Local News

SOLEDAD — Monterey County welcomed its first baby of the new year just seconds after midnight, as a family from Soledad celebrated a milestone moment at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP). Noah Mora Medina was born at 12:00:09 a.m. on New Year’s Day...

BOARD MEETING SECURITY SALINAS — Monterey County has begun interim security screening for the public attending Board of Supervisors meetings starting Jan. 13 at the Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St. in Salinas. Screening will occur at the entrance to the Board Chambers and will...

GREENFIELD — A Monterey County judge sentenced Miguel Rubio, 42, of Greenfield, to 25 years in prison for committing three counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14. “These offenses are serious and violent felonies and considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes law,”...

CENTRAL COAST — Together with Santa Barbara-based facilitator Hannah Jacobson Blumenfeld, San Benito County Arts Council, Arts Council Santa Cruz County and Arts Council for Monterey County are key regional partners for the California Arts Council’s Creative Economies in Action: 2025 Statewide Engagement Tour. This...

LAKE TALK KING CITY — A presentation titled “What’s Under the Lake?” is being offered Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at the new King City History Center at 110 North Vanderhurst Ave. in King City. The public is invited. Patricia Ashe Woodfill with the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has announced the planned retirement of long-time President/CEO Dan Baldwin, who will step down in 2026 after a 16-year tenure. “It has been an honor to be part of the CFMC’s family,” Baldwin said. “Monterey County...

SALINAS — Interim Inc. hosted its annual Winter Holiday Meal on Dec. 19 at the OMNI Resource Center in Salinas, welcoming clients and community members for a shared holiday meal rooted in connection, dignity and care. The event served individuals who regularly access services at...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court will be transitioning to a new case management system, eCourt, effective Jan. 20. To ensure a smooth conversion process, residents are asked to observe the following deadlines and filing requirements: Effective Jan. 5, electronic filings will no longer be...

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,...

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced key laws taking effect in 2026 that reflect California’s continued focus on public safety, affordability, transparency and accountability. The new laws, which started Jan. 1, lower prescription drug costs, increase oversight of large corporations, strengthen consumer and worker protections...