Local News

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been demobilized, as it is no longer needed while recovery and emergency repairs from the recent winter storms continue. The EOC was active for 40 days and was the heart of emergency operations during the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — A community workshop was held last Friday in Salinas to consider options in how to pay for Monterey County’s aging dams and reservoirs, which continue to provide water for drinking and agriculture to the Salinas Valley. Landowners, politicians, legal experts and concerned citizens packed the...

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...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Police are searching for a man who is considered to be armed and dangerous. According to the department, on Tuesday morning Zachary McCormack was in the Monterey Superior Court, where he pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed firearm. “Unfortunately, he did not learn,”...

OPERATION SANTA KING CITY — Operation Santa is coming soon, providing food, toys and holiday cheer to local families in need. A collection box for new, unwrapped toys is available at City Hall in King City during the next two weeks. Community members are encouraged...

In recent weeks, dangerous heat has killed hundreds of people in Oregon and Washington, endangered workers across the region and strained California’s power grid. It has also exacerbated the slow-moving natural disaster already punishing the West: the drought. Late last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally urged...

KING CITY — Monterey County Superior Court has announced the reopening of the King City Courthouse after nearly eight years, with traffic court arraignments beginning July 13. The courthouse at 250 Franciscan Way will once again provide court services to the community of South Monterey...

GREENFIELD — City of Greenfield celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special ceremony earlier this month, culminating in the burying of a time capsule that will be opened during the city’s centennial anniversary in 25 years. The 75th celebration, also known as a diamond jubilee,...

SALINAS VALLEY — A slew of events, meetings, programs and services from around Salinas Valley have either been canceled or postponed in the wake of concerns rising over the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The following is an ongoing list of those affected...

KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated recently installed the 2022-23 slate of officers. Shirley Mark, Paso Robles Republican Women Federated Parliamentarian, helped with the installation ceremony. The new officers are: Barba Oetting, recording secretary; Claudia Wollesen, treasurer; Dorothy Errea, second vice president; Kathy...