Local News

MONTEREY COUNTY — A team from SPCA Monterey County traveled to the Los Angeles area Saturday to take in cats and dogs from animal shelters to help provide room for more fire evacuees. So far, the SPCA opened its arms to 11 pets, including one...

KING CITY — On Dec. 30, a 17-year-old girl reported to King City Police Department that she was a victim of rape after attending a party in the 100 block of Bedford Circle in King City on Dec. 24. “During the party, the suspect provided...

As a new year begins, the staff at King City Rustler compiled a few of the top stories that defined the South Monterey County community over the past year. Here’s a brief look at the 2024 Year In Review: JANUARY 2024 Housing project goes bust California Attorney...

KING CITY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 10 that Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced Kevin James Powell to 76 years-to-life in state prison for first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. On Sept. 14, 2022, the deceased victim and his brother were in town...

CALIFORNIA — California lawmakers in 2024 introduced 4,821 bills, but most of them were tossed or otherwise rejected during the months-long legislative process, during which most never saw the light of day. Just 1,206 made it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, with 1,017 getting...

SALINAS VALLEY — It has been an especially busy start to the New Year at Salinas Valley Health, with four baby deliveries by early morning, including the first baby born in Monterey County in 2025. Salinas couple Yvette Ochoa-Alderete and Jeremy Arcega were all set...

KING CITY — King City Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle that was just reported stolen on Dec. 29 at about 11:30 a.m. “The initial investigation, utilizing review of surveillance video, provided officers with a known suspect identified as Martin Torres,” police...

SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College recently celebrated the grand reopening of the Gary Shaw Track and Bill Elliott Football Field with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, Hartnell students, staff and local leaders. This momentous event marked the completion of significant renovations funded by...

KING CITY — The spirit of Christmas was alive and well earlier this month at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, as nearly 600 families from South Monterey County gathered for the annual Operation Santa event. Hosted by Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Montage Health’s Prescribe Safe program has announced a collaboration with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) aimed at raising awareness and preventing fentanyl-related overdoses among youth in Monterey County. The partnership, formalized this summer, will focus on providing critical education, resources...