KRKC COUNTRY

  In 2018, the King City City Council approved a citywide Sports Field Improvement Plan.  The plan included gradual renovation of all the City’s sports fields, followed by an ongoing maintenance program.  Given the increase in year-round sports, the fields get more wear and need a recovery period or the turf is destroyed.  As a result, most fields are now temporarily closed every one to two years to allow for a turf maintenance and recovery period.   This year, Aera Soccer Park and Creek Bridge Softball Park will be closed to the public from November 4, 2024 – February 28, 2025.  Public Works staff will be working on the fields and this will include re-seeding, aerating and rest.  Please respect and comply with the closures.  Report any trespassing to the Police Department by contacting the Dispatch non-emergency number at 831-385-8311.  The sole purpose of the closures is to maintain quality recreation facilities for the community, so any unauthorized use of the fields during the reco

  On Sunday October 27, 2024, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted compliance checks of convicted sexual offenders and parolees at various locations in Monterey County. The compliance checks were performed as part of the grant funded Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team whose collective mission is to proactively target and apprehend habitual sex offenders, ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Compliance checks were conducted in the following areas: Greenfield, Prunedale, Gonzales, King City, Royal Oaks, Castroville, Pajaro, Carmel and Salinas. A total of 12 registered sex offenders or parolees were contacted resulting in 4 arrests. The following persons were booked into the Monterey Jail: VIRAK, Mathew 2000 block San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale, CA  BAILEY, Charles 33000 block Gloria Road, Gonzales, CA Charges - PC 3056 Parole Violation Charges - PC 3056 Parole Violation HUDSON, Stefan  60 block Highway 1, Carmel, CA  NAVARRO, Michael 11500 b

  SALINAS, CA – California elections officials have a deadline of Tuesday, October 29 to mail out last requests for replacement vote by mail ballots. Monterey County Elections encourages voters to use that as a guide in making a plan to vote.   To return your vote by mail ballot: By mail: The last recommended day to mail your ballot is October 29th. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 12 will be accepted. Mailbox pick up times vary so please check the mailbox pick up before you drop your ballot in. In person: To any official drop box, voting location or elections office in the state by 8 p.m. on November 5th. Remember to sign your envelope! “With more ways and more days to vote, it is more important than ever before to make sure voters stay informed of varying deadlines,” said Gina Martinez, Monterey County Registrar of Voters. “October 29th is the last day Election Officials can mail a ballot to a voter. Voters should use this as a last recommended da

  Governor Newsom announced on Friday morning, October 25 the award of over $1.3 billion for public transportation projects through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP).  A total of 27 projects are being funded statewide, including approval of $25 million for the King City Multimodal Transit Center Project.  The grant request was submitted as part of a joint package of projects by the Coast Rail Coordinating Council that was awarded a total of $63,259,000. The City of King’s multimodal transit project will include a new Amtrak stop near Pearl Street east of First Street. Passenger service was provided in King City until the mid-1940s. The design includes the relocation of the Pearl Street crossing to Broadway Street to provide access to the proposed facility. The grant will bring the total funding programmed and/or reserved for the project to approximately $52,875,000, which is projected to be enough to fund Phase I. Phase I is designed to accelerate access to passeng

  On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at approximately 3:05 PM, officers from the King City Police Department were dispatched to a residence on the 100 block of Leeds Avenue for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female inside the residence who had sustained multiple stab wounds. The adult female was provided medical aid at the scene and was transported by ambulance to an area trauma center where she is listed in critical but stable condition. Officers contacted 36-year-old Sergio Flores-Merino of King City, near the residence. Flores-Moreno was positively identified as the suspect responsible for the stabbing. Flores-Merino was taken into custody by officers at the residence. An investigation revealed that the suspect is a relative of the victim and the attack stemmed from a family disagreement. Flores-Merino was arrested for attempted murder, residential burglary, and resisting arrest. Flores-Merino was later booked into Monterey County Jail. Anyone with addit

  SALINAS, CA – The Monterey County Elections Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 26 & 27 for early voting. Voters can vote in-person, return their voted mail ballot, pick-up a replacement vote by mail ballot, or complete same day registration.    Beginning October 29, the satellite Elections Office at Embassy Suites will open for voter services including in-person voting, mail ballot return, and same day registration. According to Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Embassy Suites on Canyon Del Rey. Providing a familiar satellite office for voters in Monterey County makes a difference in their voting experience.” The satellite Elections Office is located at Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. in Seaside. The office will be open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special weekend and election day hours.   Weekend voting for November 2 and November 3, will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at: ·         The Monterey C

