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Salinas
May 16, 2026

Former prison lieutenant from Greenfield faces smuggling charges

Salinas Valley State Prison
GREENFIELD — A former California state correctional lieutenant has been arrested on charges of conspiring to smuggle contraband into state prison in exchange for approximately $100,000 in payments from an inmate. Matthew Madsen, 39, of Greenfield, made his initial appearance in federal district court in...

Country superstar Miranda Lambert to headline Big Week Kick Off Concert July 11

Miranda Lambert
SALINAS VALLEY — Country music superstar Miranda Lambert will headline the Big Week Kick Off Concert on Saturday, July 11, at the Salinas Sports Complex, announced California Rodeo Salinas. Lambert, one of the most awarded artists in modern country music, will bring her signature grit...

Costa Family Restaurants commits $250K to Salinas Regional Soccer Complex

Costa Family Restaurants at Salinas Regional Soccer Complex
SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Regional Soccer Complex announced Jan. 28 a five-year, $250,000 partnership with Costa Family Restaurants in support of the facility’s continued growth and expansion. Complex officials said the investment represents a major commitment to the future of the site, which currently draws...

Salinas Valley Grad Notes | Feb. 13, 2026

Grad Notes
Jason Sanchez of Soledad was recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, earning them a place on the Spring 2025 Dean’s List at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock, Calif. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who have demonstrated superior academic performance by maintaining...

Grant boosts Road to Success program in Greenfield

Police with youth
GREENFIELD — Sun Street Centers has released new details about a $500,000 grant to expand its Road to Success program in partnership with the City of Greenfield, including plans to reach younger students and offer more hands-on activities. The funding, previously accepted by the Greenfield...

Soledad landlord pays $30K for violating California’s tenant laws

Law judge court
SOLEDAD — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office’s Consumer Protection Unit has resolved a case against Mi Tierra Linda LLC, the owner of an apartment building located at 150 Encinal Road in Soledad. According to a Jan. 9 news release, the settlement resolves multiple violations of...

Monterey County Superior Court announces judicial leadership for 2026-27

Law judge court
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Carrie Panetta announced that Judge Jennifer O’Keefe has been elected by the bench to serve as the court’s next assistant presiding judge as of Jan. 1. O’Keefe will serve in that role for 2026 and 2027...

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...

Salinas Valley News Briefs | Feb. 11, 2026

News Briefs
ELECTION CANDIDATES MONTEREY COUNTY — The candidate filing period for elective offices in the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election opened Feb. 9. Candidate forms will be available only during the official filing period and must be completed and submitted by the deadline on Friday,...

Local News

Greenfield Police enforcement

Greenfield police cite multiple juveniles in e-scooter enforcement as outreach expands

GREENFIELD — Greenfield police cited three juveniles Thursday morning during an ongoing enforcement effort targeting unsafe and unlawful e-scooter and e-bike use. According to the...