Local News

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...

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...

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...

JOLON — Built to weather any storm, the Tin Barn at Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) held its post for decades before completing its final mission in November. The structure was disassembled on Nov. 17 as part of the installation’s ongoing effort to modernize and support...

MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey released its FY2025-26 Business Plan with the objective of maximizing economic impact for the community while ensuring lasting benefit, all guided by the Monterey County Tourism 2030 (MCT 2030) long-term strategic roadmap. The plan for the year includes expanding the...

KING CITY — King City Loaves and Fishes handed out toys to more than 200 children on Dec. 19. The toys were donated by members of the Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated. The program included Jim Stephensen, who volunteered to be Santa. The families also...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has announced the official opening of the nomination period for the Champions of the Arts Awards. Arts4MC invites the community to recognize a Champion of the Arts — an individual, nonprofit organization or business that is...