From infrastructure upgrades and housing progress to cultural milestones, education achievements and community celebrations, 2025 was a year of growth, resilience and reflection across the Salinas Valley.
The following stories were selected by Tribune staff as the top news of the year, highlighting the events, people and developments that shaped Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and surrounding communities. Here is a look back at those stories, month by month.
JANUARY
Critical Levee Repairs
City of Soledad completed major levee repairs to protect its Water Reclamation Facility from flooding caused by heavy winter rains and high Salinas River flows. The project was completed with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which funded 80% of the work under its emergency levee repair program.
Children’s Center Opens
Mee Memorial Healthcare System celebrated the opening of its new Children’s Health and Wellness Center, expanding pediatric services in South Monterey County. The facility provides specialized, child-focused care while increasing capacity at the King City Clinic.
Commitment to Immigrants
Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously reaffirmed the county’s status as a “Welcoming County” for immigrants and refugees. The resolution emphasized public education on constitutional rights amid concerns over potential mass deportations.
Valley Short Film
“The Long Valley,” a 13-minute documentary highlighting agricultural life and immigrant communities in the Salinas Valley, was selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian, the film was among just 57 shorts chosen from more than 11,000 submissions worldwide.
FEBRUARY
Wind Power Continues
Greenfield-based Scheid Family Wines entered its eighth year of operating entirely on renewable wind energy. The winery’s turbine generated nearly 4 million kilowatt hours in 2024, powering operations and supplying excess energy back to the grid.
Soledad Mayor Honored
Monterey-Salinas Transit recognized Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez for her seven years of service on the MST Board of Directors. During her tenure, MST expanded routes, lowered fares and implemented major service improvements across South Monterey County.
Trashion Show Dazzles
Alliance on Aging hosted the 2025 King City Trashion Show, drawing a large crowd to the fairgrounds. Designers showcased creative outfits made from repurposed materials while raising funds for senior services.
Educator Joins AI Cohort
Soledad Unified School District instructional technology teacher Yvonne Gray was selected to join GenerationAI, a national cohort focused on responsible artificial intelligence use in education. Gray was chosen from hundreds of applicants across 38 states.
MARCH
185 Laptops Donated
AT&T and its partners donated 185 refurbished laptops to Greenfield Community Science Workshop and the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. The devices were distributed to students and families to support digital access and education.
Blue Zones Winery
CRU Winery’s Soledad tasting room became the first winery in Monterey County to join the Blue Zones Project. The designation recognizes the winery’s efforts to promote health and longevity through community-focused initiatives.
Police Chief Retires
Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson retired after 36 years in law enforcement, including 17 years leading the department. City officials praised his long-standing commitment to public safety and community trust.
Gonzales Soccer Champs
City of Gonzales hosted a parade honoring Gonzales High School’s varsity boys’ soccer team after a historic championship season. The Spartans earned league and CCS titles and finished second in the CIF NorCal tournament.
Panda Express Opens
Panda Express celebrated the opening of its first South Monterey County restaurant in Soledad. The new location brought dozens of jobs and marked a milestone in local economic development.
APRIL
Workforce Training Program
Soledad was chosen as one of only 10 communities nationwide to participate in a federally funded National Recreation and Park Association workforce initiative. The program focuses on preparing rural youth for employment and life skills.
Youth Internship Program
City of Greenfield expanded its paid youth internship program, offering hands-on experience across multiple city departments. The initiative continues to grow as part of the city’s workforce development efforts.
Bracero Mural Unveiled
Community members gathered in Chualar for the unveiling of the Bracero Legacy Mural honoring Mexican laborers and the victims of the 1963 train tragedy. The mural serves as a powerful tribute to the region’s agricultural and cultural history.
Schools Earn Recognition
Three Soledad Unified elementary schools were named 2025 California Distinguished Schools. The honor recognized academic achievement, school climate improvements and progress in closing achievement gaps.
Nonprofit Donates Guitars
The nonprofit Guitars Not Guns donated nearly 250 guitars and amplifiers to South Monterey County schools. The donation strengthened music education and youth enrichment programs.
MAY
Heritage Hog Recipient
Gonzales High School junior Valeria Beltran was selected to raise the official Heritage hog for the Salinas Valley Fair. The honor includes a $2,500 scholarship and highlights student leadership in agriculture.
Officer Completes FBI Academy
Sgt. Theodore “Teddy” Avery became the first Greenfield police officer to graduate from the FBI National Academy. The achievement placed him among an elite group of law enforcement leaders nationwide.
Fair Draws Thousands
Salinas Valley Fair returned to King City with four days of entertainment and agricultural tradition. The Junior Livestock Auction remained a central event for local youth.
Night Market Launches
The Soledad Chamber of Commerce debuted its first Night Market, bringing together vendors, artists and families for an evening of community celebration. The bimonthly event quickly became a popular downtown attraction.
