Local News

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Oct. 14 death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At about 5:15 p.m., staff observed Orlando Ochoa assaulting Israel Mendoza and responded by utilizing chemical...

SALINAS VALLEY — A new nonprofit organization, Holding on to Hope, has been formed to bring a Family Justice Center to Salinas, a place where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking can find help and healing under...

TORO PARK TRAFFIC PROJECT SALINAS — The second phase of the Toro Park traffic management project began on Aug. 6, aiming to improve safety during weekday school drop-offs by reducing cut-through commuter traffic. Building on the success of the pilot program from July 2024 to...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Lions International District 4C-6, in partnership with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), has announced the inaugural Mental Health and Wellness Service Carnival, a community-focused event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing essential resources for well-being. The carnival, a...

SALINAS VALLEY — Several dozen community members gathered for a news conference at the County Government Center in Salinas last Tuesday to release a new study that found that pregnant women in Monterey County are more likely to be exposed to far higher levels...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size. During Child Passenger Safety...

MONTEREY COUNTY — The combined Monterey County Elections Ballot and local Voter Information Pamphlet began mailing last week for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election. State Voter Information Guides are now in the mail and will continue to mail into this week. All active voters...

SALINAS VALLEY — Taylor Farms has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships through its enhanced annual scholarship program this year. Students are awarded in three distinct categories: the Extraordinary Scholarship, the Innovative Scholarship and the Employee Scholarship. A total of 38 new scholarships have been...

MONTEREY COUNTY — In light of recent reports of pets being abandoned during challenging times, both Hitchcock Road Animal Services and SPCA Monterey County are joining messages to remind all pet owners that dumping or abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane. California law explicitly...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Individual Artists Grant, an initiative supporting local artists as they create new works, engage with diverse audiences and enhance the cultural landscape of the community. Arts4MC remains committed to...