The fourth-largest city in Monterey County and the setting for the novel Of Mice and Men, Soledad followed the same trajectory as many locales in Steinbeck Country. First came the missionaries, then the ranchers, the wheat farmers, and the dairy workers. In 1921, when the City of Soledad incorporated, the latest thing was row crops—until the 1940s, when the California Department of Corrections built the Soledad Training Facility. That sector of the economy expanded in 1996 with the creation of the Salinas Valley State Prison. But with the presence of such companies as Dole Fresh Vegetables and Taylor Farms, agriculture is still going strong.

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City Council

The five-member Soledad City Council is made up of four councilmembers and a mayor, all of whom are elected at large. Meetings take place the first Wednesday of the month and are open to the public.

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Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

12/04/2023
Image for display with article titled Soledad PD Awarded $55K Grant to Deter Unsafe Behaviors

The Soledad Police Department will increase patrols and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

11/30/2023
Image for display with article titled Soledad’s First Step-Up Mentoring Class Graduates

Partners For Peace recently celebrated the graduation of 27 Soledad seventh and eighth graders for its inaugural Step-Up Mentoring class at the Soledad Community Center.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

11/29/2023
Image for display with article titled Soledad Voters Will Decide on Future of District Elections, Elect Councilmember

During a special meeting on Nov. 13, the Soledad City Council voted to fill the seat vacated by Alejandro Chavez via the March 5 election, the same time voters will decide on Soledad’s district maps.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

11/13/2023
Image for display with article titled Chavez Resigns From Soledad City Council Due to Move

Councilmember Alejandro Chavez has resigned effective Oct. 31 after 13 years of service. The Soledad City Council will discuss filling his seat on Nov. 15.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

11/08/2023
Image for display with article titled Soledad Organizers Gather Signatures Seeking to Overturn District Lines

With big smiles and cheers, about 20 people showed up at Soledad City Hall on Monday, Oct. 30 to deliver a petition with 1,405 signatures.

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