JUNE
Police Add Drones
Greenfield Police Department introduced two advanced drones to enhance emergency response and situational awareness. Officials said the technology will improve public safety operations.
Brewery Breaks Ground
Community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of Reel Rock Brewery inside Premiere Cinemas. The innovative project aims to revitalize downtown Soledad with a unique entertainment and gathering space.
Support for Immigrants
Officials from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties publicly pledged continued support for immigrant communities. Local sheriffs reiterated they would not assist with federal immigration enforcement.
JULY
New Ladder Truck, Bay
Soledad celebrated the arrival of a new ladder truck and a newly constructed apparatus bay. The $2 million investment supports future growth and expanded public safety services.
Property Tax Error
Monterey County officials discovered a tax assessment error affecting thousands of Gonzales Unified School District properties. County leaders initiated corrective actions and called for a third-party review.
County Agriculture Rebounds
Monterey County agricultural production rebounded to nearly $5 billion in value. Strawberries surpassed $1 billion for the first time in county history.
New Police Chief
Patrick G. Valenzuela was named Soledad’s new police chief, bringing decades of leadership experience from Arizona. City officials expressed confidence in his vision for the department.
Equine Therapy Expands
Wonder Wood Ranch expanded its equine therapy services, offering trauma-informed support and workforce development opportunities for youth.
AUGUST
Community Schools Grant
Soledad Unified School District was awarded $2.7 million to transform two high schools into community school hubs. The funding supports whole-child services and family partnerships.
Families Reunite at Prisons
Families gathered at Salinas Valley State Prison and CTF for the annual Get on the Bus event. The program provides transportation and family connection for incarcerated individuals.
Football Team Inducted
The 1974 Gonzales High School football team became the first local high school squad inducted into the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony honored players and coaches from the historic team.
Humane Education Expands
SPCA Monterey County expanded its humane education outreach in South Monterey County schools. The program promotes empathy, responsibility and animal welfare.
SEPTEMBER
Blue Zones Certification
Monterey County became the first county in California to receive Blue Zones Community certification. The designation recognizes efforts to improve health and quality of life.
Gonzales Athlete Honored
Gonzales High senior Lawrence Bettencourt was recognized by the 49ers’ Latino Youth Honors program. The award celebrated his leadership and athletic achievement.
Library Roof Repairs
The Greenfield Library closed temporarily as crews began long-awaited roof replacement work. Library officials welcomed the improvements after years of rain-related challenges.
‘Echoes of Generations’ Mural
Soledad unveiled a new mural honoring first responders and the city’s heritage. The project was supported by a county grant and extensive community input.
Bracero Tragedy Survivor
Monterey County honored Isidro Hernandez Tovar, the last surviving Bracero of the 1963 Chualar train tragedy. The recognition preserved an important chapter of regional history.
OCTOBER
Tractor Supply Opens
Monterey County’s first Tractor Supply store opened in Soledad. City leaders praised the business for investing in the local economy.
Harvest Festival Returns
Greenfield prepared for its annual Harvest Festival with a new Saturday evening parade. Organizers hoped the change would boost community participation.
Inmate Art Exhibit
A new exhibit featuring artwork by CTF inmates opened at the County Administration Building. The display highlighted art’s role in rehabilitation and healing.
Wellness Center Anniversary
Salinas Valley Health celebrated a decade of service at the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center in Gonzales. The event drew hundreds for health screenings and activities.
NOVEMBER
Electric Street Sweeper
Monterey County introduced its first electric street sweeper in South Monterey County. The service addressed long-standing infrastructure concerns.
Communities Honor Veterans
Cities across the Salinas Valley marked Veterans Day with parades, ceremonies and tributes. Greenfield hosted its first-ever Veterans Day Parade.
Library Announces Relocation
Monterey County Free Libraries announced plans to relocate the Gonzales Library to the Community Center Complex. The move aims to improve access and collaboration.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
More than 600 meals were served during Greenfield’s second annual A Day of Thanks dinner. The event brought residents together in the spirit of gratitude.
YWCA Opens Shelter
YWCA Monterey County opened its first transitional housing shelter in South Monterey County, providing safe housing for women and families.
DECEMBER
Youth Diversion Programs
Greenfield City Council approved $500,000 in grant funding to expand youth diversion services. The program offers alternatives to juvenile justice involvement.
Hospital Launches Intern Program
Mee Memorial Healthcare System launched an internship program connecting local students to healthcare careers. The initiative supports workforce development.
Ag Leader Recognized
Gonzales resident Quincie Gourley was named to the 2025 Fruit and Vegetable 40 Under Forty list. The honor recognizes young leaders shaping the future of agriculture.
Santa Brings Joy
Santa arrived by helicopter at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, delivering toys and meals to hundreds of families. The annual event highlighted community generosity and holiday spirit.
