Local News

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad and the Monterey County Health Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23 for the city’s first 24/7 naloxone and fentanyl test strip kiosk, after the event was rescheduled from Dec. 8. The kiosk, located next to the Soledad Fire...

SALINAS VALLEY — Hundreds of South Monterey County third graders took part in the 2026 South County Farm Day on Jan. 22 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, getting a hands-on introduction to agriculture, public safety and local resources. The annual event, hosted...

MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey has announced the launch of Off the Canvas, a new arts and culture tourism initiative highlighting murals, sculptures and other arts and creative spaces throughout Monterey County, including the Salinas Valley — from vibrant public art installations to open galleries and more. The program invites...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Alliance on Aging is beginning the new year with a renewed commitment to serving older adults throughout Monterey County, expanding access to essential services while strengthening programs that protect dignity, independence and connection. As part of its January initiatives, the nonprofit is...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Youth Council is leading a comprehensive Street Safety Initiative for the 2025-26 year focused on identifying and addressing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns throughout the city. Since launching the initiative in October 2025, Youth Council members have spent the past several months...

SOLEDAD — A Monterey County jury has convicted Paul Chavez Ramirez, 61, an inmate serving a life sentence at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, of possessing a weapon. In a bifurcated trial, the jury also found that Ramirez had previously been convicted of four...

GREENFIELD — A structure fire early Friday morning was contained to a garage thanks to a rapid, multi-agency response, according to the Greenfield Police Department. At about midnight on Jan. 23, Greenfield police and fire personnel responded to a reported structure fire in the 200...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) will take part in a statewide effort this month aimed at capturing how Californians use and value their local public libraries. The initiative, called “Every Story Counts,” seeks data, stories and photos illustrating how and why residents...

CENTRAL COAST — Local hospitals are urging community members to donate blood during a series of multi-day drives this month, as January typically brings a drop in donations due to winter weather, seasonal illnesses and fewer workplace and school drives. “The start of the year...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has adopted a new citywide strategic plan designed to guide operations, budgeting and long-term decision-making over the next five years. The 2025-2030 Soledad Strategic Plan establishes the city’s vision, mission and priorities, serving as a roadmap for aligning city services,...