KRKC COUNTRY

  MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at approximately 8:28 am, CHP officers responded to a traffic crash on River Road, south of Parker Road outside of Chualar.  A preliminary investigation indicates that a 26-year-old male resident from King City was driving a Toyota sedan northbound on River Road south of Parker Road. A 47-year-old male resident of Soledad was driving a Mercedes Benz coupe southbound on River Road south of Parker Road. The Toyota sedan was occupied by a 16-year-old female passenger from Soledad. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota sedan traveled to the left over solid double yellow lines, into the southbound lane, causing the Mercedes Benz coupe to crash into the right side of the Toyota sedan.  The driver of the Toyota sedan was transported to a local hospital sustaining major injuries, the passenger of the Toyota sedan was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, while he driver of the Mercedes Benz coupe was ...

  The Transportation Agency for Monterey County received 10 applications for the Measure X Senior and Disabled Transportation Program Cycle 4 Program, covering fiscal years 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29. Applicants requested a combined total of $5,758,119—exceeding the $1.86 million available for Cycle 4 by $3,898,119. This made Cycle 4 the most competitive funding round to date.   After an extensive discussion following the TAMC Board presentation about the funding and selection process, the TAMC Board approved the recommendation by the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee to adopt a resolution to award the Cycle 4 Measure X Senior & Disabled Transportation Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2026/27 through 2028/29 as follows:     $1,116,300 to Independent Transportation Network (ITN) Monterey County     $526,328 to Alliance on Aging     $50,244 to City of Greenfield     $67,128 to Veterans Transition Center     $100,0...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit has been investigating a series of ongoing diesel fuel thefts throughout Monterey County. During the investigation, detectives installed surveillance cameras, at known fuel theft locations, and identified a suspect as 49-year-old, Pedro Martinez, of Soledad. Detectives conducted surveillance operations and authored multiple search warrants as part of the investigation. On Sunday, May 24, 2026, detectives saw Martinez leaving a vineyard in Soledad shortly after committing a fuel theft. During the investigation, Martinez admitted stealing more than 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from multiple agricultural properties over an extended period of time. The estimated total loss associated with the diesel thefts exceeds $10,000. Detectives recovered Martinez’s truck and fuel tank, which were seized and booked into evidence as part of the investigation. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on the followi...

  SALINAS, CA – May 26 is the last day election offices will mail vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary 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, 8a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.     Satellite Elections Office, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955, beginning 8 a.m., Friday, May 29.     The Salinas and Seaside Elections Offices will be open for early weekend voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.    Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot     By Mail: The last recommended day to return a voted ballot in the U.S. mail is May 26. Ballots must be postmarked on or b...

  Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence located on the 84000 block of White Road in Parkfield. On Thursday May 21, 2026, about 11:00 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies contacted the victim, who reported that 45-year-old Elena Juarez of San Miguel, had fired multiple rounds toward him while he was seated inside his vehicle. Deputies detained Juarez at the scene and recovered a Ruger .357 caliber revolver. During the investigation, a witness reported observing Juarez point the firearm toward the victim’s vehicle and fire from about 250 yards away. Deputies determined that multiple rounds were fired in the direction of the victim as he attempted to leave the property. The victim reported that additional rounds were fired as he fled the area and believed one round struck a nearby tree, causing bark and debris to impact his vehicle. Based on statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence collected at the scene, Juarez was arrested an...

  County of Monterey public health officials urge residents to stay up to date with their pertussis immunizations due to a recent increase in the number of reported pertussis cases this year.  Since January 1, 2026, the County of Monterey Health Department has received 43 reports of pertussis infections among Monterey County residents, in comparison to 11 reported infections during the same timeframe in 2025. The 43 pertussis infections reported during the first five months of 2026 exceed the 36 infections reported during the entire twelve months of 2025.  Age of individuals reported to date in 2026 ranged from 3 months to 78 years, with nearly half of cases being between the ages of 5 and 17 years.  Newborns are at the highest risk for complications of pertussis. “I strongly encourage women to get vaccinated during weeks 27 to 36 of each pregnancy.  Immunity developed by mothers during pregnancy is passed to newborn infants,” states Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Of...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on May 21 the indictment of Manuel Galindo Rodriguez, 21, of Greenfield for the murder of 6 Monterey County residents and other crimes Rodriguez committed in Monterey County in early 2024. The Monterey County Criminal Grand Jury returned the indictment after 5 days of testimony from witnesses. Grand Jury hearings are secret proceedings where prosecutors present both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence and grand jurors are tasked with determining whether there is probable cause to bring charges. After deliberation the Grand Jury indicted Rodriguez for a February 3, 2024, armed robbery in Salinas; the February 4, 2024, double murder of Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola outside Greenfield; and the March 3, 2024, shooting at a King City party where he murdered Francisco Perez, Olivo Perez, Mario Guzman, and Alicia Aparicio. Seven more victims also sustained gunshot wounds. The Grand Jury found that R...

  SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.   The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.   While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.  “Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” Commissioner Sean Duryee CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE   Whether ...

  The County of Monterey announces the start of the Blade Overlay Project, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Construction activities will take place along Jolon Road and may also impact traffic on Argyle Road and Mission Road. This project is expected to last approximately 3 weeks, with completion by June 5, 2026. The work to be done includes sweeping and cleaning of the road surface, spraying emulsion oil, delivering and placing asphalt with a motor grader. Construction operations will occur during daytime hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To ensure the safety of workers and the traveling public, traffic control measure will be in place throughout the duration of the project. These measuresw may include pilot cars, flaggers and temporary one-lane closures. Motorists are encouraged to plan for possible 15-minute delays and use caution when traveling through the work zone. The County of Monterey crew will perform the work and will make every effort to keep the community informed regarding ...

  KING CITY, CA — May 14, 2026: Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 100 Critical Access Hospitals to Know for 2026. This national list acknowledges hospitals that are vital to American healthcare, noted for clinical excellence, innovation, and impact in rural communities.   In its 2026 announcement, Becker’s emphasized the essential nature of these facilities, stating: "Critical access hospitals occupy a singular place in the American healthcare system. With a mandate to provide around-the-clock emergency care, these institutions do far more with far less than almost any other type of healthcare organization."   The recognition reflects Mee Memorial’s ongoing commitment to South Monterey County. Becker’s further noted that the hospitals featured on this year’s list are “actively expanding access to specialty care, reducing the burden of patient travel, and driving meaningful improvements in the health of thei...

  The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce that legendary hip-hop icon Ice Cube, joined by special guest Warren G, will perform on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Chumash Grandstand Arena as part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10:00 AM at MidStateFair.com. Tickets are $50, $60, $70, $90, and $100 (pit). Fair admission is sold separately. A pioneering force in hip-hop and entertainment, Ice Cube's career spans decades of cultural influence - from his groundbreaking work with N.W.A. to a solo career that has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide. Joining him is West Coast rap legend Warren G, whose smooth G-funk sound helped define a generation. ABOUT ICE CUBE Ice Cube is a pioneering rapper, actor, and producer who rose to fame with N.W.A. before building a multi-platinum solo career. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame...

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce that Willie Nelson & Family will perform at the Chumash Grandstand Arena on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 as part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10:00 AM at MidStateFair.com. Ticket prices are $50, $60, $80 and $100. Fair admission is not included in the price of concert tickets.  With a seven-decade career, Willie Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician while also becoming an acclaimed author, actor, and activist. He remains one of the most influential and enduring voices in American music, continuing to release new albums, tour extensively, and connect with generations of fans through his unmistakable sound and storytelling. Throughout his legendary career, Nelson has released dozens of celebrated albums and helped shape the outlaw country movement. In recent years, he has remained remarkably prolific, releasing multiple new studio...

  Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections is announcing a series of accessible, community‑based voting opportunities throughout the county for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election.   The “Books & Ballots” initiative, hosted in partnership with local libraries and community locations, invites residents to vote in-person, drop off ballots, or register conditionally to vote at convenient neighborhood sites.   These flexible early voting centers will be available on the following dates:       May 19 — Gonzales Library     630 Fifth Street, Gonzales | 1 p.m.–6 p.m.       May 20 — Soledad Library     401 Gabilan Drive, Soledad | 1 p.m.–6 p.m.       May 21 — Greenfield Library     315 El Camino Real, Greenfield | 1 p.m.–6 p.m.       May 22 — King City Library     402 Broadway Street, King City | 1 p.m.–6 p.m.       May 26 — Carmel Valley Library     65 W....

