KRKC COUNTRY

  Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies were alerted at 5:21 pm on Saturday, September 19 to a stolen white Volkswagen hatchback, which had been reported stolen earlier that day from the Capitola Police Department. “We’re thankful this ended safely. Our deputies, CHP ground units, and the crew of CHP Helicopter H70 all worked together to bring this pursuit to a safe conclusion,” Sheriff Tina Nieto said. Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology provided deputies with the vehicle’s initial location and subsequent updated location notifications as it traveled through South Monterey County. A short time later, deputies saw the Volkswagen traveling southbound on Highway 101 near the First Street overpass in King City. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield, prompting an 18-mile pursuit with speeds ranging from 50 to 60 mph. The California Highway Patrol was requested to assist; CHP Helicopter H70 responded overhead to provide aerial support and assis...

During Child Passenger Safety Week, the County of Monterey Health Department encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 21 to September 27 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation.   On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the County of Monterey Health Department will have certified child passenger safety technicians available at 1441 Constitution Blvd. Salinas, to check car seat installations. The technicians will teach parents and caregivers how to correctly install car seats and help them choose the right seat for their child based the on child’s age and size.   “When it comes to protecting our youngest passengers, there is no room for guesswork,” Julia Muruato, County of Monterey Child Passenger Safety Program Supervisor said. “Child Passenger S...

  County of Monterey Government Center Reopening — Postponed — Finalizing Routine Environmental and Safety Checks Thorough comprehensive building testing nearing completion following plumbing and fire suppression maintenance; essential services continue uninterrupted at temporary locations. SALINAS, CA — September 16, 2026 — The County of Monterey Administrative Office, in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and the County’s Facilities Division, has announced that the reopening of the Government Center at 168 W. Alisal Street is tentatively set for early to mid-week, the week of September 21, 2026. Contractors and environmental consultants have made excellent progress restoring the building following a recent sewer line malfunction. During the final stages of this work, crews identified a standard maintenance item in the building's fire sprinkler system that requires important repairs and testing. To ensure a seamless, fully operational, and comfortable environ...

  The County of Monterey Government Center, located at 168 West Alisal Street in Salinas, will remain closed until further notice. Government Center services will continue with the following temporary service arrangements remaining in place that include: Visitors seeking Treasurer-Tax Collector services should follow the posted signage at the Government Center for current service location information. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s Office will have staff available in Conference Room E-118, next to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren’s office, in the East Wing at 142 W. Alisal Street, first floor. Public Defender’s Office staff will continue assisting the public by phone at 831-755-5058 and in person at the Law Library located at 142 West Alisal Street, Suite E-107. Staff will be available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Auditor-Controller’s Office is working remotely, with limited in-person Accounts Payable and Payroll ser...

The King City Aquatic Center Fence Renovation Project began on Tuesday morning, September 15 which includes replacement and improvement of the perimeter fence of the facility.    In April of 2026, the King City City Council approved the project and awarded the work to Big Wakoo Fencing of Atascadero.  The project utilizes 2023 state funding secured from Senator Anna Cabellero’s office in the amount of $400,000 for the purpose of improving City recreation facilities. Other funded projects included renovation work of the King City tennis courts in 2024 and the replacement of the pool chlorinator system in 2026.   The Aquatic Center, originally built in 1941, has been modified and improved several times over the years. The new fencing will meet current regulations and expand a portion of the facility to allow for better control and security of the picnic area adjacent to the north side facility entrance. The project is expected to be completed within 4 weeks, and the Ki...

  Soledad, CA – On Friday, September 4, 2026, at approximately 3:31p.m., Soledad Police Department officers responded to a report of a stabbing on Gabilan Drive and Benito Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male juvenile suffering from a single stab wound to his leg. Officers immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The juvenile was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to Natividad Medical Center for treatment. The victim was uncooperative with officers during the initial investigation. Officers also learned that approximately 10 minutes had passed between the incident and when police were notified. As a result, limited information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently unavailable. At this time, no suspect has been located or taken into custody. Based on the information currently available, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there is no known ongoing threat to the general public. The...

  SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired.  To help keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the HEP, CHP officers statewide will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and educating motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence. The CHP’s HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs Aug. 19 through Sept. 7. “There is no excuse for driving impaired. If you choose to drink or use a substance that affects your ability to drive, make a plan and stay out of the driver’s seat. Your decision could be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy that can change lives forever.”   CHP Commissioner Sean Dur...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on September 3 that on September 2, 2026, after a two-day jury trial 69-year-old David Carl Goad of San Simeon, was found guilty of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and misdemeanor battery committed on state parks property. On May 17, 2026, Goad began to disassemble a toilet in the restrooms at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, in Big Sur, to fix an issue with the toilet. The victim, a State Parks maintenance employee, asked Goad to stop what he was doing and leave the restroom to allow State Parks maintenance staff to fix the problem. Goad became hostile and combative with the victim, ultimately attacking the victim from behind when the victim turned his back to close and lock the restroom door. The victim testified that Goad placed his hands around the victim’s neck and applied pressure. The victim was able to break free after a brief struggle and report the incident t...

  SALINAS, CA — A baby turkey vulture rescued from the Big Sur wildfires is now safe and recovering at the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. A California State Parks Ranger discovered the juvenile bird near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along a closed stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur. Arriving at the SPCA Wildlife Center thin, cold, and smelling strongly of smoke, wildlife rescue specialists believe the young bird was forced to fledge prematurely when he and his parents fled the heavy smoke and flames from the nearby Timber Fire. At an estimated 40 to 50 days old, the nestling left his nest weeks early. Turkey vultures typically begin fledging between 9 to 11 weeks (63 to 77 days) of age. Weighing just 780 grams, roughly the size of a teddy bear, he is significantly lighter than a typical 2,000-gram adult. Despite his ordeal, SPCA Wildlife Center specialists expect him to make a full recovery with warmth, supportive care, and proper nutrition. As a fi...

  Continuing wildfire activity involving the Timber and Plaskett Fires is generating smoke that is significantly impacting air quality in the Big Sur region and southern Monterey County.  Current Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements range from GOOD to VERY UNHEALTHY for communities directly downwind of the fires such as Lockwood, King City, San Ardo, Bradley, and Camp Roberts.  As of this advisory, modeling indicates the low-pressure system, which is generating westerly winds and smoke transport to the east, will be present until at least early next week; therefore, expect this pattern of smoke transport to continue until then. Air quality will be variable and unpredictable as conditions change depending on wind direction and fire activity.  The Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) will continue to follow the situation and issue advisories when appropriate.   MBARD monitors air quality in our region.  Updates on the current air quality...

  KING CITY, CA, September 1, 2026: Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is proud to announce the arrival of a new advanced state-of-the-art SCENARIA View 128 CT system.   This new technology is part of the MMHS Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Department renovation project and represents a major advancement in local diagnostic imaging capability, enabling South County residents to access advanced vascular and cardiac imaging services close to home.   By utilizing the SCENARIA View’s rapid 0.35-second scan speed and high-resolution 0.625mm thin-slices, Mee Memorial can now produce incredibly detailed images of the vascular structure in a fraction of the time while helping reduce radiation dose and contrast use.   "Bringing this new technology to Mee Memorial is about providing the best possible care to our community," said Timothy Watson, MD, Director of Radiology Services. "This new CT machine allows for both faster and more accurate diagnoses, which...

  Soledad, CA – On Friday night, August 28, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., a Soledad Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Monterey Street and Third Street. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as a male juvenile from Soledad, failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit which continued out of the city and came to an end near US-101 and Soledad Prison Road after the vehicle became disabled. The juvenile was subsequently taken into custody by officers. During the investigation, officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, who confirmed that the juvenile did not have permission to drive the vehicle and requested that it be reported as stolen. The juvenile was booked and transported to Monterey County Juvenile Hall, where he is facing multiple serious charges related to the incident. The Soledad Police Department would like to thank the Gonzales Police Department and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this in...

  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...