51.4 F
Salinas
April 17, 2026

Studies examine variant surging in California, and the news isn’t good

CALIFORNIA — A variant first discovered in California in December is more contagious than earlier forms of the coronavirus, two new studies have shown, fueling concerns that emerging mutants like this one could hamper the sharp decline in cases overall in the state and...

Monterey County supervisors adopt countywide mask order

MONTEREY COUNTY — After several weeks of discussion, Monterey County Board of Supervisors has approved a countywide indoor face covering ordinance that could begin in late October if certain criteria are met. Last week the Board delayed final approval of its mask mandate until Tuesday...

City parks in Monterey County reopen to community

MONTEREY COUNTY — City parks throughout Monterey County have begun to reopen due to the lessening of health restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Gonzales Recreation Department announced the reopening of its parks by March 12. The announcement followed a March 1 reopening of the...

California lost 175,000 ā€˜creative economy’ jobs, study finds

CALIFORNIA — Arts advocates and elected officials in California called Thursday for additional government spending to avert what one organization leader called a ā€œpending cultural depressionā€ brought on by the pandemic. ā€œThere is no economic recovery in our area unless a working creative engine is...

Monterey County offers Covid-19 test kits for local distribution

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County continues to invest in bringing Covid-19 testing supplies to the community for local distribution. Covid-19 home antigen test kits are available to local organizations and community groups that can distribute them to their members and clients. In addition, organizations can request...

Vaccine clinics in Greenfield, Soledad reach out to area farmworkers

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County residents were able to get vaccinated with six sessions of a mass Covid-19 vaccination effort last weekend at Greenfield Memorial Hall and Soledad Community Center. A total of 3,000 vaccine doses were distributed at the events, which were separate from...

What counts as ā€˜essential business’ in Monterey County amid COVID-19 stay-at-home order

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
MONTEREY COUNTY — California residents have been advised to stay indoors, and only leave their home for essential items or services, since the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect March 19 to help combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Essential businesses, however, can stay open...

Covid-19 vaccination assistance available in Greenfield

GREENFIELD — Assistance is now available for Greenfield residents who are eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccine but unable to access or complete the online process to register. The city has recently started a Vaccination Assistance Program. ā€œRight now everything is online, and for a lot...

Fully vaccinated people no longer required to wear a mask in Monterey County buildings

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County will no longer require fully vaccinated residents to wear a face covering when inside a county building, the county announced Wednesday. Starting Thursday, residents will be asked to verbally attest that they are fully vaccinated when entering a county building...

A new demographic surprise for California: population loss

SACRAMENTO — For the first time in more than a century, California recorded a net loss in population last year, a demographic reversal caused by the deadly toll of the coronavirus and declining immigration and birthrates. The small but startling 0.46% drop — a decline...

Local News

Gonzales Police

Gonzales Police urge focus behind the wheel during Distracted Driving Awareness...

GONZALES — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Gonzales Police Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes...