinez are asked to contact the Greenfield Police Department. 

  A bat found on Friday, June 7, 2024, near Portola Drive and Anza Drive in the Toro Park area of unincorporated Monterey County has tested positive for the rabies virus. Hitchcock Road Animal Services has investigated this incident and determined that there was no exposure to either humans or pets. This is the second bat this year to test positive for the rabies virus in the Toro Park area.   Rabies is a virus that causes a fatal illness in humans and other mammals. The County of Monterey Public Health Bureau and Animal Services want to remind residents and visitors that there is a continuous presence of rabies in local wildlife, both inside and outside of the city. In Monterey County, skunks and bats are the most common species to test positive for the virus.  Domestic animals, including companion dogs and cats, are at risk for rabies exposure when they come in contact with wildlife. Domestic animals are at increased risk of rabies if they are not protected by a rabies vaccination, a

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, June 13 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute $1,385,217 to the San Benito Health Foundation.   “Federally Qualified Health Centers, like the San Benito Health Foundation, serve as lifelines for many in our communities. In San Benito County, the health care landscape is particularly fragile, and I am relieved federal funding is continuing to be allocated that helps ensure access to affordable care locally. I will continue working to help sustain and expand care options for all of our neighbors in CA-18,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.   This funding comes from HHS’s Health Center Program, which is overseen by the Health Resources and Services Administration, to support community-based and patient-directed nonprofit organizations that provide primary and preventive health care services to underserved populations in the U.S. The funding was included in the FY24 consolidated appr

  According to the Atascadero Police Department, 2 people suspected to be involved in a strong-armed robbery at a Walgreens Store in Atascadero between 6 pm and 7 pm on Wednesday night, June 12 are in custody after leading police on a chase that ended in Gonzales. The California Highway Patrol came across the suspected vehicle in Monterey County which led to the pursuit that ended when the vehicle went off the side of Highway 101 into a ditch near 5th Street in Gonzales. The 2 people inside the car were caught and arrested before 9 pm. The names of both people detained has not yet been released. 

  A power outage happened at 11:47 am on Wednesday, June 12  affecting 588 customers in King City residing on Spreckels Road, Metz Road, Airport Road, San Antonio Drive, Lewis Street, Meyer Street, Walker Avenue, Casey Street, Sherwood Avenue, Calcagno Street, Soberanes Street, Bilkie Drive, Brumwell Street, Mildred Avenue, Andrus Street, Oates Avenue, Van Nort Street, Campbell Avenue, Arboleda Lane, Divina Lane, Ermosa Lane, Lon Sing Avenue, Livingston Avenue and Heirloom Place. PG&E work crews restored electricity to all of the affected customers sometime after 5 pm. The cause of the outage is suspected to be due to a tractor hitting a transmission line.

  The Soledad Police Department is searching for 2 thieves who broke into an Ace Hardware store on 900 Front Street at 6 am early Friday morning, June 7. The 2 men were able to get into the store by cutting a hole in a metal wall. Security video surveillance footage at the store captured both men leaving the store with only a couple items, one of them being an air-blower backpack. As of Monday, June 10 no arrests have been made. Ace Hardware in Soledad recently opened in April of 2024. 

  KING CITY, Calif., June 7, 2024 — Mee Memorial has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “27 critical access hospitals to know in 2024.” The list includes critical access hospitals across the US, describing them as: "Vital components of the overall healthcare delivery system, providing quality care to the residents and visitors of rural areas. These small but mighty organizations are working to expand access to specialty care, cut down on patient travel times, and improve community health." The review included the following about Mee Memorial: "The hospital has been enhancing its service offerings through the renovation of its emergency and diagnostic imaging departments, and through the addition of a pediatric health and wellness center. The organization is also focused on community outreach, engaging the broader community with diabetes education and initiatives because diabetes has been pinpointed as a significant community concern. Mee Memorial Healt

  Lane closures and one-lane reversible traffic control will be in place along the following Monterey County roads for pavement repair work from 7 am to 5 pm: ·       Blanco Road, from Davis Road to Luther Way ·       Reservation Road, from Davis Road to Portola Drive ·       Reservation Road, from East Garrison Drive to Panziera Road ·       River Road, From 1.3 miles west of Chualar River Road to 2.6 miles west of Chualar River Road   The public is advised to use alternate routes.

