KRKC COUNTRY

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, October 31 that, on October 30, 2025, 53-year-old Ilda Sanchez of Greenfield, was sentenced and placed on two-years of felony probation and was ordered to serve 180 days in county jail as part of her felony probation for committing welfare fraud. From September 2021 through May 2023, Ilda Sanchez obtained a total of $13,092 for CalFresh benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) and CalWORKS (cash aid), from the Department of Social Services, falsely claiming that she had physical custody and care of her minor daughter in the same residence. During this time, however, the daughter was living and attending high school in Sonoma County under the care of her relative. Ilda Sanchez would not be eligible to receive $13,092 in welfare benefits if she truthfully reported her daughter’s whereabouts. Ilda Sanchez was criminally prosecuted for her fraudulent conduct, and she pled to and was convi...

SALINAS, CA – Starting on Friday, October 31, Monterey County voters will have expanded access to election services at the satellite Elections Office located at Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside. Services available include in-person voting, mail ballot drop-off, and same-day voter registration-provisional voting.   “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Embassy Suites on Canyon Del Rey,” said Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters. “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 Friday, October 31 and Monday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on the weekend and Election Day.   Additionally, the Monterey County Elections Office in Salinas remains open for early voting, offering convenient access for residents countywide.   Weekend Votin...

Soledad, CA – On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at approximately 9:22 a.m., officers from the Soledad Police Department responded to a silent alarm at Mechanics Bank in Soledad, CA. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a bank robbery had occurred. Through swift investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage identifying the suspected vehicle. Officers immediately broadcast the vehicle description to surrounding agencies and began a coordinated search. Shortly after, officers received a License Plate Readers (LPRs) camera alert indicating that the suspected vehicle was leaving the city of Soledad northbound on U.S. Highway 101. Officers from the Soledad Police Department along with allied agencies initiated a traffic stop near Gloria Road, where the suspect was safely taken into custody without incident. This successful arrest was made possible through the joint efforts of the Soledad Police Department. The suspect, identified as a 59-year-old male resident of Soledad, was taken in...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect after responding to an in-progress residential burglary in the community of Bradley. The suspect was found to be armed with a handgun. On Tuesday, October 28 at about 11:00 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary in progress along the 65000 block of Bradley Road in the South Monterey County community of Bradley. The victim, a female who was home alone with her infant child, reported someone was attempting to break into her residence through a window. The victim fled the residence with her child and hid on the property where she called for help. A nearby neighbor responded to the residence after receiving a call from the victim’s husband. The neighbor arrived and made contact with a subject at the residence. That subject left the area. Assistance was requested from the CHP who arrived on the scene and located a subject and vehicle at a nearby bridge. Sheriff’s deputies were a...

  As your trusted resource for animal welfare, SPCA Monterey County urges animal lovers to take some simple precautions to safeguard pets and wildlife this Halloween:     Pets should be kept indoors and preferably confined to an area of the home where they cannot escape. Multiple strangers in costume at your door can be very stressful for your pet, leading to fear and potentially unexpected bites or them slipping out the front door.     Pets should always have a current license, ID tag, and microchip so they can be returned in the event they escape from your home.     If you plan to dress your pet up for Halloween, practice first to get your pet used to the costume. Some pets simply don’t like costumes, so don’t force it. Make sure it’s easy to take off if your pet becomes scared and has breakaway parts (like velcro). Always keep your pet under your control when he is in costume.     Do not use the stretchy cotton or polyester spider web deco...

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 4 at 11:30am at the Cork and Plough Restaurant located at 200 Broadway in King City. The guest speaker will be Loren Spivack. The topic of his talk will be “Why We Fight.  Understanding The Modern Left.”  For reservations and further Information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenjleonhard@gmail.com

  SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will launch a 12-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. Friday, October 31, through 6 a.m. Saturday, November 1, to protect motorists and prevent impaired driving. During the operation, all available CHP officers will be on patrol statewide, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers before they cause harm. “Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many. This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.”  - CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both can have deadly consequences. On average, more than 800 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers claim over 900 lives each year in California, reinforcing the CHP’s commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road. Impairment is not limited to alcohol....

  Monterey County, CA — After more than 38 years of dedicated service to Monterey County, including the last 15 years as the elected Treasurer-Tax Collector, Mary Zeeb on October 27 announced plans to retire effective December 30, 2025. “When I ran for my fourth term, I fully intended to serve through its completion,” said Zeeb. “However, recent changes in my life now require my full-time attention. This decision is bittersweet, but I am ready to begin the next chapter of my life. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Monterey County.” Throughout Zeeb’s tenure, the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office has remained committed to serving county residents with compassion, integrity, and exceptional customer service. Most notably, during the COVID pandemic she authored and recommended changes to the tax code that would allow taxpayers additional time and a waiver of penalty if they were experiencing a hardship due to the pandemic. This legislative language was adopted a...

