KRKC COUNTRY

SOLEDAD, CA — On Thursday, July 30, the City of Soledad and Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela mutually agreed to conclude his service with the City.   The City extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Valenzuela for his leadership and dedicated service to the Soledad Police Department and the community. During his tenure, Chief Valenzuela focused on strengthening the department by developing the next generation of leadership and investing in the professional growth of the City's police personnel.   A key objective of Chief Valenzuela's appointment was to mentor and prepare internal leaders for future executive roles within the department. Through his leadership, the department has developed a strong leadership team well-positioned to continue serving the community.   Effective immediately, City Manager Megan Hunter has appointed Jorge Arreola as Acting Chief of Police and Juan Santiago as Acting Deputy Chief. Acting Chief Arreola has served the Soledad Police Department fo...

  SALINAS, Calif. — The County of Monterey is proud to announce that homelessness has declined by 23% in unsheltered homelessness and 15% in overall homelessness according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, marking another significant milestone in the County's ongoing efforts to address homelessness through collaboration, strategic investments, and evidence-based solutions. Additional notable reductions include a 39% decrease in chronic homelessness, a 43% decrease among veterans, a 30% decrease among families, and a 37% decrease among unaccompanied children and transition-age youth. The full report is available at: https://chsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Monterey-County-Census-Report.pdf.  The latest results continue a positive trend for Monterey County, which has now experienced decreases in 3 of the last 4 Point-in-Time Counts, demonstrating that sustained investments and coordinated community action are making a meaningful difference in the live...

  The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has arrested 40-year-old Marcus Bee of Pismo Beach in connection with intentional vandalism of at least 3 Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras located throughout Monterey County. During the investigation, detectives determined Bee traveled to Monterey County and intentionally damaged multiple Flock Safety cameras, causing thousands of dollars in damage to public safety infrastructure in the communities of Lockwood and Bradley. Although Bee intentionally damaged the ALPR cameras, his actions were captured by other surveillance cameras located nearby. That evidence, combined with other investigative leads, enabled detectives to identify Bee as the suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on a charge of Felony Vandalism (594(a)(3) PC). His bail was set at $30,000. Flock Safety ALPR cameras are an important investigative tool used by law enforcement agencies throughout Monterey County to solve cr...

  Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Tina Nieto has released the Coroner’s findings following the death investigation involving 37-year-old Joanna Ruth Shields of Carlsbad, California, whose body was recovered from the Sykes Hot Springs area within the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest on April 10, 2026. A comprehensive forensic examination and investigation was conducted by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Coroner and Criminal detective units. The manner of death has been determined to be “Natural.” The cause of death has been determined to be “Probable alcohol withdrawal seizures due to chronic alcohol use disorder.” Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives worked closely with the Coroner's Office to thoroughly examine all available evidence surrounding Ms. Shields' death. The manner and cause of death were determined through the forensic examination, a reliable medical and health history, and information obtained from Ms. Shields' fa...

  The public is invited to join the County of Monterey Parks and Lakes Division for a free family event celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month at Toro Park in Salinas on Sunday, July 26.    Come visit with local parks, open space, health and public safety agencies and see all that Toro Park has to offer.    Partnering agencies will be leading guided hikes and conducting activities such as zumba and yoga to get our bodies moving.  Agencies will have informational booths, giveaways and if you come by the County of Monterey Parks booth, you’ll be able to see a real mountain lion!

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center is issuing a warning to drive carefully around gulls in July and early August.  This time of year, fledgling gulls are leaving their nests. These young gulls are the same size as their parents with one major difference: they are not yet able to fly.  "This is a natural part of the fledgling process,” says Beth Brookhouser, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with SPCA Monterey County. “They are supposed to be out of the nest, on the ground, while their parents still tend to them while they learn to fly. Unfortunately, there's nothing natural about where they're landing, and every year hundreds are hit and killed by cars.” Right now, the SPCA Wildlife Center is caring for 20 young gulls, some of which were hit by cars and survived. Hundreds more are not so lucky. So far this year, the SPCA has rescued 157 gulls.  "Sadly, people are driving way too fast,” Brookhouser says. “Drivers expect these lar...

  SALINAS, California - The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents and businesses about several fraud schemes currently circulating in Monterey County, including those involving fake government invoices, claims of compromised accounts, and real estate title fraud. “Fraud affects everyone, whether through higher insurance rates, lost wages, or threats to a family’s home and life savings,” said District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni. “Our specialized fraud units are working every day to protect Monterey County residents, but tips from the public are often the first step in stopping these crimes. If something feels suspicious, report it right away.” The Office urges anyone who receives a suspicious payment request, money-transfer instruction, or property document to stop, verify independently, and report concerns to the Fraud Hotline at (831) 755-3224 or ReportFraud@countyofmonterey.gov. Scam Alert: Fake County Invoices Scammers are sending fake invoices and em...