  Salinas, CA – The nomination period to qualify as a write-in candidate for the Statewide Primary Election, closes Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Candidate forms must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.   Official nomination documents will be available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays during the filling period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Interested candidates can schedule an appointment via email at CandidateServices@countyofmonterey.gov or by phone (831) 796-1499. Monterey County Candidate Guidelines, detailing offices up for election and requirements, are available at https://tinyurl.com/nhdb6y9d.   https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/

  The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce the 2026 Frontier Stage entertainment lineup, featuring 12 nights of free concerts and entertainment included with paid Fair admission. Performances begin at 8:00 PM on the Frontier Stage during the Fair’s run July 15–26, 2026. The 2026 lineup offers a diverse mix of classic rock, country, Latin music, pop, tribute acts, and rising stars sure to entertain Fairgoers of all ages. The 2026 Frontier Stage lineup includes: Wednesday, July 15 – Miss CA Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant (6:00 PM) The annual opening night Pageant tradition kicks off the Fair with local pride, celebration, and community spirit. Thursday, July 16 – High Voltage High Voltage delivers a high-energy tribute to AC/DC with authentic sound, electrifying guitar riffs, and powerhouse vocals. Friday, July 17 – Micky Dolenz Best known as the lead vocalist and drummer of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz continues to delight audiences with timeless pop-rock classics and d...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will host the 2026 Memorial Wall Ceremony to honor  13 members of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office who have died in the line of duty throughout the agency’s more than 175-year history. The ceremony will take place at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Wall located at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas and will begin at 1:00 PM on Wednesday May 13, 2026. The memorial ceremony will include the placement of flowers and the reading of the names of the fallen Monterey County Sheriff’s Office personnel whose service and sacrifice continue to be remembered by the community and those who serve today. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the brave deputies and personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Monterey County. The story of the memorial began with a dedication ceremony in October of 2014, where the toll of a bell solemnly marked the names of eight fallen deputies. Over ...

  Salinas, CA - The County of Monterey is pleased to announce the release of the County Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27. This year’s budget, totaling $2.34 billion, reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the delivery of essential services to Monterey County’s diverse communities. Budget Highlights: • Total Budget: $2.34 billion, a $117.2 million (5.3%) increase over the prior year. • Workforce: Supports 5,700.8 positions, a reduction of 111.1 positions (2%) from FY 2025-26, achieved primarily through targeted elimination of vacant positions to align ongoing costs with available resources. • Digital Release: For the second time, the CAO Recommended Budget is being released digitally for public review, enhancing accessibility and transparency for all residents. • Strategic Investments: The budget prioritizes public safety, health, social services, and infrastructure, while maintaining prudent rese...

  The Monterey County Peace Officers Association is honored to announce the 28th Annual Peace Officer Memorial Procession, which will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Monterey County. This annual event is held to honor the sacrifice and remember the service of peace officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving their communities. Law enforcement personnel from agencies throughout Monterey County will participate in a memorial procession culminating at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 15 Railroad Avenue in Spreckels, California. A memorial service will be held following the procession. Participating agencies will assemble at designated locations throughout the county before converging in Salinas and proceeding together to the church. Procession details are as follows: • South County agencies will meet at the Soledad prison visitor parking lot at 4:30 PM • Peninsula agencies will meet at Blanco Road and Research Drive in Marina at 4:45 PM • Salinas-area agenci...

  Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is putting out an alert to family and friends of people that are currently incarcerated at the Monterey County Jail. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Our agency has been made aware that family members of persons who are currently incarcerated at the Monterey County Jail are receiving phone calls from persons identifying themselves as employees of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.” The sheriff stated that on multiple occasions, family members of incarcerated persons received a call from a person stating that due to “overpopulation at the jail,” incarcerated individuals were being offered release options that include $1,200 bail with an ankle bracelet followed by weekly payments of $200 or a flat $1,800 payment for release with a watch monitoring device. The caller tells the potential victim that the jail kiosk set up to make payments at the jail is out of service and that payment needs to be made at a local pharmacy or other retail establishment. Sh...

  The Monterey County Coroner’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating the family of 48-year- old Alejandro Marcelo Dionisi, who passed away over 2 years ago on Thursday, April 4 of 2024. The Coroner’s Office has searched numerous databases, but attempts to locate his family have been unsuccessful. It appears that Dionisi may have been traveling through the area at the time and was staying in Monterey County temporarily. Locating Dionisi's immediate family members is a priority to allow them the opportunity to make proper funeral arrangements. If anyone has any information then they're asked to please contact the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office at 831- 755-3792 or send an to email at Coroner@countyofmonterey.gov.

