Local News

KING CITY — A 19-year-old King City resident has been arrested on multiple sexual assault and child molestation charges. On April 29, King City Police officers responded to Chalone Peaks Middle School regarding possible child molestation. An investigation revealed the suspect, Fermin Aguilar Mendez, had...

KING CITY — A new mural dedicated to thanking those who have served in the U.S. military and first responders is being completed this week at the Salinas Valley Fair in King City. Artist Brenda Scettrini Saglio of Salinas designed the mural to cover the...

For the first time, more than 3 million people, on average, are receiving a COVID-19 vaccine each day in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And Saturday the country reported over 4 million doses in a...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County health officials have been working with agricultural companies and have reiterated safety plans with the onset of the new growing season, with the goal of keeping ag workers safe and the food supply network stable. “With the start of the...

SALINAS VALLEY — Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) is spotlighting its transformative Programa Educativo para Agricultores (PEPA), a comprehensive training program empowering farmworkers to transition into successful organic farmers. This program is reshaping agriculture in the Salinas Valley, offering Latino farmworkers the tools and...

BRADLEY — Lake San Antonio’s South Shore will close April 30 through May 3 for the annual Wildflower Experience, a three-day event combining a triathlon and festival featuring live music, beer and wine gardens, and race clinics. Often referred to as “the Woodstock of Triathlons,”...

KING CITY — Police officers and community members from King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales escorted the Flame of Hope torch through the Salinas Valley last week as part of its journey to the 2023 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. The 2023 Law Enforcement...

KING CITY — South Monterey County residents are in for a musical treat this holiday season, as I Cantori di Carmel brings its first-ever free Community Concert to the Robert Stanton Theater in King City this Saturday afternoon. This festive event marks a new chapter...

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...

KING CITY — King City FFA will host donkey basketball on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in honor of National FFA Week. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the King City High School gymnasium, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door. Concessions...