Local News

KING CITY — King City Council has selected Jose Arreola as the city’s next city manager following an extensive recruitment process. Arreola, who was chosen from 31 applicants and eight finalists, will succeed Steve Adams upon his retirement after 10 years in the role. The...

CENTRAL COAST — Together with Santa Barbara-based facilitator Hannah Jacobson Blumenfeld, San Benito County Arts Council, Arts Council Santa Cruz County and Arts Council for Monterey County are key regional partners for the California Arts Council’s Creative Economies in Action: 2025 Statewide Engagement Tour. This...

LAKE TALK KING CITY — A presentation titled “What’s Under the Lake?” is being offered Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at the new King City History Center at 110 North Vanderhurst Ave. in King City. The public is invited. Patricia Ashe Woodfill with the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has announced the planned retirement of long-time President/CEO Dan Baldwin, who will step down in 2026 after a 16-year tenure. “It has been an honor to be part of the CFMC’s family,” Baldwin said. “Monterey County...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Superior Court will be transitioning to a new case management system, eCourt, effective Jan. 20. To ensure a smooth conversion process, residents are asked to observe the following deadlines and filing requirements: Effective Jan. 5, electronic filings will no longer be...

From major community milestones and public safety moments to student achievements, arts, agriculture and housing progress, 2025 was a year of significant change and resilience in South Monterey County. The following stories were selected by Rustler staff as the top news of the year, highlighting...

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced key laws taking effect in 2026 that reflect California’s continued focus on public safety, affordability, transparency and accountability. The new laws, which started Jan. 1, lower prescription drug costs, increase oversight of large corporations, strengthen consumer and worker protections...

JOB FAIRS SALINAS — Start the year strong by launching a job search with Monterey County Works. Upcoming events include multiple employer job fairs and industry-specific recruitments at the Salinas Career Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and make a positive first impression, as...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department is the recipient of a $168,862 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Cannabis Education Program in the Public Health Bureau. The grant will fund community educational outreach and coordinated strategies focused on...

KING CITY — Christmas came early this month at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, with the arrival of a very special guest — Santa Claus. As part of the annual Operation Santa event organized by Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and local water...