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on July 17 that on July 16, 2026, Judge Jennifer J. O’Keefe sentenced 42-year-old Juan Antonio Garcia Jimenez of Greenfield, to 25 years to life in prison. In 2009, he forcibly raped a Salinas woman in her home, a case that was unsolved until a DNA match implicated him in 2023. Jimenez pled guilty and admitted a special allegation that he committed the rape during the commission of a first- degree burglary. On December 1, 2009, Salinas Police officers were dispatched to Jane Doe’s residence because she reported someone was inside and she needed help. When officers spoke to Jane Doe, she told them she was decorating for Christmas with her 18-month-old son when Jimenez burst into her living room. Jane Doe had never seen Jimenez before. Jimenez told Jane Doe that if she didn’t do what he wanted, he would kill her son. Jimenez forced her into a bedroom and began striking her in the face. He then forc...

  More than 13,000 fans packed the Salinas Sports Complex on Thursday night, July 16 as the 116th California Rodeo Salinas got underway during Wrangler Bucking Cancer Night, presented by Mechanics Bank and Salinas Valley Health. Attendance was up over last year's opening performance, continuing the strong momentum heading into the weekend performances. In honor of Bucking Cancer Night, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Health to support local cancer care and awareness. Fans were treated to outstanding rodeo action throughout the evening, along with crowd favorites including Tomas Garcilazo's incredible horsemanship and rope tricks, Rodeo Clown John Harrison, mutton busting, cutting, barrel racing, and a fireworks finale. Thursday, July 16 Performance Leaders Bareback Riding: Kashton Ford, 85 points on Bridwell Pro Rodeos' Whipski Steer Wrestling: Colten Leech, 9.1 seconds Team Roping: Cody Mora/Jason Johe, 7.6 sec...

  (July 15, 2026 — Marina, CA) — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) joins with leaders from across the region in celebrating a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, July 15 for Mills Ranch Apartments, an affordable housing community bringing much-needed rental housing to low-income households and farmworker families in King City.   The project, which is being developed by MBEP member Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association Inc. (CHISPA), received a $680,000 predevelopment loan in 2021 from the Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT) to help acquire the property. MBEP also joined CHISPA and other regional and statewide advocates to successfully ensure $11.7 million in funding from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Program, which helps fund housing and transportation improvements for this important development.     The Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT) is a revolving loan fund sponsored by the Monterey Bay Economi...

  Information for Monterey County residents impacted as PG&E notifies customers in advance of de- energizing specific areas for a Public Safety Power Shutoff.   Community Resource Centers are set to be open today at the following locations. Hours are 11:30 am to 10 pm. Please see attached graphics for details. • King City: Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St. (Grab N Go bags available) • Lockwood: San Antonio Union School, 67550 Lockwood Jolon Rd. • Carmel Valley: Carmel Valley Community Park/Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, 25 Ford Road.   A Cooling Center will be open today at the San Lucas Library, 54692 Teresa Street from 10 am to 5 pm. Please see attached graphics for details. Resources at the Cooling Center include: Air Conditioning Water Restrooms Please note - no pets allowed in the cooling center.   For the latest outage information, maps, and updates, visit PG&E directly at https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/

  Community Update Regarding Dogs Sent to Miranda’s Rescue from Hitchcock Road Animal Services Hitchcock Road Animal Services (HRAS), a Joint Powers Authority between the County of Monterey and the City of Salinas, has new information regarding the investigation at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. HRAS has been notified by Humboldt County Sheriff’s investigators that 2 dogs that were transferred from the shelter to the rescue organization in February 2026 were found deceased during a recent search warrant served on the property. Microchips scanned on the bodies have confirmed their identification. Attached are photos and information about the dogs Both dogs were in the HRAS adoption program for a time and were transferred due to being overlooked by potential adopters and with hopes of finding a different opportunity for adoption. Neither dog had a known bite history or significant behavior concerns. Miranda’s Rescue’s founder falsely informed HRAS staff that at...

  SALINAS, CA - After an incredibly successful event in May, SPCA Monterey County is holding another free microchip and affordable vaccination event on Friday, July 17, from 9 am to 2 pm at the SPCA Veterinary Clinic in Salinas.  Every year, the SPCA rescues thousands of stray dogs and cats, but a heartbreaking 89% of them arrive with no identification: no collar, ID tag, or microchip. This makes reuniting these lost pets with their worried families incredibly difficult if not impossible. To ease financial barriers and keep families whole, the SPCA is hosting a Free Microchip & Affordable Vaccination Event on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the SPCA Veterinary Clinic. “A microchip is one of the most effective tools we have to bring lost pets home,” says Ben Shaw, SPCA Shelter Manager. “When an animal enters our care with an updated microchip, we can often call their owner within minutes. We want to give every family in our community that absolute peace of mind,...

