KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, CA, March 31, 2025 – The California Rodeo Salinas is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the American West, with a special focus on engaging and educating young cowboys and cowgirls. One of the most beloved events, Mutton Busting, gives kids the thrilling opportunity to try their hand at sheep riding each July. Sponsored by Pacific Valley Bank, this exciting competition will take place during the following performances:     July 16th – Big Week Bull Riding Xtreme Bulls     July 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th – California Rodeo Salinas Children ages 4 to 7 who weigh 60 pounds or less on the day of their ride are eligible to compete. NEW THIS YEAR:     A champion will be crowned at each performance, with a daily buckle awarded to the child who rides the longest.     If selected, each contestant is responsible for purchasing tickets for themselves and their family members.  How to Enter:     Entry peri...

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an assault at the Monterey County Jail in Salinas that left one inmate dead. At approximately 6:08 AM on Sunday, March 30, 2025, deputies responded to a disturbance in one of the jail housing units. Upon entering the housing unit, deputies located a male inmate that had been assaulted by another male inmate. Deputies and jail medical staff immediately began administering emergency aid. The victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center for advanced medical care where he was later pronounced dead. Deputies were able to identify the suspect as 38-year-old Saul Roberto Espinoza of Palmdale, CA. Espinoza is currently in custody serving a sentence for Vehicle Theft with Priors, Providing False Information to a Peace Officer, and Possession of Stolen Property. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division is conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation of the victim’s death. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office req...

  The employees of Caltrans District 5 and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) are offering three $1,000 Scholarships to high school seniors. The scholarships are intended to recognize and assist students who are planning to pursue a transportation related career. The application and directions to apply can be found at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/district-5-popular-links/d5-scholarships Applications must be received at the District no later than May 15.

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 1 AT 11:30 a.m. at Cork & Plough Restaurant located at 200 Broadway in King City. The club will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary as members will recall and speak about joining the club, while members from other California Federation of Republican Women clubs will also attend. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenjleonhard@gmail.com

  Paso Robles, CA – March 27, 2025 — The California Mid-State Fair is proud to announce its nomination for “Fair/Rodeo of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. This esteemed recognition places the Fair among the top-tier live entertainment events in the nation and highlights its ongoing commitment to excellence in country music programming and community celebration. The nomination is a reflection of the Fair’s dedication to bringing world-class musical acts to the Central Coast, creating unforgettable fan experiences, and showcasing the spirit of the American West through its iconic rodeo events. Past performers have included chart-topping country acts like Luke Bryan and Eric Church, legendary icons like Garth Brooks, and rising stars—solidifying the Fair’s reputation as a must-visit summer destination for music lovers. This summer the Fair is hosting four country acts: Cody Johnson, Keith Urban, Jon Pardi and Bailey Zimmerman, plus the always-sold-out Country Ro...

  The County of Monterey is facing a projected $39.7 million deficit in the coming fiscal year due to a combination of factors, including rising labor and operational costs, ongoing impacts from multiple natural disasters, and the loss of one-time and federal funding. Fiscal forecasts also predict additional shortfalls in the next several years. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors (Board) held a Budget Workshop to delve into its current $2.25 billion fiscal plan, consider options to manage the anticipated shortfall along with listening to elected officials and department heads whose operations are impacted and requesting budget augmentations. The Budget Workshop is a key part of the overall county budget process. The direction given by the Board included identifying ways to retain filled positions and mitigating operational impacts. In preparation for the Budget Hearings on May 28 and May 29 (if needed), countywide finance staff will work with el...

  KING CITY – It’s getting to be that time of year again, Fair Time! The Salinas Valley Fair wants YOU to be an exhibitor at this year’s fair, May 15-18 in King City. Entries are open to residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Bentio & San Luis Obispo County. There are thousands of items the Fair wants you to show off – fresh flowers, potted plants, brownies and quilts, photographs, scrapbooks, birdhouses, and more. It’s not just for 4-H and FFA exhibitors. It’s for everyone. The more exhibits the better. So if you have an idea, enter it!    For entry information and how to enter go to www.SalinasValleyFair.com to enter your project or http://salina.fairwire.com  Remember, entries must be submitted online only.    All entries are due on or before Monday, April 1.     For more information about entering the Fair, call the Salinas Valley Fair Entry office at 831-385-3521 or email livestock@salinasvalleyfair.com  they can help you choose the ...

