KRKC COUNTRY

  The public is invited to join Monterey County District 4 Supervisor Wendy Root Askew and County Chief of Parks Bryan Flores for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebration for the Travel Camp restroom, taking place during the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association’s “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.” Details: October 4, 2025 11:00 am Fort Ord Day Camp Cycling Area 15301 Watkins Gate Road East Garrison (map attached) Why is this a big deal? Here is some background. The former Fort Ord Travel Camp was not always a County open space area where biking and running events took place. For many decades during base operation, it was a location that military families could meet up and camp at, enjoy fishing a numerous ponds stocked with bass and bluegill and take part in many outdoor activities with their enlisted family members. Following the base closure in 1994, the parcel sat unused for many years until the County accepted ownership of the property in 2012. Since that time, the open space has ...

  SAN JOSE, CA – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced on September 30 that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley (PBP) a $600,000 grant through the Justice for Families Program. With this grant, PBP will  provide legal advocacy and consultation to survivors with cases on the domestic violence calendar at Santa Clara County courts. PBP will also provide outreach to local libraries and rural community centers and translation and interpretation services for advocacy  or legal services clients across Santa Clara County.    “I proudly voted in favor of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, because it’s essential that survivors of domestic violence receive the support they need when navigating the challenges of the legal system. This grant will go a long way in helping  those survivors, and I commend Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley for the work they’re doing every day to deliver j...

  WATSONVILLE, CA – On Monday, September 29 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers awarded Granite Construction Company a $39,330,400 firm-fixed-price contract for levee and floodwall construction. This work will be performed along the Pajaro River in Watsonville, California.   “The residents and businesses in Watsonville and along the Pajaro River have been waiting far too long for necessary flood protection. This levee and floodwall construction will help save lives and property, and we are encouraged to see that this critical project is moving forward,” said Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Jimmy Panetta.   In early 2023, atmospheric river storms along California’s Central Coast devastated communities, including Watsonville and Pajaro. The Pajaro River levee breech caused severe flooding, displacing families, damaging over 200 homes, and causing at least 20 casualties.   This funding was authorized by...

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding their monthly Luncheon and meeting on Tuesday, October 7 in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City as Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for Governor will be the guest speaker. The doors will open at 11 am, while lunch will be served at 11:30 am. Reservations are required for this meeting. To make a reservation and for more information call 831-385-1333 or send an email to karenjleonhard@gmail.com 

  The City of King recently selected “Railroad Park” as the name for the new Nino Homes Southeast Community Park located on the corner of Livingstone Avenue and Ermosa Way. The new 17-acre park will include a youth softball park, basketball courts, playground, picnic area, volleyball court and walking path with green space. Local resident Alexander Quiroz’ entry was chosen over 100 submissions and Quiroz said he chose the name because of the park’s proximity to the railroad tracks and King City’s history that’s tied to the Southern Pacific Railroad.   Also incorporated into the new park will be a memorial to King City Police Department’s Sgt. Ryan Kenedy, who passed away while on duty on March 25, 2025.  The final selection was made by the King City Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council at their September 23, 2025 meeting.  The park will be completed in 2026. For more information or any questions, please contact the Recreation Office at (831) 385-6748....

  The County of Monterey’s Greenfield Branch Library, which is getting a new roof, will remain closed until October 10.   There are still service options for local patrons: • The Bookmobile will make visits to Hicks Park, adjacent to the Greenfield branch during the closure. Please see the online calendar of events at www.eMCFL.org for the schedule or call the Soledad Branch Library at 831-386-6890. • Print/Scan/Copy services are available through the Bookmobile stop at Hicks Park, or at any other branch of Monterey County Free Libraries • Wireless internet will remain active around the branch, from 7:00 am –7:00 pm • The Greenfield phone line will be forwarded to Soledad Library, staff can assist. • If you want to put an item on hold, we can route your request to any other branch, Bookmobile stop, or to the free Library By Mail service.   A reminder - no items can be returned at the branch during the closure. Items can be returned to any other branch or at a Bookmobile s...

Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on September 24 that SoCali Manufacturing, Inc., maker of CANN, a cannabis beverage company, will pay $115,000 to settle a consumer protection case. The settlement was negotiated by the District Attorneys of Alameda, Orange, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, and Sonoma Counties, which comprise a task force that aims to protect consumers by holding businesses accountable for false and misleading advertising related to food, drugs, and medical devices. The civil complaint, filed in Monterey County Superior Court, alleged that SoCali Manufacturing, Inc. (“SoCali”) maker of CANN, a cannabis infused beverage, falsely advertised the amount of THC or CBD claimed on the label. CANN products typically advertise that they contain 2 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBD. But testing of these beverages purchased at dispensaries from across California revealed that they routinely c...

