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Salinas
February 20, 2026

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...

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...

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...

South County Farm Day 2026 brings agriculture to life for students

Farm Day presenter
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...

See Monterey launchesĀ Off the CanvasĀ art tourism campaign

National Steinbeck Center building
MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey has announced the launch ofĀ Off the Canvas,Ā 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 toĀ open galleries andĀ more. The program invites...

Alliance on Aging plans countywide Valentine’s Day outreach for seniors

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 Youth Council leads citywide street safety effort

Soledad Youth Council
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...

Jury convicts Salinas Valley State Prison inmate for possessing weapon while serving sentence

Law judge court
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...

Local News

Miss Salinas Valley Fair

Miss Salinas Valley Fair competition opens for 2026 applicants

SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Fair is now accepting applications for the 2026 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Competition, offering young women the chance to...