KRKC COUNTRY

  SACRAMENTO — As the holiday season gets underway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds motorists that the simplest way to stay safe on the road this Thanksgiving weekend is to buckle up before every trip.   The CHP will begin its Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. Throughout the enforcement period, CHP officers will be on patrol to help ensure everyone obeys traffic laws, wears a seat belt and drives safely. “Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, not to mourn a preventable tragedy. Seat belts remain one of the most effective tools for saving lives on our roadways. Taking just two seconds to buckle up could be the decision that saves your life or the life of someone you love.”  - CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee During last year’s Thanksgiving HEP, 36 people died in crashes across California. Within CHP jurisdiction, 14 vehicle occupants were kill...

  WASHINGTON, DC - On Monday, November 24 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) announced that Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority received a $20,311,640 grant for its fleet and facility modernization project.   "Replacing outdated buses with low-emission hybrids isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Carolyn Gonot, General Manager/CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.  “Government funding is critical to reducing harmful emissions, safeguarding public health, and ensuring our transit systems remain resilient for the future."   "This is a major investment in Santa Clara County's transportation system that will make our buses much cleaner and more reliable," said Rep. Lofgren. "I'm proud to have voted for the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which significantly boosted funding for clean transportation projects just like this."   “Silicon ...

  Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an armed robbery incident on Sunday afternoon, November 23 after 2:00 PM at the Chualar Liquor Store located on the 24000 block of Grant Street in the community of Chualar. Deputies learned that a male suspect entered the store and brandished a handgun. He was able to flee the business with an undisclosed amount of money. Deputies were able to obtain a license plate on the suspected vehicle, described as a burgundy-colored Cadillac Escalade. Information was broadcast to other agencies to be on the lookout for the vehicle. Flock cameras in the City of Salinas alerted officers to the vehicle which was located off of Casentini and Rico Streets in Salinas. Salinas Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle with Monterey County sheriff’s deputies and they were able to detain the driver who was positively identified as the suspect and the stolen property was recovered. 28-year-old Roy Hernandez of Gonzales was arrested and bo...

  A solo motorcycle crash occurred off of Metz Road and Blue Jay Lane outside of Soledad at 3:39 pm on Friday afternoon, November 21. Major injuries were reported from the accident. 

  1 vehicle went down an embankment on some train tracks and overturned landing on it's roof on Highway 101 northbound near the Camp Roberts off ramp in the Bradley area at 10:20 am on Friday morning, November 21. 1 occupant was extricated from the vehicle and sustained minor injuries from the wreck. 

WASHINGTON, DC - On Friday, November 21 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District received a $1,152,000 grant for its Paratransit Vehicle Replacement Project.   "This grant is going to make a big difference for Santa Cruz County residents," said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta. "We both proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, precisely because it boosted grant funding for programs like this. With this announcement, we're going to get newer, cleaner buses that are going to save money for Santa Cruz Metro. In Congress, we'll continue corresponding with the Department of Transportation and advocating for funds that improve transit for Californians."   "This grant is a tremendous win for our community. With these funds, METRO will replace six aging paratransit vehicles and expand our fleet with two additional vehicles, ensuring that more residents who rely on...

  SALINAS, CA – The Monterey County Elections Department will certify the final results of the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The certification deadline is established by emergency legislation provided by Senate Bill No. 280, Chapter 97.   Voters who need to correct a missing or mismatched signature on their vote-by-mail ballot have until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, to submit a signature statement. All voters with a signature challenge have been mailed a signature statement to correct their signature. The statement is also available online at tinyurl.com/Sig-Statement   How to Submit a Signature Statement Voters can submit their signature statement using any of the following methods:     Online: Visit tinyurl.com/Sig-Statement     Email: Send to vbm@countyofmonterey.gov     Fax: (831) 755-5485     In Person: Deliver to the Monterey County Elections Office during regular busines...

