Local News

SALINAS VALLEY — 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...

JOB FAIRS MONTEREY COUNTY — 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...

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Jan. 29 death of an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At about 6:15 a.m., staff observed inmate Karapet Demirdzhyan unresponsive in his cell during a security check in a housing unit. “Staff immediately responded, initiating life-saving measures on Demirdzhyan and...

MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey has announced the launch of Off the Canvas, a new arts and culture tourism initiative highlighting murals, sculptures and other arts and creative spaces throughout Monterey County, including the Salinas Valley — from vibrant public art installations to open galleries and more. The program invites...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Alliance on Aging is beginning the new year with a renewed commitment to serving older adults throughout Monterey County, expanding access to essential services while strengthening programs that protect dignity, independence and connection. As part of its January initiatives, the nonprofit is...

POETRY CONTEST MONTEREY COUNTY — High school students from across Monterey County will take the stage Saturday, Jan. 31, for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud county competition at the Black Box Theater, Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Circle, in Salinas. The event runs...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Youth Council is leading a comprehensive Street Safety Initiative for the 2025-26 year focused on identifying and addressing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns throughout the city. Since launching the initiative in October 2025, Youth Council members have spent the past several months...

SOLEDAD — A Monterey County jury has convicted Paul Chavez Ramirez, 61, an inmate serving a life sentence at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, of possessing a weapon. In a bifurcated trial, the jury also found that Ramirez had previously been convicted of four...

JUDICIAL SEATS MONTEREY COUNTY — Jan. 26 marked the opening of the Declaration of Intention filing period for judicial seats in the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. All interested candidates must file their Declaration of Intention no later than 5pm on Wednesday, Feb....

SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas has unveiled its 2026 commemorative poster, a striking tribute to patriotism and tradition. This year’s design features Retired Sgt. First Class James “Guido” Davis parachuting the American flag into the arena from 5,000 feet above — a moment that has...