Local News

KING CITY — A stretch of Highway 101 near King City is set for major rehabilitation as part of a broader slate of state and federally funded transportation projects aimed at improving safety and extending the life of California’s roadways. Granite announced Jan. 29 that...

DIABETES EDUCATION KING CITY — Mee Memorial Healthcare System invites the community to partake in Diabetes Education Day on Saturday, May 20, inside the Exposition Hall at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City during the annual Salinas Valley Fair, which opens at 11 a.m....

SALINAS VALLEY — Local emergency officials have issued an excessive heat warning this weekend for parts of Monterey County, including the cities of Greenfield and King City as well as southern Salinas Valley. The warning takes effect beginning at 12 p.m. Friday and continues until...

BIG SUR — A wildfire southeast of Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest has charred at least 2,392 acres in steep, rugged terrain, triggering mandatory evacuations in the area. Monterey County officials have issued evacuation orders for Tassajara Road, from China Camp Campground...

KING CITY — This National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 17-21, the King City Police Department supports efforts throughout the state to keep children and caregivers safe by reminding drivers on the dangers of passing a stopped school bus.  Drivers are required to come to...

MONTEREY COUNTY — A 23-year veteran of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against his former employer alleging he was illegally fired after helping to form a union, refusing to endorse candidates for sheriff and opposing the sexual harassment of...

ELECTION CANDIDATES MONTEREY COUNTY — The candidate filing period for elective offices up in the Nov. 8 General Election opened July 18. Candidate forms must be completed and submitted by the 5 p.m. deadline on Friday, Aug. 12. Any candidates seeking municipal office will file...

It’s been two years since the running of the Salinas Valley Half Marathon, a scenic 13.1-mile run through the vineyards and rich agricultural lands of “Steinbeck country.” The event returns Aug. 5.

TORO PARK REOPENS SALINAS — Monterey County’s Toro Park reopened to the public on April 19 after an eight-month closure as the park recovered from wildfire damage. Most trails in the park are open and visitors are asked to stay on and in designated trails...

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...