KRKC COUNTRY

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 22 that on January 20, 2026, Judge Carrie Panetta sentenced 30-year-old Jose Christian Montenegro of Gonzales, to 34 years in prison for committing 4 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14 and one lewd act on a child under the age of 14. These offenses are serious and violent felonies and considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes law. Montenegro will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Jane Doe 1 reported that Montenegro, a family member, had been sexually assaulting her for many years. Jane Doe 1 reported that Montenegro began touching her intimate areas when she was 6 or 7 years old. Montenegro would touch her both over and under her clothing numerous times a week. The touching continued until Jane Doe 1 reported the abuse when she was 13 years old. Jane Doe 1’s brave disclosure to law enforcement resulted in Jane Doe 2 reporting t...

  The Soledad Police Department reports that on Wednesday night, January 21, at approximately 6:42 p.m officers responded to reports of shots heard in the area of 1300 block of Palm Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a male juvenile with a gunshot wound to the head. Officers immediately rendered aid, secured the scene, and the juvenile was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas by AMR for medical treatment. A thorough search of the surrounding area was conducted, and surveillance footage is currently being collected and reviewed as part of the investigation.  At this time, no suspects have been arrested. This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Soledad Police Department is asking anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lozano at 831-750-5818. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463

  Soledad, CA – The Soledad Youth Council (SYC) has been leading a comprehensive Street Safety Initiative, launched in October 2025 as their main initiative for the 25/26 year. The initiative is focused on identifying and addressing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns throughout the City of Soledad. Since launching the initiative in the fall of 2025, the Soledad Youth Council members have spent the past several months conducting field observations and analyzing streets and intersections they believe present safety challenges for youth, families, and the broader community. This work has included documenting visibility issues, traffic patterns, cross walk conditions, and factors that impact pedestrian safety. In December 2025, the Soledad Youth Council met with the Soledad Police Department to gain insight into traffic enforcement trends and safety concerns from a public safety perspective. The group is currently preparing a formal presentation for the City of Soledad’s Public Wor...

  Do you know a child who loves animals? The SPCA Monterey County offers fun and meaningful one-day camps during the school year, including our new Pawesome Valentine’s Day Camp on Saturday, February 14. During camp, kids will learn all about 4-legged BFFs. The SPCA Monterey County will see how to better understand their pets, what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, and they'll even learn how to exercise pets' minds using things they can find at home! During camp, they'll also learn how the SPCA helps the adoptable pets find their pur-fect fur-ever homes SPCA Animal Camp is all about kindness, compassion, and empowering children to make a difference for the pets and wildlife that enrich our lives. Camps take place at the beautiful SPCA Monterey County campus in our newly renovated Claire Jacobson Learning Center.  Register now: www.spcamc.org/camp   SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving...

  The County of Monterey, alongside elected officials, community leaders, health officials, families, and friends, will hold a special ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the Monterey County Board of Supervisor Chambers located at 168 West Alisal Street on the 1st Floor in Salinas to unveil the countywide COVID-19 Memorial Garden.   Three years in the making, the Memorial, located at the Government Center Plaza in Salinas, will be a place of remembrance, reflection, and healing – honoring lives lost, recognizing grief endured, and acknowledging the dedication of first responders, frontline workers, educators, health care and public health professionals, families, and communities who supported one another throughout the pandemic.   940 Monterey County residents lost their lives to COVID-19 during the pandemic.   “Each life lost to Covid-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, friends, and the surrounding community,” says County ...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – On Monday night, January 19, 2026, at approximately 5:32 p.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to a solo vehicle traffic crash on northbound River Road north of Gonzales River Road.  Preliminary investigation indicates that a white Nissan SUV, driven by 23-year-old female, Aja Hill of Seaside, was traveling northbound on River Road. The Nissan was occupied by a 23-year-old female resident of Seaside, and a 2-year-old male resident of Seaside. Due to Hill’s level of intoxication, the Nissan SUV went off the roadway, crashed into a power pole, and overturned.  Hill sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, while the 23-year-old female passenger who was not wearing their seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle, was also transported to a local hospital and provided medical aid; however, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Monterey County ...

