Local News

CRU Winery, local partners relaunch vineyard hiking series SOLEDAD — A popular vineyard hiking program is returning this year as CRU Winery partners with Richard Russell CrossFit and The Live Well Project to host a quarterly hiking series at Paraiso Vineyard. The hiking series invites participants...

The one thing about living in South Monterey County is the joy of discovering hidden gems throughout the tri cities in Soledad, Gonzales and Greenfield. One of those hole-in-the-wall spots is Taqueria Pacheco, a tiny Mexican restaurant nestled inside La Placita Mercado at 325...

MONTEREY COUNTY — An intelligence alert suggesting a possible drone attack on California prompted numerous calls to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, officials said. While the alert raised concern among residents, authorities emphasized that the threats are unverified and not imminent. Monterey County Sheriff...

SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College Foundation and the K-12 STEAM Programs present the 20th Annual STEAM Family Science Day on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave. in Salinas. The free event will feature hands-on STEAM activities,...

GREENFIELD — In response to growing concerns about distracted driving and pedestrian safety, the Greenfield Youth Council (GFYC) has launched a new initiative aimed at raising awareness among local youth and the broader community. The effort comes as several mayors across Monterey County work to...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is offering more than $1.5 million in student scholarships for 2026, with applications due next week. More than 500 local students will be able to pursue their dreams of higher education, thanks to the generosity of...

King City seeks input on Salinas River trail expansion KING CITY — The City of King and Monterey County are seeking public input on plans to expand pedestrian trails at San Lorenzo Park and along the Salinas River. Officials say feedback will help guide early planning...

GREENFIELD — A Monterey County jury has convicted a 34-year-old Greenfield man of five counts of child molestation, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced. Filberto Santiago Martinez was found guilty March 2 of three counts of sexual intercourse with a child 10 or younger,...

SOLEDAD — A Monterey County jury has found Noel Ledesma, 44, formerly of Soledad and Yuma, Ariz., guilty of first-degree murder in the 2010 killing of his ex-girlfriend, Yvette Martinez, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced. Martinez and Ledesma had dated in early 2010...

SALINAS VALLEY — Creativity, sustainability and community spirit will take center stage March 19 at the 2026 South County Trashion Show, Alliance on Aging’s largest annual fundraiser benefiting seniors across Monterey County. The luncheon and runway event will be held inside the Orradre Building at...