MONTEREY, Calif.

By Dennis Taylor, The Monterey County Herald, Calif. Aug. 5--One way to cope with the challenges of a problematic environment and a sagging economy, Carolyn Swanson decided, was to start a business that teaches others how to "go green" and save money.

By Clarissa Aljentera, The Monterey County Herald, Calif. Jul. 31--The pop music arrangements and speedy guitar solos heard at Laguna Seca Recreation Area this weekend could sound much like the contemporary bands on commercial radio. There are bass lines that thump.

By Claudia Melendez Salinas, The Monterey County Herald, Calif. Jul. 31--It will take about 18 months and more than $2.5 million before it can open, but a second Salinas clubhouse for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County has a home.

By Marc Cabrera, The Monterey County Herald, Calif. Jul. 31--The chasm between commercial rap and underground hip-hop is wide enough to fill with a million fake platinum chains.