Local News

CALIFORNIA — Facing swelling political pressure and numerous lawsuits by businesses forced to shut down, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Monday lifted a strict stay-at-home order and handed to local authorities greater control over whether restaurants, hair salons and other commerce could reopen. The...

UPDATE: The evacuation warning has been upgraded to an evacuation order for the River, Carmel and Dolan fire burn scar areas and evacuation zones effective Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. Temporary evacuation points have been set up at Toro Park School, 22500 Portola Drive, Salinas; Chualar...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Emergency watershed protection work on eight properties in the wildfire areas from 2020’s Carmel and River fires has concluded in a partnership between Monterey County and the federal government. Tom Moss, senior hydrologist with the county’s public works department, said eight projects...

SKATE PARK SURVEY KING CITY — The City of King has received grant funds to replace the ramps at the King City Skate Park at San Antonio Park. The City is seeking input from the public, particularly from users of the skate park, on the...

SOLEDAD — A pet food bank will take place Saturday, Jan. 23, at Soledad High School, hosted by SPCA Monterey County. Free pet food will be provided from 10 to 11 a.m. The Soledad location is a first, as prior South Monterey County pet food...

GONZALES — City of Gonzales and Gonzales Unified School District have announced their joint funding effort to provide a new licensed clinical social worker, who will enhance mental health support in both the schools and the city. The new hire means the school district now...

MONTEREY COUNTY — More than 10,742 Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in Monterey County, out of the total of 24,150 doses of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines allocated and delivered to the county so far. Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno made the announcement...

CENTRAL COAST — Significant fire weather is being forecasted in many parts of the state, including Red Flag Warnings across much of southern California. With the lack of meaningful precipitation across much of the central coast, Cal Fire has suspended all burn permits within the...

SALINAS VALLEY — Jesse Holguin retired from Gonzales Irrigation Systems on Dec. 31, wrapping up a career of 40 years with the company and more than 50 years in total with agricultural work. Holguin began working for Mel Fowler of King City 51 years ago,...

RESOLUTION CONTEST MONTEREY COUNTY — Have a New Year’s resolution? Let Monterey County Free Libraries know for a chance to win a prize. Share the resolution as a comment on its Facebook or Instagram post using the hashtag #emcfl. Contest ends Jan. 31. NO NUKES LOCKWOOD —...