  SALINAS, CA, January 13, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas awarded $30,000 in educational scholarships in 2025, and the application period for 2026 funds is currently open. The scholarship program began in 1986 with Hartnell College and recently transitioned to the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC).  Over the past 40 years, more than $234,000 has been awarded to deserving students, with the California Rodeo Salinas proud to invest in the future of motivated scholars within its volunteer community.  Scholarships are available to California Rodeo Salinas Committee Members and their immediate family members. The CFMC Rodeo scholarship committee intends to award six $5,000 scholarships to be used for 2- or 4-year colleges, graduate school, or trade school. “The California Rodeo Salinas is powered by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and this scholarship program is one meaningful way we can support their families and encourage continued education,” said Kelly...

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, January 13 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) re-introduced the Credit Card Competition Act. The Senate companion bill is being led by Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS). "The average American household is paying over $1,000 each year on credit card swipe fees, the highest in the world. Right now, just two major credit card companies are setting swipe fees for the nation's largest banks, crushing consumers and small businesses. Our bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act will provide needed relief by fostering competition, lowering prices for everyone. I'm proud to re-introduce this bill with my House and Senate colleagues," said Rep. Lofgren. “Credit Card companies have been raking in record profits at the expense of Main Street America. I thank President Trump for fighting for hardworking Americans,” said Rep. Gooden. “Americans are struggling with everyday purchas...

  SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services in King City this January, made possible by the support of their donors.  SPCA Monterey County upcoming mobile spay/neuters in King City include:     Thursday, January 15: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St.     Thursday, January 22: 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 requir...

  Monterey County, CA — Beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the County of Monterey will implement interim security screening for members of the public attending Monterey County Board of Supervisors meetings in the Government Center located at 168 W. Alisal Street in Salinas. Screenings will take place at the entrance to the Board Chambers and will include handheld metal detection wands and bag checks. Signage will be posted at the entrance to guide visitors through the screening process, and security staff will be available to assist. The screenings are being implemented to enhance safety for visitors, employees, and County operations. Members of the public planning to attend Tuesday Board meetings are encouraged to allow extra time for entry into the Board Chambers. These interim measures will remain in place for all Board meetings while the County works to implement long-term security improvements, including a permanent metal detector system for the Government Center. The County...

  There will be a recycling event for wreaths that were placed on veterans graves on December 13. Volunteers can bring hand clippers and meet at the King City Cemetery located at 1010 Broadway in King City at 10am on Saturday, January 17.  Volunteers are asked to please enter the cemetery at the back gate. Farm animal owners can pick up the foliage that day. Any students wanting community service credit hours for volunteering at this event, please bring your school form with you. Please contact Kathy Imamura, (408) 802-4437 for further information.

  A fatal multi-vehicle collision happened on Saturday night, January 10 at 9:51 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 outside of King City. According to the King City CHP a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Otis, Oregon was heading the wrong way going southbound in the northbound lanes south of Jolon Road, while a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez of Salinas was heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in the #1 lane and a Honda Accord driven by 36-year-old Ignacio Sangerman of King City was also traveling northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road but was in the #2 lane. Due to Cooper's level of impairment his vehicle went the wrong way on Highway 101 going directly into the path of Gomez' vehicle causing the rear of her car to crash with the front of the vehicle driven by Sangerman. Cooper was arrested, sustaining major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas where as of January 12 is...

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 9 that Judge Mark. E Hood sentenced 42-year-old Miguel Rubio of Greenfield, to 25 years in prison for committing 3 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14. These offenses are serious and violent felonies and considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes law. Rubio will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Jane Doe 2 reported that Rubio, a family member, had been sexually assaulting her for many years. Jane Doe 2 reported that Rubio touched her intimate areas over her clothing starting when she was in 7th grade. Jane Doe 2 disclosed that the sexual assaults continued until she left for college. Jane Doe 2’s brave disclosure to law enforcement resulted in Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 3 also reporting that Rubio had sexually assaulted them. Jane Doe 1 reported that Rubio touched her intimate areas numerous times over the clothing while she was sle...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 9 that her Consumer Protection Unit has resolved a case against Mi Tierra Linda LLC, the owner of an apartment building located at 150 Encinal Road in Soledad. This settlement resolves multiple violations of law, including violations of California’s Tenant Protection Act, failure to maintain workers compensation insurance, failure to test for asbestos prior to disturbing potentially asbestos-containing materials, and hiring unlicensed contractors to perform renovation work. As part of the settlement, the landlord will pay $30,000 in civil penalties and is subject to an injunction prohibiting further violations. California’s Tenant Protection Act creates statewide protections against excessive rent increases and safeguards tenants who have lived in their homes for more than 12 months by requiring landlords to have “just cause” before terminating a lease. The law prohibits evictions int...

