KRKC COUNTRY

  SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating an attack on a staff member at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as attempted murder. On Friday, August 28, 2026, at 12:43 p.m., staff saw incarcerated person 43-year-old Sean W. Cunningham strike a healthcare staff member from behind and then run away. Staff immediately came to the aid of the employee, initiating life-saving measures and activating 911. The injured employee was transferred to an outside medical facility for treatment. An improvised weapon was discovered at the scene.  Cunningham was subsequently located and placed into restraints without further incident and has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified.  Cunningham was most recently received from Los Angeles County on April 8, 2009. He was senten...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 28 that Judge Carrie M. Panetta sentenced 22-year-old Omar Onofre of Greenfield, to 4 years in state prison for 3 felony counts of residential burglary and 1 misdemeanor count of criminal invasion of privacy. The burglary convictions constitute three “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law. Between March 3, 2026, and March 12, 2026, Onofre committed a series of residential burglaries in the City of Greenfield by entering multiple residences during the night and early morning hours. Onofre entered the residences with the intent to steal personal property, including wallets and cellphones. Through the cooperation of witnesses and victims, who provided law enforcement with descriptions of the suspect, investigators were able to identify Onofre as the suspect in the burglaries. Onofre was subsequently arrested and confessed to Greenfield Police detectives that he had committed the b...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning in King City. On Sunday, August 23, 2026, shortly after midnight, officers from the King City Police Department and deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots heard in the area of the Hartnell College satellite campus in King City. Responding law enforcement personnel located a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the area of 2nd Street and Lynn Street. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 42-year-old Omar Tellitud Chavez of King City. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the homicide investigation. Detectives continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything related to the incident to come forward. Investigators are also asking residents and businesses in the area ...

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred overnight in King City. On August 23, 2026, shortly after midnight, officers from the King City Police Department and deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots heard in the area of the Hartnell College satellite campus in King City. Responding law enforcement personnel located a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the area of 2nd Street and Lynn Street. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the homicide investigation. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything related to the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are also asking residents and businesses in the area to review any surveillance, doorbell, or other video footage that may have captured activity related to the incident. Anyone with information or potent...

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services and vaccination events in South County, thanks to the support of our donors. Low-Cost Vaccination Event:     Friday, August 21: Patriot Park, 1351 Oak Ave, Greenfield 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, no appointment required. Available for all cats and dogs 8 weeks and older. $25 per vaccine, $25 microchips, $5 dewormer (Cash or Card accepted). The event includes Rabies, FVRCP, DAPPi vaccines, and microchips. No appointment required! Please ensure all dogs are on leashes and cats are in secure carriers. Monterey County residents only, please. Se habla español. Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics:     Thursday, August 27: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St., King City. Appointments available now.      Thursday, September 3: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.      Thursday, September 10: King...

  Four men were arrested during a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly using the internet to seek sexual contact with minors. The proactive operation was conducted August 14–15, 2026. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco conducted the undercover online operation with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and numerous local, state and federal law enforcement partners. During the operation, undercover investigators communicated online with individuals who allegedly sought to sexually exploit minors. Investigators identified individuals who engaged in sexually explicit communications and allegedly made arrangements to meet individuals they believed were underage for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. When the suspects arrived at predetermined locations, they were contacted by law enforcement officers and arrested. “This operation should send a very clear message to anyone who uses the internet in an attempt to prey u...

  SALINAS, CA  — On Tuesday, August 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Monterey County has received $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL) funding opportunity. This grant will be used to extend the Monterey County Health Department’s STRYVE Program for another year, which implements evidence-based approaches to prevent youth violence.   “One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that our communities are secure and healthy places to live and raise a family,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I am very glad to see that Monterey County is receiving this federal funding that will be used to continue its youth violence prevention efforts. The data shows that we’re making progress, but there is still work to be done, and we need to continue creating an environment where young people feel safe."   "As a longtime partner of the Community Alliance for Safety a...

  At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Monday, August 17 officers with the Soledad Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of Main Street regarding a report of a possible residential burglary in progress. Witnesses reported seeing 3 to 4 individuals jump a fence into the backyard of a residence. Upon arrival, officers located 3 individuals matching the description provided near a Little League Park. When officers attempted to contact them, all 3 fled on foot in different directions. Officers quickly apprehended 2 of the individuals in the surrounding area. while the third individual, later identified as 18-year-old Eduardo Zepeda of Soledad, fled toward the area of Dixie and Oak streets and was observed holding onto his waistband as he ran. As a precaution and due to the suspect’s actions, San Vicente Elementary School and Gabilan Elementary School were placed on secure campus status while officers searched the surrounding area. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Greenfi...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 13 that on August 11, 2026 that 57-year-old Curtis Hemphill, was convicted by a jury of assault with a deadly weapon by a state prisoner serving a life sentence. Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the trial. On July 4, 2023, Hemphill, during afternoon recall from the recreational yard at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, stabbed an on duty Correctional Officer with a 6-inch dagger style inmate manufactured weapon. Without warning, Hemphill lunged at the correctional officer and struck him in the chest, near his right arm pit. The officer suffered severe redness and bruising; fortunately, he was wearing a California Department of Rehabilitations and Correction’s issued protective vest. The jury also found true Hemphill has prior convictions for attempted murder, kidnapping, mayhem and assault with a firearm in Riverside County in 1998 and, voluntary manslaughter in Monterey C...

  Soledad, CA – On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Soledad Police Department was notified of an incident involving an 8-year-old female victim who reported that an adult male had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct in her presence. Through investigation and multiple follow-ups, officers positively identified the suspect as 52-year-old Jeronimo Macias Rodriguez of Soledad. During the investigation, officers also learned that Rodriguez may have had access to or contact with other female juveniles. On Tuesday night, August 11, 2026, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers with the Soledad Police Department located and arrested Rodriguez near his residence in the 500 block of Front Street. Rodriguez was subsequently booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges related to the investigation. Due to concerns that Rodriguez may have had contact with other juveniles, the Soledad Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance. The Soledad Police Department encourages anyone who ma...

Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections announces the 10-calendar day public review period for candidate statements and local measures.   The purpose of the public review period is to give voters an opportunity to review and/or challenge the language of a proposed ballot measure or candidate statement before it is published in the Voter Information Guide. During each 10-day public review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held may seek a judicial writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all materials to be amended or deleted. The request for a writ of mandate or injunction against a statement or measure text in which Monterey County is the sole or lead county of the district shall be filed no later than the end of the review period with the Superior Court of the County of Monterey.   Multiple review periods will occur in relation to the Election. Each period opens immediately after the filing deadline for each type of electio...

SALINAS, CA – The regular candidate filing period for the November 3, 2026, General Election has closed. The filing period for the following offices, in which an eligible incumbent did not file, is extended until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.   DISTRICT NAME SEAT Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 1 Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 7 Hartnell Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5 Hartnell Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 6 Hartnell Community College District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 7 Aromas-San Juan Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 3 Gonzales Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 2 Gonzales Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 4 Monterey Peninsula Unified School District ...

  Soledad, CA – On August 10, 2026, at approximately 3:42 p.m., officers with the Soledad Police Department were investigating a possible domestic violence incident when they located property believed to be connected to a recent series of thefts from unlocked vehicles. Further investigation revealed that 29-year-old Luis Jonathan Damian Campos of Soledad, was in possession of the stolen property. Officers also confirmed that Campos had an outstanding felony no-bail warrant for his arrest. Prior to officers’ arrival, Campos fled the area and was believed to be at a nearby residence. With assistance from the Greenfield Police Department, officers contacted the homeowner of the residence and received permission to check the backyard to determine whether Campos was hiding on the property. A Greenfield Police Department drone located Campos as he fled from the backyard and jumped a fence into a neighboring property. With assistance from the Greenfield Police Department, Soledad Police o...

  On August 9, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM, Monterey County Park Rangers received a report of a missing person at Lake San Antonio South Shore near Beach Road. A family member reported that an adult relative had not been seen for approximately 20 minutes and was last observed in the water near the shoreline. Family members also reported that the missing person was an inexperienced swimmer. Park Rangers immediately began searching the shoreline and surrounding area. Based on the circumstances and information provided by witnesses, it was believed the missing person may have gone underwater and not resurfaced. Park Rangers requested assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, including the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, to conduct an underwater search. The Dive Team responded and searched the area where the person was last seen, as well as the surrounding water, but was unable to locate the missing person before search operations were suspended for the day. On August 10, 20...

