KRKC COUNTRY

  The Salinas Valley Fair Board of Directors at their regular Board meeting on Thursday, October 29 unanimously approved the hiring of Chris Garmon as their New Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Board President Darla Mantel stated that the Board is excited to have Garmon as their New CEO with his vast experience in the Fair Industry. Garmon has served as Deputy Manager of the Kern County Fair, Deputy Manager of the Monterey County Fair, and as an Administrative Assistant of the Ventura County Fair. Garmon brings over 10 years of experience working within California Fairs.  Garmon will oversee the operations and management of the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds Facility, as well as the Annual Salinas Valley Fair. The 2027 Salinas Valley Fair is scheduled for May 13 - 16, 2027 with the theme of "Back to our Roots." The Salinas Valley Fair Board of Directors is a 16 member board with representatives from throughout the Salinas Valley. 

  Monterey County – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announces they have been awarded a $60,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community. “This grant provides us with additional resources to address alcohol-related concerns in our communities, particularly those involving underage drinking and public safety,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. “We appreciate the continued partnership with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the opportunity to work together to create safer environments for our residents and businesses.” The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program. These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community. “Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can ...

  SPCA Monterey County urges animal lovers to take precautions to safeguard all their pets this Halloween:     Pets should be kept indoors and preferably confined to an area of the home where they cannot escape. Multiple strangers in costume at your door can be very stressful for your pet, leading to fear and potentially unexpected bites or them slipping out the front door.     Pets should always have a current license, ID tag, and microchip so they can be returned in the event they escape from your home.     If you plan to dress your pet up for Halloween, practice first to get your pet used to the costume. Some pets simply don’t like costumes, so don’t force it. Make sure it’s easy to take off if your pet becomes scared and has breakaway parts. Always keep your pet under your control when he is in costume.     Do not use the stretchy cotton or polyester spiderweb decoration outside, as they are a serious hazard to wildlife that we often resc...

  King City, Calif. – This October 31, King City Police Department is reminding those who are celebrating this spooky season to have a designated sober driver or plan for a sober ride home. “Halloween should be full of treats, not tragedies,” King City Police Department Sergeant Cody Hughes said. “If you plan to drink, make arrangements to use a designated sober driver, public transit or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home. Halloween is spooky enough. Don’t add a real scare to the night.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, one person was killed every 44 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation's roads. In that same year, 1,311 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities occurred on California roads. Because of the seasonal festivities and late-night travels, those risks are heightened on Halloween night. King City Police Department offers the following tips to be as safe as possible and share the road safely: Drivers • Follow ...

  MONTEREY COUNTY, California-On Tuesday night, October 28 at 8:38 pm King City CHP officers were dispatched to a report of a possible head-on injury crash involving 2 vehicles on Jolon Road, south of Heinson Road in thew Lockwood area. Upon arrival, officers located 2 vehicles with major front-end damage and 5 patients with moderate to fatal injuries. A preliminary investigation determined that a male driver of a Honda Sedan was driving southbound on Jolon Road, south of Heinson Road at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda veered into the opposing northbound lane, directly into the path of a Ford causing major damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Honda was partially ejected, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while 4 occupants in the Ford vehicle suffered moderate to major injuries and were transported to nearby Hospitals. After arriving at Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, the driver of the Ford vehicle was pro...

Salinas, CA – Starting on Friday, October 30, Monterey County voters will have expanded access to election services at the Satellite Elections Office located at Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., in Seaside. Services available include in-person voting, vote-by-mail ballot drop-off, and same-day voter registration with provisional voting.   “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Embassy Suites on Canyon Del Rey,” said Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters. “Providing a familiar satellite office for voters in Monterey County makes a difference in their voting experience.”   The Satellite Elections Office in Seaside will be open on Friday, October 30, and Monday, November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended voting opportunities during the weekend and Election Day.   In addition, the Monterey County Elections Office in Salinas remains open for early voting, providing convenient access to election services for voters throughout the county.   The followin...

  KING CITY, Calif. October 28, 2026— Members of the Valley Heritage Quilt Guild have donated 50 handmade Dignity Scarves to residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) at Mee Memorial, providing a practical, colorful alternative to traditional clothing protectors.   The donation is the latest in a long tradition of projects through which guild members combine their love of quilting with a commitment to community service.   The project began at the guild’s 2025 summer retreat, when members Kris Nicolson and Sharlene Hughes each made a scarf and suggested that the guild create enough for all residents of Mee Memorial’s Long-Term Care unit.   A few months later, the guild held its first dedicated workday at Grace Church, across the street from the hospital. Four additional workdays followed, during which members cut kits and sewed scarves. Many members also continued working on the project at home.   Guild members soon began donating unused fabrics, and commun...

