Salinas
Morning News
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Salinas. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ California Rodeo Salinas has opened entries for mutton busting event, where kids 4 to 7 ride sheep. It runs at the Salinas Sports Complex on July 15 for Big Week Bull Riding and July 16 through 19 for California Rodeo Salinas — entries close May 29 with selections by June 5. KSBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, April 14, the Kiwanis Literacy Club of Salinas delivered its 10,000th book to first-graders at Los Padres Elementary as Clifford Gilkey read a bilingual story, giving each student a copy to start their own home library. Monterey County Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation created an independent nonprofit—the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Fund—to protect local waters by opposing offshore oil drilling. The new group, led by Hilary Bryant and Leon Panetta (former co-chairs), will keep all local donations in Monterey Bay for research, protection, and education. Monterey Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office completed a solar carport system with Tesla batteries around Christmas to save $12 million over 25 years while reducing emissions — officials say the new lithium iron phosphate batteries lower overheating risks. KSBW
- ➤ Federal funds drop is cutting future cash for Monterey County women’s shelters; nonprofit CEO Shawn Stone asked city councils in Carmel and Del Rey Oaks for help covering $1M to $1.2M in costs. The deficit could hit nearly 80+ percent by 2028 to 2029 without new support. Monterey County Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sun Street Centers plans to open Monterey County’s first adolescent residential substance use treatment facility at 1732 Fremont Blvd in Seaside — the approved project will offer 40 beds and education classes for youth aged 12 to 17, accepting Medi-Cal and private insurance. Monterey County Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ In downtown Salinas, Sushi Daruma has drawn attention for its viral nori taco (crispy seaweed shells filled with rice, seaweed salad, tuna, and salmon) available as dine-in or to-go at 216 Main St. KSBW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data (from Realtor.com) show Monterey County’s median home price reached $875,000 in January, a 5.5% increase from December’s $829,000. Single-family homes declined slightly while condo prices climbed sharply from $589,000, offering a clear snapshot of changing market trends. The Californian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Sea Otter Classic kicks off today at Laguna Seca with cycling races, trail runs and e-bike competitions—featuring a Brompton World Championship in formal wear. This four-day festival offers demo rides, stunt shows and a family zone with free entry for kids 12 and under. Monterey Herald
- ➤ Mia Henson, the Coast Conference MVP from Hartnell, has committed to play at Menlo College in Atherton next season+ she is set to boost the team’s talent as she begins her college career. Monterey Herald
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
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Reveal the authorAbout Salinas Morning News
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