Reporter

James Herrera

James Herrera has been with The Herald for more than three decades, during which he has been an ad designer, staff artist, newsroom graphic artist, videographer and now a reporter. He covers business and the cities of Seaside, Marina, Sand City and Del Rey Oaks. Herrera can be reached via email at jherrera@montereyherald.com or by phone at 831-726-4344.

Taking advantage of clear weather along the Big Sur coast, crews at Regent’s Slide, the last remaining cutoff point on Highway 1 in Monterey County, continue to make cuts in the slope and remove debris material. (Caltrans)

Highway 1 slide repairs continue to make strides along Big Sur coast

December 10, 2025 at 8:38 a.m.

Crews continue to make headway on the only remaining choke point between Carmel and Cambria on the Big Sur coast along Highway 1 with an eye on the goal of...

Joby Aviation announced the first flight of its turbine electric, autonomous VTOL aircraft. The demonstrator builds on Joby’s fully-electric air taxi platform and integrates a hybrid turbine powertrain along with the company’s “Superpilot” autonomy stack to deliver greater range and payload capability. (Joby)

Joby takes first flight of its hybrid demonstrator aircraft in Marina

November 17, 2025 at 4:49 a.m.

The demonstrator aircraft builds on Joby's all-electric air taxi platform and integrates a hybrid turbine powertrain.

The overnight closure of Highway 1 about 12 miles south of Carmel will allow crews to complete the final phases of the Rocky Creek Seawall Project. This milestone marks the peak of extensive work to strengthen the seawall and enhance long-term stability along this critical section of Highway 1. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald – Caltrans)

Highway 1: One last closure as Rocky Creek project nearly finished

November 9, 2025 at 6:29 a.m.

Caltrans said that this milestone marks the peak of extensive work to strengthen the seawall and enhance long-term stability along this critical section of Highway 1.

The fully reimagined Stillwater restaurant has a new design and culinary program that honors its coastal setting and rich heritage while elevating Pebble Beach’s signature dining. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)

The Lodge at Pebble Beach unveils renovated Stillwater at reopening

November 5, 2025 at 10:43 a.m.

The showpiece of the afternoon was the unveiling of Stillwater, the property’s premiere restaurant, but the never-before-undertaken renovation also included The Tap Room, The Bench and other spaces within the...

Joby Aviation announced on Wednesday a collaboration with NVIDIA, marked by NVIDIA’s selection of Joby as the only aviation launch partner for the new NVIDIA IGX Thor platform.
(Joby)

Joby collaborates with Nvidia to accelerate next-era autonomous flight

October 30, 2025 at 6:42 a.m.

Nvidia, a leading company in accelerated computing, has selected Joby as its only aviation launch partner for its new platform, Nvidia IGX Thor, in a move Joby believes will advance...

The median price for a single-family home in Monterey County in Sept. was more than a $1 million, increasing 7% from the same time last year. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)

Monterey County median home price back up in September to $1.019 million

October 22, 2025 at 9:41 a.m.

In California, the median price for a single-family home in September was $883,640 compared to $868,150 the previous year – a increase of 1.8%.

After its completion of major concrete placement as part of emergency seawall repairs, Caltrans will start the demobilizing process this weekend when it implements a full overnight closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge where it has been performing repair work. (Caltrans)

Hwy. 1 overnight closure at Rocky Creek marks start of demobilization

October 14, 2025 at 6:34 a.m.

The closure will occur about 12 miles south of Carmel beginning on Sunday at 10 p.m., with Highway 1 reopening at the site Monday at 6 a.m.

Post Ranch Inn has been nominated for the Michelin Guide’s inaugural Local Gateway Award, honoring the world’s most unique and experience-driven hotels and resorts. (Kodiak Greenwood)

Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur nominated for prestigious new Michelin award

October 7, 2025 at 8:55 a.m.

The Local Gateway Award is part of a new series of Michelin hotel honors launched in 2025, following the Architecture and Design, and Wellness awards earlier this year.

Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing air taxis for commercial passenger service, will be at the California International Airshow in Salinas this weekend, displaying its aircraft for the local community to experience. (Joby Aviation)

Joby showcases its aircraft at California International Airshow in Salinas

October 3, 2025 at 6:59 a.m.

Fans of the airshow will have the opportunity to step inside the Joby aircraft, experience the cabin firsthand and meet the team behind its design. Guided walk-throughs, interactive demos and...

According to Caltrans, at the site of the Regent’s Slide along Highway 1 near Big Sur, thousands of shear dowels have been grouted and drilled into the cut slope above the excavation work area providing immediate and long-term reinforcement of the slope. (Caltrans)

Regent’s Slide stabilization effective, repairs advance at Highway 1 site

August 21, 2025 at 6:49 a.m.

The introduction of remote-controlled equipment at the site allowed operators to take more risk while increasing production and worker safety.

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