KRKC COUNTRY

  MONTEREY, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni warns Monterey County residents of scammers impersonating law enforcement. Fraudsters may try to trick unsuspecting victims into providing their personal information or sending money by pretending to be law enforcement agents or representatives of other government agencies. In one such scam, a scammer calls claiming to be a process server attempting to locate an individual and asks for personal information. Another variation involves a scammer claiming that money must be paid to bail a loved one out of jail. Yet another scammer may claim that a warrant is out for failing to comply with a jury duty summons. Never send money to persons that contact you over the phone or over the internet and seek immediate payment of money. Scammers will try to intimidate potential victims – the best way to protect yourself is to hang up. If you are unsure if you are speaking to a true law enforcement officer, ask for that per

  KING CITY, Calif., (7/22/2024) — The Lown Institute, a renowned healthcare think tank, has published its 2024-25 Hospital Index, a national ranking of the top-performing hospitals. This index, considered a benchmark in the healthcare industry, evaluates hospitals and recognizes leaders in the movement for socially responsible healthcare. Mee Memorial Healthcare System has earned top marks across five major categories in this prestigious ranking.    Of the 21 surveyed, Mee Memorial Healthcare System also ranked as the #1 Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in California for Social Responsibility, reflecting performance across equity, value, and outcomes categories.      Mee Memorial scored an A in these five key areas: social responsibility, equity, inclusivity, value, and cost efficiency.      "It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our employees and physicians that we have been ranked number one among small hospitals in California for Social Responsibility," said Ren

  County of Monterey Parks and Lakes Division (Parks), Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) and Water Resources Agency (WRA) staff say data and testing results from water samples taken in the wake of a massive fish die off at Lake San Antonio were inconclusive but that a possible cause of the incident could be due to a natural algae phenomenon spurred on by high heat, which lowered the dissolved oxygen concentrations causing the fish to suffocate. At this point in time, those conditions have stabilized. Parks staff has been busy cleaning up the fish remains and the EHB, which placed a precautionary measure directive to restrict access to the water, leading Parks to make the difficult decision to close the facility, has now lifted that measure and Parks is planning to reopen the lake on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Background On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad (a small fish species), began washing up on the shore. The die off continued to grow and in an abund

The County of Monterey Information Technology Department effectively addressed and resolved challenges stemming from a software issue with CrowdStrike, which impacted several county core systems on Friday, July 19. All of the County of Monterey's key services are fully operational, including the critical emergency communications system, ensuring that it is serving the residents of the County of Monterey.   County Operations: The County of Monterey offices will resume normal business hours to assist residents with their needs. The county’s IT Department is currently validating all county servers across all departments. Our IT team is focused on restoring any impacted workstations and providing internal tech support. Additionally, IT staff have been dispatched to all county sites to repair any workstations that may not be functioning properly at this time. We ask residents to be patient in the event they encounter any delays in service due to the CrowdStrike software update technical

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, or scallops from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.    Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The naturally occurring PSP toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the to​xin.    This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31.   PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. In sev

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that 18-year-old Megan Pagnini of Paso Robles, has been crowned the 2024 Miss California Mid-State Fair Queen and Miss Congeniality. 18-year-old Ashlee Holt of Paso Robles was the 1st Runner Up, 21-year-old Logan Rutherford of Paso Robles was 2nd Runner Up. 18-year-old Vanessa Pinedo of Paso Robles won the Talent Competition with her Folklorico dance to “Son de la Negra.” 17- year-old Hailey Terrell of Templeton won the Interview Competition. The Queen receives an increased prize winning of $2,500 cash (previously $1,000), 1st Princess receives $1,000 (previously $500), and 2nd Princess receives $500 (previously $250). Newly added cash prize winnings also included Miss Congeniality $250, Interview $100, and Talent $100. All contestants also received swag and prizes from local businesses. Megan Pagnini will be returning to the University of Arizona as a Sophomore in the fall. She enjoys singing, dancing, acting,

  SALINAS – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating an attempted homicide that happened at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad after a use of force incident on Friday, July 12. At 9:37 a.m., SVSP staff in a recreation yard observed two incarcerated individuals striking another incarcerated individual with manufactured weapons. Staff gave several orders for all incarcerated persons in the recreational yard to get down. When those involved did not comply, staff utilized a direct impact round and one lethal round, which hit one of the alleged attackers in the left arm. The man who was attacked, and one other individual involved were taken to an outside hospital for treatment of their injuries. Both have since been released back to the facility. The two men alleged to be involved in the attack were placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by SVSP Investigative Services. No staff or additional incarcerated people were

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to offer patrons the opportunity to park off-site and then catch a FREE ride to the Fair! Look for the SLO Safe Ride shuttles, operating each day of the Fair. The Paso Robles Event Center has very limited on-site parking options, and the free shuttle program is a great way to save time and money! Hours of operation: • Mondays – Thursdays: 4:00 pm to Midnight • Fridays – Sundays: Noon to Midnight Shuttle locations for pick-up and drop-off: • Albertsons Parking Lot @ City Bus Stop • City Hall @ 10th/Spring • Lowe's Hardware @ Main Parking Lot The 2024 California Mid-State Fair runs July 17 through July 28 and this year’s theme is “Wide Open Spaces!”. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