  SALINAS, CA – November 20, 2025 – The California Rodeo Salinas has proudly unveiled its 2026 commemorative poster, a striking tribute to patriotism and tradition. This year’s design features Retired Sergeant First Class James “Guido” Davis parachuting the American flag into the arena from 5,000 feet above—a moment that has become a beloved highlight of the Rodeo. The image was crafted using two photographs by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Photographer Fernando Sam-Sin and stylized by graphic designer Tracy Hopper. Guido Davis, a 20-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, will celebrate his 11th year participating in the California Rodeo Salinas in 2026. With over 3,000 jumps to his name, his dedication and service continue to inspire fans and participants alike. California Rodeo Salinas President Bob Eggers, himself a veteran, shared his thoughts on the new poster: “There’s something deeply moving about seeing the American flag descend into the arena—it reminds us of t...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni, along with 12 other California District Attorneys on November 19 announced a $3.15 million settlement against Clark Pest Control of Stockton (“Clark”), Orkin Services of California (“Orkin”), and Crane Pest Control (“Crane”) to resolve allegations that the companies violated state laws governing pesticide, hazardous waste, and customer records privacy laws, by unlawfully disposing of pesticides and hazardous wastes into company waste bins destined for municipal landfills not authorized to accept these wastes. The lawsuit also resolves allegations that the companies failed to shred customer records containing confidential information before disposing of those items into the trash. Clark, Orkin and Crane are residential and commercial pest control service companies owned by Georgia-based Rollins, Inc., with over 70 facilities in California. From March 2021 through February 2022, district attorney investiga...

Monterey County, CA — On Tuesday, November 18 the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Jake Stroud, the County’s current Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector, to succeed and complete the term of Treasurer-Tax Collector Mary Zeeb, who recently announced she will retire on December 30, 2025, concluding 38 years of honorable and innovative public service. Ms. Zeeb, widely recognized across California for her leadership, modernization efforts, and commitment to fiscal responsibility, will step down at midnight on December 30. Stroud will assume office immediately thereafter. “Mary Zeeb’s contributions to Monterey County cannot be overstated,” said Board Chair Chris Lopez. “Her leadership and integrity have strengthened our County’s fiscal stability for nearly four decades. We are confident that Jake Stroud brings the experience and commitment needed to carry that legacy forward.” Stroud brings more than 15 years of public finance experience in state and county governm...

  Soledad, CA – The 2025-2030 Soledad Strategic Plan establishes a clear vision, mission, and set of priorities to guide City operations, resource allocation, and decision-making over the next five years. The Strategic Plan was developed collaboratively by the City Council and staff, incorporating input from community stakeholders and residents gathered through various planning efforts to ensure it reflects Soledad’s shared values and long-term vision. Each priority is supported by specific goals, measurable objectives, and key initiatives that align with the City’s budget, capital planning, and departmental work programs. Implementation will be monitored through regular progress reports and performance indicators to ensure accountability and transparency.   The development of the new Strategic Plan featured extensive collaboration with the City Council and staff, drawing on surveys and plans created in partnership with community stakeholders as the foundation. The process was...

  SPCA Monterey County is focused on keeping pets in their homes with their loving families during difficult times. So far this year they have given out more than 150,000 lbs of free pet food.  This holiday season, the need continues. Every week, the SPCA provides free pet food and supplies to over 800 pets in our community.  “I’m on social security disability and my dog is my helper,” says a Pet Food Bank recipient from Seaside. “He monitors my blood sugar and he’s my psychiatric service dog. If it wasn’t for the Pet Food Bank, I wouldn’t be able to give him the nutrition he needs to help me. I’m really grateful for the SPCA.” The SPCA Monterey County needs your help keeping their shelves full to help those in need:      Purchase food at your local pet store or have food delivered from your favorite pet food company to SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas CA 93908.      Shop on their Amazon Wish List: www.SPCAmc.org/p...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on November 18 the selection of Correctional Healthcare Partners (CHP Monterey), based in San Diego, California, as the new provider of correctional healthcare services for individuals in custody at the Monterey County Jail. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 5-year, 5-month, $139 million contract for medical, dental, mental-health, and Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) services. CHP Monterey was selected following a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process conducted by the Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the County’s Contracts and Purchasing Office, including a multidisciplinary evaluation team. This decision marks a significant transition as the Sheriff’s Office concludes its longstanding partnership with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG). “Our partnership with CHP Monterey marks an important step forward in strengthening healthcare within our jail and meeting the standards ...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – Monterey County agriculture contributed $11.706 billion into the local economy in 2023 and supported 81,315 jobs, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez announced on November 18 as he released the latest comprehensive analysis of the county’s largest industry. “This study goes beyond our annual agricultural report,” said Ordonez. “Instead of stopping at farm production values, it also quantifies local food processing, employment, and economic ripple effects. The findings offer vital information for anyone who values a vibrant and resilient local economy.” To put the contribution in perspective, Monterey County agriculture pumped $32.1 million dollars into the county economy per day, or more than $1.33 million per hour. This annual study was conducted for the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner by Drs. Jeff Langholz and Fernando DePaolis of the Monterey-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Key findings include: • Including local ...