  According to County of Monterey Officials, County Public Works Crews are scheduled to do Street Sweeping on Friday, October 31, 2025 on all County Roads in San Lucas with their EV Sweeper. This project will take all day and will be completed on the same day of Friday, October 31. The work to be done includes sweeping all County Roads in San Lucas during the day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be no impact to traffic. The County of Monterey-Greenfield District will be performing the work.

  SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Oct. 23, 2025 death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a homicide.                            At approximately 9:52 a.m., staff in a recreation yard observed incarcerated persons 56-year-old Todd J. Givens, 61-year-old Robert England, and 51-year-old Ray N. Waldron attacking another incarcerated person, 57-year-old Todd S. Morgan, with what appeared to be improvised weapons. Staff issued clear verbal commands to immediately halt the attack. By the time responding personnel arrived, the aggressors had already stopped and staff swiftly began life-saving procedures on Morgan. He was pronounced deceased by prison medical staff at 10:04 a.m. No staff or other incarcerated people were injured. Officers recovered 3 inmate-improvised weapons at the scene. Givens, England, and Waldron ...

  SALINAS, CA – October 28 is the last day election offices will mail vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. Any Monterey County voter who needs a replacement mail ballot can call (831) 796-1499 by the deadline to have one mailed directly. Early in-person voting locations are available for voter assistance.   Early Voting Opportunities:     Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place - N. Building, Salinas, 93901, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.     Satellite Elections Office, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955, beginning 8:00 a.m., Friday, October 31.     The Salinas and Seaside Elections Offices will be open for early weekend voting from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2.    Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot     By Mail: The last recommended day to return a voted ballot in the U.S. mail is October 28th....

  During the week of October 12, the Greenfield City Council approved accepting a $500,000 grant through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, as recommended by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). This funding expands our ongoing partnership with Sun Street Centers and their Road to Success diversion program, which helps at-risk teens in Greenfield. For the past 6 years, Sun Street Centers and the Greenfield Police Department have worked together to give youth a second chance, focusing on prevention, accountability, and positive choices, before entering the court system. The Road to Success program offers: • Individualized diversion plans for youth ages 13–17 • Counseling, mentoring, and family workshops • Evidence-based programs like WhyTry and Life Skills Training • Community service opportunities and school engagement This funding will allow up to 120 youth to benefit from these services over the next 2 years, helping reduce recidivism and teaching real-w...

SAN JOSE, CA – Bay Area U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) joined local healthcare executives and residents of Santa Clara County to discuss the Republican healthcare crisis and the need to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits at the Gardner Health Center located at 195 East Virginia Street in San Jose, CA on Monday, October 20.     “House Republicans have been on vacation for over a month while Americans have been getting notices that their healthcare premiums are soaring,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren . “If anyone else didn't show up to their job for a month when they knew there's urgent business to deal with, they'd lose that job. Folks in my district are seeing their healthcare costs doubling; thousands will be unable to afford insurance at all. Speaker Johnson needs to call Congress back to DC so we can pass a budget that deals with this healthcare crisis and reopens the government.”  ...

  Salinas, CA – October 17, 2025 – The California Rodeo Salinas installed a new President, 3rd Vice President, Secretary, and 3 new Directors on Thursday, October 16 during the annual stockholders' dinner. The Officer team is as follows, with some shifting titles from 2024: President Bob Eggers, 1st Vice President Tom Nielsen, 2nd Vice President Henry Dill, 3rd Vice President Tim Baldwin, Treasurer Patty Standridge, and Secretary Matt Jenkinson. New Directors include Rachelle Lightfoot, Danny Little, and Ryan Scarr. New Advisory Directors, stepping aside so new leadership can progress within the organization, include Randy Parola, John Sargenti, and Mark Scarr. These directors have made unique and meaningful contributions to the California Rodeo Salinas. With more than 70 committees supporting every aspect of the organization—from ground preparation, announcing, security, banking, and community events to many others—volunteers play a vital role in bringing this historic event to li...

  SALINAS, CA – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday, October 17 that they have been awarded a $75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community. “This initiative is essential to improving youth safety and giving law enforcement the tools needed to confront and reduce criminal activity in known problem locations across Monterey County,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program. These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community. “Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Acting Director Frank Robles. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been ...

SALINAS, CA — The last day to register to vote for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election is Monday, October 20, 2025.   Eligible citizens can register to vote: •                    Online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov by 11:59 p.m. on October 20, 2025; •                    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 20, 2025. 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 incompet...

  SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the death of an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad on Tuesday night, October 14 as a homicide. At approximately 5:15 p.m., staff observed inmate 40-year-old Orlando M. Ochoa assaulting inmate 40-year-old Israel M. Mendoza and immediately responded, utilizing chemical agents to stop the attack and restrain Ochoa. Staff began life-saving measures on Mendoza and activated 911. Mendoza was transported to the prison’s triage and treatment area where he was pronounced dead by paramedics at 5:52 p.m. Ochoa was placed in restricted housing pending an investigation into this case by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit.   The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Mendoza’s official cause of death. Mendoza was most recently received from Yolo County on Dec. 3, 2015, sentenced to 14 years for corporal injur...

