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Salinas
September 5, 2025

Valenzuela named new Soledad chief of police

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has announced the appointment of Patrick G. Valenzuela as its new chief of police. Valenzuela comes to Soledad from the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Ariz., where he has served since 1996. During his tenure, he advanced from patrol officer...

Salinas Valley State Prison investigating June 27 death of inmate as homicide

Salinas Valley State Prison
SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the June 27 death of incarcerated person Jose Rodriguez at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At approximately 3:34 p.m., staff observed cellmates Steven Miranda and Rodriguez, noting Rodriguez...

Strawberries top $1B as Monterey County releases 2024 Crop Report

Strawberries crop report
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s agriculture industry saw a major rebound in 2024, with overall crop and livestock production reaching nearly $5 billion in gross value — a 14.7% increase from the previous year. And, for the first time in county history, a single crop...

Gonzales Rotary Fun Run brings community together

GONZALES — A health-conscious group of runners and walkers took to the streets for the Gonzales Rotary Fun Run on the Fourth of July at Central Park. Many of the nearly 100 participants gathered over half an hour before the 8 a.m. start time to...

Family fun takes center stage during 2025 Big Week at California Rodeo Salinas

SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas is more than just world-class rodeo — it’s a weeklong celebration packed with family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Beginning on Friday, July 11, and running through Sunday, July 20, families can enjoy various engaging events designed to...

Soledad’s new Music in the Park series kicks off with strong turnout

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad’s new Music in the Park summer series is officially underway, following a successful launch on June 13 at Cesar Chavez Park. The opening night featured a high-energy performance by Shannon and the Night Divers, drawing crowds of families and friends...

Soledad man sentenced to 6 years in prison for child molestation

Law judge court
SOLEDAD — Soledad resident Giovanni Lopez Orozco, 25, was sentenced on June 24 to six years in prison for committing one count of lewd act upon a child under 14 years. ā€œThis offense is a serious and violent felony and is considered a strike under...

Soledad Chamber launches free laptop giveaway to bridge digital divide

Laptop, Digital Device, Technology
SOLEDAD — Soledad Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with AT&T and Human I-T, has announced a laptop giveaway for Soledad residents. This initiative aims to provide free refurbished laptops to individuals in need, helping bridge the digital divide and support community members who lack access...

Monterey County health officials urge parents to prevent child heatstroke

Weather sunny hot
MONTEREY COUNTY — Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related death among children 14 years of age and younger in the United States. Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau urges parents and caregivers to learn about the dangers of leaving children alone...

Salinas Valley communities celebrate 2025 Independence Day

SALINAS VALLEY — The Fourth of July was celebrated last Friday at Gonzales Central Park and Soledad Little League Park in the Salinas Valley cities, respectively. The Gonzales celebration took place from noon until 6 p.m., while the Soledad celebration ran from noon to 8:30...

Local News

Salinas Valley Police Reports | Published Sept. 3, 2025

Police Reports are obtained from the local police departments. KING CITY July 2610:19 a.m. Grand Theft on N. Third St. July 2712:45 p.m. Found Property on Broadway...