Salinas
Morning News
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Salinas. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill Central Coast opened its largest retail store on Jan. 2 (at 1425 North Davis Road) in Salinas, boosting job training services with a community celebration planned Jan. 10-11, and Monterey County Health Department received $430,000 in traffic safety grants to fund child seat education and cannabis driving outreach. Monterey County Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Joby Aviation will deliver new CAE flight simulators at its Marina facility to support pilot training for FAA certification. The company plans to train up to 250 pilots annually ahead of its first commercial flights later this year. Monterey Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Stevenson School in Pebble Beach is set to open a new four-story math, science and engineering center by fall to replace its outdated 1960s science building. The $45M project includes 14 classrooms, lab spaces, an auditorium, an outdoor amphitheater and a rooftop deck — funded mainly by alumni donations. KSBW
- ➤ Navigator Schools proposes a new K-12 charter school in Salinas, and the Monterey County Board of Education will vote on the plan on Jan. 14 at (5 p.m.). Local education officials have raised concerns that the proposal could impact existing schools amid declining enrollment. KSBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Julie Packard is retiring from Monterey Bay Aquarium after 41 years shaping ocean conservation with immersive exhibits that educate locals and visitors. Her career has fostered scientific awareness and environmental education (a legacy that will guide future conservation efforts) as the aquarium transitions leadership. Monterey County Now
- ➤ County supervisors received an update Tuesday that 12,000 batteries have been removed from the Vistra battery energy storage facility in Moss Landing to prevent flare-ups during rainy conditions; phase two demolition will begin midyear while additional soil and water tests are expected in March. KSBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A rockslide forced Caltrans to close Highway 1 from Limekiln Bridge to Rain Rocks on Tuesday due to an active rockfall near Limekiln State Park. Crews are assessing slope stability — the road will remain closed through Thursday. KSBW
- ➤ Monterey County cancelled plans for a mental health facility near Natividad Medical Center in Salinas due to high costs after spending $3.7 million on planning. The board voted 5-0 on Tuesday, Jan. 6, as officials cited rising expenses and funding uncertainty. Monterey County Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ California health officials joined three western states in issuing their own vaccine recommendations after the CDC dropped key childhood shots (like those for rotavirus and hepatitis); they advised parents to consult their child's doctor, and school immunization rules remain unchanged. KION
- ➤ The Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula has expanded its infusion center with five new treatment rooms today so that more cancer patients, including former California Rodeo Salinas president Fred Hooker, can receive chemotherapy closer to home — reducing the need for long drives for treatment. KSBW
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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.
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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.
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James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash
7-11 p.m. — Fox Theater — Event pricing not listed — Experience the authentic live sound of Johnny Cash’s legendary music performed by James Garner and his talented band.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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Reveal the authorAbout Salinas Morning News
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