  The SPCA of Monterey County Benefit Shop’s Glitz & Glamour Jewelry & Fashion Holiday Event is taking place Friday, October 31 until Sunday, November 2. They've saved their best silver, vintage, heirloom and quality costume jewelry for this exciting event which also includes designer clothing (some new with tags) for women and men, designer shoes and handbags, holiday decor, and so much more! Please note: The SPCA Benefit Shop will be closed Wednesday-Thursday, October 29-30, to prepare for this big holiday event. The SPCA Benefit Shop is located at 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, near the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. They are open Monday-Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 12-4. For more information please visit www.spcamc.org or call 831-624-4211. What: SPCA Glitz & Glamour Jewelry & Fashion Holiday Event Where: SPCA Benefit Shop, 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel When: Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2 SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independ...

  The City of King is pleased to invite everyone to the 3rd annual King City Ciclovía event on Sunday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Broadway Street in the downtown area from First Street to San Lorenzo Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic for walkers, cyclists, runners and other non-motorized transportation. It is part of the City of King’s overall Blue Zones Project efforts.  It will also feature activities, entertainment, free Blue Zones approved food items, bicycle raffle prizes, and information on community and social services – all items designed to support health, happiness and overall well-being.   35 community and social service agencies will be participating in the event providing information on services, giveaway items, and assistance. Some of the scheduled activities include a bike rodeo, kids’ games, inflatable obstacle courses, bike repair, and a history walking tour. The first 500 families will also receive a free food bag compliments ...

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – Monterey California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to a 3-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 101 Southbound, south of the Chualar River Road Overcrossing at 6:49 pm on Sunday night, October 12.   A preliminary investigation indicates that a white KIA SUV, driven by a 41-year-old male from Salinas, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 101. The Kia SUV was also occupied by 3 passengers. At the same time, a black Honda sedan, driven by a 46-year-old Arizona resident, and a white Toyota sedan, driven by a 29-year-old resident of Salinas, were traveling southbound in the correct direction. The wrong-way Kia SUV first crashed with the Honda sedan, which then led to a secondary crash involving the Toyota sedan.   The drivers of the Kia SUV and Honda sedan sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene, while all 3 passengers in the Kia SUV sustained suspected minor to major injuries and were transported to a loca...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, October 10 that the Honorable Stephanie Hulsey sentenced Salinas Valley State Prison Inmate 52-year-old John Lydon to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Son Kim Tran. On May 16, 2025, John Lydon pleaded to the murder of Son Kim Tran and admitted a special allegation that he had previously been convicted of murder. On January 6, 2024, Lydon entered and remained in Tran’s cell for over an hour before exiting. Shortly thereafter, Tran was discovered dead, suffering from more than 70 stab wounds. Prior to this homicide, Lydon had been convicted of murdering two other inmates, in 2004 and 2010. This case was investigated by the Investigative Services Unit at Salinas Valley State Prison.

  WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) released the following statement after Trump and Republicans in Congress failed to avoid a government shutdown: "We are now in the first government shutdown in almost 7 years, because Trump and congressional Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to preserve the American people's healthcare," Rep. Lofgren said. "How are they going to act like they're not responsible for this mess when Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the Presidency? Speaker Johnson couldn't even be bothered to call his Members back to D.C. last night. I remain committed to working toward a budget that prioritizes Californians' healthcare needs." If Republicans get their way and allow Affordable Care Act tax credits expire, over 21,000 people in California's 18th district will see their healthcare costs rise, and 6,700 people will lose access to health coverage. For a family of four earning $129,800 a year, annu...

  SALINAS, CA – The November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election will be here and this is what voters in Monterey County should know to get vote ready. The combined Monterey County The Elections Ballot and local Voter Information Pamphlet will begin being mailed out on October 2. State Voter Information Guides are now in the mail and will continue to mail into the week of October 5. All active voters will receive a ballot in the mail and in-person voting options will be available.   Important Dates:   September 26               - State Voter Information Guides begin mailing October 2 -Ballots tentatively scheduled to begin mailing October 6 - Ballots will be mailed no later than this date October 6 - In-person voting available at the Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place – Salinas October 20 - Deadline to register to vote October 21 - Same day voter registration period begins October 28 - Last day the ...

  Salinas, CA – October 1, 2025 – In light of recent reports of pets being abandoned during challenging times, both Hitchcock Road Animal Services and the SPCA of Monterey County are joining messages to urge all pet owners that dumping or abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane. California law explicitly prohibits the abandonment of animals, which can lead to substantial penalties, including fines and criminal charges. Beyond legal implications, abandoning a pet places an animal in grave danger, exposing them to life-threatening situations such as starvation, injury, or death. Abandoned animals also go through intense stress and anxiety when left in unfamiliar environments, further threatening their safety. Recently, there has been an increase noted in animals left abandoned along roadsides. A recent example is in North Monterey County. In one week’s, time, HRAS has received multiple calls for animals, mostly dogs, abandoned at the Old Stage Road and Crazy Horse Road area. ...