Jury convicts Salinas Valley State Prison inmate of first-degree murder, assault
SOLEDAD — Salinas Valley State Prison inmate Lawrence Adams, 45, was convicted by a jury on June 26 of first-degree murder, assault by a life prisoner and custodial possession of a weapon.
Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the four-day trial.
On Oct. 5, 2022, Adams...
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office arrests suspects in Chualar shooting
CHUALAR — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested Jesus Julian Rios, 25, and Regino Mendoza Arce, 26, both of Salinas, for their involvement in a shooting that left two victims injured while attending a gathering at the St. Theodore’s Catholic Pastoral Center in...
Reel Rock Brewery nixes project inside Soledad movie theater
SOLEDAD — Once upon a time there was a lot of buzz going around Soledad with the anticipated opening of Reel Rock Brewery in 2025.
But, according to co-owner Mike Carrillo, the project went flat just a couple of months after breaking ground last June...
Monterey County CVB announces 2022 tourism impact numbers
MONTEREY COUNTY — Tourism, the No. 2 economic driver in Monterey County and the top driver on the Monterey Peninsula, saw a rise in 2022 that closed in on pre-pandemic figures of 2019.
While the tourism rebound has been significant, Monterey County Convention and Visitors...
Mee Memorial launches student healthcare internship program to foster local workforce
SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY — Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) has announced the successful implementation of its Student Pathway for Healthcare Internship Program (Golden State Pathway Program), a hands-on educational initiative designed to introduce local students to careers in healthcare and strengthen the future workforce...
Leitzinger appointed Monterey County Superior Court judge
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court announced that attorney Elizabeth Leitzinger has been appointed as its newest judge, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Julie R. Culver.
Gov. Gavin Newsom made the appointment June 2.
“I am honored and humbled by the...
Slew of candidates set to compete in November
Voters in South County will have a slew of local candidates to choose from in the upcoming Nov. 6 Statewide General Election for numerous city councils, school boards and other special district governing bodies in the area.
Salinas Valley Grad Notes | Aug. 4, 2025
Jason Sanchez of Soledad earned a place on the Fall 2024 Dean’s List in the College of Science at California State University, Stanislaus. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who have demonstrated superior academic performance by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher...
Eucalyptus removal project turns trees into biochar for farm research
MONTEREY COUNTY — Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) is currently producing beneficial biochar from invasive eucalyptus trees removed to restore native ecosystems around Elkhorn Slough.
In partnership with ESF, soil scientist Arun Jani of California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is now studying the impacts of...
International podcast ‘CrisisIbility’ features Gonzales city manager
GONZALES — In an internationally shared podcast, Gonzales City Manager René Mendez discussed community engagement concepts that have helped his small city adapt and deal with challenges, including through the Covid-19 crisis.
Mendez was a featured guest on the international podcast “CrisisIbility,” hosted by Devry...
Local News
Two arrested after altercation at Soledad bar
SOLEDAD — Two men were arrested after a physical altercation at a Soledad bar Saturday night, where officers later found a firearm, ammunition and...






