  During the month of April, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Tobacco Enforcement Unit conducted more than 30 Tobacco Retail License (TRL) compliance inspections across Monterey County. These inspections are part of the ongoing efforts by the Sheriff’s Office to ensure that tobacco retailers comply with state and local laws designed to protect public health, particularly youth, by preventing the sale of illegal flavored tobacco products and addressing other violations. These efforts were funded by a grant that was awarded to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office specifically for this type of enforcement as well as retailer and law enforcement education on tobacco laws and ordinances. One such recent inspection at a tobacco retail facility in Salinas resulted in the seizure of flavored tobacco products which are banned in the state of California. They were also found to be selling the controlled substance psilocybin, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.” Scorpio Imports, was...

  SALINAS, CA, May 5, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas announces that entries are now open for the Industrial Calf Dressing competition, presented by West Coast Community Bank. This fan-favorite event offers a unique and exciting opportunity for non-professional rodeo contestants to get in on the action, competing for the coveted ‘Salinas’ belt buckle and ultimate bragging rights. Each three-person team, sponsored by local businesses, will take on the challenge of dressing a large calf in oversized Wranglers as quickly as possible—without harming the animal. The competition is fast-paced, unpredictable, and always entertaining, making it a must-see event for both contestants and fans alike. Competition Details & Important Deadlines • The top 3 teams from Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18 performances will advance to the championship round on Sunday, July 19. • Entries must be submitted by July 1 • Back numbers must be picked up at the Rodeo Office by ...

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The City of Paso Robles announces the return of goats and sheep to graze primary firebreaks within the Salinas River corridor. The herds arrived on Friday, May 1, 2026. Prescribed grazing is an approved method under the City’s Vegetation Management Program to reduce wildfire risk. It has been selected for its proven effectiveness and minimal environmental impact. Since implementing this strategy in 2021, City fire officials have observed a measurable reduction in fire starts and total acres burned. Annual operations continue to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in reducing fire threats to the community. With support from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council, the City will continue to manage seasonal vegetation growth and maintain established firebreaks within the Salinas River. Work will prioritize areas of highest fire risk before expanding as resources allow. Grazing began south of the Niblick Bridge and will progress north, while a second herd w...

  Spring has officially arrived in Monterey County, bringing new wild babies to hills and backyards. For the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center, it also marks the start of “fawn-napping” season, a precarious period where healthy baby deer are mistakenly rescued from their mothers. So far this year, the SPCA Wildlife Center has already received 6 fawns that were inadvertently taken from their mothers. Two were successfully reunited with their mothers, two sadly did not survive the ordeal, and 2 are still in the professional care of the SPCA Wildlife Center.  “It’s a heartbreaking mistake,” says Ciera Duits-Cavanaugh, SPCA Wildlife Center Supervisor. “People see a tiny fawn curled up alone in the grass and assume it’s been abandoned. In reality, that mother deer is nearby, watching and waiting for the humans to leave so she can return to her baby. By picking them up, people are unintentionally kidnapping these animals from the wild.” Mother deer naturally leave their fawns hid...

  The week of April 26 has been a week of milestones and success for County of Monterey’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) and its Planning staff as well as good news for the local community and economy as the outcomes will impact more housing and tourist rentals. During the week of April 26, two County of Monterey land use commissions and the Board of Supervisors took positive action on several major Planning Department projects which will impact and improve affordable housing options in the county as well as new vacation rental applications so that property owners can operate under the current county ordinance. These approvals and considerations mark the culmination of years of work by County staff working with developers and property owners to bring additional affordable housing to our community. Land use issues/projects heard during the week of April 26: • The County of Monterey Planning Commission considered a water allocation policy that will free water for development...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, California-On Friday, May 1 at approximately 6:57 am the CHP Monterey Communications Center received a call from an individual advising that he had been siginificantly injured in a traffic collision the prior day, at approximately 10 on Thursday, April 30, upon leaving the Williams Hill Campground. The 46-year-old male advised that he unintentionally lost control of his red Dodge pickup truck while traveling on Lockwood San Ardo Road and subsequently rolled down a steep embankment. The adult male found his cell phone on Friday morning, May 1 and called 911 to request for help. King City-CHP officers responded and with the assistance of CAL FIRE and CHP Air Operations an H70 helicopter found the adult male and he was airlifted to a Hospital. The driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision, while drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in crash, but the accident is still under investigation. Lieutenant Pia, Commander of the King City-CHP ...