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 23 that Salinas Valley State Prison inmate 32-year Alberto Cortez was sentenced to serve a term of life in prison, without the possibility of parole, after being 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. He 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 also admitted that he had previously been convicted of 6 “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law, including a prior conviction for Murder. On the morning of January 12, 2018, correctional officers observed blood smeared on the window and leaking out beneath the door of the cell of the victim in this case, 19-year-old Jose Alcantar-Ortega. When correctional officers reached the

  SALINAS, CA, October 23, 2024 – President Steve Davis and the California Rodeo Salinas’ Officer Team welcomed new directors to the board and recognized advisory and honorary directors last Thursday evening. The Officer Team remains the same this year with Davis serving as president until October of 2025 along with 1st Vice President Bob Eggers, 2nd Vice President Tom Nielsen, 3rd Vice President Henry Dill, Secretary Tim Baldwin, and Treasurer Patty Standridge. New directors include Tim Atkins, Lupe Covarrubias-Martinez, Michelle Dominguez, and Julia Hanson-Brown. Advisory directors, directors who are stepping aside for new leadership to progress within the organization, include Ric Causley, Stan Chan, Orlando Garcia, and Mike Hitchcock. Dr. David E. Ramos was named an honorary director. Each of these directors has contributed to the California Rodeo Salinas in unique and various ways. There are over 70 committees that volunteers serve on, which include jobs like ground preparations,

  SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, October 23 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA) will receive $1,320,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a combination of a grant and a low-cost federal loan to rehabilitate affordable housing for farmworkers in Soledad.   “The men and women who work America's farms feed the nation, and they deserve to have safe living spaces. This federal funding will importantly help improve existing housing infrastructure in the ‘Salad Bowl of America,’ where so much fresh produce is grown. I remain committed to addressing the housing needs in our community – whether in Soledad, other areas of the Salinas Valley, or anywhere in CA-18 – and I will continue to support efforts that help uplift and protect farmworkers everywhere,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.   CHISPA will receive a grant of $1,188,000 and a loan of $132,000 to make needed improvements at the Sol

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce its theme for 2025, featuring the tagline “Off To The Races!” Each year, Fair staff select a theme to be used by the community when entering the still exhibits program and as inspiration for decorations throughout the grounds. California Mid-State Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez said, “Grab your best derby hats! This year’s theme represents speed, fun and excitement!” She added, “We are looking forward to seeing the creative arts and crafts our community enters this year. Be on the lookout for fast starts and checkered-flagged finishes in Paso Robles this July!” Save the date! Local businesses are encouraged to start entering the Central Coast Wine, Spirits and Olive Oil Competitions as early as February. Also, community members can browse our Still Exhibit, Horse Show and Livestock competition handbooks starting in March, leaving plenty of time for those creative juices to flow! As always, connect with us on Faceboo

  The City of King’s approval of a new Grocery Outlet store to be located at 1023 Broadway Street has been held up in litigation for over 2 years based on claims the City failed to comply with environmental regulations. However, on Monday, October 21 the 6th District Court of Appeals issued a decision ruling in the City of King’s favor on all grounds. Among others, the Court made clear that it found “no merit” in the contentions that environmental regulations were not followed and went so far as to award costs to the City of King and the developer. The decision now clears the way for construction of the Grocery Outlet store to proceed. The victory demonstrates the significant efforts underway by the City to bring new commercial businesses and shopping opportunities to King City.

  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, register to vote, 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 communi

  According to the King City CHP, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 21 55-year-old Cyril James Barbree of King City was driving his 1993 Jeep Wrangler on private property off of 56000 Oasis Road in King City while traveling in a westerly direction at an undetermined amount of speed. For unknown reasons Barbree allowed his Jeep to drift toward the left as his left front wheel drove up onto a metal support post for a cattle guard. This caused his Jeep to overturn and impact the dirt road before it came to rest on it's left side in a southerly direction. An investigation determined that Barbree was unrestrained which resulted in him being ejected from the vehicle and sustaining blunt force head trauma. Barbree succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by Monterey County Sheriff's deputies. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the collision. The accident is under investigation. 

The King City CHP reports that a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian collision happened in a rural area of South San Benito County near 33655 Airline Highway at 2:24 pm on Sunday afternoon, October 20. The accident involved a silver truck which struck a pedestrian identified as 77-year-old Joseph Spencer of Paicines on private property. Upon the arrival from CAL FIRE it was determined that Spencer was dead. For undetermined reasons it appears that the vehicle hit Spencer, running over him and causing fatal injuries. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the collision.

