KRKC COUNTRY

  King City, Calif. – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. King City Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence. Officers on patrol will be looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk. “We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” King City Police Sergeant Chris Langston said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyon...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on December 18 that a jury convicted defendant 61-year-old Paul Chavez Ramirez an inmate serving a life sentence in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). In a bifurcated trial, the jury also found that the defendant had previously been convicted of 4 “strike” offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law. The Honorable Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over both proceedings. On the morning of August 21 of 2024, correctional officers at the Salinas Valley State Prison observed the defendant in possession of a weapon. A subsequent search revealed that the defendant had concealed an 18-inch piece of rebar beneath his clothing. One end of the rebar was sharpened, and the other was modified with a rope-based handle made of a white cord to provide a firm hold. As configured, it could readily inflict great bodily injury or death. Correctional officers confiscated the weapon a...

  The County of Monterey Health Department announced on Tuesday, December 16 that they are the recipient of a $168,862 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Cannabis Education Program in the Public Health Bureau. The grant will fund community educational outreach and coordinated strategies focused on college-aged youth and young adults to prevent fatalities and injuries as a result of driving while under the influence of cannabis or cannabis and alcohol. "We are honored to receive this grant, which will strengthen our initiatives to prevent drug-impaired driving and support safer communities,” said Elaine Narciso, Health Program Coordinator, County of Monterey Health Department. “By providing education and raising awareness among college students and young adults, we aim to prevent cannabis-impaired driving and reduce related crashes and injuries. We’re committed to shifting community norms and promoting responsible driving behaviors." Accord...

  In the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving through a residential area along the 32000 block of McCoy Road in Soledad. The vehicle was reported to be playing loud music, and deputies were advised the driver may be in possession of a firearm. When the first deputy arrived, the deputy located the vehicle and encountered a subject who was armed with a rifle. During this encounter, the deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the suspect. First aid was immediately provided at the scene, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The deputy was not injured during the incident. “Any time force is used, it is a serious matter. Our focus remains on the safety of the community, the individuals involved, and our deputies. This incident is now under independent review by the District Attorney’s Office,” stated Monterey County Sheriff ...

  The Monterey County Sheriff Coroner’s Office on Tuesday, December 16 released the identity of the woman found dead in the Salinas Riverbed on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The woman has been identified as 32-year-old Monica Yazaret Almanza Romero of Greenfield. The investigation into the cause of death is pending results of a forensic examination.

An in-progress burglary at a local greenhouse facility on Monday morning, December 15 led to the arrest of 8 adults along with 1 juvenile and the recovery of multiple firearms and a large amount of marijuana. The incident happened at about 3:40 AM at a local cannabis greenhouse facility located on Encinal Road outside of Chualar. About 10 subjects were reported to have broken into the facility and were loading marijuana into 4 vehicles. Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with officers from the Salinas Police Department and California Highway Patrol. Within minutes, all vehicles were located in the area of Encinal Road and Old Stage Road. All vehicles failed to yield to law enforcement. 3 of the 4 vehicles were stopped with multiple persons fleeing the vehicles. One vehicle drove into a field and became stuck while another drove into a ditch. A third vehicle was involved in a collision with CHP and the fourth vehicle was able to get away. 8 adults and 1 juvenile were arr...

  Due to the active lawsuit challenging the County of Monterey’s vacation rental/homestay ordinances, (Monterey County Vacation Rental Alliance v. County of Monterey, Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV004922), the County has suspended from enforcement, without prejudice, two provisions being challenged. This pause will stay in place until such time as the court finishes its analysis and makes an official ruling. The two ordinance provisions that the County will not enforce in both the inland and coastal areas are those that: (1) Are claimed to violate the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause by treating non-resident property owners differently for homestays; and (2) Are claimed to violate the U.S. and California Constitutions’ Equal Protection Clauses by treating corporate or other non-individual entity owners differently from natural person owners for all types of vacation rentals. Individuals or other entities who believe they were affected by these provisions ma...

  The Monterey Couty Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a body which was found in the Salinas Riverbed on Sunday morning, December 14. At about 9:40 AM a reporting party called in to say that they had located a body. The body of a female was found just outside the Greenfield city limits, in the Salinas Riverbed nearest to the intersection of Elm Avenue and Metz Road. This is an active investigation. The identity of the person located is not being released at this time pending a forensic examination to determine the cause of death.

