Good morning, Salinas.

After seven months of renovations completed by city, county, and state partnerships, King City’s Casa de Esperanza is set to welcome its first residents on April 3 — Mayor Mike LeBarre said the 45-unit supportive housing facility will change how the community addresses homelessness.

Ron Critchfield, a longtime Palma coach, passed away on March 14.

A memorial service is held today at 3 p.m. at Struve and Laporte (41 West San Luis) while a Celebration of Life takes place Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Palma School in Brother Dunn Hall.

The first harbor seal pup of the season was born Tuesday in Pacific Grove.

Officials urge residents to keep dogs on a leash near seals (as mothers hunt for food) to help protect the pups during the pupping season from February to June.

Local chef Michele Cremonese runs Bigoli behind an industrial garage door in Sand City and makes handcrafted pasta using quality ingredients (Italian 00, semolina and rimacinata flour) to create a rustic texture that helps sauces cling, standing apart from mass-produced options.

Alvarado Street Brewery launched its sea otter-inspired 5.2% West Coast pilsner in collaboration with Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The beer, packaged in compostable holders with a QR code linking to sea otter research programs, is available on draft at select locations + Monterey County partners.

Cal State Monterey Bay is launching an artificial intelligence minor for the fall 2026 school year in Seaside.

The four-course program—designed for students from various majors—aims to build hands-on skills in ethical AI use.

As temperatures rose, rattlesnake sightings increased along the Central Coast and snake handler Dan Burton said he caught six snakes near homes.

He advised that those encountering a snake should walk away (spring is mating season for these snakes).

Monterey County is rotating cameras at known trash dumping sites today + enforcing fines and free disposal programs, while Salinas Valley Recycles launches a free tire disposal service this weekend and Santa Cruz County will seek local input to plan for sea level rise.

Emergency crews from four local agencies held trench rescue training on Mar.

26 to prepare for possible collapses during pipeline work. Monterey County Regional Fire District + others practiced shoring up trenches to protect workers in the field.

On Thursday, California lawmakers passed a bill renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day ahead of the March 31 holiday, and Gov. Newsom is expected to sign it + the change refocuses the celebration on honoring farmworkers amid allegations against Chavez.

Salinas Valley Health Center earned Magnet Recognition with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center on Wednesday, Mar.

25, placing it among the nation’s top 1% of hospitals for patient care and safety. The hospital lowered nurse turnover (9.13%) after a rigorous five-year process (over 2,000 pages submitted).

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.