KRKC COUNTRY

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce the 2025 lineup for the Mission Square Stage, featuring a full slate of live music performances each night of the Fair. All shows are free with paid admission and begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted. The Mission Square Stage is the perfect place to catch your favorite local and regional acts before the headliners hit the main stage! Sponsored by The Tire Store. 7/16/25 – Carbon City Lights This indie rock band from San Luis Obispo brings a high-energy mix of modern rock, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy melodies. 7/17/25 – Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band A local legend and Fair favorite, Monte Mills brings classic country and honky-tonk to life with a toe-tapping, family-friendly set. 7/18/25 – Northfork Delivering country rock originals and hits with rich harmonies and dynamic guitar work, Northfork brings the perfect soundtrack for a Friday night.  7/19/25 – Rock Odyssey This rock 'n' roll ...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on May 29, 2025, that the Honorable Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced 37-year-old Tele Matangi of Pittsburg, to 150 years to life after he had been found guilty by a jury of multiple charges arising from a daylong crime spree in September 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 O’Keefe ruled that Matangi had suffered two prior “strike” convictions within the meaning of California’s Three Strikes Law. On September 18, 2023, Matangi drove in the Gonzales High Parking lot when he crashed through a locked gate near the stadium, damag...

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated awarded the "Old Glory" certificate to La Plaza Bakery in King City on Wednesday, May 28. The award is given to a local business that displays the American Flag. Photos L-R-Guadalupe Lucas, Perla Bravo and Kathy Imamura-Caring For America Chair

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 11:30 a.m. at  the Wildhorse Café located off of Highway 101 and Wildhorse Road in King City. The guest speaker will be Junior Nuno, CEO of Nuno Iron and who formerly worked in Special Operations Training and Combat Operations in the U. S. Army. Nuno will talk about the troops serving overseas. Members and guests are asked to bring items to be sent to the troops. The club has partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort and a list of desired items can be found at www.occ-usa.org.   Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenjleonhard@gmail.com

  Salinas, CA – May 29, 2025 – Have you ever dreamed of singing the National Anthem in front of thousands of fans at one of the top rodeos in the country? The California Rodeo Salinas is looking for talented individuals to perform this patriotic tribute during its marquee events this July. Singers are needed for the Big Week Bull Riding presented by Salinas Valley Ford on Wednesday, July 16, and for each performance of the California Rodeo Salinas from Thursday, July 17 through Sunday, July 20. How to apply:    1. Complete the online application by Saturday, June 15 at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2025/national-anthem.    2. Include a link to your National Anthem performance (e.g., YouTube).    3. Wait for confirmation—selected performers will be notified after July 1st. “The National Anthem is an important and emotional moment at each performance,” said Peter Pedrazzi, Chairman of the California Rodeo’s Music Committee. “We look forward to discoveri...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has experienced a cybersecurity incident and is warning the public not to click on any links or provide any personal information on emails that come from Sheriff Tina Nieto with the subject line “You've a confidential document securely delivered by NietoTM@countyofmonterey.gov. The MCSO’s office detected the unauthorized activity on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 10:53 am. The emails contain a link and ask for email passwords. This was not an authentic email from Sheriff Tina Nieto and appears to have been designed to harvest your account credentials. This email was sent to several thousand recipients. Please do not click on any of those emails. If you received this email and clicked on the link, please contact your Information Technology team (IT) at work and immediately conduct a formal change of your email password. If it went to your personal email address, please change your password on your own. Thanks to safety measures that are in plac...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on May 23 that on May 20, 2025 37-year-old Jesus Tejeda of Gonzales, was sentenced to 38 years and 8 months in prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter with the personal use a firearm, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon in furtherance of a gang, which arose from three separate incidents in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. On December 13, 2021, Christopher Connor was shot in the side of his head while driving his vehicle at the intersection of Nacional Court and Clark Street in Salinas. The vehicle then crashed into a wall of the apartment complex at the intersection. The shooter left the passenger seat of the vehicle, got into a vehicle that was following them, and fled the scene. After months of investigation, Tejeda was identified as the shooter, but no motive for the shooting was ever revealed. On January 5, 2022, before he was identified in the fatal shooti...

  SACRAMENTO — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges drivers and passengers to prioritize safety by buckling up before each trip. The CHP will begin its annual statewide Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) on Friday, May 23, at 6:01 p.m. and continue through Monday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m. To help maintain safety on California’s roadways, CHP officers will be vigilant for impaired and reckless drivers and motorists who fail to buckle up. “Our top priority is keeping the public safe, not just during the holidays but daily,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Our officers will be out in force to help everyone arrive at their destination safely.” In addition to CHP officers driving traditional black-and-white patrol vehicles, motorists are reminded that they may encounter the CHP’s new generation of...