  Gonzales, Calif. – The Gonzales Police Department has received a $30,000 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety which targets to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and other primary crash factors. The funded strategies will include impaired driving enforcement, enforcement operations focusing on primary crash factors, distracted driving, night-time seat belt enforcement, special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle safety, enforcement and public awareness in areas with a high number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes, and educational programs. • In 2022, Gonzales ranked 8th out of 76 cities for pedestrian-vehicle crashes. Moreover, in the 65 and older category, we ranked 4th out of 76. • In 2023, Gonzales experienced 29 hit-and-runs compared to 25 in 2022. During 2024, Gonzales experienced 10 injury crashes and 19 hit-and-runs. With the support of the Office of Traffic Safety and grant funding, Gonzales PD will provide Traffic Sa...

  King City, Calif. – King City Police Department announced on November 15 that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026. “We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” King City Police Sergeant Chris Langston said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone." The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:  DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers. High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law. Enforcement operations focused on the most dan...

  Monterey County Officials announced on November 14 that beginning Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Granite Construction Company, under a contract with the County, will be installing an infiltration chamber on Railroad Avenue and Short Street in San Ardo. The chamber will be situated below grade in front of the post office. Its purpose is to eliminate ponding in the area by collecting stormwater and routing it to the chamber from which collected runoff will infiltrate the subsurface. Work hours will be between 7 am and 4 pm on weekdays will take approximately 3 weeks to complete. During construction, Railroad Avenue will be closed between Alley A and Short Street. A walkway to the Post Office from the parking area in front of the San Ardo Cafe will be provided.

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday, November 14, 2025, at approximately 7:55 a.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to a 3 vehicle traffic crash on the Old Stage Road overcrossing, north of Alta Street in the Gonzales area.   Preliminary investigation indicates that a Kia sedan, driven by 20-year-old Cain Zamora Jr Aguilar from Greenfield, was traveling northbound on the Old Stage Road overcrossing, north of Alta Street. 18-year-old Giselle Rodriguez from Salinas was a passenger in the Kia. Both Aguilar and Rodriguez were not wearing seatbelts. At the same time, an MST Bus, driven by 62-year-old Robert Banez from Salinas, was traveling northbound on Old Stage Road, directly ahead of the Kia. The MST bus was occupied by 10 passengers. Additionally, a GMC pickup, driven by 47-year-old Maria H Flores Arias from Gonzales, was traveling southbound on the Old Stage Road overcrossing. The GMC was occupied by 2 juvenile passengers.   For reasons still...

  Monterey County, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on November 13 that the Honorable Rafael Vazquez held defendants Pedro Nava, Jonathan Cervantes, and Angel Evans to answer for multiple crimes relating to homicides that happened in South Monterey County in early 2024. Judge Vazquez issued his holding order after a weeklong preliminary hearing that was heard the week of October 27, 2025. At a preliminary hearing the judge, acting as a magistrate, hears evidence and determines whether there is probable cause to believe that the defendants have committed the charged crimes. Judge Vazquez held defendants to answer to the following: As to all three defendants: ➢ Count 1, Penal Code § 187: the February 4, 2024, Willful, Deliberate, and Premeditated Murder of Jack Canchola. ➢ Count 2, Penal Code § 187: the February 4, 2024, Willful, Deliberate, and Premeditated Murder of Andres Salvador Garcia. ➢ Count 3, Penal Code § 182/187: the February 4, ...

  MONTEREY COUNTY – The Monterey County Transportation Agency (TAMC) is accepting nominations for its "24th Annual Transportation Excellence Awards." The awards honor individuals, businesses and groups, or programs and projects for their efforts to improve the transportation system in Monterey County.   Examples of possible awards include:   1.                  Projects that exemplify TAMC's mission to develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that improves mobility, safety, access, environmental quality, and economic activities in Monterey County 1.                  Innovative activities that promote safer or more efficient use of the local transport network. 1.                  Citizens or organizations that have made significant efforts to inform and educate the public about transportation issues. 2.      ...

