Good morning, Salinas.

The Ship’s Store, a freediving hub (uniting local shipbuilders and conservationists), will open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at 7501 Sandholdt Road in Moss Landing, as Monterey Bay Tritons and Odyssey Free Diving help build a vibrant marine community.

Nearly 90 people remain displaced after a Monterey apartment fire on Monday as local nonprofits and businesses provide food, medications, and shelter via Meals on Wheels and donations from local restaurants (survivors are staying at the Hyatt and will move to Sand City Marriott on Thursday).

A new COVID Memorial Garden was unveiled Tuesday at the County Government Center to honor Monterey County residents lost to the pandemic and recognize frontline workers.

The memorial features five colored panels representing the county’s five districts, designed by sibling glass artists Shelby + Taylor Hawthorne.

The 250th anniversary of Juan Bautista de Anza’s expedition is observed quietly in Monterey County with a small museum exhibit + additional commemorative events planned for May, reflecting a shift from grand celebrations to a more thoughtful look at his historic journey.

Gas prices in Monterey County have risen to $5.50 per gallon, which is 17 cents above the state average, and residents are using fuel rewards programs (like Shell Fuel Rewards and Chevron Texaco gas cards) and wholesale club memberships to lower costs.

The Salinas City Elementary School District board voted Tuesday night to cut 88 positions funded by temporary COVID relief, affecting 42 to 46 employees, though over 60 open roles may let some transition; affected workers will be notified by March 15.

Vanya Quinones, president at Cal State Monterey Bay, will lead Cal Poly Pomona as its first Latina president starting July 1, following a March 11 appointment by the CSU Board of Trustees.

Her record includes nearly 30% enrollment growth and increased research funding at CSUMB.

Today, a warming trend brings sunny skies across the Bay Area and Central Coast with inland highs (upper 70s to mid-80s) while coastal areas remain cooler; Friday’s short pause precedes a return of high pressure and possible heat advisories later this week.

A new investigation found nearly 40% of nonorganic fruits and vegetables grown in California have traces of PFAS pesticides (forever chemicals) that can linger in produce.

The report warns that these chemicals may pose health risks with high levels found on lemons, peaches, nectarines and other fruits.

California State Parks Foundation opened voting for the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll as nominees include Monterey and Santa Cruz parks, such as Pfeiffer Big Sur, Point Lobos, Asilomar, and Big Basin.

Votes are open until April 11 (online) with winners announced May 5.

San Benito County has paused new battery energy storage facility projects amid rising fertilizer costs linked to international tensions, leaving conservation-minded farms somewhat insulated from the price spike.

Cal State Monterey Bay president Vanya Quiñones is stepping down as local priorities shift.

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!

Jose Modesto Live Concert

9 p.m. — Hacienda Mexican Grill — Ticket required — Experience the passionate Latin music of Jose Modesto, an artist deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.