Soledad bids farewell to Police Chief Wasson after 36 years in law enforcement
SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has announced the retirement of Chief Damon Wasson, marking the end of a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning 36 years, including 17 years as the chief of police for the Soledad Police Department.
During his tenure, Wasson has made...
Country superstar Blake Shelton to headline 2025 Big Week Kick Off Concert
SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas is kicking off its annual festivities a bit earlier than usual with Blake Shelton, one of country music’s biggest stars, headlining the 2025 Big Week Kick Off Concert on Friday, June 27, at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Known for his...
Greenfield man sentenced to prison for felony assault, vandalizing vehicles with rocks
GREENFIELD — Greenfield resident Jose Anguiano, 45, was sentenced Feb. 28 to a total of three years and four months in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Anguiano was sentenced to two years and eight months for assault by means of force likely to...
Hartnell College launches climate ambassadors program with NOAA grant support
SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College has introduced the Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program, an innovative initiative designed to empower students as leaders in climate adaptation and environmental resilience.
Funded through a $2 million sub-award from California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the program will equip...
March is Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month
MONTEREY COUNTY — In an effort to raise awareness about the critical role of Civil Grand Juries in promoting justice and accountability within the community, Monterey County Superior Court announced that March has been officially declared Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month.
This month-long observance is...
Soledad Historical Society hosts open house to celebrate ‘150 Years of Schools in Soledad’
SOLEDAD — Soledad Historical Society is hosting an open house on Saturday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring a new display titled “150 Years of Schools in Soledad.”
This exhibition showcases the rich history of education in Soledad, beginning with the first school...
Governor unveils California Jobs First Blueprint
CENTRAL COAST — Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a major statewide economic initiative designed to spur growth, innovation and access to good-paying jobs.
The California Jobs First Economic Blueprint is a first-of-its-kind investment into bottom-up, regional economic planning. Recognizing the unique diversity of regions across...
Lavender Creek towels approved by Infection Control in multiple leading health systems
GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek Co., a family lavender farm and wellness brand based in Monterey County near Greenfield, recently announced that its Lavender Refreshment Towels have received approval from the Infection Control departments of multiple leading healthcare organizations in California.
This approval confirms the towels’...
Western Flyer sets sail with weekend celebration, send-off festivities in Monterey
MONTEREY — Eighty-five years ago, the Western Flyer set sail for the Gulf of California with what local media described as “perhaps the strangest crew ever signed aboard a local workboat.” Among them were renowned author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts, embarking on the journey...
CRU Winery in Soledad makes history as a Blue Zones Project participant
SOLEDAD — CRU Winery’s tasting room has been designated a Blue Zones Project Participating Organization — the first of its kind to join the health initiative in Monterey County.
The acknowledgment recognizes CRU Winery for actively implementing lifestyle changes and environmental modifications to promote longevity...
Local News
Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority general manager retires
SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer R. Patrick Mathews will retire this week after more than...