  The County of Monterey has updated its Hiring Preference for Veterans and Military Leave Policy, reaffirming the County’s long-standing commitment to those who serve and their families. These changes give the County of Monterey a leading role in hiring support for veterans. The updated policies go further than any other county in California in efforts to be the best and most supportive employer for veterans, servicemembers and their spouses. “These updates reaffirm the County’s dedication to those who serve and their families,’ says County of Monterey Miliary and Veterans Affairs Officer Jack Murphy. “It also underscores the County’s ongoing commitment to being an employer of choice as well as showing continued support for veterans and eligible military spouses.” In collaboration with the Military and Veterans Affairs Office and the Human Resources Department, the Board of Supervisors has approved two policy updates. The first expands veteran hiring preference eligibility to acti...

  SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on November 10 that her Environmental Protection Unit resolved a case against The Growers Company, Inc. (“Growers”) for violations of pesticide-related laws, which exposed its employees to pesticides. Specifically, on October 9, 2023, a supervisor for Growers ignored pesticide warning signs on a lettuce field and ordered his crew of 93 fieldworkers into a field that had been treated with various pesticides not 24 hours prior. One such pesticide, Sivanto Prime, had a 24-hour restricted entry interval during which no one was allowed to enter the field. 66 of the fieldworkers developed symptoms consistent with exposure to pesticides, including nausea, dizziness, headache, and irritation to the throat, nose, eyes, and skin. Moreover, despite legal requirements to take all exposed employees to a physician for medical care, Growers only took 34 of the exposed employees to a physician for evaluation. T...

The King City Cemetery is beautifully decorated on Veterans Day with many flags and because of that, local residents John and Karen Jernigan thought it would be interesting to give a tour of the cemetery that focuses on the lives of Veterans. There are headstones at the King City Cemetery that go back to those who fought in the Civil War. John and Karen Jernigan plan to start the tout at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11 and expect the tour to last about 1 hour. Please let them know if you are interested by sending an email to karenjernigan2007@gmail.com or call 831-594-3740 and wear stable shoes as the ground is uneven in some places.

  Congratulations to the County of Monterey’s Budget and Analysis Division for its most recent award from the Government Finance Officers Association. The County has earned the association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the County’s 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. This is the 15th consecutive year this division and staff behind the County’s budget preparation have earned national recognition for excellence in budget presentation. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, representing a significant achievement for the county budget team. There were more than 1,900 participants in the Budget Awards Program “The award reflects the commitment of the County’s Board of Supervisors and budget staff in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting,” says Assistant County Administrative Officer Deborah Paolinelli. “This division takes pride in consistently delivering a critical document that both meets the needs of county leaders and the...

  November 9, 2025 - Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) released the following statement after the Senate narrowly passed a proposal to extend government funding:   "The deal passed by the Senate tonight fails millions of people," Rep. Lofgren said. "Americans need their healthcare costs to be lowered now. Getting the "promise of a vote" to extend ACA tax credits a month from now is just not good enough, especially given the lack of trust Senate Republicans have earned. This is not the time for Democrats to cave and accept empty promises, and I'm certainly not done fighting for Californians' healthcare."

  SALINAS, CA – The updated results report No. 5 for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election is now available on the Monterey County Elections website. As of Friday, November 7 the estimated number of ballots left to count include:   Vote by Mail 5,405 Provisional and CVR 1,928 Total 7,333   Vote by mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as well as any Monterey County vote by mail ballots returned to election officials in other counties by Election Day, will be added to the count as applicable.   The next report will be issued on Wednesday, November 12 followed by Friday, November 14 and will repeat each Tuesday and Friday until all ballots are tallied.   Vote by mail ballots with missing or non-matching signatures include: Missing Signature                                      166 Non-matching Sig...

  County of Monterey Department of Social Services is sharing that full November SNAP/CalFresh benefits have begun posting on EBT cards of local residents for their use.   The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is telling Monterey County Officials that the state of California has initiated the distribution of full November CalFresh benefits. The state took this action in response to the court's ruling in the Rhode Island litigation, which determined that the Trump administration should fully fund the SNAP program for this month by November 7, 2025.    On Thursday night, November 6 the CDSS indicated that, while this could change, customers who would normally receive their benefits November 1-7, are expected to receive their benefits on November 7. Please note that this may mean some of these customers already have their benefits, while others may still be in process. Recipients can check their online accounts to find out if their benefits have been recei...

