Local News

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission approves a compromise that could help settle the rail trail debate. Plus, an update on the California gubernatorial race.

YWCA has opened a location in South Monterey County. And, Carmel bans pickleball at its only public park.

Newly published research confirms the January battery fire in Moss Landing released toxic metals into a protected marine estuary. And, an investigation into “Protect Salinas Renters” did not find evidence of wrongdoing in the group’s efforts to gather signatures for a petition earlier this year.

A paper published in November confirms that the Vistra battery fire in Moss Landing in January released heavy metal deposits into Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Researchers are now trying to understand what that means for the ecosystem.

The local nonprofit Encompass Community Services steps down from administering the Head Start program after 40 years. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom announces the development of affordable housing on California state land.

Local organizations bring some of Monterey Bay's freshest catch to the region's hungriest residents through the Fisheries Trust's Community Seafood Program.

As state lawmakers prepare to return to the Capitol next year, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas says he’s starting a new oversight process to judge the effectiveness of legislation. And, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office is warning people to beware of scams this holiday season.

SPCA Monterey County hosted a Black Friday pet adoption event, CSUMB layoffs averted, and more in this week's local news roundup.

SPCA Monterey County is hosting a free event on Black Friday with waived animal adoption fees. And, a Menlo Park AI company limits access to its chatbots following lawsuits.

The University Corporation at Monterey Bay, an auxiliary of Cal State Monterey Bay, has rescinded layoff notices sent during the federal government shutdown. And, the Trump administration has sued California over laws that let undocumented college students access in-state tuition and financial aid.