Good morning, Salinas.

Residents in Monterey and Salinas can enjoy a week of free community events from Jan.

3 to Jan. 8, including Monterey's historic Wharf Walk, a public meeting for the county board, a citizenship class, and a job fair. Residents are invited to join events at various local sites.

Since taking over on Aug.

1, 2024 (after spending $3.2M), Friends of Laguna Seca is on course to meet its $10M goal to extend its contract by 25 years and improve facilities; a Q4 master plan review and events like IndyCar and Porsche Experience are planned for 2026.

In 2025, residents in Salinas and Monterey County enjoyed uplifting moments as they laughed, danced, created art, and supported local causes.

The retrospective highlights how these community events renewed local spirit.

SPCA Monterey County rescued an injured bald eagle and 13 oiled Common Murres last week in Salinas — the wildlife center continues to care for the birds while monitoring their recovery.

Greenfield City Council approved a $500,000 grant to expand the Road to Success program partnering Sun Street Centers with police to support at-risk youth in Greenfield.

The new funds will add 5th and 6th graders and offer activities such as college visits and kayaking to build confidence.

The KSBW 8 Community Blood Drive will take place Jan.

23 through 26 at five Salinas sites in honor of National Blood Donor Month. Donors can pre-register online at vitalant.org/ksbw to receive a free t-shirt while their donation can help save up to three lives.

Salinas Valley Health is launching a $10 million capital campaign through its SVH Foundation to build a new emergency department that will replace the current administration building and expand capacity to over 40 beds.

The project is expected to start design work in early 2027 & open in 2030.

A Fed rate cut of 25 basis points last year saw 30-year fixed mortgage rates hold at 6.22% as of Dec.

11; local homebuyers in Salinas may face even higher rates due to rising 10-year Treasury yields — a sign of continued affordability challenges.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay: Lysander Piano Trio

8 p.m. — Harden Ranch Plaza — Contact for ticket info — Experience exquisite musical performances by the renowned Lysander Piano Trio.

Dr Cesar Lozano Live

8-9:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the engaging humor and insight of Dr. Cesar Lozano in Salinas.