Good morning, Salinas.

On April 8, crews began installing a new universal playground at Northgate Neighborhood Park, replacing an older structure noted in a 2017 review.

The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and will finish in July with no expected traffic disruptions.

California Highway Patrol said 53-year-old Humberto Lopez Castrejon of Soledad was killed in a head-on crash at 1:07 a.m. on Abbott Street near Firestone Business Park when a northbound Toyota veered into oncoming traffic and struck a southbound 2016 Nissan Altima — the Toyota driver sustained injuries.

Ted Balestreri, founding CEO of Cannery Row Company, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Monterey County Hospitality Association for a career that began in local restaurants—he will turn 85 in June and said he still loves every day while taking chances to succeed.

Parents were warned Wednesday by the Santa Rita Union Elementary School District after an older white man calling himself the 'Candy Man' was seen handing out candy or cough drops to students near New Republic Elementary School—police have filed a report and are investigating the incident.

On Thursday, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office located a buried body along the Pajaro River levee west of the bridge connecting Pajaro to Watsonville—detectives began searching around 3 p.m. and found the body near 8 p.m. while planning a post-mortem exam to determine its identity.

Detectives discovered a buried body by the Pajaro River Levee on Thursday night west of the connecting bridge between Pajaro and Watsonville — the search started at 3 p.m. and the body was found around 8 p.m.

Local flower vendors face high market prices despite a pause in Latin American tariffs and worry that slim profit margins will bring fewer customers as peak season nears.

Julio Sanchez of Julian Flowers said he must pay market price—even though tariffs are on hold, prices remain high ahead of Mother’s Day and graduation season.

Six-year-old Addison McWherter from Salinas amazed the audience at the American Cancer Society Celebration of Life Fashion Show at Monterey Conference Center Friday, where the event raised money for cancer research and patient services.

Her family — long-time business owners in downtown Salinas — said Addison, who is halfway through treatment, continues to inspire hope in her fight against cancer.

Monterey Herald released its Top 10 boys swimming and diving rankings with Stevenson at first, Carmel second and Soquel third while Salinas placed sixth.

The list also names Aptos, Pacific Grove, Monterey and Monte Vista and puts Soledad, Palma, North Salinas, Seaside and Harbor on the bubble.

Volunteers from the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association worked last Tuesday at Fort Ord National Monument to clear poison oak and repair drainage issues on trails used for the upcoming Sea Otter Classic.

Their long-standing efforts help keep the trails safe and accessible for bikers and hikers each spring — a sign of their firm commitment to local outdoor recreation.

Salinas Food Truck and Fly In

11 AM - 3 PM — Salinas Municipal Airport — Free entry — Enjoy local food trucks and aviation displays while exploring the world of flight.

9th Annual Job & Resource Fair

6:30 PM — Manzanita County Park — Free entry — Connect with over 50 employers at one of the largest job fairs in Monterey County.

9th Annual Job & Resource Fair

1:30 AM — Hartnell Park — Free entry — Connect with over 50 employers ready to hire at one of Monterey County's largest job fairs.