  On Tuesday night, December 9, 2025, at approximately 9:51 p.m., the King City Police Department (KCPD) was dispatched to the 600 block of Meyer Street following a report of an unknown individual who approached a residence carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle. The resident immediately contacted the King City Police Department to report the incident. The suspect was initially described as a youth wearing hood and dark pants. The suspect's face was hidden by a mask at the time of the incident. Thanks to investigative efforts, including review of the city's video surveillance footage and with the help of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, the department was able to identify and locate the person considered responsible. Subsequently, the suspect was contacted, arrested and detained on unrelated charges. This case has been referred to the Monterey County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible filing of additional criminal charges related to this incident. A...

  Soledad, CA— The Soledad Police Department will host their annual Cops Giving Tree event, an evening dedicated to spreading hope, generosity, and support to local children and families during the holiday season on December 12, beginning at 5PM at the Soledad Community Center. This annual tradition brings our community together in the spirit of giving, ensuring that every child represented on the tree feels seen, valued, and supported.  Through the combined efforts of the Soledad Police Department, Salinas Valley State Prison, The Correctional Training Facility, the Soledad Unified School District, and the Soledad Community Center, the Soledad Police Department and partners will provide a Christmas meal for over 80 pre-selected families and presents for disadvantaged children from our community.   Chief Patrick Valenzuela shared, “The Cops Giving Tree represents the very best of our community—compassion, unity, and the desire to lift one another up. Every meal serve...

  Salinas, CA – The Signatures In Lieu of Filing Fee Petition Period for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Primary Election opens on December 19, 2025, and will run until 5:00 p.m. on February 4, 2026. This period is open to candidates for offices that require a filing fee including all judicial, nonpartisan county, and voter-nominated state and federal offices appearing on the primary ballot.   During this period, candidates may submit a petition containing signatures to offset a portion of or to fully cover their filing fee. Only signatures verified as valid by the Elections Department will reduce the filing fee. Valid signatures on the petition will also be applied toward the signature requirements for the candidate’s nomination papers.    Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Elections Office for petitions. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, email CandidateServices@countyofmo...

  [MONTEREY COUNTY, CA. DECEMBER 9, 2025] The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is delighted to introduce Marie Boucher aka Marie Butcher—poet, educator, peace advocate, and naturalist—as the 2026 - 2027 Monterey County Poet Laureate. Boucher officially steps into this prestigious role on January 1, 2026, serving a two-year term through December 2027. This honorary role celebrates the county’s rich cultural heritage and promotes literacy and literature throughout the community. As part of her tenure, Boucher is responsible for championing the art of poetry and creative expression, including through public readings, workshops, and undertaking a significant signature community project. She will receive a $5,000 honorarium, funded by Arts4MC, for her service. "The Poet Laureate program is part of our mission to champion the arts to enrich the lives of our community," said Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director of Arts4MC. "Poetry is one of many art forms, and we look...

  December 9, 2025, King City, CA: Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is proud to announce the successful implementation of its Student Pathway for Healthcare Internship Program (Golden State Pathway Program), a hands-on educational initiative designed to introduce local students to careers in healthcare and strengthen the future workforce of South Monterey County.   The program creates direct connections between students and real-world healthcare careers by exposing them to various healthcare disciplines, inspiring young people to see a future for themselves in healthcare—right here in their own community.   "This is an impactful program for students," said Kirsten Featherstone, Chief Nursing Officer. "It helps them discover their strengths and career interests while providing firsthand experience in the many departments, both clinical and non-clinical, that make patient care possible.”   Through a partnership with the South Monterey County Joint Uni...

  Soledad, CA – The City of Soledad is proud to announce the launch of its new Retail Map of Soledad, a key feature of this year’s Shop Local, Shop Small – Shop Soledad holiday campaign. Designed to make holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable, the Retail Map highlights local boutiques, restaurants, service providers, and family-owned shops throughout the community.    The Retail Map aims to guide residents and visitors in discovering Soledad’s diverse small-business offerings, encouraging them to explore hidden gems and support locally owned establishments during the peak holiday season.    Mayor Anna Velazquez shared, “This holiday season, Soledad is launching new initiatives to support our small businesses and help boost local sales. Our new retail map will guide residents and visitors to explore Soledad’s unique shops, discover the perfect holiday gifts, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make our city special. This is a chance to celebrate comm...

  Do you know a child who loves animals?  SPCA Monterey County offers fun and meaningful 1-day camps during the school year, including 2 this holiday season:  Saturday, December 13: Happy Howlidays & Winter Whiskers 'Tis the season to learn about the SPCA! What do they do? How do the animals come to the SPCA? How can we help them? This one-day camp is jam-packed with fun and creative hands-on activities to get to know your SPCA Monterey County and the animals we care for! Saturday, January 3: Junior Vet Day What does a veterinarian do? And how do the SPCA vets help animals in our community? In this exciting one-day camp, we will learn all that and more! With visits with our adoptable animals, hands-on activities like practicing animal first-aid, and presentations from our Vet Clinic, we'll become Jr. Vets! SPCA Animal Camp is all about kindness, compassion, and empowering children to make a difference for the pets and wildlife that enrich our lives. Cam...

