Local News

KING CITY — It began as a suggestion from a friend, and it took on a life of its own. Randy and Terry Lewis and David and Janice Phillips, three retired teachers and a retired dentist, had been friends for decades. They raised their kids...

SALINAS VALLEY — The South Monterey County cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City each signed proclamations declaring a local emergency Monday due to the current threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “The potential spread of the virus does pose a risk to our...

PARKFIELD — Conditions and weather permitting, Cal Fire plans to conduct a multiple-day pile burning in Ranchita Truck Trail of Southern Monterey County near Parkfield, starting March 22. The purpose of the project is to remove excess vegetation along the Ranchita Truck Trail Fuel Break....

SALINAS VALLEY — The 12th Annual Monterey County Veterans Day Parade is set to be the biggest to date on Veterans Day, this Friday, Nov. 11, in Oldtown Salinas. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Col. Lisa Lamb, Fort Hunter Liggett garrison commander. Lamb brings...

As of Thursday, every Californian age 16 and older is officially eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. That doesn’t mean it will be easy for everyone get a shot right away. The vaccine rollout has been chaotic, according to various news reports and hundreds of emails...

SALINAS VALLEY — A new nonprofit organization, Holding on to Hope, has been formed to bring a Family Justice Center to Salinas, a place where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking can find help and healing under...

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...

CHAMBER AWARDS SALINAS — Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its Annual Awards Luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sherwood Hall. The Chamber will honor the following businesses and individuals for...

SALINAS VALLEY — California State University Monterey Bay’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco 2023 AHEAD program. The iiED’s proposal, which specifically targeted potential entrepreneurs from underserved and isolated...