Local News

MONTEREY — The Monterey Bay Aquarium will reopen May 15 following an unprecedented 13-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. New rules will be in effect for visitors, including online-only ticket sales, required face coverings and timed-entry. All guests age 3 and older, as well as...

MONTEREY — Eighty-five years ago, the Western Flyer set sail for the Gulf of California with what local media described as “perhaps the strangest crew ever signed aboard a local workboat.” Among them were renowned author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts, embarking on the journey...

Six-hundred-dollar checks. Universal prekindergarten. Forgiveness for back rent, traffic tickets, utility bills. Big investments in the electrical grid, broadband, wildfire prevention, drought mitigation. Tax breaks for small business and Hollywood. Flush with a huge surplus and threatened by a campaign to recall him from office,...

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County has officially submitted the second draft of its Sixth Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. This submission marks the beginning of a 60-day review process, which is scheduled to conclude...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Cannabis Program is in the process of assessing how communities have been impacted by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs and exploring how to more equitably develop this new industry.  Tier 1 funding from the California Office of Business...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad and the Soledad City Council hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking on July 16 to celebrate the construction of the first inclusive park in Soledad and in South Monterey County. The new park, temporarily known as Orchard Lane Park, includes custom playground...

COUNTY ROADWORK MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Public Works began roadway improvement projects on several county roads on May 24, which include installation of new centerline striping. Work hours for the project will be 7 a.m. through 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic control measures...

KING CITY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has scheduled a community forum on Thursday to discuss the planning process for creating a Monterey County Family Justice Center, South County Office in King City. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Sept. 22...

SALINAS VALLEY — On March 21, around 11 p.m., a Greenfield Police officer patrolling Patriot Park discovered a large gathering in a vineyard in the 41000 block of Elm Avenue, adjacent to the park, just outside Greenfield. Upon approaching, more than 40 individuals fled the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Elections Office and the Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) are joining efforts to offer Books and Ballots Week in South Monterey County, providing early flex voting centers at various libraries throughout the week.  Voters will be able to vote in-person,...