  Soledad, CA – On Sunday night, August 9, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers with the Soledad Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for reckless driving. The driver failed to yield and fled from officers. A short time later, officers were dispatched to the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad, where CTF staff had located the vehicle on facility grounds. Staff attempted to communicate with the driver, who was uncooperative and refused to provide identification or other information. Officers with the Soledad Police Department arrived at CTF with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Salinas Police Department. The driver refused to exit the vehicle and subsequently rammed a secured CTF gate, causing damage. Officers utilized less-lethal options to safely remove the driver from the vehicle and take him into custody. The driver was later identified as 25-year-old Sergio Ramirez Greenfield was medically assessed and cle...

  SALINAS, Calif. — District 1 Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo has been appointed to three prominent leadership positions within the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the 2026–2027 term by NACo President George Dunlap. Alejo, who also currently serves as First Vice-President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), will serve as:     Chair, Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs     Vice-Chair, Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee     Member, Midsize County Caucus (MCC) These appointments place Alejo in key national leadership roles representing county governments on issues ranging from immigration policy and federal-state-local relations to broadband expansion, emerging technologies, and the unique priorities facing midsize counties across the United States. “I am honored to be entrusted with these leadership responsibilities by the National Association of Counties,” said Sup...

  PASO ROBLES, Calif. — The California Mid-State Fair welcomed 433,208 guests during its 2026 run (a 12% increase over 2025), marking another successful year celebrating agriculture, entertainment, competition, youth achievement and community participation. Nearly all areas of the Fair saw increases in participation, in some cases significant increases. All figures below are preliminary and unaudited. Fair Grandstand attendance totaled 90,527, up 9% over 2025. Including the sold-out Chris Stapleton pre-Fair concert, total Grandstand attendance was 105,011 - a 26.5% increase over last year. The Helm & Sons Carnival generated $1,621,937, down 4% from last year. The “free carnival rides on Opening Day” promotion continues to be very well attended, and Carnival Wristbands hit an all-time high with 15,036 wristbands sold by local non-profits. Food and beverage concessions saw a 3% increase over 2025. The relatively small increase may be due in part to the success of the Happy Hour p...

  SALINAS, CA — On Wednesday, August 5 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) toured the Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, a 100-acre nonprofit that provides vocational training, supportive services, and life skills to youth in a safe environment. In July, it was announced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that Rancho Cielo had received $1,500,000 through YouthBuild, a program administered by the DOL's Employment and Training Administration that provides education, training, and wraparound supportive services to opportunity youth.   "It's great to be back at Rancho Cielo and to see just how much this program has grown over the years," Rep. Lofgren said. "The team here is really changing young people's lives in such a meaningful way by giving them the vocational skills they need for career success. Whether they're learning welding or cooking or construction, the students here are unlocking opportunities and growing their self-confidence. I've proudly helped se...

  On Tuesday night, August 4, 2026, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Highway 101 in the King City area after observing multiple Vehicle Code violations. During the traffic stop, deputies located a loaded Beretta Px4 Storm .40-caliber pistol and a loaded magazine concealed beneath the driver’s seat. The driver was identified as 32-year-old Cosme Daniel Gonzales of Greenfield. Deputies determined Gonzales was a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During the investigation, Gonzales admitted to possessing the firearm and was taken into custody without incident. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “The illegal possession of firearms by prohibited individuals poses a serious risk to public safety. Our deputies remain vigilant in enforcing the law and will continue working every day to remove illegal firearms from our communities and hold offenders accountable.” Gonzales was booked int...

  Salinas, CA – The candidate filing period for elective offices in the November 3, 2026, General Election closes Friday, August 7, 2026. Candidate forms must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.   Official nomination documents will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the filing period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Candidates seeking a city office must file their nomination documents with the appropriate City Clerk.   Interested candidates should 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 www.CountyofMonterey.gov/Elections.