Local News

Free dancing lessons from the Chautauqua Hall Dance Club, more cases of avian flu in marine mammals, and a call for accountability from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

The Housing Authority of the County of Monterey has opened 45 housing units to support people who were living in an encampment along the Salinas River. Plus, residents react to the heat, and Cal State Monterey Bay responds to discriminatory graffiti.

An analysis by The California Newsroom — a collaborative of public media outlets, including NPR — found over 65 locations in the Golden State bearing the name of the late labor leader.

Monterey County supervisors are demanding more accountability from Vistra after conflicting reports about the ecological impacts of last year’s battery fire. And, Marina becomes the latest local jurisdiction to ban Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using its property. Plus, share your thoughts on the news about César Chavez: email news@kazu.org.

Cal State Monterey Bay has received a $15 million gift from Montage Health to expand nursing education in the region. And, one of the state’s most powerful labor unions, SEIU California, says it’s endorsing East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell for Governor.

California lawmakers begin a bipartisan effort to reform the state’s elderly parole program after two convicted child molesters were granted early release. And, Democratic members of Congress warn about Trump Administration legislation that could affect voting access.

Researchers have confirmed avian influenza in at least 16 elephant seals, one sea otter and one sea lion. More animals show signs of infection. Plus, California lawmakers condemn the Trump administration's use of the Defense Production Act to order oil drilling off the California coast.

The Watsonville Film Festival runs through March 21 with events and showings across Watsonville, Santa Cruz and Salinas. It remains a hotbed for filmmakers native to Monterey Bay.

The cost of nitrogen fertilizer has been going up due to the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran, Monterey County honors victims of COVID-19, a new book meticulously explores a 2019 Santa Cruz murder.

SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is caring for five baby screech owls after their tree was cut down. Plus, a new report highlights challenges Latino and Indigenous farmworkers face in the Salinas Valley.