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – Online applications are now being accepted for the Fair’s “Junior Fairboard” volunteer program. The California Mid-State Fair Junior Fairboard consists of young people between 16 and 25 years of age living in San Luis Obispo County. Members assist with the day-to-day operations of the annual Fair, including events such as assisting in livestock and equestrian support, pageant set up, public judging, market research and any other duties/committees as assigned by Fair Staff, management, or Fair Board. In addition, members help in the livestock area during weigh in and auction day, act as ushers in the Main Grandstand, and scan tickets. Junior Fairboard members receive a jacket/t-shirt (to be worn at all Main Grandstand events and all committee activities), a photo ID badge granting admission to the Fair, meal tickets redeemable at designated California Mid-State Fair food venders and one (1) free guest pass per night valid for Main Grandstand events (upon artist app

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on Wednesday, June 5 released the names of the officers who fired shots in the officer involved shooting which occurred on Monday night, June 3, 2024, on Highway 101 near Soledad. Both are employed by the King City Police Department. Sgt. Anthony Shaw. He has been employed as a sergeant with KCPD for 3 years, 9 months. Before his current employment, he was a peace officer with Central Marin Police Authority for 13 years, 4 months. Officer Cody Hughes. He has been employed with KCPD for 3 months. Before his current employment, he was a Monterey County Probation Officer for 16 years. The suspect involved in the shooting, 36-year-old Armando Garcia Rodriguez is still being treated at a local hospital and will be booked into the Monterey County Jail. The DA's office reports that Rodriguez fired 4 rounds at officers before Shaw and Hughes returned fire.

  The Paso Robles City Library will kick off their biggest summer reading program to date with a Summer Reading Launch Party in Downtown City Park on June 15 from 1-3 PM. Attendees will be able to register for the 2024 Summer Reading Program as well as enjoy snacks, activities and games. Registration for the 2024 program, themed “Adventure Begins at the Paso Robles City Library” will open June 10-August 10. In addition to the reading rewards, the Library will also host performers, activities, crafts, swimming and free lunch all summer long at multiple locations around Paso Robles. Summer Reading Challenge Patrons can register for the Summer Reading Program at the Paso Robles City Library starting June 10 and receive a summer reading passport. To earn a prize, participants must read 10 hours and track their progress in the passport’s reading log. Additionally, for each 10 hours read, participants will earn a ticket to enter our grand prize drawing to win a $400 gift certificate to Marga

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) –The California Mid-State Fair is once again teaming up with Helm & Sons Amusements to offer FREE carnival rides on Opening Day, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The fairgrounds main gate and carnival open at 4:00 pm and will be open until fair closing at midnight. Of course, carnival ride height and size restrictions still apply, but everyone rides for free in the Main Carnival and Cub Country! And yes, this does include the Big Splash water ride, P.L.U.R. Spinning Coaster, and Medusa! Visit our website for a full ride list. The promotion does not include Fair admission. It does not include games, as those will be “pay-as-you-play” as usual and cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. “Wow Express” passes will be available for purchase on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 for $30.00 for those who want to skip the ride lines. “We are pleased to bring back this great deal for all fairgoers. It’s a fun way to welcome the community back on our grounds,” said Califo

  National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for areas of Monterey County from Wednesday, June 5 to Thursday, June 6. Stay safe by drinking fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms and staying out of the sun.       County of Monterey:  Cooling center locations & hours of operation:   1.      King City Library: 402 Broadway St  o    Wednesday: 11 AM – 7PM  o    Thursday: 11 AM - 7 PM  2.      San Ardo Library: 62350 College St.  o    Wednesday: 1PM – 6PM  o    Thursday: 2 PM to 6PM  3.      San Lucas Library: 54692 Teresa St.  o    Wednesday: 11 AM – 4PM  o    Thursday: 2 PM to 6 PM     Additional Public locations:  Wednesday – Thursday   1.      Soledad Community: Center, 560 Walker Drive  o    6:00 AM – 9:00 PM  2.      Greenfield: 599 El Camino Real, Greenfield  o    830 AM – 4:30 PM     For additional Cooling Center information call (800) 322-6884. Call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency.      NWS: inws.ncep.noaa.gov  More/Mas Info: alertmry.org/alerts  