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is thrilled to announce that Chris Stapleton will headline a special Pre-Fair Concert on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – one night before the Fair officially opens. Molly Tuttle will open the show as the opening act. This unprecedented early kick-off marks the first time in Fair history that fans will be welcomed onto the grounds ahead of Opening Day for a major concert event. The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist will bring his powerhouse vocals and signature blend of country, soul, and rock to the Chumash Grandstand Arena for an unforgettable night under the Paso Robles summer sky. His supporting act will be Molly Tuttle. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will be available online only at MidStateFair.com. Prices are set at $90, $110, $160, $210 and $260. A Message from Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez “It is an honor and a privilege to host and present an artist of Chris Stapleton’s caliber,” said Coll...

  SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday , January 7 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that California's 18 th  district had received a total of $8,634,928 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.   "I'm proud to kick off 2026 with some amazing news for California's 18 th  district," Rep. Lofgren said.  "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again strengthening California by delivering over $8.6 million in funding to ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. I was proud to vote for this law, and I'm excited to see these funds improve road safety in San Benito County, Watsonville, and Morgan Hill."   The breakdown of the funding will be as follows:   ·                      $7,625,616 to San Benito County for the implementation of safety enhancement at 11 priority corr...

  January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23.    José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

  WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a former member of the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6, 2021 Attack on the United States Capitol, released the following statement on January 6, 2026 reflecting on the deadly insurrection 5 years later:   "Five years ago was one of our country's darkest days. We saw law enforcement officers beaten, we saw gallows constructed to hang elected officials, and worst of all, we saw a lawless President cheer it on. The pain of January 6th hasn't faded over these past five years. Every year is a somber reminder of how fragile American democracy is and how close we came to losing it."   "No matter how much President Trump and his allies seek to rewrite the past and cover up this stain on our history, the American people remember. With over a million documents and hundreds of hours of footage from the January 6th Select Committee investigation, it is one of the most-documented cri...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that Correctional Healthcare Partners (CHP) assumed responsibility at midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as the new correctional healthcare provider for Monterey County Jail. CHP brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to delivering compassionate, comprehensive healthcare services to those in Monterey County Sheriff's Office custody. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest gratitude to California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG) for more than 40 years of dedicated service providing healthcare to the incarcerated population of the Monterey County Jail. CFMG’s commitment to quality care and professionalism has been an integral part of our correctional system for decades. Sheriff Tina Nieto highlighted, "We sincerely thank California Forensic Medical Group for their 4 decades of exceptional service to Monterey County. Their dedication to the health and well-being of our incarcerated popu...

  The County of Monterey Health Department urges all residents to act now to protect themselves and their families against respiratory viruses circulating this winter season, including influenza (“flu”), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A recent increase in flu activity in California has led to more emergency department visits, which may begin to strain the local health care system.    The Health Department encourages everyone to help keep children and families healthy by following these steps:      Get Vaccinated. Immunizations continue to provide the best protection against severe illness and death. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now. Pregnant women can protect themselves and their babies by getting immunized against RSV during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy.          Talk to your health care provider or visit your local pharmacy. Most pharmacies, includ...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of human remains in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. On Monday, December 29, 2025, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of Viejo Road after a land surveyor reported finding what appeared to be a human skull. Deputies responded and confirmed the discovery. The scene was secured and turned over to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division. Over the course of several days, the scene was processed, and additional human remains were located and collected. A forensic examination will be conducted to assist in identifying the individual. This process will include DNA analysis and comparison with missing and unidentified persons records through the California Department of Justice. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.