Local News

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...

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...

GREENFIELD — A structure fire early Friday morning was contained to a garage thanks to a rapid, multi-agency response, according to the Greenfield Police Department. At about midnight on Jan. 23, Greenfield police and fire personnel responded to a reported structure fire in the 200...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) will take part in a statewide effort this month aimed at capturing how Californians use and value their local public libraries. The initiative, called “Every Story Counts,” seeks data, stories and photos illustrating how and why residents...

CENTRAL COAST — Local hospitals are urging community members to donate blood during a series of multi-day drives this month, as January typically brings a drop in donations due to winter weather, seasonal illnesses and fewer workplace and school drives. “The start of the year...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has adopted a new citywide strategic plan designed to guide operations, budgeting and long-term decision-making over the next five years. The 2025-2030 Soledad Strategic Plan establishes the city’s vision, mission and priorities, serving as a roadmap for aligning city services,...

GREENFIELD — The 246th Battalion of the California Cadet Corps at Greenfield High School recognized cadet achievement and advancement during its Fall Awards Night last month. The ceremony honored cadets for their dedication, improvement and accomplishments throughout the fall semester. More than 300 parents, family...

SOLEDAD — A male juvenile was critically injured in a shooting Wednesday evening in Soledad, according to the Soledad Police Department. Officers responded at about 6:42 p.m. on Jan. 21 to reports of shots fired in the 1300 block of Palm Avenue, where they found...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM) will present the 31st Annual Drury-Tankersley Clam Chowder Feed and Steak Dinner on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds’ Orradre Building in King City. New this year, the event offers two menu...