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on June 4 additional preliminary facts surrounding the officer involved shooting which occurredon June 3 on Highway 101 northbound in the vicinity of Soledad. At about 5:30 pm on June 3, a person armed with a handgun got out of a black Mazda and robbed 3 pedestrians walking on Lonoak Road within the city limits of King City. The robber demanded the victims’ phones and wallets which they surrendered, and he got back in the Mazda. After walking home about 20 minutes after the robbery, the victims called police, described the Mazda, reported it was last seen headed towards Highway 101, and provided the license plate number. At 7:15 pm a Greenfield officer located the Mazda travelling northbound on Highway 101 near Greenfield. Other units from Greenfield and King City PD joined the pursuit with lights and sirens. The Mazda failed to stop as it travelled between 50 and 72 mph. Near Soledad, the Mazda tur

  On Monday night, June 3, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, officers from the King City Police Department were dispatched to the area of South First Street between Lonoak Road and Division Street for an armed robbery. Officers determined that 3 victims were walking on South First Street when a vehicle pulled up to them. A Hispanic male adult exited the vehicle holding a firearm and the male pointed the firearm at the victims and demanded they give him all of their personal effects. After obtaining all of the victim’s property, the suspects fled in the vehicle. Through a follow-up investigation, officers identified the suspect vehicle and suspects. A short time later, officers from the Greenfield Police Department located the suspect vehicle travelling northbound on Highway 101 and attempted a vehicle stop but the vehicle failed to yield. A pursuit ensued that was taken over by the King City Police Department. The suspect vehicle eventually yielded just south of the Front Street exit. Up

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, June 3 that Salinas Valley State Prison inmates Alberto Cortez and Jaime Romero were each convicted by a jury of Murder. Alberto Cortez was convicted of First Degree Murder with the special circumstance of Multiple Murder, based upon a prior conviction. Cortez was also convicted of Assault by a Life Prisoner with a Deadly Weapon. Jaime Romero was convicted of Second Degree Murder. Each was also convicted of personally using a deadly or dangerous weapon to commit the crime. The Honorable Judge Stephanie Hulsey presided over this trial. Cortez, now age 32, admitted that he had previously been convicted of six “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law, including a prior conviction for Murder. Cortez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Judge Hulsey found that Romero, now age 31, had previously been convicted of three “strikes.” Romero faces a max

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that pre-sale Daily Admission tickets are now available for purchase at local Farm Supply Company stores located in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Santa Maria. These are the absolute lowest pre-sale Daily Admission ticket prices you will find anywhere. This deal runs now through July 16, 2024, and are priced as follows: • Adult (Ages 13-61): $11.50 (regular is $15.00) • Senior (Ages 62+): $10.50 (regular is $12.00) • Youth (Ages 6-12): $8.50 (regular is $9.00) • Children: Ages 5 and under are FREE! Please check your local Farm Supply for store hours and note that only credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are accepted. For other deals and discounts, please visit our website www.MidStateFair.com. The 2024 California Mid-State Fair runs July 17 through July 28 and this year’s theme is “Wide Open Spaces!”. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

  SALINAS, CA, May 30, 2024 – The California Rodeo Salinas is celebrating 114 Years of Tradition in July, and our fans can help us spread the word by taking the signature yellow California Rodeo Salinas bumper sticker out and about during their travels and sending in photos with their bumper stickers. These stickers are local icons seen on bumpers all over Monterey County and have even been spotted around the globe.   Rodeo bumper stickers made past appearances in England, Australia, Bora Bora, New York City, Hawaii, and beyond.  Photos can be submitted from May 30 until July 3 to https://www.carodeo.com/f/119 for the Marketing Committee of the California Rodeo to determine winners in the following categories:       Furthest from Salinas     Most Creative     Best Backdrop     Fan-Favorite (will be voted on online on Instagram and/or Facebook)     Committee People  The winners will be announced on July 11 except for Fan-Favorite which will be announced July 15. $500 worth of prizes wil