  The Monterey California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal multi vehicle accident that happened on Highway 101 near Gloria Road outside of Gonzales at 11:45 am on Saturday, October 19. Both southbound lanes of Highway 101 at Gloria Road were shutdown while the CHP investigated. The collision involved 5 vehicles as a 16-year-old male from Salinas was driving a 2021 Chevrolet 2500 that was hauling a trailer southbound on Highway 101. The Chevrolet 2500 struck a Chevrolet Colorado in front of them which lost control and overturned. The driver of the Chevy Colorado was identified as a 49-year-old from Salinas and was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in that vehicle was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated for his injuries. The wreck caused a chain reaction causing 3 more cars to crash. Alcohol is not a suspected as a factor in the crash and no other injuries were reported. The 16-year-old driver of the Chevy 2500 was licensed as the acciden

  Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 18 that on Friday, October 4, 2024, a jury found 37-year-old Jorge Farias, a prisoner at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) and 43-year-old and Michael Bloom, a prisoner at SVSP guilty of 1st degree attempted murder on an inmate. Farias was found to have suffered two prior strike convictions under California’s Three Strikes Law in 2012 for attempted murder and voluntary manslaughter with a firearm. Bloom was found to have suffered multiple prior strike convictions under California’s Three Strikes Law in 2007 for two robberies and two assaults with a firearm. Judge Stephanie Hulsey presided over the 5 day trial. On December 10, 2018, during the Facility B breakfast at SVSP, Defendant Farias unexpectedly exited his prison cell against SVSP policy and ran directly into a neighboring cell. He was closely followed into the cell by Defendant Bloom. The defendants immediately began an attack on t

  SALINAS, CA — The last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, General Election is Monday, October 21, 2024.   Eligible citizens can register to vote: ·       Online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov by 11:59 p.m. on October 21, 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 October 21, 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 place.    For mor

  MONTEREY COUNTY – Travelers on US 101 in Greenfield will encounter daytime ramp closures, from Monday October 21 thru Friday October 25, as crews perform paving operations.   Travelers will encounter a closure of on and offramps from 8 am to 3:30 pm on the following schedule.       Monday Oct. 21 Closure of the Thorne Rd. onramp to southbound US 101       Tuesday Oct. 22 Closure of the Walnut Ave. offramp to southbound US 101       Wednesday Oct. 23 Closure of the Walnut Ave. onramp to southbound US 101       Thursday Oct. 24 Closure of the Oak Ave. offramp to southbound US 101       Friday Oct. 25 Closure of the Oak Ave. onramp to southbound US 101   Message and directional signs will alert travelers in advance of the closure. Only a single ramp will be closed at a time and travelers will be able to access US 101 using ramps to the immediate north or south.    Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Faceb

  SALINAS, California -- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 18 that 38-year-old Karen Rodriguez and 34-year-old Elizabeth Vargas both current residents of Arizona, have been charged with embezzling more than $3 million dollars from Taylor Farms. Rodriguez and Vargas were employed in the Human Resources department of Automated Harvesting, LLC, a subsidiary of Taylor Farms, between 2019-2023. During that time, Rodriguez and Vargas issued and cashed hundreds of fraudulent checks that were made out to former employees who had returned to Mexico and were no longer working for the company. Vargas is charged with 15 counts of Grand Theft by Embezzlement and Rodriguez is charged with 14 counts of Grand Theft by Embezzlement. Salinas Police Department Detectives Byron Gansen and Pete Gomez began an investigation after Taylor Farms discovered the theft in 2023. The District Attorney’s Office then continued the investigation with assistance from District At

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 17 that a jury convicted inmate Oussama Sahibi of attempted murder of a peace officer for stabbing a lieutenant at Salinas Valley State Prison. On April 11, 2023, around 8:30 pm, Sahibi went to a CDCR lieutenant’s office and asked him to reconsider a ruling earlier that morning punishing him for using a controlled substance in violation of prison rules. The lieutenant explained the formal process to appeal the ruling and told Sahibi to leave. When Sahibi turned his back, the lieutenant noticed he had one of his hands in his waistband. Believing Sahibi was reaching for a weapon, he pushed Sahibi from behind to create distance. Less than a second later, Sahibi turned on him with a nine-inch inmate manufactured dagger in his hand and stabbed the lieutenant in the ear, back, shoulder, and side. Moments later, other officers responded and restrained Sahibi. Sahibi was convicted of first-degree

  Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 17 that on Monday, October 14, 2024, a jury found 38-year-old Carlos Perdomo, a prisoner at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP), guilty of 1st degree attempted murder on a peace officer. Perdomo was also found guilty of assault by a life prisoner, 2nd degree attempted murder, and possession of a weapon. Perdomo was found to have suffered two prior strike convictions under California’s Three Strikes Law in 2007 for two First Degree Murders. Judge Stephanie Hulsey presided over the six-day trial. On June 25, 2022, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Officers attempted to conduct a routine search of Perdomo’s prison cell at SVSP. During their search and without warning, Perdomo pulled a nine-inch metal stabbing weapon from his waistband and attacked the officers, resulting in multiple, serious stab wound injuries to both officers’ heads, arms, and torsos. Both office

  PG&E is planning for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), due to wildfire risk in areas of Jolon, Lockwood, and Fort Hunter Liggett estimated to begin at 7 AM Friday, October 18 and end at 6 PM Saturday, October 19, 2024. PSPS hours may change based on fire risk.  Community Resource Centers (CRC) will open on days a PSPS occurs from 8 AM to 10 PM at:  King City at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division Street.  Lockwood at San Antonio Union Elementary School District, 67550 Lockwood/Jolon Road.   CRCs will include charging stations for wifi, electronic devices, and medical equipment and other services.   For PSPS outages and updates visit: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/psps-updates/  For PG&E CRC updates, locations and services visit: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/ways-we-can-help/?#crc-table 

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 15 the appointment of Matthew L’Heureux to the position of Assistant District Attorney. Matthew L’Heureux was raised in San Diego, California. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego. He attended law school at University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law) where he earned his Juris Doctor with a concentration in criminal law. L’Heureux has worked as a Deputy District Attorney with Monterey County since August of 2012. While he has held a variety of meaningful assignments over his 12 years with the office, his proudest achievement to date has been assisting with the creation and implementation of the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Task Force in 2020, which represents the most comprehensive effort of county law-enforcement agencies to collaboratively re-open

  In partnership with local County Farm Bureaus, American Farm Bureau has honored Congressman Jimmy Panetta as a Friend of the Farm Bureau for his support of Agriculture throughout the past 2 year legislative session.   The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is presented to legislators who have advocated for and protected the interest of Agriculture in their legislative work. While American Farm Bureau’s scoring rubric was much more limited due to a rather unproductive legislative session, Congressman Panetta has supported key priorities for farmers and ranchers throughout the past 2 years.   Presenting this award to Congressman Panetta were representatives from Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, all within the District that Congressman Panetta serves.   Congressman Panetta has been a leader on national farming issues, including the long-delayed Farm Bill. Efforts to secure relief programs during natural disasters, such as the flooding of 2023, as well as funding

  Bill Gittler who owned KRKC radio in King City for 39 years from 1982 until 2021 passed away on Friday afternoon, October 11, 2024 at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in Salinas at the age of 85. Bill Gittler was born in Brooklyn, New York in April of 1939, he graduated from the Ohio State University in Columbus in 1960, while his on-air career spanned stops in large markets that included Baltimore and Philadelphia. 

  Getting vaccinated is the single best step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.   The Monterey County Health Department is partnering with local organizations to provide no cost influenza “flu” vaccination clinics at community-based locations throughout the county again this year. Anyone 6 months of age and older is welcome to attend.   Flu may seem harmless; however, many individuals are at risk for serious complications if they get the flu. Seniors, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and young children can get very sick with flu -- sometimes even resulting in hospitalization or death. Everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated each fall against the flu.   Flu clinics are scheduled for the following dates, times, and places: Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Clinics are subject to weather cancellation and vaccine supply.       October 05th 11:00am-3:00pm Mee Memorial Hospital, Room 19, 300 Canal St,

  SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an incarcerated person on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At 10:45 a.m., officers were conducting security rounds and approached a cell occupied by 36-year-old Colin Hebert and 38-year-old Jessie Hernandez. The officer observed Hebert unresponsive in his cell, and immediately called for medical assistance. Life saving measures were initiated and Hebert was pronounced dead at 10:58 a.m. by an institution doctor. Hernandez has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. Officers recovered 1 inmate-manufactured weapon at the scene. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Hebert’s official cause of death. Hebert was most recently received from Riverside County on