Local News

SALINAS VALLEY — A cherished holiday tradition returns to South Monterey County this December as “The Nutcracker Ballet” celebrates its 66th anniversary at the Robert Stanton Theater in King City. Produced by the Monterey County Dance Foundation, the long-running production features more than 120 performers...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has launched its new Retail Map of Soledad, a key feature of this year’s “Shop Local – Shop Soledad” holiday campaign. Designed to make holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable, the Retail Map highlights local boutiques, restaurants, service providers and...

GONZALES — Gonzales Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence. The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department is reminding residents to exercise caution when gathering and eating wild mushrooms. Local hospitals have recently reported an increase in illnesses resulting from eating poisonous wild mushrooms. “Some poisonous wild mushrooms look and smell like edible types of mushrooms,”...

GREENFIELD — Local resident Avelina Torres is once again spearheading the annual Greenfield Coat Drive, which seeks donations to benefit homeless individuals and others in need of warm clothing this winter. This year’s collection project — Torres’ ninth year — is already underway, with donations...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County’s long-planned expansion of passenger rail service along the Coast Mainline is taking shape, with multiple projects advancing from Salinas to King City and beyond. At its October meeting, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Board received an extensive update...

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SALINAS — California Rodeo Association is inviting the community to its third annual Country Christmas Celebration, presented by MYCARS.com, on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Salinas Sports Complex. This free, family-friendly event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and features festive activities, including...

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Nov. 29 death of incarcerated person Kevin Torres at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At 9:19 p.m., custody staff conducting a security check in a Housing Unit...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) and the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) have launched a new well registration program to better understand and protect groundwater resources in the Salinas Valley. All well owners are asked to register their wells for free...

PEANUTS SHOW SALINAS — ARIEL Theatrical will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre in Oldtown Salinas this December. The beloved Peanuts characters will share holiday cheer and the true spirit of Christmas through performances on Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12...