  The SPCA Monterey County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot a cat in Soledad.  On Thursday, July 4, a Good Samaritan found the young brown tabby cat on Crestfield Street, near Soledad High School. The 1 1/2 year old cat had been shot in the leg with a pellet gun, her severely injured leg broken and dangling. The finder rushed the cat to the SPCA for care.    The cat, who SPCA staff lovingly named Libby, short for Liberty, had a pellet in her right front leg, which shattered the bone. The pellet and small shrapnel particles were still embedded in her leg. Due to the extent of the injury, SPCA veterinarians had to amputate her leg. She is now recovering in the SPCA’s compassionate care.  “We hope this reward will inspire someone to come forward with information,” says Gio Rodriguez, SPCA Humane Investigations Officer. “This poor cat suffered a painful, inhumane injury. Our goal is to find the person responsible so thi

  SALINAS, CA – Monday, July 15 marks the beginning of the candidate filing period for the November 5, 2024 General Election. Candidate forms will be available only during the official filing period and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024.   Official nomination documents will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the filing period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment.   Monterey County Elections will be offering candidate services by appointments only at the following locations:       Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley     Friday, July 26, 2024 at Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley     Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at King City Library, 402 Broadway St., King City     Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at King City Library, 402 Broadway St., King City   Monterey County

  SALINAS, CA, July 9, 2024 – The 2024 Big Week Bull Riding, presented by Salinas Valley Ford, is set to electrify fans with the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour on Wednesday, July 17. Held at the Salinas Sports Complex (1034 N. Main Street), this event will highlight top bull riders from the PRCA RAM World Standings and qualifiers from Xtreme Bulls events nationwide. Gates will open at 5 pm, with the competition kicking off at 7 pm.   The 2023 champions, Cullen Telfer of Plant City, FL, and Denton Fugate of Ash Flat, AR, both scored an impressive 87-point ride, setting a high bar for this year’s competition. Among the riders participating are eight of the top ten bull riders in the standings: Josh Frost of Randlett, UT, who is sitting number one in the world bull riding standings and also won the championship bull riding buckle at the California Rodeo Salinas last year, Maverick Smith of Mountain Grove, MO, Creek Young of Rogersville, MO, Tristan Mize of Bryan, TX, Clayton Sellars of Fruitlan

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau.   Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass.   CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

  SALINAS, CA, July 7, 2024 – Temecula’s Vianette Garcia has been named Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024. The competition, held over the past two days at the Salinas Sports Complex, saw five contestants vying for the title: Kyndal Castle (Miss Folsom Pro Rodeo), Summer Fanning (Miss Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo), Vianette Garcia (Miss Rodeo Norco Horseweek), Lillian Kier (Miss Clovis Rodeo), and Kate Richardson (Miss Bulls Only Rodeo). Lillian Kier was named 1st runner-up, and Kate Richardson earned second runner-up honors.   Contestants were evaluated in categories including personality, appearance, scholarship, and horsemanship. Garcia excelled in personality and horsemanship, while Kier won the appearance and scholarship categories. Kier also received the congeniality award, voted on by her fellow contestants.   As Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024, Vianette Garcia, received a $3,000 educational scholarship, a gold and silver belt buckle, a gold and silver tiara sponsored by the Har

  SALINAS, CA, July 1, 2024 – The California Rodeo’s annual Kiddie Kapers Parade will take place Sunday, July 14 at 3 pm in the Salinas City Center. The parade is presented by Sakata Seeds America and is one of many events that cater to children, but are fun for all ages, during Big Week-the week surrounding the four performances of the California Rodeo Salinas.    The Kiddie Kapers Parade is a 93-year-old traditional event that many generations of families have participated in. No pre-registration is required, and the parade is free for participants and spectators. The theme is ‘Growing Champions.’ Children are encouraged to dress up; they can walk, ride bicycles, scooters, or other wheels (helmets are required), be on a community float and more. Divisions and more details are available at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2024/kiddie-kapers-parade.   The grand marshal this year is twelve-year-old Kelly Mata-Navarro, a local cancer survivor who was the California Rodeo’s delegate for the

  The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory for areas of Monterey County in effect from 11 am Tuesday, July 2, to 8 pm Saturday, July 6, 2024. Stay safe by drinking fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms and staying out of the sun. County and City Cooling Center info call 800 322-6884. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 immediately. County of Monterey Cooling Center locations & hours of operation: •Carmel Valley Library: 65 West Carmel Valley Road Tuesday, July 2: 11am-7pm Wednesday, July 3: 10am-6pm Thursday, July 4: Closed Friday, July 5: 10am-5pm Saturday, July 6: 10am-5pm •King City Library: 402 Broadway Street Tuesday, July 2: 11am-7pm Wednesday, July 3: 11am-7pm Thursday, July 4: Closed Friday, July 5: 10am-5pm Saturday, July 6: 10am-5pm •San Ardo Library: 62350 College Street Tuesday, July 2: Closed Wednesday, July 3: 1pm-6pm Thursday, July 4: Closed Friday, July 5: 2-5pm Saturday, July 6: 11am-5pm •San Lucas Library: 54692

  King City, Calif. – The King City Police Department reminds drivers to be the real heroes of the night by prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road this 4th of July. Plan ahead and celebrate the holiday responsibly. Beginning Monday, July 1 through Sunday, July 7, 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. In 2022, 487 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those deadly crashes, 40% involved alcohol. In California, 68 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday period. In addition, California Highway Patrol officers made nearly 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes. “Choosing a sober driver is not just about following the law; it’s about saving lives,” Sergeant Anthony Shaw said. “If you plan on celebrating the Fourth of J

  The National Weather Service reports that the 2023-24 rain season came to an end on Sunday night, June 30 and the King City area received 16.29 inches of precipitation. The NWS 2024-25 rain year began on Monday, July 1.