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Salinas
August 2, 2026

2 Soledad men arrested after drug, gun raids

police raid
SALINAS VALLEY — Two Soledad men were arrested Monday after law enforcement officers executed three search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into violent criminal activity in South Monterey County. According to the Soledad Police Department, the warrants were served at about 6:30 a.m....

South Monterey County parks add communication boards

Communication Board
SALINAS VALLEY — Community leaders gathered last week at Soledad’s Orchard Lane Park to celebrate the installation of new Inclusive Communication Boards in parks throughout South Monterey County, a regional effort aimed at making public spaces more accessible for residents with communication differences. The ribbon-cutting...

Gonzales Unified appoints Thorbahn as new superintendent

Keith Thorbahn
GONZALES — Gonzales Unified School District has appointed Keith Thorbahn as its next superintendent, effective July 21. Thorbahn previously served as principal of Gonzales High School, where the district said he developed a focus on academic achievement, student engagement and collaboration among staff, students and...

Salinas Valley News Briefs | July 29, 2026

News Briefs
Native Plant Bootcamp planned in Salinas CENTRAL COAST — The UC Master Gardeners of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties will host the second annual Native Plant Bootcamp on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, 710...

Early winegrape harvest begins in Monterey County

Scheid Vineyards harvest
MONTEREY COUNTY — The 2026 winegrape harvest is underway in the Santa Lucia Highlands and across Monterey County, with some growers reporting one of the earliest starts in recent history. Caraccioli Cellars crews picked the first grapes of the season at Escolle Vineyard in the...

CHP seeks public’s help in fatal hit-and-run investigation

California Highway Patrol (CHP)
SOLEDAD — California Highway Patrol King City Area is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred May 18 near Fort Romie, west of Soledad. According to CHP, dispatchers received a report at about 5:08 a.m....

Greenfield police arrest man on domestic violence, firearm charges

Police arrest crime
GREENFIELD — A King City man was arrested Friday evening after Greenfield police responded to reports of a suspected domestic violence incident. According to the Greenfield Police Department, officers were dispatched July 24 to the 1100 block of Heidi Drive after multiple community members called...

Salinas Valley News Briefs | July 24, 2026

News Briefs
County celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month at Toro Park SALINAS — Monterey County Parks and Lakes is inviting the community to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with a day of hiking, birdwatching and family-friendly activities at Toro Park on Sunday, July 26. The event...

Gonzales Car Show draws more than 100 vehicles downtown

Gonzales Car Show
GONZALES — The fourth annual Gonzales Car Show was held downtown last Saturday on Fourth Street with more than 100 cars and other vehicles participating, many of which arrived early to park at the choice viewing spots. Raul Hernandez, a former Gonzales resident, enjoys coming...

Imagination Library enrolls 2,500 children in Monterey County

First 5 Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY — More than 2,500 Monterey County children have enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library since the free book program launched locally on June 18, according to an update presented during this week's Monterey County News Briefing. Rebeca Zuniga of First 5 Monterey County...

Local News

Patrick Valenzuela

Soledad police chief departs after one year

SOLEDAD — Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela has left the Soledad Police Department after leading the agency for just over a year, with two longtime...