  It is with profound sadness that the King City Police Department shares the passing of one of their Police Department Family. Police Sergeant Ryan Kenedy passed away unexpectedly while on duty on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at approximately 12:45 am. Sergeant Kenedy experienced an apparent medical emergency that ultimately turned fatal. Sergeant Kenedy began his career with the King City Police Department in July of 2014, serving as a Patrol Officer. In April of 2020, Sergeant Kenedy was assigned as a detective to the South County Major Crimes Unit and later the King City Police Department Investigations Unit. Sergeant Kenedy was promoted to Police Sergeant in January of 2020, where he served until his tragic passing. Sergeant Kenedy was known to those around him as an intelligent and caring individual who showed the utmost care and humility to those he worked and served with. Sergeant Kenedy was also a loving and devoted husband and son and was universally loved by all he worked wi...

  King City, CA –The Salinas Valley Fair held the 2025 Miss Salinas Valley Fair competition on March 13 & 14 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds.  2 King City young ladies vied for the crown that were Miss Aaliyah Sarina and Miss Jordan Davis. These young ladies competed in Horsemanship, Scholastic, Poise & Appearance & Personality.   The Salinas Valley Fair is proud to announce the 2025 Miss Salinas Valley Fair is Miss Jordan Davis! Jordan Davis is 16 year old junior at King City High School who is the daughter of Greg Corrigan and Lisa Davis of Greenfield, and Allen and Natalie Davis of San Luis Obispo. Jordan Davis has 5 siblings: Kristyn, Kyle, Jacob, Jackson and Hunter. Pets in her life are plentiful: Dora the horse, Short Stack the horse, dogs include Tessie, Maggie, Millie and Axis. Bandit the cat and Whiskey the cat are included too, while she considers Arroyo Seco and King City her home. Davis' 4-H projects include market swine, canning, photography, ba...

  MARCH 18, 2025 SOLEDAD, CA – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating an alleged attempted homicide of a peace officer that occurred on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad. At 8:48 a.m., incarcerated person 43-year-old Anthony G. Ramirez allegedly retrieved an improvised weapon from his waistband and attempted to attack a custody staff member on a dayroom floor. Staff immediately responded, disarming Ramirez and placing him in handcuffs without incident.   Medical evaluations were performed on both the officer and Ramirez, noting no serious injuries.   Ramirez has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for possible felony prosecution. Peer support and Employee Assistance Program services are being offered to employees. The California Correctional Peace Officers Associatio...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 18 that on March 14, 2025, a jury found 37-year-old Tele Matangi of Pittsburg, guilty of multiple charges arising from a daylong crime spree in September of 2023. Matangi was convicted of carjacking, attempted carjacking, residential burglary, first-degree robbery, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, being a violent felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and hit and run. The jury also found true that Matangi personally used a firearm during the commission of many of these offenses. On March 18, 2025, Judge Jennifer O’Keefe ruled that Matangi had suffered 2 prior “strike” convictions within the meaning of California’s Three Strikes Law. On September 18, 2023, Matangi was driving in a Gonzales High School Parking lot when he crashed through a locked gate near the stadium, damaging it and he abandoned his vehicle near the are...

  SALINAS, CA March 17, 2025 – After a sold-out inaugural event in 2024, the California Rodeo Salinas is excited to bring back the Sweetheart Soiree Cowgirl Luncheon for its 2nd annual celebration on Friday, July 11, 2025. This highly anticipated event will take place from 11 AM to 3 PM on the lawn at the south end of the complex where the Rodeo’s Sponsorship VIP tent is located at the Salinas Sports Complex, offering a unique and lively gathering for cowgirls to celebrate friendship, fun, and the rodeo way of life. The Sweetheart Soiree is more than just a luncheon—it’s a celebration of the strength, charm, and fearless spirit of cowgirls. Guests will enjoy mimosas, music, and a lively atmosphere, making for an unforgettable afternoon. The event is presented by Kaiser Permanente. With the 2024 event selling out quickly, organizers anticipate high demand for tickets. This year, 300 seats are available, priced at $100 per person. For those looking to make an even bigger impact, dono...