  Monterey County, CA — Fraud affects everyone—whether it’s higher insurance rates, lost wages, or even threats to your home. That’s why the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has formed specialized teams focused on fighting fraud and protecting local residents from financial harm. These dedicated units target some of the most common—and costly—types of fraud that hit close to home: auto insurance scams, fake healthcare and disability claims, workers’ compensation fraud, and real estate scams. Protecting Workers and Businesses The Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit investigates people who try to cheat the system, including dishonest doctors, lawyers, employers, and applicants. These scams drive up costs for employers and take resources away from honest workers. A prosecutor and two investigators work full-time to stop this type of fraud and hold offenders accountable. Fighting Healthcare and Disability Scams Fraudulent disability claims and dishonest billing from medical prov...

  The King City Tennis Courts are now closed for renovation work. Resurfacing of the courts located adjacent to the King City Golf Course began during the week of May 18, 2025 and is anticipated to be completed within 3 weeks. The work will include resurfacing of all the courts, while 1 court will be converted into 4 new pickleball courts. A separate project to add a pedestrian access ramp to the facility will be added later in association with improvements to the King City Golf Course. The project is being funded by a State grant made possible by State Senator Anna Caballero. The grant will also fund other improvements to the King City Pools and the City Park.   Anyone with questions may contact the King City Recreation Office at 831-385-6748.

  Steve Adams, the City Manager of King City announced on May 19 the appointment of Robert Masterson as the City’s next Chief of Police effective on June 27. Masterson will replace Police Chief James Hunt, who recently announced that he will be retiring on June 26.    According to City Manager Adams, “I believe Bob Masterson is uniquely and highly qualified to lead our Police Department in the future to continue the great progress we’ve made in establishing a model police department and safer community.  We are fortunate to have someone with Captain Masterson’s experience, expertise, proven leadership and high ethical standards to step in upon Chief Hunt’s departure”.  City Manager Adams added, “Chief Hunt has been an amazing Chief and I would like to express my appreciation for his tremendous service to King City.”   Masterson has an extensive career in law enforcement, including 20 years with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Director of Reaching Yo...

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair announced on May 19 that rising country-rock powerhouse The Red Clay Strays will perform on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM. 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 highly anticipated show will go on sale Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM exclusively on the Fair’s official website, www.MidStateFair.com. Ticket prices are $65, $75, $95, $120, and $150 (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’ll be directed to the purchasing page! Ticket Tips: • Sign in to your Ticketmaster account early to speed up your purchase. • Make sure your payment information is current. • Check ticket limits under “More Info” on the event page. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, ...

  SACRAMENTO— It is a significant moment for California’s Coastal Commission.    Its mission, to protect and enhance the state’s 840 miles of glorious coastline, is as critical today as when voters established the agency more than half a century ago.    California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a lifelong resident of the Central Coast, understands the Commission’s important role in our sustainable future: The need for vibrant, accessible coastal communities that welcome and include all Californians, and the call to preserve the integrity of our coastal landscapes.    The Speaker, who represents coastal residents across four counties, believes it is essential for all coastal Californians — especially farm and agricultural workers who live, work and recreate along the coast — to have a seat at the table when deciding its future.   On Friday, May 16 Speaker Rivas announced the appointment of District 3 Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez to ...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on May 15 that on May 13, 2025, a jury found 37-year-old Armando Rodriguez Garcia guilty of willful, deliberate, and premediated attempted murder of a peace officer, 7 counts of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, 3 counts of armed robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The jury also found true that Rodriguez Garcia personally used and discharged a firearm during the commission of many of these offenses. On June 4, 2024, Rodriguez Garcia approached 3 men who were walking over a bridge in King City, pointed his semiautomatic firearm at them, and demanded their phones and wallets, which they surrendered. Rodriguez Garcia then ran and entered the passenger seat of a black Mazda, which was being driven by his female friend. The 3 victims then ran back to their residence and used a friend’s phone to report the armed robbe...

  According to the Greenfield Police Department 38-year-old Heberth Reyes of Lockwood, was arrested on Friday night, May 9 on multiple counts of child molestation spanning over 5 years. This investigation was conducted collaboratively with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and involved 2 juveniles; 1 in Greenfield and the other in Lockwood. Reyes has been taken into custody, but the Greenfield PD believes that there may be more victims. If you or someone you know has had inappropriate contact with Reyes, please come forward. You can report your concerns anonymously by contacting Detective Scariot at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office by sending an email to scariotc@co.monterey.ca.us, or by contacting Detective Lerma with the Greenfield Police Department by email at alerma@ci.greenfield.ca.us If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, please remember: You are not alone. Reporting abuse is a crucial step toward healing and justice. Your courage can help protect others from harm.

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be collecting items to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas on Tuesday, June 3. If you would like to participate in this ongoing project, please drop off items for the troops at the King City Rustler Newspaper office from 10am-4pm located at 522-B Broadway in King City or the King City Library located at 402 Broadway. Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. Go to www.occ-usa.org to find a "wish list" of requested items and more information about Operation: Care and Comfort. A list of desired items for the troop boxes is also available at the Rustler office or the Library. Money donations can be cash, check or money order made payable to Operation: Care and Comfort. For more information on this outreach project, call Kathy Imamura at (408) 802-4437.

