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Salinas
October 24, 2025

Soledad man sentenced for DUI murder

Law judge court
SOLEDAD — Soledad resident David Merino Ramirez, 32, was sentenced April 11 to 15-years-to-life in state prison after a jury in February convicted him of murder and vehicular manslaughter. On Aug. 21, 2020, around 9 p.m., Ramirez was driving northbound at speeds exceeding 80mph on...

Only 1 in 6 homeless infants and toddlers enrolled in early childhood programs in California, study finds

Child reading
CALIFORNIA — Enrollment in early childhood development programs can mitigate some of the consequences of homelessness among infants and toddlers, but only 1 out of 9 of these children are enrolled in such programs, according to a recent national report. In California, 1 out...

Inspiring women to soar: Salinas entrepreneur shows others that success is attainable with vision and motivation

SALINAS — In 1994, Ana Jimenez made her journey from her hometown Sinaloa, Mexico, to Salinas. She was a newlywed to Gerardo Jimenez, and together, they vowed to work hard and make the best of it living in a foreign country. ā€œI told myself, ā€˜I...

Monterey County to honor crime victims with courthouse ceremony, dove release Friday

County of Monterey
MONTEREY COUNTY — Join members of the community in honoring victims of crime on Friday, April 11, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Monterey County Courthouse courtyard, located at 142 W. Alisal St., in Salinas. The event will feature Maria Alcantar as the inspirational...

Last day to register for Hartnell Community College District Special Election is May 20

Vote elections ballots
SALINAS — The last day to register to vote for the June 4 Hartnell Community College District, Trustee Area 6, Special Vacancy Election is Monday, May 20. Trustee Area 6 includes parts of Northeast Salinas, Chualar, Gonzales and Soledad. Eligible citizens can register to vote: Online at...

Jury convicts Soledad man of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated

Law judge court
SOLEDAD — David Merino Ramirez, 32, of Soledad was convicted by a jury of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license on Feb. 16. On Aug. 21, 2020, around 9 p.m., Ramirez was driving northbound at speeds exceeding 80 mph...

Jordan Davis crowned 2025 Miss Salinas Valley Fair

Miss Salinas Valley Fair King City
SALINAS VALLEY — Jordan Davis, a 16-year-old junior at King City High School, has been named the 2025 Miss Salinas Valley Fair. The competition, held March 13-14 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, saw Davis compete against fellow King City teen Aaliyah Sarina in categories including...

California family secures 140-year ranching legacy by conserving their ranch near Gabilan Range

Silacci Ranch
SALINAS VALLEY — California Rangeland Trust has announced the conservation of the 9,400-acre Silacci Ranch in San Benito and Monterey counties. The project was completed by the Rangeland Trust with funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural...

Soccer | South Monterey County teams start league play

Soccer ball sports
SALINAS VALLEY — After nearly three weeks off, South Monterey County soccer teams will be back in action this week. The four boys’ and girls’ teams opened divisional play on Monday. BOYS’ SOCCER The Gonzales boys’ team finished the preseason with a 4-2-2 record and began...

Wrestling | Gonzales High grapplers place at tournament

GONZALES — The Gonzales High wrestling team placed ninth out of 43 teams at the Nick Buzolich Classic Wrestling Tournament on Dec. 21 at Lincoln High School in San Jose. Josiah Rosales Garcia placed first in the 215-pound weight class and finished with a record...

Local News

Soledad Police Lt. Juan Santiago FBI National Academy

Soledad police officer graduates from FBI National Academy

SOLEDAD — Soledad Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela recently announced that Lt. Juan Santiago has successfully graduated from the 295th session of the FBI National...