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Salinas
February 13, 2026

Soledad landlord pays $30K for violating California’s tenant laws

Law judge court
SOLEDAD — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office’s Consumer Protection Unit has resolved a case against Mi Tierra Linda LLC, the owner of an apartment building located at 150 Encinal Road in Soledad. According to a Jan. 9 news release, the settlement resolves multiple violations of...

Monterey County Superior Court announces judicial leadership for 2026-27

Law judge court
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Carrie Panetta announced that Judge Jennifer O’Keefe has been elected by the bench to serve as the court’s next assistant presiding judge as of Jan. 1. O’Keefe will serve in that role for 2026 and 2027...

Soledad Lions, Lioness host barbecue fundraiser

Club members with football-themed baked goods
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

Students in classroom
MONTEREY COUNTY — 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

News Briefs
ELECTION CANDIDATES MONTEREY COUNTY — 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

Tax form
MONTEREY COUNTY — 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

Marie Boucher
MONTEREY COUNTY — 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

News Briefs
CHUALAR SURVEY CHUALAR — 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 — Monterey County health officials and community partners have released the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive report identifying the county’s 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

Officials with Naloxone and fentanyl test strip kiosk
SOLEDAD — City of Soledad and the Monterey County Health Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23 for the city’s 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...

Local News

Salinas Valley State Prison

Former prison lieutenant from Greenfield faces smuggling charges

GREENFIELD — A former California state correctional lieutenant has been arrested on charges of conspiring to smuggle contraband into state prison in exchange for...