Local News

SALINAS — Award-winning country artist Keith Urban will headline the 2024 Big Week Kick Off Concert on July 12. Urban was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and just completed his first residency at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Community Health Care District (SCHCD) celebrated a momentous milestone in the life of one of its cherished residents, Jennie Aquino, who turned 105 years old on Saturday. Aquino, a lifelong resident of Soledad, has been an integral part of the community since...

SALINAS VALLEY — Roughly 1,400 third graders from South Monterey County schools attended the 2024 South County Farm Day last Thursday to learn about agriculture and experience animals firsthand.  The annual enrichment program, sponsored by Monterey County Agricultural Education, gives an opportunity for youth to...

CENTRAL COAST — Students from South Monterey County will be among this year’s participants at the STEM Education Central Coast Conference, a collaboration between California State University Monterey Bay and University of California Santa Cruz.  The 2024 Conference will bring together formal and informal STEM...

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...