  According to the Monterey CHP, a fatal 3 vehicle accident happened outside of Soledad on Sunday night, March 16 that resulted in the death of 1 person. The fatal wreck occurred at around 7:44 p.m. on Highway 101 southbound north of Front Street. A Subaru Impreza involved in the collision had 3 adult males from Salinas inside it as the driver and front passenger were ejected from the vehicle. The Monterey Country Sheriff's Office identified the 25-year-old driver as Uriel Morales who was tragically killed in the crash from that vehicle, while the front passenger suffered major injuries and a rear passenger suffered minor injuries. The second vehicle involved was a black Audi SUV that had adults in the driver and front passenger seats and 2 children in the rear passenger seats who all suffered minor injuries. The third vehicle involved had 2 people inside of it and only the driver sustained minor injuries. The Monterey CHP states that nobody has been arrested for driving under the ...

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is thrilled to announce that country music star and proud California native Jon Pardi will perform on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The show will begin at 7:30 PM in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series. An opening act will be announced at a later date. Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM on the Fair’s official website, www.MidStateFair.com. The ticket prices are $57, $82, $127 and $167 (pit). New this year: The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster! Fans can now use their Ticketmaster accounts to purchase tickets. Visit www.MidStateFair.com, click “Buy Tickets,” and you will be directed to the purchasing page! Ticket Tips: Arrive 10 minutes early and complete these steps before the sale begins: • Sign in to your account in advance to speed up your purchase later. • Check that your payment info is current f...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development Department, County Counsel, County Administrative Office, and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office are alerting the public to a fraudulent scheme in which fake invoices, falsely appearing to be from the County, have been sent to individuals and businesses involved in projects pending before the County’s Planning Commission. These fraudulent invoices request payments exceeding $14,000 and have been reported by at least three recipients, including a local school. A recent case involved an invoice sent to All Saints Day School, fraudulently requesting over $14,000 in permitting fees for a project scheduled to go before the County’s Planning Commission. The invoice falsely appeared to have originated from the County and included the name of a county official, but the County did not issue it. The school’s Chief Financial Officer identified and flagged the suspicious invoice before payment was made. However,...

  SALINAS, CA March 11, 2025 – The Monster Truck Throwdown is set to shake up the Salinas Sports Complex on Sunday, June 1st, bringing high-flying, car-crushing action to the Central Coast. There will be a bigger, more challenging track than in previous years. Tickets go on sale to the public on March 18th at 10 AM, exclusively at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2025/monster-truck-throwdown. The event is presented by Gold Star GMC.   TICKET INFORMATION:     Box Seats (Ages 2+) – $45     West Grandstand – Adult & ADA (Ages 13+) – $32     Kids (Ages 2-12, except box seats) – $15     Pre-Party Pass – $10 (Must be purchased separately and must accompany an event ticket)       Gates will open at 10:30 AM, with the show kicking off at 2 PM. Fans can get up close to the massive trucks and meet the drivers during the Pre-Party from 11 AM to 1 PM (separate ticket required; must accompany an event ticket). “We’re thrilled to brin...

  Do you know a child who loves animals?  It’s time to register for SPCA Animal Camp!  SPCA Animal Camp is all about kindness, compassion, and empowering children to make a difference for the pets and wildlife that enrich our lives. Camps take place at the beautiful SPCA Monterey County campus in our newly renovated Claire Jacobson Learning Center.  Register now by going onlint to www.spcamc.org/camp  New This Year: SPCA Monterey County is offering scholarships to children who would otherwise be unable to attend Animal Camp. We are offering a selection of free camp registrations this summer, thanks to the generous support of our donors. These spots will be drawn in a lottery system after camp registration is finalized for the season. Scholarships will pay for camp registration in full and they cannot refund a camp that has already been registered for. Apply online at www.spcamc.org/camp-scholarship.  Our popular camps offer a unique mix of fun, exciting, an...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 7 that Monterey County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Hulsey sentenced 41-year-old Tyrone Owens, an inmate housed at the Salinas Valley State Prison, to a total term of 25 years to life in prison for a sexual assault that occurred on prison grounds. Owens was sentenced as a third “strike” offender pursuant to the California Three Strikes Law. On March 23, 2023, Owens was walking in the Facility D yard at Salinas Valley State Prison when he approached a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Jane Doe, asking for “help”. Jane Doe proceeded to instruct him on how to get help, Owens then told her he needed “sexual help”, ran after her, grabbed her, and tried to put his hand down her pants while, Jane Doe eventually broke free from Owen’s grasp and Correctional Officers arrived on the scene to assist. The entire incident was recorded on surveillance video. At the time of the incident, Owens was serving ...