  Salinas, CA – November 6, 2025 – The California Rodeo Association is thrilled to welcome the community to the 3rd Annual Country Christmas Celebration, presented by MYCARS.com, on Thursday, December 11 at the Salinas Sports Complex. This free, family-friendly holiday event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and promises festive fun for all ages. Guests can enjoy complimentary photos with Cowboy Santa Claus*, hot cocoa, candy canes, a letter-writing station for Santa, holiday crafts, and more. A key highlight of the evening will once again be distributing 1,500 toys to children ages 2 to 12, made possible through generous contributions from Compass Church of Monterey County, event sponsors, and community donors. Compass Church is currently accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys, valued at $25 each, to help make the season brighter for local children. “The Country Christmas Celebration has become a cherished tradition for our community,” said California Rodeo President Bob Eg...

  The County of Monterey wants to let all SNAP/CalFresh recipients know that the Federal government has authorized partial SNAP benefits be issued and the State is working to begin issuing partial CalFresh benefits some time during – the week of November 10, 2025. As additional information becomes available, we will share. In the meantime, if you have questions about your benefits or need resource information, please contact 211 or the County of Monterey Department of Social Services at (877) 410-8823. You may also go to any of the Department locations around the county: 116 Broadway St., King City, CA 93930 1281 Broadway Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 1000 S. Main St. Suite 216, Salinas CA 93901 Additionally, the County of Monterey has pledged $150,000 to support local food banks to ensure that our community members who are dependent on SNAP/CalFresh have access to food throughout November. The funds are a one-time allocation. The County is encouraging partner jurisdictions to consider j...

  SAN JOSE, CA – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the following statement after Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) announced that she will not seek another term in the House of Representatives:   “I've had the honor to serve in the House alongside Nancy Pelosi for 30 years. I watched in awe as she shattered the marble ceiling to become the first woman to hold the Speaker's gavel, and I was witness to her many remarkable legislative achievements. From delivering healthcare to millions of Americans through the Affordable Care Act to lowering energy costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has a record of accomplishments that is simply unrivaled." "There's one quote from her that she would always tell us in our Democratic Caucus meetings: 'Our diversity is our strength, but our unity is our power'. She kept this caucus united with some incredibly thin margins during some very uncertain times, and she did so with grace and hu...

  SALINAS, CA - Monterey County Elections will conduct the 1% Manual Tally for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election on the following schedule:       Random selection of batches begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025.     The 1% Manual Tally begins Thursday, November 13, 2025.   Observers are welcome to view the random selection process and the manual tally at the Monterey County Elections Department located at 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, in Salinas.   “The 1% manual tally is one of numerous audits taken to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the vote count.” According to Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters. “The process is completely open to public observation.”   During the official canvass following each election, the elections official randomly selects batches of ballots to manually tally and compare against official reports from the computer vote count system. Although the process is known as the 1% Manual T...

  With Veterans Day coming up on November 11, County of Monterey Parks is pleased to share that they are expanding its acceptance of California Distinguished Veteran Passes at local parks and lakes.   The California Distinguished Veteran Pass entitles the holder to free vehicle day use, family camping and boat use at over 100 California State Parks-operated units. The County of Monterey has previously accepted the pass locally for day use, car and camping activities and now is waiving boating fees at Monterey County lakes, plus, camping stays have been extended from 5 to 14 days with a 30-day annual maximum. This aligns with State Park benefits.   Information about the  Distinguished Veteran Pass can be found online at: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30958.

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that “Cookie,” a 15-year-old miniature horse who survived severe neglect and was rescued from a slaughter pipeline, will be officially sworn in as an honorary Community Ambassador. Cookie’s appointment recognizes her remarkable recovery and the positive role she will play in building relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the public. In April 2024, Cookie was rescued by Ruby’s Purpose Rescue in Paso Robles after being located in a Texas “kill pen,” where she was scheduled to be shipped to Mexico for slaughter. Malnourished, severely underweight, and suffering from multiple health issues, Cookie needed extensive care and compassion to survive. Around the same time, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Rebecca Gordano saw a social media post announcing Cookie’s arrival at the rescue. Having recently lost a personal horse and seeking a companion for her adopted blind donkey, “Violet” (also rescued through Ruby’s Purpose),...