Salinas
Morning News
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Salinas. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Highway 1 has fully reopened after three years from Big Sur’s coastline to San Luis Obispo County+ it features tours at Point Sur and its lighthouse, free public library stops, and art galleries, with Hearst Ranch Winery re-opening today. KSBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Vistra Energy’s Moss Landing battery storage facility caught fire Thursday evening, prompting evacuation orders and hazard advisories; fire officials said there is no immediate danger while they monitor for potential flare-ups as county meetings will update the community tomorrow. KSBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After a three-year closure, Highway 1 has reopened and local Big Sur businesses are expecting more visitors today. Nepenthe and Big Sur Art Works noted that increased foot traffic could help boost their recovery. KSBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Monterey County Office of Education rejected the Salinas Prep charter application on Wednesday night due to concerns about declining enrollment & potential funding shortfalls that could affect current public school programs. Staff reports noted that teachers worry vulnerable student groups might lose support. KSBW
- ➤ Local schools will soon serve whole and 2% milk for lunch after a new law was signed today—officials plan to assess student interest and pricing before the change rolls out. Dairy producers will help districts implement the update as it follows revised dietary guidelines. KSBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Over one year after a massive battery fire at the Vistra power plant in Moss Landing (Jan. 16, 2025) led to evacuations and lingering health concerns, conflicting test results have sparked distrust among residents and pushed county officials to propose tighter regulation for battery storage facilities. KAZU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The California Department of Public Health updated its advisory on a death cap mushroom outbreak over the past months that has led to 35 hospitalizations and three deaths in areas including Salinas — officials urge residents not to pick wild mushrooms amid recent rains boosting poisonous growth. KSBW
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new guide outlines coastal state parks along Big Sur for hiking and sightseeing; it lists sites such as Garrapata, Pfeiffer Big Sur, and Hearst San Simeon State Parks + notes entry fees, seasonal closures and scenic views. KSBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 40th Central Coast High School all star football game takes place Jan. 31 at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The teams, coached by Francisco Estrada and Andrew Zarate, will benefit Holding on to Hope (at Monterey County Family Justice Center). Monterey Herald
- ➤ Former Salinas High and Hartnell College distance runner Cristian Soratos is being inducted into the Montana State Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring his college track success. He recently returned to teach at Salinas High. Monterey Herald
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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.
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Carlos Daniels Tribute to Juan Gabriel
8 PM – 12 AM — Fox Theater — Tickets from $132 — Experience a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Juan Gabriel by Carlos Daniels.
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Reveal the authorAbout Salinas Morning News
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