KRKC COUNTRY

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) K-9 officer seized approximately 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine during a traffic stop on U.S. 101 in Monterey County. The discovery of the drugs, with an estimated street value of approximately $120,000, resulted in the arrest of 39-year-old Pablo Politronestrada of Salinas, California.   On August 30, 2024, at 5:20 a.m., a CHP officer conducted an enforcement stop on a 2006 Ford Mustang for a traffic violation. The stop occurred on U.S. 101 at the Bradley Rest Area in Monterey County. During the interaction, the officer noted several factors that led him to believe the driver was engaged in criminal activity. At that time, the officer deployed his K9 partner Rae to perform an exterior sniff of the vehicle and received a positive alert.  A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.    The driver, Pablo Politronestrada, was arrested and subsequently booked into the Mo

Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant located at 611 Canal Street in King City. The guest speaker will be Dalila Epperson, Republican  candidate for Assembly in the 30th District. Epperson will discuss her campaign and qualifications for office. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenleonhard@yahoo.com 

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the King City-California Highway Patrol along with other CHP agencies across California is launching a statewide enforcement effort to keep the public safe on the road through the holiday weekend. The CHP will initiate a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2. During the holiday weekend, all available CHP officers will be on patrol to encourage safe driving and assist motorists. “Everyone’s safety is our top priority, so make responsible choices. Drive sober, stay focused and help keep our roads safe for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Your decisions behind the wheel can save lives – yours and others.” During the 2023 Labor Day MEP, 38 people were killed in crashes throughout the state. Of note, nearly half of the vehicle occupants who were killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a

  Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto has announced its participation in the Inmar Intelligence Consumer Drug Take-Back Program. This includes the placement of 3 drop off containers that can be used by the community to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. The public can now take advantage of this free service at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Main Salinas location or either of its substations located in King City or Monterey. Inmar Intelligence’s consumer drug take-back program works to expand public access to medicine disposal, remove unused or expired medications from the home safely, and prevent the flushing or trashing of unwanted medication, which helps to protect public health and the environment. The Consumer Drug Take-Back Program is important to have in the community because unused or expired prescription medications can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sol

Soledad, Calif. —The Soledad Community Health Care District (SCHCD) is thrilled to announce the nomination of its CEO, Ida Lopez Chan, for the prestigious CEO of the Year award by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD). This nomination not only recognizes Mrs. Lopez Chan's exceptional leadership but also marks a significant milestone in the history of the District, as she is the first female CEO to hold this position. Born and raised in a community where healthcare resources were often scarce, Mrs. Lopez Chan has always understood the vital role that accessible and quality healthcare plays in the lives of individuals and families. Her nomination is a testament to her deep commitment to the Soledad community and her relentless pursuit of equitable healthcare for all, particularly those in underserved and rural areas. In her 4 years as CEO, Mrs. Lopez Chan has transformed the Soledad Community Health Care District into a beacon of hope and progress. With a focus on

  California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad on Monday, August 19 as a homicide. The incident happened at at 10:31 a.m. as 31-year-old inmate Miguel A. Espino allegedly attacked another inmate identified as 38-year-old Michael R. Spengler. Staff quickly stopped the incident and immediately called for medical assistance and 911.  Responding paramedics pronounced Spengler dead at 11:08 a.m.  No staff or additional inmates were injured. Espino has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. Officers recovered one inmate-manufactured weapon at the scene. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Spengler’s official cause of death. Spengler was most recently moved from Los Angeles County on Aug. 9, 2022 to Salinas Valley State Pris

  (MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, AUGUST 21, 2024) — Licensing pets is now easier, modernized, and more valuable for Monterey County residents as Hitchcock Road Animal Services launches its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile and lost pet licensing platform. This new program offers a simplified online experience, making pet licensing a breeze. With the complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, DocuPet provides residents with an effective pet identification and reunification program that keeps pets out of shelters and returns them home safely. Though pet licensing is mandatory for dogs and voluntary for cats in Monterey County and cities within, many local pet owners do not license their pets regularly. With the announcement of this new partnership, DocuPet and Hitchcock Road Animal Services hope to attract community pet owners to the program, relieving them of the burden of worrying about their pet's safety. Residents can browse hundreds of colorful and unique designer

  Firefighters with CAL FIRE BEU and other agencies were able to put out a structure fire on Bryant Canyon Road outside of Soledad on Wednesday afternoon, August 21. When fire crews arrived on the scene they came across an outbuilding with a vehicle and horse trailer that were fully engulfed in flames. In addition, the fire spread to nearby vegetation burning a 20 by 20 spot fire. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The King City California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that took place on Highway 101 and Broadway outside of King City on Wednesday morning, August 21. The incident happened at around 7 am as the CHP received a call from a witness who stated that they saw a body in the center divide of southbound Highway 101 near the Broadway Street off-ramp along with a vehicle that was nearby. The driver of the car stopped and is cooperating with the investigation.  That stretch of roadway was shutdown for a few hours as the King City-CHP investigated and was opened back up between 10 am and 10:30 am. DUI is not suspected in the collision, while the King City-CHP is looking into why the person who was struck by the vehicle was on the Highway.

  Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections announces the time, date, and location of the randomized alphabet drawing for use in the November 5, 2024, General Election.   The drawing will determine the order of candidate names for State Senator and State Assembly contests on the ballot. This election activity will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas. The final list will be published at www.countyofmonterey.gov/Elections.   For more information, please call (831) 796-1499 or visit our website at: www.countyofmonterey.gov/Elections.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a jury convicted Ronnie Dean Jones of possession of contraband while in prison. In August of 2018, Jones, an inmate at the Correctional Training Facility located in the City of Soledad, was involved in an incident during a routine cell search. Jones was instructed to exit the cell and place his hands on the wall. While Jones initially complied with the officers' instructions, he unexpectedly removed his hands from the wall and reached toward his waistband. During this action, a bindle containing a black, tar-like substance fell to the ground. The substance was collected by officers and sent to the Department of Justice for testing which confirmed that the substance was heroin. The Honorable Stephanie Hulsey presided over the trial. Ronnie Dean Jones admitted to having been convicted of multiple strike offenses involving sexual crimes against minors for which he is

  SALINAS, CA – The regular candidate filing period for the November 5, 2024, General Election has closed. The filing period for the following offices, in which an eligible incumbent did not file, is extended until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.   DISTRICT NAME SEAT Hartnell Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 2 Hartnell Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 3 Monterey Peninsula Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5 Big Sur Unified School District Governing Board Member Bradley Union School District (2) Governing Board Members Carmel Unified School District Governing Board Member, At-Large, 2 year term Chualar Union School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 1, 2 year term Chualar Union School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 2 Graves Elementary School District Governing Board Member King City Union School District (1) Governing Board Member Mission Unio

  SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA. – In preparation for the Monterey Car Week at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Coastal Division is launching an enforcement effort aimed at keeping the public and car week attendees safe on our roads along the Central Coast.  This initiative aligns with the CHP’s mission to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California.  With unsafe speed being the primary contributor to crashes in the state, the CHP will focus on speed control and promoting safe driving practices.   Monterey Car Week 2024 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca kicks off with a classic car show in Downtown Monterey on August 10.  The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the largest event during the famed Monterey Classic Car Week, starts on August 14 and ends on August 17.  This event attracts thousands of spectators and car enthusiasts from across the state and nation.   “Speeding isn't just breaking the law – it

  King City, CA - The Salinas Valley Fair is excited to announce there are currently 2 open Fair Board positions available. They are looking for enthusiastic, hands-on individuals to join. This is a fantastic opportunity for community members to get involved and help shape the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds and be a part of the future of the beloved annual Fair. The Salinas Valley Fair has been a staple in the community for decades, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors for fun-filled days of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit. Not only is this the fairgrounds home to the Salinas Valley Fair, but it is a crucial pillar in the community. In addition to the Fair, the fairgrounds serve as a crisis location, a place for youth sports, an exciting place for private events, and more. By joining the Fair Board, individuals will have the opportunity to play a key role in planning and organizing the yearly event, as well as contributing to the overall success and growth of

  A vegetation fire sparked off of Airline Highway and Highway 198 in the San Ardo area at 11:03 am on Wednesday morning, August 7. Forward progress of the blaze stopped at 11:30 am as firefighters and some local residents were able to dowse the fire which burned 1 acre. No structures were threatened and no one was injured. 

  Monterey, CA, [August 5, 2024] – The County of Monterey is proud to announce that preparations are in full swing for Car Week 2024, which officially kicks off on August 8, 2024, and runs through August 18, 2024. This year’s event promises to be the biggest in recent years, providing a significant economic boost for the county and local businesses. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of both locals and the many visitors expected, various county departments are working around the clock. Departments Collaborating for a Successful Car Week include: Monterey County Sheriff's Office Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks Department of Emergency Management County Communications Bureau Emergency Communications-911 Housing and Community Development Health Department Emergency Medical Services Agency These dedicated teams are coordinating efforts to manage the increased traffic, maintain public safety, and provide essential services throughout the 10-day event. Navigating Traffic

  HOLLISTER, CA – On Wednesday, August 7 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that San Benito County will receive $910,558 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to help support habitat conservation efforts.   “For the sake of future generations, we need to make investments now that preserve and protect our environment tomorrow. This federal funding will help protect at-risk species and safeguard the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of the region’s wildlife habitats. The unique fauna and flora in San Benito County’s mountains, foothills, and agricultural valleys must be properly cared for, and I will continue to support smart and balanced local conservation efforts,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18).   The FWS funding was provided by the Conservation Planning Assistance Grant Program, which supports the development and implementation of habitat conservation plans. This grant will specifically provide for conservation and recovery efforts for 22 species, includ

PASO ROBLES (CA) – The 78th annual California Mid-State Fair returned for 12 full days of fun July 17-28 with a theme of “Wide Open Spaces!” In addition to the usual attractions of 4-H and FFA exhibitors, carnival rides, exhibits, food, and shopping, there was a multitude of live music, highlighted by two sold-out concerts featuring Latin superstar Carin León and country music sensation Jelly Roll. CEO Colleen Bojorquez said, “On behalf of the Staff and the Board of Directors, we are thrilled with the results of the 2024 California Mid-State Fair. The support from the community to celebrate the traditions of San Luis Obispo County and to see the staff’s hard work is truly inspiring. We couldn’t do it without you.” LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS Revenue from the 2024 livestock auctions raised $2,607,587 on 797 animals (unofficial). Of that, $801,750 came from the Replacement Heifer Sale and $1,798,406 came from the Junior Livestock Auction. The Small Animal Auction brought in $7,431. MICHELOB ULTRA