Good morning, Salinas.

Former Secretary Panetta will lead a panel with journalists Chris Whipple, Douglas Brinkley, Lindsay Chervinsky, and Nicholas Kristof on March 2 (7 p.m.) at the Monterey Conference Center (part of the Leon Panetta Lecture Series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution). Tickets are available by calling the Panetta Institute.

Marine researchers are ranking kelp forests along the nearby coast to study challenges affecting sea life and coastal habitats.

They say the kelp is an important local resource + protecting it will help ensure a healthy ecosystem for our community.

Monterey and Salinas advanced in the girls’ soccer playoffs on Sunday after Redler-Medina scored two goals to propel Monterey past Scared Heart.

Boys teams in Alvarez, Monterey and Soledad also extended their seasons — boosting local hopes for future matchups.

Palma High's boys and girls teams earned top seeds in Division V and will tip off Tuesday in a home doubleheader, with an undefeated season building strong momentum.

In Division 1 and Open Division, North Salinas + Salinas + Alisal will play key matchups on Friday and Saturday.

Cal State Monterey Bay's men's basketball team tied its single-season win record with a 98-75 victory over San Francisco State.

The team matched the best Division II performance in school history.

North Salinas boys stunned Homestead in a basketball playoff game, pulling off their second upset to secure a spot in the CCS DI quarterfinals.

The win marked another strong step in the team's tournament run.

Former Alisal High standout Jordan Smith started all 10 softball games for Eastern Kentucky this spring — she hit near .270 with a .393 on-base percentage and recorded multiple-hit games including her first college double while breaking career marks.

Allison Wheeler - Winterspring featuring Alex Sjobeck

7-9 p.m. — Wendi Kirby Music LLC — Tickets available — Experience an intimate evening of jazz with vibrant performances from emerging talents.

Nb Ridaz Live at MI Hacienda

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hacienda Mexican Grill — No refunds — Get ready to vibe with Nb Ridaz in Salinas, it's going to be a night to remember!