Local News

MONTEREY COUNTY — Multiple branches within the Monterey County Free Libraries system have reopened with full hours, matching their pre-pandemic service hours. The library’s website, emcfl.org, has information about branch locations and their hours, since hours differ by site and some branches have not yet...

SALINAS VALLEY — An estimated 25,000-plus patriotic spectators lined Main Street in Salinas for the 12th Annual Monterey County Veterans Day Parade that featured more than 100 participants, including color guards, marching bands, military vehicles and classic cars. According to Parade Chairman Tony Virrueta,...

KING CITY — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an emergency plane landing south of King City on May 17. At about 10:49 a.m., the plane was traveling to Paso Robles when it suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The pilots turned back to land...

MONTEREY COUNTY — In a bid to connect jobseekers with employment opportunities this fall, Monterey County Works is hosting a series of upcoming job fairs and specialized recruitment events throughout October. “Time to be bold, make it easy on yourself, shake hands and stand out...

KING CITY — Natalia Merritt was crowned the 2024 Miss Salinas Valley Fair after competing for the title over two days, April 4-5, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City. Merritt, 17, is a junior at King City High School and the daughter...

TOUCH-A-TRUCK SALINAS — Salinas-based Coastal Kids Home Care is hosting its Ninth Annual Touch-A-Truck, a family-friendly event benefiting children in the community coping with cancer and other serious illnesses on Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds. The Salinas Rodeo Midway will be transformed...

MONTEREY COUNTY — After a competitive selection process, the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has announced Maram Haddad as the 2024-25 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate (YPL). Starting in May, Haddad will serve a one-year term where she will participate in various county events...

GONZALES — Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually. While every loss is unique, Central Coast VNA and Hospice Grief and Loss Program offers a free monthly support group in South Monterey County called New Beginnings, which...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Elections continues to count ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, which will determine the outcome in South Monterey County races for school boards and city councils as well as decide the fate of local measures. As of Friday evening,...

BLOOD DRIVE GONZALES — Gonzales Fire Department in collaboration with Vitalant is hosting a community blood drive on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All blood types and platelets are needed, and appointments are encouraged. Visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) for...