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Salinas
March 11, 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...

Why California is still in a state of emergency

California has one of the lowest coronavirus case rates in the nation. And after being one of the nation’s most stringently locked-down states for more than a year, the state next week will lift nearly all of its pandemic rules in what officials have...

Monterey County health officials encourage flu vaccines amid Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
MONTEREY COUNTY — Officials with Monterey County Health Department and local hospitals urged the public to get flu shots in time for the upcoming flu season during a media briefing Oct. 21. Representatives from Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey, Salinas Valley Memorial...

Covid-19 case rates continue to escalate in Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno said in an Aug. 18 press briefing that the county continues to have higher case rates of Covid-19 from the Delta variant, and that data is backing up the effectiveness of vaccines. ā€œIn Monterey County,...

California’s vaccinated can go mostly mask-free beginning June 15

Vaccinated Californians will be able to go mask-free in indoor stores, bars, restaurants, movie theaters and many other places as part of the state’s grand reopening next Tuesday, officials announced on Wednesday. The new rules are aligned with federal guidance, meaning that face coverings will...

Monterey County continues to prioritize elderly residents in Covid-19 vaccine distribution

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County officials continue to prioritize the elderly with Covid-19 vaccinations as allocations of doses remain low. ā€œThe amount of vaccine that comes to Monterey County from the state has not increased,ā€ said County Supervisor Mary Adams during a press briefing Feb....

What to know about Johnson & Johnson vaccines in California

The U.S. vaccination campaign has been rolling along and picking up steam. Some 22% of California’s roughly 40 million residents are fully vaccinated, and more are signing up for appointments. COVID-19 case rates in the state are at some of their lowest levels since...

Monterey County’s emergency rental assistance program provides nearly $34M in support

MONTEREY COUNTY — Since launching in March 2021, the Rent and Utility Assistance Program through the County of Monterey in partnership with United Way Monterey County has provided nearly $34 million to help keep residents in their homes during the pandemic. The program used state...

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...

Salinas Valley cities declare local emergency over coronavirus threat, as Monterey County confirms first two cases

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
SALINAS VALLEY — The South Monterey County cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City each signed proclamations declaring a local emergency Monday due to the current threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. ā€œThe potential spread of the virus does pose a risk to our...

Local News

Salinas Valley Police Reports | Published March 4, 2026

Police Reports are obtained from the local police departments. KING CITY Jan. 102:07 p.m. Bench Warrant on San Antonio Dr.6:00 p.m. Vandalism on N. Vanderhurst Av.8:35...