  A 2 vehicle collision occurred on Highway 101 Northbound near Gloria Road outside of Gonzales at 2:25 pm on Monday afternoon, December 8. Minor injuries were reported from the accident. 

  December 8, 2026, Paso Robles, CA – Paso Robles Recreation Services and the Paso Robles REC Foundation are currently accepting applications for interested performers for the 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park series. This highly popular family-friendly concert series attracted over 25,000 attendees in the summer of 2025 and has been an annual tradition throughout the area since 2001. All shows are free and feature a wide variety of local and regional musical entertainment in the City Park gazebo. “We were thrilled with the outstanding attendance during our Summer Concerts in the Park Series last summer,” commented Lynda Plescia, Recreation Services Manager for the City of Paso Robles. “Our varied line-up of talented musicians delivered fabulous shows throughout the entire season. We’re excited to assemble another crowd-pleasing schedule of performances for the 2026 season.” Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., June 11 through August 20, 2026. Musicians interested in...

  Monterey County, CA – The County of Monterey Health Department is expanding its overdose-prevention efforts by launching 4 additional Narcan vending machines on December 8, doubling the number of free, 24/7 access points for naloxone and fentanyl test strips across the county.   The new wave of machines builds on the County’s initial launch earlier this year and extends access to college students, families, and justice-involved residents in communities that have been heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. With this expansion, there will now be 8 public kiosks providing overdose-reversal medication at no cost.  Each vending machine offers free Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl test strips, along with simple, step-by-step instructions in English and Spanish so that anyone can recognize the signs of overdose and respond quickly. The machines feature a touchscreen interface and are stocked with up to 250 units of naloxone and 250 fentanyl test strip kits at a time.  ...

  The King City Cemetery located at 1010 Broadway in King City an official Wreaths Across America location will host a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 13 at 10 am, joining this year more than 4,500 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day with more than 3 million volunteers coming together. Coordinated and led by local volunteers and  fundraising groups, they will place wreaths on Veterans graves at the King City Cemetery. This annual event seeks to further the Wreaths Across America mission of Remember, Honor and Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures. Garrison Comander Colonel Jason McKenzie and Garrison CSM David Fimbres from Fort Hunter Liggett will be speaking at the event. Everyone is welcome to attend. Volunteers are needed to place the wreaths and are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:00am prior to the ceremony for check-in and instructions. Volunteers are also needed to help mark the Vete...

  Monterey County, CA — County of Monterey Emergency Communications Department on December 4 proudly recognized the outstanding actions of Dispatchers Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark, whose professionalism and technical expertise directly contributed to the safe recovery of 2 lost hikers in separate incidents this fall. On October 18, 2025, Veteran Dispatcher Dawn McNeil received a 9-1-1 call from a young woman who became lost while hiking with her dog in San Lorenzo Park in South Monterey County. Disoriented and increasingly panicked after circling dense brush, the caller sought emergency assistance. McNeil remained calm and reassuring, leveraging RapidSOS technology to accurately determine the caller’s location. Over the course of approximately 13 minutes, she provided step-by-step guidance, safely directing the hiker and her dog back to their vehicle. In a separate incident on November 4, 2025, at approximately 6 pm Dispatcher Donald Clark managed a 9-1-1 call from a young woman lo...

  Soledad, CA – The community and local media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Soledad’s first Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strip Kiosk, providing free, 24/7 access to lifesaving overdose-prevention tools.   The kiosk is part of a broader countywide effort by the County of Monterey Health Department to expand access to naloxone (Narcan)—a safe and effective medication that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes—and fentanyl test strips, which help individuals identify fentanyl-contaminated substances. Each kiosk is stocked with approximately 250 doses of naloxone and 250 sets of fentanyl test strips, and includes step-by-step instructions in both English and Spanish to ensure anyone can take action during an emergency.     The City of Soledad partnered with the Health Department to launch the first kiosk in South Monterey County as part of its efforts to combat opioid-related deaths and raise awareness about fentanyl’s dangers, particul...

  County of Monterey Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau is hosting another in person and virtual listening session on the proposed Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). This session will be held Saturday, December 6 at 10am in the Whitney Room  at the Health Department offices at 1270 Natividad Road in Salinas.   Attendees will learn more about this project, be given an opportunity to ask questions, and share their thoughts. Interpretation services will be available for Spanish speakers.   “I want to thank those who have attended the previous listening sessions” said Melanie Rhodes, Behavioral Health Bureau Chief, “We appreciate your participation, and you are welcome to attend this session as well.”  The project is scheduled to go before the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 9th at 1:30 pm.  Public comment will be taken after the presentation.   The project  The project includes six (6) new 16-...

  Gonzales, Calif. – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Gonzales Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence. From December 12 through New Year’s Day, the Gonzales Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk. “We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Chief Keith Wise said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but i...

  A water tank truck overturned on County Road 17 and Chualar River Road in the Chualar area at 7:34 am on Wednesday morning, December 3. Officials with the County Office of Emergency Services and other agencies were paged to assist in clean up efforts from gallons of dielsel fuel that spilled onto the right hand side of the road which resulted in trafffic being diverted due to this stretch of road being shutdown for an undetermined amount of time. 1 occupant in the truck received minor injuries from the wreck. 

  SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday, December 3 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Edwin Sevilla will join her office as the incoming District Director for California's 18th Congressional District. “I am very excited to welcome Edwin Sevilla to our district office,"  said Rep. Lofgren.  "With his impressive career experience and upbringing in Santa Clara County, I am confident that Edwin is going to be a great addition to the team. Our district office provides so many constituent services for the people of CA-18, and Edwin will play a key part in continuing and improving those services." Edwin Sevilla joins Team Lofgren after serving as Northern California Regional Director for Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). Before that, Sevilla had the privilege to serve as Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Laphonza Butler and as a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) in her Washington, DC...

  The County of Monterey Health Department is reminding Monterey County residents to exercise caution when gathering and eating wild mushrooms. Local hospitals have recently reported an increase in illnesses resulting from eating poisonous wild mushrooms. “Some poisonous wild mushrooms look and smell like edible types of mushrooms," states Dr. Edward Moreno, County of Monterey Health Officer. “Only people with extensive training and experience should eat wild mushrooms that they have picked themselves." The term wild mushroom refers to mushrooms that are not cultivated by commercial growers. Wild mushrooms include many varieties of fungi that tend to grow in shady, moist, and humid environments. Some of the more common poisonous wild mushrooms include the varieties Amanita ocreata known as Death Angel, Amanita phalloides known as Death Cap, and Amanita muscaria known as Fly Amanita. These poisonous wild mushrooms grow in certain parts of California year-round but are most com...

  SALINAS, CA – Final certified results for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election are available at https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/elections/election-results. Final results include 108,532 votes cast with a turnout of 49.64% based on a registration of 218,619 voters. Urgency legislation for this election required certification on December 2.   Registrar of Voters Gina Martinez expressed deep appreciation for the community's efforts in making this election a success:   "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our partner agencies in Monterey County for their commitment to democracy and participation in this election. We are especially thankful for our poll workers, facility managers, emergency planning response partners, and for the dedicated staff members who worked tirelessly to ensure every ballot was processed securely and accurately."   This year's election was a collaborative success and our community played a vital ro...

SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Nov. 29, 2025, death of incarcerated person 26-year-old Kevin A. Torres at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At 9:19 p.m., custody staff conducting a security check in a Housing Unit approached a cell occupied by Torres and another incarcerated person identified as 39-year-old Thomas Farias. Staff discovered Torres unresponsive in the cell. Responding personnel immediately initiated life-saving efforts.   Torres was transported by ambulance to an outside medical facility, where he was pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m. by medical personnel. Farias has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for potential murder charges. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine the official cause of death. ...

  King City, Calif. – As the holiday season approaches the King City Police Department reminds drivers to celebrate responsibly by choosing a sober way to go by using a designated driver, public transit or calling a taxi or rideshare service to get to and from your destination safely. Everyday, about 34 people in the United States are killed in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 42 minutes. "Our priority is keeping the community safe this holiday season," said King City Police Sergeant Chris Langston. "If you’re heading out to celebrate, don’t risk it. Plan ahead for a safe drive with a designated driver or by arranging alternative transportation." Drunk driving continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays. During the 2019-2023 December months, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In California, 1,355 peopl...

  Doreen Liberto announced on December 1, 2025 her plans to retire as the King City Community Development Director in the Spring of 2026. Liberto's intent is to provide time to assist the new city manager once he or she is appointed and begins work in January and then to allow for recruitment of her replacement.  Liberto has served as the City’s Community Development Director for 20 years, including both as a private consultant under contract from 2005 to 2023 and the last two years as a full-time in-house employee. Prior to that, she worked as a consultant on City projects for 2 years.    Liberto has been responsible for a long list of accomplishments, including updates to the Housing and other General Plan Elements, processing major projects such as the Mills Ranch and Arboleda subdivisions and Downtown Addition Specific Plan, and development of the plan for the Multimodal Transit Center and Amtrak stop. Liberto was particularly instrumental in helping to provide t...