Local News

From infrastructure upgrades and housing progress to cultural milestones, education achievements and community celebrations, 2025 was a year of growth, resilience and reflection across the Salinas Valley.  The following stories were selected by Tribune staff as the top news of the year, highlighting the events,...

SOLEDAD — Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) officials are investigating the Oct. 5 death of an inmate at the Soledad institution as a homicide. At about 8:50 a.m., Robert Tunstall was attacked on a recreation yard by another inmate. Staff performed life-saving measures and an...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has awarded $109,000 in Arts and Cultural Impact Grants to 22 local arts organizations and nonprofit organizations with art programs, thanks to funding from the County of Monterey and its Board of Supervisors.  This is the...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Dance Theatre (MCDT) is set to raise the curtain on its 65th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” this weekend at the historic Robert Stanton Theater. Directed and choreographed by Janette Harkness, the daughter of MCDT founder Pauline Hall, the...

Soledad Chamber secures nearly $400K for employee training SOLEDAD — Soledad Chamber of Commerce was awarded nearly $400,000 from the California Employment Training Panel on May 29. The funds will directly reimburse Chamber members for qualifying employee training expenses, boosting workforce skills and economic growth in...

CENTRAL COAST — Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging blood donors, particularly those with type O blood, to schedule appointments as its type O blood supply has fallen to a two-year low. According to Vitalant, the supply of type O blood has steadily declined...

CALIFORNIA — The beginning of a new year comes with many new laws taking effect throughout the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed numerous bills into law that aim to tackle issues including firearms, housing, pollution, schools, animal rights and more. South Monterey County businesses,...

Last Sunday’s Ranch Rodeo drew 116 participants from the Central Coast and paid out nearly $14,000 in prize money to winners at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds’ Rava Equestrian Center in King City.

BOOK TOUR KING CITY — Former King City resident and police officer, Larry D. Kendrick is on a reading and book-signing tour and will be stopping in King City on Tuesday, April 12. The local author and novelist will be at Wildhorse Cafe, 50630 Mesa...

SALINAS VALLEY — Central Coast VNA and Hospice has received a $50,000 grant from Hospice Giving Foundation to help support its Grief and Loss Program in Gonzales for South Monterey County residents. Called New Beginnings, the free monthly support group is designed to help participants...