Good morning, Salinas.

2026 will bring Central Coast events from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am scheduled Feb.

9–15 and the Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off on Feb. 21–22 to California Rodeo Salinas on July 16–26 and Monterey Bay Half Marathon on Nov. 8. Community, food and sport events are planned across the region.

The largest Goodwill retail store on the Central Coast opened in Salinas at 1425 N.

Davis Road on Jan. 2, 2026. The 16,000 sqft store — formerly Joann Fabrics — created 23 local jobs and will host a career training center later this year.

The new Goodwill store at 1425 North Davis Road in Salinas opens Friday at 9 a.m. and creates 23 jobs while offering face-painting, free gifts for the first 100 shoppers, and job-training opportunities; a career center will open later in spring to teach digital literacy and personal finance.

PG&E began lowering monthly electricity and gas rates on Jan.

1, with most families seeing $7 lower electric bills and $1 savings on gas while CARE billing customers get $4 off. The reduction comes as power generation costs drop + recent commission changes lower potential shareholder profits.

California gas prices declined for the second straight week, with regular gasoline averaging $4.04 per gallon on Monday, down from $4.08 last week and 32 cents lower than a month ago.

A new state law now gives eligible students automatic admission at more Cal State campuses.

The pilot program launched last year aims to help schools with lower enrollment attract more students.

Local residents noted that king tides reached very high levels on Friday at Moss Landing—levels some say they have never seen before.

A Salinas couple warned others about wild mushroom dangers after a hike on Nov.

30 led to severe illness and a life-saving liver transplant for Carlos Diaz. They urge locals to avoid picking wild mushrooms as proper cleaning does not neutralize the toxins.

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.