Local News

SOLEDAD — The Avanza Network wrapped up its 10th annual conference in the Salinas Valley last month after visiting 25 middle and high schools across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, including several in South Monterey County. The all-volunteer nonprofit, founded in 2011 by Mexican-American alumni...

SALINAS VALLEY — A Salinas man has pleaded no contest to multiple charges stemming from a May 2025 incident in which he stabbed his ex-girlfriend, threatened a relative, led police on a high-speed chase and used his 7-year-old daughter as a human shield. Oscar Villareal...

GONZALES — Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) hosted a grand opening of the new Gonzales Branch Library on Saturday morning, with more than 200 people in attendance. Located at the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center at 630 Fifth St., the library will be a...

Monterey County Works plans job fairs, recruitments SALINAS — Monterey County Works is inviting jobseekers to attend a series of March job fairs and recruitment events at its Salinas Career Center, 344 Salinas St. The events, all on Wednesdays, are free and open to the public....

CENTRAL COAST — With scams that target utility customers continuing at a high rate, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) joins the Federal Trade Commission in recognizing National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, to help educate customers on how to spot the signs of...

MONTEREY COUNTY — California School Boards Association (CSBA) officially named Dream Big Monterey: Science of Reading Academy a 2025 Golden Bell Award winner, recognizing the program’s innovative and exemplary approach to advancing evidence-based literacy instruction across Monterey County. Dream Big Monterey was born out of...

SALINAS VALLEY — California International Airshow Salinas Board of Directors introduced its new Executive Director Kristine Ware during a press conference Jan. 28 at the Salinas Municipal Airport. “I step into this role with deep gratitude, excitement and a strong sense of responsibility,” Ware said....

GREENFIELD — A King City man was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance and related firearms and drug offenses, according to the Greenfield Police Department. At about 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 22, officers conducted a vehicle check...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Board of Directors held a study session Jan. 28 to examine potential revenue sources to replace declining gas tax funds that support local transportation projects. The presentation followed a September 2025 board request for an in-depth...

GONZALES — Gonzales resident Jose Christian Montenegro, 30, was sentenced Jan. 20 to 34 years in prison for committing four counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14 and one count of lewd act on a child under age 14. “These offenses are...