61 F
Salinas
February 12, 2026

Gov. Newsom announces early reopening of Highway 1 in Big Sur, months ahead of schedule

Regent’s Slide
BIG SUR — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that Caltrans has opened the portion of Highway 1 closed by Regent’s Slide, months earlier than the estimated reopening date of March 30. The reopening restores full travel access along the iconic Big Sur coast and revives...

Gonzales celebrates grand opening of Community Center Complex

Janice Caprara Community Center Complex ribbon cutting
GONZALES — Years of planning and dreaming became a reality as the grand opening of Phase 1 of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex took place Saturday morning in Gonzales. Phase 1 of the complex included the Taylor Farms Teen Innovation Center and...

Soledad family welcomes Monterey County’s first baby of 2026

Soledad parents with baby
SOLEDAD — Monterey County welcomed its first baby of the new year just seconds after midnight, as a family from Soledad celebrated a milestone moment at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP). Noah Mora Medina was born at 12:00:09 a.m. on New Year’s Day...

Tri-County Arts Councils host town hall to help shape California’s creative economy future

CENTRAL COAST — Together with Santa Barbara-based facilitator Hannah Jacobson Blumenfeld, San Benito County Arts Council, Arts Council Santa Cruz County and Arts Council for Monterey County are key regional partners for the California Arts Council’s Creative Economies in Action: 2025 Statewide Engagement Tour. This...

Interim’s Winter Holiday Meal brings warmth to residents in need

Winter Holiday Meal
SALINAS — Interim Inc. hosted its annual Winter Holiday Meal on Dec. 19 at the OMNI Resource Center in Salinas, welcoming clients and community members for a shared holiday meal rooted in connection, dignity and care. The event served individuals who regularly access services at...

Monterey County Superior Court prepares to launch new eCourt system

Law judge court
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court will be transitioning to a new case management system, eCourt, effective Jan. 20. To ensure a smooth conversion process, residents are asked to observe the following deadlines and filing requirements: Effective Jan. 5, electronic filings will no longer be...

2025 Year In Review | A Look Back at Salinas Valley’s Top Stories That Shaped the Past Year

Year In Review photos
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,...

New California laws take effect in 2026

Law judge court
CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced key laws taking effect in 2026 that reflect California’s continued focus on public safety, affordability, transparency and accountability. The new laws, which started Jan. 1, lower prescription drug costs, increase oversight of large corporations, strengthen consumer and worker protections...

Monterey County Health Department awarded grant for cannabis education

Cannabis marijuana
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department is the recipient of a $168,862 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Cannabis Education Program in the Public Health Bureau. The grant will fund community educational outreach and coordinated strategies focused on...

Operation Santa 2025 brings holiday cheer to more than 500 families in Salinas Valley

Operation Santa
SALINAS VALLEY — Christmas came early this month at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, with the arrival of a very special guest — Santa Claus. As part of the annual Operation Santa event organized by Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and local water...

Local News

Police with youth

Grant boosts Road to Success program in Greenfield

GREENFIELD — Sun Street Centers has released new details about a $500,000 grant to expand its Road to Success program in partnership with the...