  After 56 years of broadcasting on the air, KION-TV shutdown its local news operations on Tuesday morning, September 23. KION-TV, which airs on channel 46 and is owned by News-Press & Gazette was purchased by NPG in December of 2013. Telemundo 23 who also shares a newsroom with KION was also impacted by this closure as there is no plan for a Spanish newscast on the Central Coast. KION will simulcast local news from KPIX (Channel 5) in the Bay Area, which has committed to producing localized weather reports for Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz and many of the surrounding areas. Bay Area KPIX News aired a CBS newscast on Tuesday night, September 23 during their 5 p.m. broadcast. News-Press & Gazette owns 10 stations across the country, with 3 other stations covering the state of California. The layoffs are expected to affect over 20 employees. 

  With high temperatures expected during the week of September 21 in Monterey County, SPCA Monterey County reminds pet owners that hot weather can quickly become dangerous for animals. What feels hot to you is also hot for your pet. Keep pets safe by following these tips: Keep pets indoors whenever possible. If they must be outside, provide shade and plenty of fresh water. Never leave children or pets in parked cars. On a warm day, the inside of a vehicle can reach 120° in just minutes even with windows cracked, causing brain damage or death. Remember: shady spots can quickly become sunny and dangerous as the day changes. Protect paws: pavement and asphalt can become scorching hot and burn your pet’s feet. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Watch for signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination, or collapse. Move pets to a cool area right away and seek emergency veterinary care. California law (Penal Code 597.7) p...

  Salinas, CA - The County of Monterey Health Department’s Public Health Bureau is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.   During Child Passenger Safety Week, County of Monterey Health Department’s Public Health Bureau encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 21-27.   “Every child deserves to travel safely,” Monterey County Car Seat Program Specialist Monica Corral said. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we encourage all parents and caregivers to make sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.” ...

  Salinas, CA – September 19, 2025 – The California Rodeo Salinas announced on September 19, 2025, that it has distributed $854,035.20 to non-profits, Western heritage organizations, and community groups across the region. These funds, which increased by 7% over 2024, reflect the Rodeo’s ongoing commitment to giving back and ensuring that local programs and services continue to thrive. This year’s total was made possible through the collective efforts of volunteers and partner groups who operated parking lots, concessions, ushering, and other essential services at events hosted by the California Rodeo Association between October 2024 and September 2025. Additional support came from discounted facility rentals, complimentary tickets for charitable initiatives, expanded scholarship programs, and contributions to VetTix. Recipients include a diverse range of organizations such as Aerial Theatrical, California High School Rodeo District 4, the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley, Hope...

  Soledad, CA – The City of Soledad is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the Recycled Water Conveyance Project! Residents, staff, and media are encouraged to attend this event to learn about the project, meet the project team, and connect with those responsible for putting Soledad on the map as the first city in the tri-county area to use recycled water at City Parks and Schools. This project has been in the works for the past twenty years, and it’s finally here! Please join the City of Soledad at Veteran’s Park, located at the corner of San Vicente Road and Gabilan Drive, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025. With the support of a $16.66 million state grant funded under the Budget Act of 2021 and administered by the Urban Community Drought Relief Program of the Department of Water Resources, the City is moving forward with a citywide recycled water distribution system that will save millions of gallons of drinking water each year while ensuring sustain...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on September 18  that a jury found 34-year-old David Fernando Hernandez of Soledad, guilty of felony resisting an officer with force or violence, misdemeanor driving under the influence of a drug, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor battery against a peace officer. Hernandez admitted that he has suffered a prior “strike” conviction within the meaning of California’s Three Strikes Law. On March 22, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., Hernandez was parked on a US-101 offramp near Camphora and Gloria Road in Soledad. Hernandez was parked the wrong way, facing oncoming traffic. Officer Jonathan Delgadillo with California Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Hernandez. Officer Delgadillo noticed that Hernandez was sweating profusely and not making much sense when he spoke to Officer Delgadillo. Officer Delgadillo sus...

  Monterey County, Calif. – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.   According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 24 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.   “Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives,"   TAMC’s Executive Director, Todd Muck said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and...

  Temperatures in Monterey County are expected to be very hot on Wednesday, September 17 and during the week of September 21.  SPCA Monterey County advises pet owners that high temperatures can be dangerous for pets. What is hot for you is also hot for your pet. Pets should be kept indoors or be provided with ample shaded areas.  Fresh water must be available at all times.    Children and pets should not be left unattended in enclosed vehicles.  On a warm day, a parked car’s interior can reach over 120 degrees in less than five minutes, even with the windows partially open, causing brain damage or death.   It is important to keep in mind that conditions in our area change constantly. A shady spot on a foggy day can quickly transition to direct, hot sunlight.  California Penal Code section 597.7 prohibits leaving an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under “circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disa...