  WASHINGTON, DC –  On Wednesday, May 7 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and Adam Gray (D-CA-13) reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 3227, which creates a workforce solution for America's agriculture industry, one of the most critical sectors of the national economy.   The bill, which passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses, and introduced in the 118th Congress, updates the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and is a compromise solution that provides needed stability for farms and farmworkers.   “The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The F...

  City of King City Manager Steve Adams has announced his plans to retire effective near the end of the calendar year. Adams will have served as the King City City Manager for 10 years and in various city management and administration positions for 43 years. City Manager Adams stated, “thank you so much to the City Council, staff and community for your tremendous support and partnership in our efforts to improve the quality of life in the community during the time I have worked here – it has been a great team effort.”   The King City City Council will consider the process for recruiting applicants and selecting the next City Manager at their Tuesday night, May 27 meeting. City Manager Adams has committed to continuing his service to the City of King until the new appointment is on board to facilitate a smooth transition, which is projected to be in early January of 2026.  

  SPCA Monterey County has space available for cats in our upcoming free spay/neuter clinics in South Monterey County. These free clinics for South County residents are sponsored by their friends at Hitchcock Road Animal Services and staffed by SPCA Monterey County’s veterinary team. Their upcoming free surgeries in South Monterey County include:     Wednesday, May 7: Soledad - Soledad Lions Club, 161 Park St.     Wednesday, May 21: King City - King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St. This is in addition to our low-cost Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA, available by appointment Monday through Friday every week, which spays and neuters over 8,000 animals every year and offers free feral cat surgeries year-round.  These free mobile clinics have spots left for feral and friendly cats located in South Monterey County, from Chualar south to the county lines (all dog appointments are currently full). As always, our affordable Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA remai...

  The last day of the backyard burn season was Wednesday, April 30, 2025, for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.    From May 1 until November 30, backyard burning of residential yard trimmings is prohibited. Fires to dispose of dry vegetation cleared before a construction project are also banned.   These types of fires are prohibited during the summer and fall because of increased air pollution and fire danger during these months. Burning vegetation emits carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons into the air.  During warmer weather conditions, some of these pollutants combine and react to form ozone and smog.  Exposure to air pollution can cause health effects ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat to respiratory disease. These exposures can also aggravate existing health conditions such as asthma and emphysema.   The backyard burn season restriction does not prohibit agricultural burning, includ...

 A multi-agency enforcement effort to combat the growing trend of dangerous sideshows took place on Friday, May 2 in the City of Salinas. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Salinas Police Department, Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and Monterey Area California Highway Patrol have been working together to combine resources with a focus on reducing sideshow activity. All agencies involved brought together about 40 sworn personnel, including CHP Coastal Division’s Air Operations, to respond to a large gathering at a parking facility on East Boronda Road. At one point, over 100 cars were present to participate and spectate at the sideshow. • 80 citations were issued, with approximately 65 of those for misdemeanor violations. • 4 vehicles were towed in connection with those violations. • 6 vehicles were referred to the State Referee for illegal modifications. • Further investigation is underway in connection with violations that occurred. Participating in a sideshow can re...

Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related death among children 14 years of age and younger in the United States. The County of Monterey Health Department’s Public Health Bureau urges parents and caregivers to learn about the dangers of leaving children alone in closed cars and to help spread the word that Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.   Hot cars are deadly. Internal vehicle temperatures rise quickly and can be up to 50 degrees warmer than outside air temperatures. Because a child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, being inside a closed car on a cool day may still pose a threat to a child. Since 1998, when safety advocates first began tracking vehicular heatstroke data, Vehicle heatstroke has killed more than 1,011 children nationwide, with 39 of these deaths occurring in 2024. On average, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days in the U.S. from being left in a car or crawling into an unlocked vehicle. Tragica...

  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: www.spcamc.org/camp  Our popular camps offer a unique mix of fun, exciting, and educational experiences.  Activities include lessons in animal safety and handling, hikes on the SPCA grounds, and animal activities. We’ll make toys and treats for pets, meet rescued wildlife, visit with rescued horses and barn pets, play animal trivia games, make pet-related crafts, and lots more. SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have ...

  SALINAS, CA, May 1, 2025 – Salinas, CA – Get ready to grab your seats! Tickets for the 115th California Rodeo Salinas (July 17–20, 2025) and Big Week Bull Riding presented by Salinas Valley Ford (July 16, 2025) go on sale soon at www.CARodeo.com. This year, tickets will be released on different dates. Important Ticket On-Sale Dates (Online Only):     May 7 @ 10 AM – Combo Ticket: Big Week Bull Riding July 16 + Coors Banquet Bull Xing (must be 21+)     May 8 @ 10 AM – Big Week Bull Riding     May 14 @ 10 AM – Combo Ticket: Friday Rodeo July 18 + Coors Banquet Bull Xing (must be 21+)     May 15 @ 10 AM – California Rodeo Salinas Tickets (also available in person) Ticket Office Walk-Up Hours: The California Rodeo Ticket Office will be open May 15–July 20, Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and select weekends. Big Week Bull Riding – Wednesday, July 16 @ 7 PM Gates open at 5 PM for this stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Xtreme Bu...