  PG&E has notified the County of Monterey of the potential for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event impacting southern Monterey County and part of the Carmel Valley area from 10:00AM July 15, 2026, to mid-evening on July 16, 2026, due to gusty winds and high temperatures in the 90s to low 100s across the interior central coast. Areas of Impact • Eastern King City • Soledad East of Metz Road • East side of Carmel Valley • West side of Greenfield • Jolon Road near San Antonio • San Ardo The final determination for a PSPS is made by PG&E and should a PSPS occur, residents will be notified by PG&E. You can check the status of any outage including any PSPS at: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage- tools/outage-map/ You can sign up to received PSPS alerts at https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/get-psps-alerts/ PG&E Community Resource Centers In anticipation of a shutoff, PG&E is advising it will be establishing Community Resource Centers at the fol...

  SALINAS, Calif. — The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex announced on July 14 that John Narigi has joined the organization as President, bringing more than three decades of executive leadership in hospitality, major public venues, economic development, community partnerships, and organizational growth to one of California’s fastest-growing community sports facilities. Narigi joins the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex during a defining year as construction advances on eight new fields, The Match campaign continues to rally community investment, and the facility prepares for one of the largest tournament and event years in its history. The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex currently serves more than 11,500 community members each week, with weekly use projected to grow to more than 20,000 as the next phase of development is completed. The eight-field expansion is part of a larger vision to build the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex into the largest facility of its kind between Los Angeles ...

  SALINAS, CA, July 7, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas is known for bringing the world's top rodeo athletes to town, but Big Week is just as much about creating unforgettable family memories. From July 10–19, families can enjoy ten days packed with carnival rides, parades, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, rodeo competitions for kids, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Dude the Rodeo Mascot, and a visit to the California Rodeo Heritage Museum. Whether it's riding carnival attractions, competing in a stick horse race, cheering on young mutton busters, or watching world-class rodeo entertainment, Big Week offers something for every age. California Rodeo Salinas Carnival July 10–19 | 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily 295 Sun Way, Salinas Presented by Chick-fil-A North Salinas Big Week begins with ten days of carnival fun featuring exciting rides, classic games and everyone's favorite carnival treats. Admission and parking are just $5 each. Unlimited ride wris...

  Salinas, CA – The candidate filing period for elective offices in the November 3, 2026, General Election opens Monday, July 13, 2026. Candidate forms will be available only during the official filing period and must be completed and submitted by the deadline of 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. In addition to candidate filing services at the Monterey County Elections Office throughout the filing period, Books and Ballots: Candidate Filing appointments will be available at the following locations during the specified dates between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.     Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Castroville Library, 11160 Speegle St., Castroville     Thursday,...

  Soledad, CA – On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Soledad Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an electric bicycle on the 200 block of East Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 12-year-old male who had sustained injuries as a result of the collision. Officers immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. The juvenile was airlifted to a Bay Area hospital for further treatment. At this time, his injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Soledad Police Department reminds the community that e-bikes are subject to many of the same traffic laws as bicycles and motorists alike. Riders should always wear a properly fitted helmet, obey traffic laws, remain alert, and avoid distractions while riding. Parents are...

  On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Enedina Garcia was appointed as Auditor-Controller by the County of Monterey’s Board of Supervisors. She was selected to fill the unexpired term that became vacant in May 2026 when the previous Auditor-Controller left County service. Garcia previously served as the County’s Assistant Auditor-Controller and was elected to serve as the next County Auditor-Controller in June 2026. As Assistant Auditor-Controller, Enedina Garcia has led the Auditor- Controller’s Department since May of this year, ensuring continuity of critical operational services for County residents. Garcia will be sworn in for her elected term in January 2027. “I am honored to be appointed as Auditor-Controller and truly humbled to have been elected to serve in this role for the upcoming term,” Garcia told the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors upon her appointment. “My priority is to ensure the continuity of the office’s critical operations. I remain committed to three core values:...

  Salinas, CA – On Tuesday, July 7 Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo announced the annual Crop Report for the 2025 production year.   The 2025 Crop Report reflects a production gross value of $4,822,429,000 which is a decrease of 3% from 2024.   “Every year our diverse range of commodities are affected by numerous influences including market demand, production challenges, labor availability, weather conditions, and many others. 2025 was characterized by fluctuating tariffs impacting export of commodities and higher cost of production to our growers from increased costs to farm machinery and fertilizers produced in other nations. These influences can reduce supply, increase or decrease values, and impact commodities dramatically,” states Commissioner Hidalgo in the report.   Top valued commodities this year include Strawberries, which maintain the top spot in the county with a gross production value of $1,068,736,000, a 3% increase from 2024. Leaf...