Local News

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has announced the appointment of Patrick G. Valenzuela as its new chief of police. Valenzuela comes to Soledad from the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Ariz., where he has served since 1996. During his tenure, he advanced from patrol officer...

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the June 27 death of incarcerated person Jose Rodriguez at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At approximately 3:34 p.m., staff observed cellmates Steven Miranda and Rodriguez, noting Rodriguez...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s agriculture industry saw a major rebound in 2024, with overall crop and livestock production reaching nearly $5 billion in gross value — a 14.7% increase from the previous year. And, for the first time in county history, a single crop...

WALKING AUDIT CHUALAR ­­— County of Monterey staff will conduct a Technical Walking Audit in Chualar on Thursday, July 17, as part of the Chualar Community Plan initiative. Residents may notice county personnel and vehicles in their neighborhoods between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. County...

GONZALES — A health-conscious group of runners and walkers took to the streets for the Gonzales Rotary Fun Run on the Fourth of July at Central Park. Many of the nearly 100 participants gathered over half an hour before the 8 a.m. start time to...

SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas is more than just world-class rodeo — it’s a weeklong celebration packed with family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Beginning on Friday, July 11, and running through Sunday, July 20, families can enjoy various engaging events designed to...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad’s new Music in the Park summer series is officially underway, following a successful launch on June 13 at Cesar Chavez Park. The opening night featured a high-energy performance by Shannon and the Night Divers, drawing crowds of families and friends...

SOLEDAD — Soledad resident Giovanni Lopez Orozco, 25, was sentenced on June 24 to six years in prison for committing one count of lewd act upon a child under 14 years. “This offense is a serious and violent felony and is considered a strike under...

RABBIT RUN RETURNS KING CITY — The annual Rabbit Run is back this Saturday, July 12, at San Bernabe Vineyards in King City, with races starting at 9 a.m. Hosted by King City Rotary Club, the family-friendly event includes a 5-kilometer course with rolling hills,...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with AT&T and Human I-T, has announced a laptop giveaway for Soledad residents. This initiative aims to provide free refurbished laptops to individuals in need, helping bridge the digital divide and support community members who lack access...