Good morning, Salinas.

Over 200 Central Coast state parks, including Salinas River State Beach, will offer free day-use entry on Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; free entry applies to one passenger vehicle (max 9 people) or one motorcycle while some parks like Hearst Castle will still charge fees.

A year after a huge battery plant fire rocked Moss Landing, local residents formed Never Again Moss Landing to demand answers over air quality concerns after independent testing found toxic metals; the group will hold a meeting Saturday to discuss fresh data.

Salinas will host a MLK Day march on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. starting from the Old County Jail (142 W.

Alisal St.).

Sand City welcomed its first dual-branded hotel today; the new Courtyard and Residence Inn features 215 guest rooms, an outdoor performance venue, and a restaurant with courtyard views.

City Manager Vibeke Norgaard said the revenue will fund future community projects.

A year ago, a fire at the Moss Landing battery plant forced evacuations and closed Highway 1 as over 55,000 batteries burned.

Today, cleanup continues with 12,000 batteries removed (first phase finished before the holidays) and phase two planned to demolish the damaged building while officials investigate the cause.

California is drought-free for the first time in 25 years after winter storms raised Lake Oroville’s level by 82 feet and added over 930,000 acre-feet of water since Dec.

20. Gov. Newsom’s water strategy, including a $219 million Sites Reservoir project, will help supply more than 4.5 million homes in future dry seasons.

Cal Am is asking the CPUC to approve a 16.1% water rate increase for Monterey Peninsula households next year plus smaller increases in 2028 and 2029 to fund $72 million in planned infrastructure upgrades, with regulators set to review the proposal in November.

Monterey Bay FC bolstered its soccer roster with Haitian midfielder Belmar Joseph (on loan from the Swiss Super League) to add fresh talent before the new season unfolds.

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.

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.

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.