Salinas Valley State Prison inmates found guilty of first-degree attempted murder
SOLEDAD — After a five-day trial, on Oct. 4, a jury found Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) inmates Jorge Farias, 37, and Michael Bloom, 43, guilty of first-degree attempted murder on an inmate.
Farias was found to have suffered two prior strike convictions under California’s...
Community input sought for flood-prone areas to support future groundwater recharge efforts in Salinas Valley
SALINAS VALLEY — In an effort to increase groundwater recharge and storage while reducing flooding, four local agencies and nonprofits collaborating on the Multi-benefit Land Repurposing Program are seeking public input about known areas of flooding and recharge.
A public survey is now open and...
Early voting centers open in South Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Elections Office and the Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) are joining efforts to offer Books and Ballots Week in South Monterey County, providing early flex voting centers at various libraries throughout the week.
Voters will be able to vote in-person,...
Women arrested for $3M embezzlement scheme from Taylor Farms
SALINAS — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Oct. 18 that Karen Rodriguez, 38, and Elizabeth Vargas, 34, both current residents of Arizona, have been charged with embezzling more than $3 million from Taylor Farms.
Rodriguez and Vargas were employed in the Human Resources department...
Housing shortfall impedes Monterey County’s economic growth, new report shows
MONTEREY COUNTY — The imbalance between housing supply and demand is a key challenge to economic growth in Monterey County, according to a new report that makes clear the need for increasing housing supply.
“Monterey County: Industries & Economic Trends 2024” was released Sept. 20...
Arrests made in check-cashing scheme in Greenfield
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Police Department has arrested two individuals following a three-month investigation into fraudulent check cashing.
Between Aug. 4 and Sept. 25, King City residents Olivia Pineda Carrazco and Juan Alberto Diaz cashed four fraudulent checks at various businesses in Greenfield.
“Our investigation revealed that...
Gonzales celebrates ‘topping out’ of new community center complex
GONZALES — City of Gonzales celebrated the “topping out” of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex with a ceremony Friday, marking the milestone of lifting the final structural beam into place.
Local officials gathered at the construction site, located off Fifth Street and...
Farm tour in Soledad highlights benefits of investing in agricultural development
SOLEDAD — U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta met with leaders from Braga Fresh and Farm Journal Foundation on Oct. 9 to discuss how support for agricultural research and development can benefit global food and nutrition security.
The meeting included a tour of Braga Fresh’s produce farming...
Scammers target PG&E customers, stealing more than $334K this year
CENTRAL COAST — Utility scams have continued at an alarming rate during 2024, with nearly 15,000 Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers reporting more than $334,000 in losses to scammers.
The average scam victim lost over $600, and more than 500 customers have reported falling...
Voters set to decide series of measures in South Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY — Residents of South Monterey County will have the opportunity to shape the future of local education and community services by voting on various measures in the upcoming Presidential General Election on Nov. 5. Following is a brief summary of the local...
Local News
Soledad unveils new downtown murals
SOLEDAD — City of Soledad and the Arts Council for Monterey County hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for three new murals in downtown Soledad last...
