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State of California Provides Almost $2 Million Grant to Monterey County Workforce Development Board Green CADRE Program

  July 11, 2025 – Salinas, CA – The Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) has received a 2nd round of funding from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, for the Youth Service Corps employment program. “The Youth Service Corps funding, of almost $2 million dollars, will help MCWDB address local challenges surrounding climate change and food insecurity while providing our local young adults with the opportunity to make an impact in Monterey County through the Green CADRE program,” said Monterey County Workforce Development Board, Executive Director, Christopher Donnelly. The Green CADRE program will provide up to ninety young adults, between the ages of 18-30 over an 18-month period, with paid job training, work experience and community service projects in Monterey County. The MCWDB Green Cadre program works closely with the California State parks, the City of Monterey and the Food Bank for Monterey County. Green CADRE projects include:     Park a...
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Family Fun Takes Center Stage During Big Week at the California Rodeo Salinas; From Carnival Rides to Parades and Rodeo-Themed Activities, there’s something for every kid July 11–20!

  SALINAS, CA – The California Rodeo Salinas is more than just world-class rodeo—it’s a weeklong celebration packed with family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Beginning on Friday, July 11th, and running through Sunday, July 20, families can enjoy various engaging events designed to entertain, inspire, and celebrate the next generation of rodeo fans. California Rodeo Salinas Carnival July 11–20, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily at 295 Sun Way in Salinas Presented by Chick-fil-A North Salinas The week kicks off with the Rodeo Carnival. Admission and parking are only $5 each. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 until July 10th. From July 11th through 20th, wristbands are $35 at the gate. Purchase online at carodeo.com until July 10 th or onsite once the carnival is open. More information: www.carodeo.com/events/2025/rodeocarnival Get Ready to Rodeo at Northridge Mall July 12, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Northridge Mall This free, family-friendly event will ...

The Public is Invited to Opening Ceremonies at the California Mid-State Fair Followed by Free Carnival Rides All Day on July 16!

  (PASO ROBLES, CA) – The California Mid-State Fair invites the public to its Opening Day Ceremonies on Wednesday, July 16 at 3:45 PM, officially kicking off the 2025 Fair with this year’s theme: Off to the Races! Held at the Fair’s main entrance, the celebration features a festive rope drop, plus appearances by the 2024 Miss California Mid-State Fair Pageant Court and roving Fair entertainers. Attendees will enjoy live music, bubble machines, a magician, a unicyclist, and free carnival rides all day long - no wristband required! As a special thank-you, the first 100 guests will receive: • One (1) complimentary Fair admission ticket (valid on any other day of the 2025 Fair) • A bag of kettle corn • An exclusive 2025 CA Mid-State Fair commemorative button The 2025 California Mid-State Fair is located at 2198 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles and runs July 16 through July 27, featuring headlining concerts, family entertainment, livestock shows, food competitions, shopping, and more. Th...

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Search and Rescue Team Volunteers

  On Wednesday, July 9 Monterey County Sheriff’s Tina Nieto welcomed 3 new volunteers to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team during an informal Swearing-In Ceremony. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team (SAR) is comprised of both sworn sheriff’s deputies and civilian volunteers, making it one of the only search and rescue teams in the state to use both sworn and non-sworn personnel as fully functional members of the team. Specialized positions on the team include high-angle technicians, a swift-water rescue team, and mountain bike operators. Training includes lifesaving skills, including rigorous wilderness first aid training, avalanche rescue skills, technical rope skills, and helicopter rescue technician training. These dedicated individuals are fundamental assets for search and rescue missions as they operate in dangerous and demanding environments to ensure public safety. Sheriff Tina M. Nieto stated, “Our newest volunteers are committed to serv...

Application Deadline for Friends of the Fair Volunteer Program at the California Mid-State Fair is July 11!

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is reminding community members that the deadline to apply for the 2025 Friends of the Fair volunteer program is fast approaching. All applications must be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025. The Friends of the Fair program offers volunteers a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to be part of the “Biggest Little Fair Anywhere.” Volunteers assist in a variety of ways including guest services, exhibit support, hospitality, and special events. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and able to commit to a minimum number of volunteer hours during the Fair, which runs July 16 through July 27, 2025. Whether you're passionate about agriculture, music, or simply love the Fair, this program is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy the magic of the Mid-State Fair from the inside out. Interested individuals can learn more and apply online at: https://www.midstatefair.com/fair/applications.php

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Enforcement Operations Bureau Chief Deputy Eric Bixler

  On Tuesday, July 8 Monterey County Sheriff Tina M. Nieto held an informal Swearing-In Ceremony to welcome newly hired Enforcement Operations Bureau Chief Deputy Eric Bixler. Chief Deputy Eric Bixler has dedicated his life to public service for over 35 years serving as an Emergency Medical Technician and a member of the United States Army. Bixler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, while he also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Western States University College of Law. During law school, he clerked at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office. During his service with the United States Army, he received Platoon Guide of the Cycle for the entire Fort Jackson. Bixler started his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1996 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant II. While with the LAPD, Bixler was a federally sworn Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals ...

City of Soledad Appoints Patrick G. Valenzuela as Chief of Police

  City of Soledad Officials announced on Wednesday, July 9 that Patrick G. Valenzuela has been appointed as its new Chief of Police. Chief Valenzuela joins the Soledad PD from the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Arizona where he served since 1996 as he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to police lieutenant, while he most recently oversaw the Foothills Division, supervising multiple specialized units including Property Crimes, the Neighborhood Response Unit and School Liaison Officers. He also played a key role in strategic planning, budgeting and internal operations for the department.  In addition to his law enforcement background, Valenzuela has also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and U.S. Navy where he led military police operations and supported national security missions during multiple deployments.  Valenzuela holds a Master's degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University. ...