Soledad Lions, Lioness host barbecue fundraiser
The Soledad Lions hosted a tri-tip barbecue takeout fundraiser Sunday at the Soledad Lions Hall ahead of the Super Bowl. Members of the Soledad Lioness Club assisted at the event and sold football-themed baked goods.
Read to Me Project expands Literacy for All across South Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY ā South Monterey County students and families are building reading skills and enjoying literacy through a countywide initiative launched this past December by the Read to Me Project.
The program, called Literacy for All, is designed to expand early literacy access, encourage family...
Salinas Valley News Briefs | Feb. 11, 2026
ELECTION CANDIDATES
MONTEREY COUNTY ā The candidate filing period for elective offices in the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election opened Feb. 9. Candidate forms will be available only during the official filing period and must be completed and submitted by the deadline on Friday,...
Alliance on Aging offers free tax preparation services
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Alliance on Aging has announced the return of its free tax preparation services for older adults and people with disabilities, beginning Feb. 2.
The program is available to adults age 60 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities, and is designed...
Boucher named 2026-27 Monterey County Poet Laureate
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has named Marie Boucher, also known as Marie Butcher, as the 2026-27 Monterey County Poet Laureate.
Boucher officially assumed the role on Jan. 1, 2026, beginning a two-year term through December 2027.
The honorary position celebrates the...
Salinas Valley News Briefs | Feb. 6, 2026
CHUALAR SURVEY
CHUALAR ā Residents can now take the Chualar Community Plan Survey online in English or Spanish. The survey seeks input on housing, parks, transportation, safety, local businesses and other community priorities. Responses will help guide local planning decisions. The survey closes Feb. 12....
Monterey County releases 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Monterey County health officials and community partners have released the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive report identifying the countyās most pressing health challenges and priorities.
The assessment, compiled by the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative, analyzes population health data to...
Soledad unveils 24/7 naloxone, fentanyl test strip kiosk
SOLEDAD ā City of Soledad and the Monterey County Health Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23 for the cityās first 24/7 naloxone and fentanyl test strip kiosk, after the event was rescheduled from Dec. 8.
The kiosk, located next to the Soledad Fire...
South County Farm Day 2026 brings agriculture to life for students
SALINAS VALLEY ā Hundreds of South Monterey County third graders took part in the 2026 South County Farm Day on Jan. 22 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, getting a hands-on introduction to agriculture, public safety and local resources.
The annual event, hosted...
Salinas Valley News Briefs | Feb. 4, 2026
JOB FAIRS
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Monterey County Works will host a series of job fairs and industry-specific recruitments throughout February at its Salinas Career Center, 344 Salinas St. Events are open to job seekers and employers and include multiple-employer job fairs and industry spotlight recruitments...
Local News
Gonzales man arrested on suspicion of murder after 911 call
GONZALES ā A 66-year-old Gonzales man was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday night after calling 911 to report that his wife was bleeding,...





