  SAN JOSE, CA — On Wednesday, October 28 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) released the following statement after the passing of Dolores Huerta, civil rights icon and co-founder of the United Farm Workers: “I’m deeply sad to hear about the passing of Dolores Huerta, a friend and legend in the farmworkers’ movement. Her work and her vision transformed our country, especially here in her home state of California. She embodied the spirit of the movement with her phrase that will live on for generations: Sí Se Puede. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who loved her."

  Monterey County Sheriff's Coroner Detectives are investigating the discovery of human remains in the Salinas Riverbed near King City. The remains were found on Friday, October 23, 2026. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators have not yet been able to determine the identity or sex of the decedent. A forensic examination has been scheduled in an attempt to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office at (831) 755-5111.

  SALINAS, CA – Tuesday, October 27 is the last day the Monterey County election office can mail vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2026 Midterm General Election. Monterey County voters who need a replacement vote-by-mail ballot can call (831) 796-1499 by the deadline to have one mailed directly to them. Voter assistance is also available at any early voting location.   Early Voting Opportunities:     Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place - North Building, Salinas, 93901, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.     Satellite Elections Office, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955, beginning 8 a.m. on Friday, October 30th.     The Salinas and Seaside Elections Offices will be open for weekend voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, and November 1.    Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot     By Mail: The last recommended day to return a voted ballot by U.S. mail is Oc...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 23 that 43-year-old Lorena Hernandez Alvarado of King City and former correctional officer at Salinas Valley State Prison was remanded to serve 364 days in jail and was placed on felony probation for 5 years. She earlier pled no contest to felony insurance fraud and admitted the fraud exceeded $100,000 in loss and pled guilty to two separate DUI cases. The fraud case arose out of a workplace injury claim made by Alvarado in April 2021. Alvarado claimed she injured her shoulder, neck, back and knees while wielding a heavy shield to protect herself from liquid thrown on her by an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison. The prison’s insurance company – State Compensation Insurance Fund – accepted Alvarado’s insurance claim. Alvarado never returned to work and received well over $200,000 in insurance benefits, including wage replacement and health care treatment. In the ensuing investigatio...

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services in South County, thanks to the support of our donors. Upcoming Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics: Thursday, October 22: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St., King City. ALMOST FULL Wednesday, November 4: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.  Thursday, November 12: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St. Appointments available now. Thursday, December 3: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.  The cost for our SPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter clinics is just $75 for dogs and puppies and $35 for 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 required. ...

  The County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office is pleased to announce the opening of its new Greenfield location, marking an important step toward expanding access to justice and strengthening services for South Monterey County residents.   A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating this expansion will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the City of Greenfield Council Chambers, located at 599 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA. This location will also serve as an additional site where the Public Defender’s Office will provide services to the community.   The Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to eligible individuals in criminal matters and certain limited civil proceedings, following appointment by the court. Recognizing that South County residents often face limited access to legal and supportive services, the office is committed to helping bridge this gap by establishing a greater presence in the community.   As staffing and op...

  SPCA Monterey County invites children and their families to their 2nd annual Halloween Tricks and Treats event!  The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at SPCA Monterey County, located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway across from Laguna Seca.   Enjoy treats for children and fun for families. Costumes are encouraged but not required. You’ll learn about the SPCA, see fun and spooky decorations, enjoy trick or treating, and have the chance to meet adoptable pets at this free and fun walk-through event.  What: Halloween Tricks and Treats at SPCA Monterey County Where: SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas When: Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm About SPCA Monterey County SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent or...

  King City, Calif. – King City Police Department announced on October 19 that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2027. “We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” King City Police Sergeant Cody Hughes said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone." The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:  DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers. High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law. Enforcement operations focused on the most dangero...

  SALINAS, CA – The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will receive $2.765 million in new State of California funding through two investments championed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird, providing significant new resources for the continued development of the 68-acre community and regional sports complex. The funding comes as construction moves forward on 8 new fields and weekly use at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has grown to nearly 16,000 players, families and visitors. Together, the state investments strengthen a public-private funding model that has brought state, federal, county and local government together with foundations, businesses and individual donors to build the Complex over multiple phases. Speaker Rivas Secures $1.5 Million for Capital Improvements The 2026-27 state budget includes $1.5 million for capital improvements at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, building on Speaker Rivas’ longstanding support for the facility and its role in c...

  SALINAS, CA – October 16, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas unveiled its 2027 commemorative poster during the annual Stockholders' Dinner on Thursday, October 15. The artwork features Nette Hoover riding her mare, Jazzen, and celebrates the return of a cherished Rodeo tradition, the Debbie Pedrazzi Memorial Cutting. Cutting returned to the California Rodeo Track in 2026, honoring the history of the sport in Salinas and the lasting legacy of Debbie Pedrazzi. The event was especially meaningful this year when Debbie's daughter, Nette Hoover, was crowned Champion, taking home the coveted gold and silver belt buckle. The special victory brought the tradition full circle, making Nette and Jazzen a fitting choice for the 2027 commemorative poster. The original artwork was created by Western artist Missy Jenkins, whose realistic portrayals of horses and Western life have appeared on rodeo posters and in publications throughout the country. Born and raised in Carmel, California, Mi...

