Monterey County News

Salinas >> Two area cities have committed to join Monterey County in a coordinated and expedited plastic bag ban that aims to beat a statewide prohibition.

John Nyunt to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty Thursday to threatening a witness, accessory and burglary charges.

A youth empowerment program turning out "strong, smart and bold" girls throughout the Salinas Valley is being honored Thursday by local educators.

Sherwood Hall in Salinas has a new tenant. For the next five years, Millennium Charter High School will use the city facility as a satellite campus as it grows its enrollment.

Salinas Poet Laureate James B. Golden considers himself an "academic poet," more a writer than an orator.

Monterey County Superior Court judge candidates Steve Somers left, and Andy Liu respond to questions during a candidates forum at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas on Wednesday.

The Harris Creek boat launch is closed as drought conditions have produced low water levels at Lake San Antonio reservoir in Southern Monterey County on Friday January 10, 2014.

Equity actors Johnny Moreno as Thomas Novachek and Elena Wright as Vanda Jordan in PacRep's "Venus in Fur."

A pair of Salinas women accused of starving their 8-year-old adopted daughter and severely neglecting their two sons have now been charged with torture, Monterey County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Synopsis: On 4/22/14 Rodrigo Flores was arrested for being in possession of a loaded firearm in his vehicle.

Monterey >> A written statement by Monterey County Sheriff Scott Miller going to thousands of voters has been called disingenuous - something the sheriff vigorously denies.

Both will be held at the Monterey County Government Center, Monterey Room, second floor, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas.

The San Clemente Dam as it appeared Tuesday, looking south over the silted Carmel River in Carmel Valley.

It's not too early. In fact, it might be late. The peak fire season for California may not have officially started, but a calendar date isn't fooling fire officials.

SALINAS >> Eyeing a possible site for long-delayed new offices for the District Attorney and Public Defender, Monterey County officials are exploring a possible purchase of the former HSBC-Capital One headquarters in Salinas.

The parents of a Marina boy who died last October are fighting extradition in Washington state but authorities expect them to face felony neglect charges in Monterey County in connection with the death, a police commander said Tuesday.

Synopsis: An Honorable Judge for the Superior Courts of the State of California, Monterey County received a suspicious letter from an unknown individual.

AQUARIUM RESTAURANT WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACT >> The cafe and restaurant employees at the Monterey Bay Aquarium ratified their first union agreement on April 17 between Aramark and Unite Here Local 483.

Two former Marina residents were arrested in Tacoma, Wash., this week in connection with the death of their 19-month-old son, who died around six months ago, Marina police said.

Seaside >> A 20-year-old man was found wounded on a sidewalk at Noche Buena Street and San Pablo Avenue suffering from multiple gunshot wounds Wednesday night in an incident that is believed to be gang-related.