Local News

MONTEREY COUNTY — The County of Monterey is grappling with a projected $39.7 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, driven by rising labor and operational costs, the ongoing impacts of multiple natural disasters and a notable reduction in one-time and federal funding. Financial forecasts...

SALINAS VALLEY — Area representatives recently joined with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign legislation investing $6 billion to expand broadband infrastructure in an effort to bridge the digital divide. The July 21 signing of AB/SB 156 took place in the unincorporated community of Traver....

TRICKS AND TREATS SALINAS — SPCA Monterey County is hosting its first Halloween Tricks and Treats event on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the SPCA Learning Center, located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway in Salinas. Families and children are invited to enjoy...

DONORS NEEDED CENTRAL COAST — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood in February to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. People of all blood types — especially those with type O negative blood —...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Voters in South Monterey County will be choosing multiple candidates running for city councils, school boards and other special district governing bodies as well as deciding on a few local measures in the upcoming Nov. 8 General Election. City Councils and Mayors King...

GREENFIELD — A new gas station is one step closer to being reality in Greenfield as the planning commission approved the design review and conditional use permit for alcohol during its April 6 meeting. Amendments were also passed for the proposed gas station and convenience...

SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College hosted a special version of the annual Ag Tech Summit — a half-day, in-person program called AgTechX Ed — last month on the Main Campus in Salinas. The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology has joined with the California...

GONZALES — Kip Bowen has been promoted to police sergeant with the Gonzales Police Department effective April 4. With more than 15 years of law enforcement experience, Bowen has served the public as a park ranger, deputy sheriff and police officer prior to his...

GONZALES — On March 14, a jury found Tele Matangi, 37, of Pittsburg, guilty of multiple charges arising from a daylong crime spree in September 2023. Matangi was convicted of carjacking, attempted carjacking, residential burglary, first-degree robbery, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, being a...

SOLEDAD — In the early morning hours of Dec. 16, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving through a residential area along the 32000 block of McCoy Road in Soledad. The vehicle was reported to be...