Local News

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has opened the North Central Coast Air Basin’s first Clean Air Center at the Soledad Community Center, creating a designated public space where residents can seek cleaner indoor air during wildfire smoke events. The new center, located at 560 Walker...

National Agriculture Week 2026 will be observed March 15-21, with National Ag Day falling on March 24. The annual week highlights the vital role agriculture plays in the United States — providing food, jobs and economic stability — and encourages Americans to recognize the industry’s contributions...

SOLEDAD — Youth in Monterey County Friday Night Live (FNL) have launched a campaign this year to tackle underage drinking throughout the region, including in Soledad. Friday Night Live builds partnerships for positive and healthy development, engaging youth as active leaders and resources in their...

KING CITY — Mee Memorial Healthcare System has been certified as a Critical Access Hospital, earning approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services after several years of pursuit. The process began in 2016 and officially went into effect this year on June 25. “Lower...

As the school year is drawing to a close, the Gonzales Youth Council is ushering out its graduating Youth Commissioners and welcoming in new members.

SEASIDE — United Soccer League (USL) announced Feb. 1 that its newest team, Monterey Bay Football Club, will make its home at California State University Monterey Bay’s Freeman Stadium in Seaside. “We are excited at the opportunity to work with Monterey Bay FC and the...

GREENFIELD — South Monterey County Joint Union High School District (SMCJUHSD), which includes King City and Greenfield high schools, is among 133 educational agencies awarded funding through California’s Zero-Emissions School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) project. The district has been approved for six eligible school bus...

SPCA for Monterey County hosted a Spay/Neuter, Vaccination and Microchip Clinic in Gonzales on Sept. 30. The mobile clinic was held outside the Gonzales Police Department on Fourth Street. The appointment-only event provided spay/neuter and microchip services and rabies vaccinations for dogs 35 pounds...

SOLEDAD — Steve Suarez, who grew up in Soledad, is sharing a message with area youths that they can aim for big careers even if they’ve faltered in their early schooling. Suarez, 23, went from being a self-described failing, unmotivated student as he entered high...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Free Libraries has announced the availability of Transparent Language Online for Libraries, a complete language-learning system with courses and lessons designed to build listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. “We are excited that students receiving literacy instruction can augment their...