Local News

COAT DRIVE SOLEDAD — A Coat Drive is being held at Jack Franscioni Elementary School in Soledad through Feb. 2. Donations of new or gently used coats, as well as other winter wear (scarves, gloves, mittens, etc.) are being sought to help others stay warm....

MONTEREY COUNTY — A 23-year veteran of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against his former employer alleging he was illegally fired after helping to form a union, refusing to endorse candidates for sheriff and opposing the sexual harassment of...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez was installed as the chair of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), a service organization that champions policies on behalf of its 40 member counties.  Lopez, who represents South Monterey County in District 3, took the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Board of Supervisors narrowly voted Jan. 9 to make changes to its outdoor cannabis cultivation pilot program, allowing growers to double their canopy size and eliminate a requirement that made permit applicants prove cannabis was cultivated on the property...

MINI GRANTS SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has announced the availability of Soledad Mini Grants for community groups or organizations eager to make a difference. Whether it’s planting community gardens, hosting artsy events or anything in between, the grants are ready to turn their dreams...

SALINAS — Longtime Monterey County resident John McPherson has been named the new executive director of Alliance on Aging, taking over for longtime Executive Director Teresa Sullivan, who is retiring. McPherson has been executive director at education and advocacy nonprofit organizations, and held executive roles...

GONZALES — This year marks the fourth year that organizers from the Adventure Seeking Seniors group in Gonzales have donated handmade blankets to elderly and sick senior citizens of the community. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gonzales residents and group members Marilyn Duby,...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has introduced three new additions to the Community and Economic Development team: Kao Nou Yang as the director, Beatriz Trujillo as the housing analyst and Henry Aguilar as the community engagement coordinator. “I am very excited to contribute to the...

FARM DAY VOLUNTEERS KING CITY — More volunteers are needed for South County Farm Day on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City. The annual event gives an opportunity for local students to become familiar with food production and farming. Volunteers...

CALIFORNIA — Thirty years after the devastating Northridge Earthquake, new retrofit opportunities are available. Thousands of California homeowners are now eligible to apply for Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants, as approximately 300 new ZIP Codes have been added to the program. Starting...