Good morning, Salinas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.