Local News

CALIFORNIA — A variant first discovered in California in December is more contagious than earlier forms of the coronavirus, two new studies have shown, fueling concerns that emerging mutants like this one could hamper the sharp decline in cases overall in the state and...

Editor’s Note: The following profile is an excerpt from Amy Wu’s upcoming book, “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food is Grown,” which tells the stories of women entrepreneurs who are transforming agriculture through high technology. Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos was born and raised...

GREENFIELD — Davi Quintero of Mary Chapa Academy has been named to Curriculum Associates’ 2021 Class of Extraordinary Educators. The annual program celebrates teachers from around the country, this year recognizing 44 teachers from 26 states and Washington, D.C., for their use of i-Ready, illustrating...

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Police Department conducted a search warrant and probation check operation last week on two separate locations in the 3900 block of Apple Avenue in Greenfield. During the Feb. 17 search, officers recovered multiple firearms and high-capacity magazines. Police said all the items...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo submitted a pandemic economic recovery ordinance for the county on Feb. 3, aimed at recalling laid-off county hospitality, restaurant and travel workers when the economy re-opens.  The ordinance would request those recalls based on greatest length of...

SOLEDAD — As the City of Soledad prepares for its centennial event, 2021 also marks the year one of its residents, Jennie Aquino, becomes a centenarian.  Aquino, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 27, was born in Mexico and came to the United States...

CALIFORNIA — In California, wildfires and heat waves in recent years forced utilities to shut off power to millions of homes and businesses. Now Texas is learning that deadly winter storms and intense cold can do the same. The country’s two largest states have taken...

TAX PREP MONTEREY COUNTY — United Way Monterey County has launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service, offering free tax preparation services through Tax Day, April 15. UWMC and IRS-trained VITA volunteers will provide this service in English and Spanish for anyone who earned less...

SOLEDAD — Final preparation continues at the Hartnell Community College campus in Soledad. When finished this winter, the Soledad Education Center will include four classrooms, a faculty room and an adjacent student success center that will be home to tutoring services and space for...

GONZALES — Almost half the seniors at Gonzales High School are at risk of not graduating, according to information presented during last month’s board meeting for Gonzales Unified School District. The complication for the 47% of seniors who might not get their diploma this June...