  Soledad, CA – The City of Soledad Police Department will host a solemn POW/MIA Flag Ceremony to honor and remember the courageous U.S. service members who were captured or remain unaccounted for on Friday, September 19 starting at 8 am at the Soledad City Hall Flagpole located at 248 Main Street in Soledad. This ceremony is more than a tradition; it is a living promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their families are never alone in their vigil. Set against the backdrop of Soledad’s City Hall, the gathering will serve as a moment of unity and reflection. Residents, veterans, and community partners are invited to stand together in gratitude and remembrance, reinforcing the city’s enduring commitment to those who served and sacrificed for freedom. Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela shared, “ This ceremony is a reminder of our unwavering respect for the men and women who defended our nation and never returned home. Their courage inspires us to cherish the...

  SPCA Monterey County advises drivers to use extreme caution when driving to avoid hitting deer on area roadways this time of year. Fall is deer mating season on the central coast and deer are significantly more likely to be on the move near and across roadways.   The SPCA advises:     Be particularly careful at dawn and dusk when driving, especially where visibility is limited.  Use of high beams when appropriate can provide a greater area of visibility.     Slow down and use extreme caution when approaching a deer standing near the side of a road.  Be prepared for the deer to enter the roadway in front of the vehicle.  If necessary, honk your horn and flash your lights to try to scare the deer off of the roadway.     Be alert for more deer than you may see at that moment.  Where there’s one deer, there are almost always more nearby.     Use extra caution in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.  The...

  The Greenfield Branch Library, located at 315 El Camino Real, will close on Monday, September 8, 2025, as work begins on a new roof on the facility. The closure will last for one week, until September 15, while additional full or partial closure dates are likely for safety as repair work continues through the end of October. The community will be updated on additional impacts to services. The library branch building has a traditional tile roof, which will be preserved. Tiles will be re- used as repairs are being done underneath to stop leaks and preserve this community hub. During the closure, here is important information for library users: • No items can be returned at the branch during the closure. Items can be returned to any other branch or at a Bookmobile stop. • Wireless internet will remain active around the branch, on 7:00 am –7:00 pm • The Greenfield phone line will be forwarded to Soledad Library, staff can assist. • If you want to put an item on hold, they can route y...

  King City, CA-September 4 2025—Mee Memorial Healthcare System is proud to unveil California’s first Fuji full-body X-ray and fluoroscopy imaging system, bringing cutting-edge technology to the region. As the only hospital in South Monterey County, Mee Memorial is a lifeline for residents—often serving as the first and only line of defense in medical emergencies. Recognizing this responsibility, MMHS committed to modernizing two essential departments: Diagnostic Imaging and the Emergency Department While the renovation of the Emergency Department continues, phase one of the Diagnostic Imaging remodel is now complete. The new Fuji system integrates state-of-the-art full-body X-ray and fluoroscopy imaging, delivering real-time, moving images that help physicians visualize, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions. “Bringing this groundbreaking technology to Mee Memorial is a remarkable milestone,” said Rena Salamacha, Chief Executive Officer of Mee Memorial. “It shows that rur...

  SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services in King City in September, made possible by the support of their donors.  Their upcoming mobile spay/neuters in King City include:     Wednesday, September 24: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St.     Tuesday, September 30: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St. This is in addition to their 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.  The cost for these mobile clinics in King City is just $95 for male dogs and puppies and $55 for all cats and kittens. The price includes the pet’s surgery and rabies vaccination. The surgeries are available to pets 2 months to 6 years of age, weighing 2 to 30 pounds. These clinics are open to all Monterey County residents.  Deposits to hold your spot are required. Make yo...

  This Press Release provides an update on the King Station Multimodal Transit Center (MMTC).  The MMTC, when completed, will re-establish a passenger rail station as part of the new Amtrak Coast Starlight train service near Pearl Street and First Street. The Coast Starlight service, without ever stopping, traverses a 100-mile section between Salinas and Paso Robles. The station, despite its historic importance to King City, ended service decades ago. A new platform in the approximate location of the old station is proposed along with track improvements and supporting facilities to bring passenger rail service and multi-modal connectivity back to King City.   The City of King is pleased to announce that Phase 1 of the MMTC is completely funded. Phase 1 includes the construction of the accelerated platform which will allow passenger service by AMTRAK, a staging area for soldiers at U.S. Army Fort Hunter Liggett using Amtrak, extension of Broadway across the railroad tracks...