Local News

Americans who are fully vaccinated can travel “at low risk to themselves,” both within the United States and internationally, but they must continue to take precautions like wearing a mask in public, avoiding crowds, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently, federal health officials...

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden, calling gun violence in the United States “an international embarrassment,” took a set of initial steps on Thursday to address the problem, starting with a crackdown on the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, or firearms assembled from kits. Acknowledging that...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Pamela L. Butler has announced that the Honorable Rafael Vazquez has been elected by the bench to serve as the Court’s next Assistant Presiding Judge, commencing his term Jan. 1, 2024. Judge Vazquez will serve as...

SALINAS VALLEY — As the Fourth of July approaches, South Monterey County is gearing up for a series of events to celebrate Independence Day, with each town offering unique festivities ranging from parades and games to food vendors and fireworks. King City will start its...

GONZALES — Each year the American Legion Auxiliary of Gonzales, Unit 81, hosts an essay contest under the committee Americanism. The title this year was, “What does Freedom mean to me?”, and teacher Isaura Garcia’s eighth-grade English class at Fairview Middle School submitted around...

SOLEDAD — The City of Soledad is the first South Monterey County community to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element, a document that will ensure Soledad adequately plans to meet the housing needs of all community members. The previous Housing Element for the City of Soledad...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast has completely reopened as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Caltrans announced. "Initial progress on clearing and repair of the rockfall system at Cow Cliffs (PM 28.2) and slide and debris removal at Paul’s Slide (PM 22),...

SALINAS VALLEY — Nearly 40,000 people attended the 80th Annual Salinas Valley Fair over the course of its four-day celebration in South Monterey County last week. Under the theme, “Golden Hills & Fair Time Thrills,” the 2024 Fair once again provided family-friendly activities and entertainment...

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...

UPCOMING MARKETS KING CITY — Sol Treasures is seeking vendors for its Hometown Market on Broadway events, planned for Oct. 30 and Dec. 4. The Hometown Market is intended to be a place where people can find handcrafted items and artisan creations made in the...