King City, CA — Sol Treasures, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of South Monterey County, has accepted the resignation of its long-serving Executive Director, Jeff Hinderscheid. After years of leading Sol Treasures programs with his trademark ebullience, Hinderscheid plans to pursue an exciting new venture in the form of Center Stage Theatrical Productions, his new theater company. “Jeff has devoted years to Sol Treasures, first as a board member and then as our Executive Director. We are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished during his tenure with us,” said Sol Treasures Board President Jessica Riley. “Jeff's passion and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant arts community here, and we wish him success on this exciting new project. We plan to collaborate with his new business on Sol Treasures theater programming.” The change in leadership will have no impact on Something Rotten!, the Sol Treasures musical produc...

  Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 4 that on February 28, 2025, 45-year-old Jose Anguiano of Greenfield was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in the California Department of Corrections. Judge Andrew G. Liu sentenced Anguiano for 2 years and 8 months for assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury and vandalism. Judge Liu also sentenced Anguiano to an additional 8 months in prison for violating his probation on a prior vandalism case. On December 3, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a vandalism at an apartment complex. The reporting party explained that her ex-boyfriend, Anguiano, broke her car windows. 2 other vehicles were found damaged as well. A witness stated that she saw Anguiano break the vehicles’ windows with a rock. For this conduct, Anguiano was convicted of vandalism and placed on probation. On December 7, 2024, at approximately 1:15 p.m., a CHP officer was o...

  SALINAS, CA, March 3, 2025 – The California Rodeo Salinas is kicking off their annual festivities a bit earlier than usual with Blake Shelton, one of country music’s biggest stars, headlining the 2025 Big Week Kick Off Concert on Friday, June 27. Known for his chart-topping hits, larger-than-life personality, and role as a longtime coach on The Voice, Shelton has captivated fans worldwide with his dynamic performances and undeniable talent. With 29 #1 singles, 52 million singles and 13 million albums sold and nearly 11 billion Global Streams, Shelton has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, ten CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice, among many others. He is currently climbing the country charts with his new single “Texas.”  Gates will open at 5pm on June 27 and opening acts include Cameron Whitcomb and Red Shahan. The concert is presented by Taylor Farms and produced by California Rodeo Salinas and David Drew Productions, with support from media partners...

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce that country music superstar Keith Urban will perform on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Keith’s “HIGH & ALIVE WORLD TOUR” will feature special guests Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins. 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. Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM on the Fair’s official website, www.MidStateFair.com. The ticket prices are $65, $95, $120 and $160. New this year: The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster. Fans can now use their Ticketmaster accounts to purchase tickets. Visit www.MidStateFair.com, click “Buy Tickets,” and you will be directed to the purchasing page! Ticket Tips: Arrive 10 minutes early and complete these steps before the sale begins: • Sign in to your account in advance to speed up your purch...

  Paso Robles, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is now accepting online applications for the 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant. Eligible contestants must be between the ages of 18- 24 on the opening day of the Fair (Wednesday, July 16, 2025) or a graduating senior. Applicants must also be current residents of San Luis Obispo County (ID/Driver’s License required for verification) and have never been married. Contestants will compete in five categories: Interview, Fair/Pageant Proposal, Talent, Evening Gown, and Final Question. Those selected as Queen or Princess must attend every day of the 2025 Fair, participating in various public events such as introducing performers, meeting dignitaries, and engaging with fairgoers. Each contestant will receive special gifts, with top winners earning scholarship prizes: the Queen will receive a $2,500 cash award, the 1st Runner-Up Princess will receive $1,000, and the 2nd Runner-Up Princess will be awarded $500. Additiona...

  A 1 vehicle accident happened on Highway 101 Northbound and near the Front Street Off ramp in the Soledad area at 11:59 am on Sunday, March 2. Injuries were reported from the crash. 

  The King City Police Department reports that on Friday night, February 28, 2025 at approximately 9:30 PM,  a 17 year old male juvenile was riding his bicycle north on Third Street in King City when he was approached by 4-5 assailants unknown to him who had handguns and shot the victim numerous times.  The subjects then fled on foot northbound.      King City Police Officers were dispatched to the reported shooting and upon arrival the victim was conscious and alert and provided a brief statement to officers while medical aid was rendered.  The victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas by ambulance where he unfortunately succumbed to the gunshot wounds.       During the investigation, concerned residents contacted police with a report of suspicious people jumping into backyards. King City Police Officers responded, along with Officers from the Greenfield PD, the Soledad PD and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Depar...