KRKC COUNTRY

  The County of Monterey will transition to a new domain name Friday, April 12, 2024. On this date, the County of Monterey’s public-facing websites will transition from the current domain name, https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/, to the new domain name, https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/. This change is in compliance with Assembly Bill 1637 Local government: internet websites and email addresses, signed into law by the Governor on October 8th, 2023 which requires government agencies which maintain a website for use by the public utilize a “.gov” top-level domain. This transition marks a pivotal step towards bolstering cybersecurity and enhancing accessibility for the County of Monterey constituents.

  A bat found on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, near Toro Creek Road in the Toro Park area of unincorporated Monterey County has tested positive for the rabies virus. Hitchcock Road Animal Services has investigated this incident and determined that while there was exposure to an owned pet, there was no human exposure. The pet that was exposed has been placed under quarantine.   Rabies is a virus that causes a fatal illness in humans and other mammals. The County of Monterey Public Health Bureau and Animal Services want to remind residents and visitors that there is a continuous presence of rabies in local wildlife, both inside and outside of the city. In Monterey County, skunks and bats are the most common species to test positive for the virus.  Domestic animals, including companion dogs and cats, are at risk for rabies exposure when they come in contact with wildlife. Domestic animals are at increased risk of rabies if they are not protected by a rabies vaccination and they co...

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13.  Highway 101: North Main/Chualar Street: April 8 – April 11   There will be one lane along northbound Highway 101 at North Main Street/Chualar Street for slope repair work from 8 am to 3 pm. Highway 101: Spence Road – Eckhardt Road: April 9   There will be one lane closure along northbound Highway 101 between Spence Road and Eckhardt Road for pavement work from 7 am to 4:30 pm. Highway 101: Alvarado/San Bernardo – Los Lobos Road: April 6   There will be one lane closure along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Alvardo/San Bernardo and Los Lobos Road for utility work from 7 am to 1 pm. California Highway Patrol officers will also be performing traffic breaks during those hours along the northbound and southbound lanes. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

  SALINAS, CA, April 4, 2024 – The California Rodeo Salinas organizes various events dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the American West, with a special focus on educating children about the industry and its customs. One of the most beloved annual attractions is the mutton busting, or sheep riding, which takes place during the Rodeo performances as well as the Big Week Bull Riding.   Young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls can participate in the mutton busting event sponsored by Pacific Valley Bank at all four California Rodeo Salinas performances from July 18 to the 21, as well as at the Big Week Bull Riding Xtreme Bulls event on July 17. Children aged 4 to 7, weighing a maximum of 60 pounds on the day of the ride, are eligible to ride sheep during the competitions on July 17, 18, 19, or 20. The top three riders with the longest ride times from each day will compete in the finals on Sunday, July 21, for a chance to win a prize belt buckle.   Entries m...

  SALINAS, CA – The nomination period to qualify as a write-in candidate for the June 4, 2024, Hartnell Community College District, Trustee Area 6 Special Vacancy Election runs Monday, April 8, 2024, through Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Candidate forms will be available only during this time and must be submitted by the deadline.   Official documents may be obtained from and filed at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA. Schedule an appointment via email at CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us or by phone (831) 796-1499.   For more information related to the election, including filing requirements and qualifications, please visit: www.MontereyCountyElections.us. 

  Salinas, CA - With measles on the rise nationally, and recent cases locally, County of Monterey Health Department joins Bay Area health officials in urging everyone to be up to date on measles vaccinations and to watch for symptoms after travel or exposure. The best protection against measles is two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects you for life. This is particularly important for anyone travelling internationally in the upcoming months.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2024 there have been 64 confirmed cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, with more than 90 percent of those cases linked to international travel, as measles is circulating in many regions in the world, including popular tourist and business destinations. Most cases in the US have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received the MMR vaccine.   With three major airports, the Bay Area is a hub for international trav...

  King City, Calif. – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat. The King City Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law. "In today's fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving,” Sergeant Anthony Shaw said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach." According to a 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The number...