  SALINAS, CA – October 16, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas welcomed 2 new Directors, recognized longtime volunteers and announced new Advisory and Honorary Directors during its annual Stockholders' Dinner on Thursday, October 15. Matthew Cole and Drew Scarr were named new Directors of the California Rodeo Salinas. Both have been involved with the organization for more than 20 years and bring valuable experience and dedication to their new leadership roles. The California Rodeo Salinas Officer team remains unchanged for 2026-2027: ● President: Bob Eggers ● 1st Vice President: Tom Nielsen ● 2nd Vice President: Henry Dill ● 3rd Vice President: Tim Baldwin ● Secretary: Matt Jenkinson ● Treasurer: Patty Standridge The organization also recognized two new Advisory Directors, Greg Baxter and Cyndie Ferrell Fournier, and welcomed longtime volunteers W.B. "Butch" Lindley and Vivien "Viv" Lindley as Honorary Directors. With more than 70 committees supporting everythi...

  Salinas, CA – The nomination period to qualify as a write-in candidate for the General Election closes on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Candidate forms must be completed and filed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.   Official nomination documents will be available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, during the filing period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. There are no filing fees or candidate statements for write-in candidates, and write-in candidate names will not appear on the ballot. Interested candidates may schedule an appointment by email at CandidateServices@countyofmonterey.gov or by calling (831) 796-1499. For more information, visit CountyofMonterey.gov/Elections or call (831) 796-1499. Write-in candidates for city contests must file at the office of the applicable City Clerk.

  Salinas, CA – The last day to register to vote and have a ballot mailed to you for the November 3, 2026, General Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.   Eligible citizens can register to vote: •                  Online at www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov by 11:59 p.m. on October 19, 2026; •                  In person by 5 p.m. at the Monterey County Elections Office, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas; •                  By mail, completing a paper voter registration application, postmarked no later than October 19, 2026. Forms are available at libraries, post offices, DMV locations, and city or county offices.   To register to vote, you must be: (1) a United States Citizen; (2) a California resident; (3) at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; (4) not currently in federal or state prison for the conviction of a felony; ...

  Monterey County, California – With forecasts predicting a strong El Niño weather pattern this winter season, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Monterey Area is urging residents to take proactive measures to prepare for heavy rainfall, potential coastal flooding, and hazardous roadway conditions. “With El Niño bringing severe weather our way, keeping our coastal communities safe is our highest priority,” said Mike Alvarez, Chief of the CHP Coastal Division. “Preparation starts today, both at home and on the road. These storms can create sudden, dangerous driving conditions, so we're asking everyone to stay alert and slow down, so we all make it home safely.” The CHP Monterey Area will be actively monitoring highway conditions and collaborating with allied local agencies and Caltrans to respond to weather-related incidents. To ensure safety on the roads, the CHP recommends the following wet-weather driving tips: Reduce Your Speed: Posted speed limits are designed for ideal, dry c...

  On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, just after 1:00 P.M. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, along with fire and ambulance personnel, responded to Sand Dollar Beach, located at 69000 block of Highway 1 along the South Monterey County coastline, for a report of a missing adult scuba diver. A large-scale, multi-agency response was initiated, including personnel from Big Sur Fire, Cambria Ambulance, California State Parks Lifeguards, the U.S. Forest Service, and a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter. Once first responders arrived on scene, it was learned that the missing person was a swimmer and not a scuba diver. Upon initial search, a lifeguard was deployed in the water near the last point seen, and additional personnel searched the nearby shoreline. The missing adult male was located near the rocky coastline on the south end of Sand Dollar Beach. The male was unresponsive, and life-saving measures were administered. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hoisted the individual from the ...

  Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections announces a series of accessible, community‑based voting opportunities throughout the county for the November 3, 2026, Midterm General Election.   The “Books & Ballots” program, hosted in partnership with local libraries and community locations, invites residents to vote in-person, drop off ballots, or register to vote at convenient neighborhood sites. In addition to serving our current voters, there will be a kid’s ballot for Monterey County’s future voters!   These flexible early voting centers will be available on the following dates:       October 15 – CSUMB Library 3054 Divarty Street, Seaside | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.       October 20 — Gonzales Library     630 5th Street, Gonzales | 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.       October 21 — Soledad Library     401 Gabilan Drive, Soledad | 1 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.       October 22 — Greenfield Library     315 El Camino...

