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Salinas
March 28, 2026

The end of California’s lockdowns

Today, we’re starting with some big news: There will be no green tier after all. In fact, very soon, we’re set to say goodbye to the purple, red, orange and yellow tiers that have for months dictated so much about our lives. California plans to...

State eases restrictions, allows some reopenings

CALIFORNIA — Facing swelling political pressure and numerous lawsuits by businesses forced to shut down, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Monday lifted a strict stay-at-home order and handed to local authorities greater control over whether restaurants, hair salons and other commerce could reopen. The...

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...

Vaccination rates are lower in disadvantaged counties, CDC reports

Even though the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on people of color and on low-income communities, Americans in wealthier counties have been getting vaccinated against the coronavirus at higher rates than those who live in more distressed, impoverished counties, federal health researchers reported...

Newsom: California economy ā€˜fully reopening’ June 15

gavin newsom california reopening
CALIFORNIA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced that the state is ā€œsetting our eyes on fully reopening by June 15 — with commonsense measures like masking.ā€ Newsom made the announcement via Twitter, and reiterated the state’s plan to eventually forgo the current four-tiered,...

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...

Monterey County expands Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to more residents beginning this week

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department has announced plans to expand the eligibility for Covid-19 vaccinations to more individuals this week. As vaccine supply allows, county residents age 65 to 74 who work in the industry sectors of food and agriculture, education and childcare...

Unemployment claims fall, fueling economic hope

UNITED STATES — The second year of the coronavirus pandemic is starting with rising hopes for the economic outlook — and a long way to go. Positive signs are emerging as restrictions on businesses lift and the pace of vaccine distributions ramps up. But millions...

Monterey County demobilizes Covid-19 isolation housing program

KING CITY — Monterey County has started the process of demobilizing Operation Oasis, its isolation housing program that assisted more than a thousand residents during the Covid-19 pandemic. As of June 24, referrals are no longer being made to Operation Oasis and assigned staff have...

Monterey County remains in purple tier, as Covid-19 vaccine rollout makes progress

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MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department announced earlier this week that ā€œsufficient progressā€ has been made vaccinating Phase 1a health care workers, and that providers may now begin to offer Covid-19 vaccine to residents age 75 years or older in Phase 1b, Tier...

Local News

Courthouse arrest of Soledad man

Soledad man arrested after driving stolen car to court hearing

SOLEDAD — A Soledad man was arrested Tuesday after authorities say he drove a stolen vehicle to a scheduled court appearance for a pending...