  On Saturday night, October 10, 2026, at approximately 11:12 p.m., Soledad Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of West Street regarding a report of a physical altercation involving multiple individuals. Officers arrived on scene within minutes of receiving the call and quickly intervened to prevent further escalation. During the investigation, officers determined that 44-year-old Francisco Marmolejo of Soledad and 49-year-old Marco Sanchez of Watsonville had arrived at the location together in the same vehicle and became involved in a physical altercation with another individual. Further investigation revealed that Marmolejo was on parole. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson firearm, loaded magazines, and approximately 0.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Both Marmolejo and Sanchez were arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on various charges and warrants. Marmolejo specifically was charg...

  MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), in partnership with the City of King and Sol Treasures, is hosting a community art walk to celebrate new sidewalk art marking safe routes to schools in King City. The art walk will begin at 4:30pm, Thursday, October 15, 2026, in front of the King City Pools, 401 Division St, King City. The artwork is funded through a state Active Transportation Program grant and Measure X, and is part of TAMC’s Safe Routes to School program. In Spring 2026, the Transportation Agency released a call for art geared toward local Elementary School, Middle School, High School/College, Adult Amateur Artist (18+), and Professional Artists. A community steering committee created community ballots with the artwork that best met the criteria in the call for art, and then the greater community had a chance to vote on their favorite artwork.    Seven professional sidewalk art murals are now installed on the sidewalks marking sa...

  SOLEDAD, Calif. — The City of Soledad announced on Friday, October 9 that the Soledad Fire Department has achieved an ISO Class 2 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating, effective September 2026, improving from its previous Class 3 rating. This achievement places Soledad among approximately 7% of fire departments evaluated nationwide that have earned a Class 2 classification, recognizing the City’s continued investment in fire protection, emergency response capabilities, and public safety. The ISO Public Protection Classification program evaluates a community’s ability to provide effective fire protection through a comprehensive assessment conducted approximately every three to five years. The evaluation examines the local fire department's capabilities, water supply infrastructure, emergency communications, and community risk reduction efforts. “This is a huge accomplishment for a City and Fire Department our size,” said Jason Luckenbach, Assistant Chief of the Soledad Fi...

  Wreaths Across America, sponsored by Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will have a booth at the King City Center near Safeway from 10am-2pm on Saturday, October 17.  Information and application forms to donate for a wreath will be available at the booth. A Donation for a wreath this year is $17 each. The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony to place wreaths on Veterans graves will be held at the King City Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026. For more information about Wreaths Across America, call Kathy Imamura, (408) 802-4437.

  SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 6 that Ray Gutierrez Jr. was convicted by a jury of assault by a life prisoner and personal infliction of great bodily injury. The Honorable Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the trial. On May 6 of 2022, Gutierrez, a state prison inmate serving a life sentence, stabbed his cellmate with a prison weapon approximately 40 times in the face, head, and neck. The victim survived, but only after significant intervention by the medical professionals at the Natividad Medical Center. Gutierrez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2026. The defendant faces 27 years to life plus an additional 13 years in prison to be served consecutive to his current 50 year to life sentence This case was investigated by the Investigative Services Unit of Salinas Valley State Prison and the District Attorney Investigators assigned to the Prison Prosecution Unit.

  Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 6 that 36-year-old Esmeralda Hernandez Pulido of Salinas, was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in jail by Judge Jennifer O’Keefe after she pled to 4 counts of felony theft related to mortgage scams and theft by false pretenses. Hernandez Pulido defrauded at least 5 victims by claiming she needed cash for the down payment on a house and promised each that they would be in first position on the deed when in reality she collected well in excess of the value of the house and provided none of the promised return. By lying to each victim about the scale of her borrowing, and by misleading them about how secure their loan was, Hernandez Pulido was able to take substantial amounts of money without any intention of returning it. Additionally, Hernandez Pulido also stole money from tenants, friends, and acquaintances through the false pretense of participating in an informal savings club known...

  Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 13 starting at11:30am  at the Wildhorse Café off of Highway 101 Southbound and Wildhorse Road in King City. The guest speaker will be King City Police Chief Robert Masterson. Members and guests are asked to bring items for troops serving overseas. Julie DeMaria from Operation Care and Comfort will also be speaking. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information call (831) 385-1333 or email karenjleonhard@gmail.com

  SPCA Monterey County invites children and their families to visit for our second annual Halloween Tricks and Treats event!  The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at SPCA Monterey County, located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway across from Laguna Seca.  Enjoy treats for children and fun for families. Costumes are encouraged but not required. You’ll learn about the SPCA, see fun and spooky decorations, enjoy treats, and have the chance to meet adoptable pets at this fun walk-through event. What: Halloween Tricks and Treats at SPCA Monterey County Where: SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas When: Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm About SPCA Monterey County SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization....