Good morning, Salinas.

King City High School senior Morgan Hancock, a Lockwood resident, was crowned Miss Salinas Valley Fair and will attend the fair’s kickoff event on April 18 before joining activities from May 14-17 for scholarship opportunities.

State legislators are reviewing changes to the CalFood program — funding may drop from $80 million to $8 million and force local food banks to cut their purchasing budgets.

In Monterey Bay, commercial salmon fishing will open next month for the first time in three years as fish recover.

Trader Joe’s customers who made purchases (between March 5 and July 19, 2019) and received receipts with extra card digits may file claims by June 9 after the class action settlement, which is expected to pay about $102.45 each.

Checks will be issued within 10 business days after final approval.

Tax preparers are extending their hours today to help residents file before the midnight deadline.

At Yolanda's Tax and Financial Services, staff assist last-minute filers facing busy work schedules (tax experts report many hope to file earlier next year).

Gohan AYCE Buffet held its soft opening Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at 1094 Northridge Mall in the former Sears building + the first 100 diners received 50% off everything.

A LendingTree report found that raising a child to age 18 now costs $312,300 in California, an 8.8% increase in one year as daycare expenses rise.

California ranks fourth among states for high child-rearing costs.

California gas prices dropped for the second week last Monday as averages fell to $5.73 per gallon from $5.77, while analysts expect a rise later due to oil flow concerns (EIA data shows increased market volatility).

CAL FIRE reported a vegetation fire burning in light, flashy fuels near 2062 Elkhorn Road in Castroville on Thursday; firefighters contained the blaze to 2.5 acres and noted no structures are threatened.

The California Coastal Commission began three days of public hearings on water, infrastructure, and agriculture in Gonzales on Wednesday and will continue at the community center today and Friday with input from local officials.

Officials completed a solar and battery storage project at the sheriff’s office and jail that will save about $13 million in energy costs and reduce emissions over 25 years.

The county partnered with MYNT Systems to build the system with no upfront taxpayer costs while improving energy reliability and safety.

The Coastal Monarch Protection Act, sponsored by Assemblymember Dawn Addis, would require coastal cities to update protection plans for monarch butterfly habitats and passed committee review; it now moves to the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee (local guidance on coastal plans is expected).

Monterey County officials warn that new work and volunteer rules will affect certain Medi-Cal recipients starting Jan.

1, 2027 and CalFresh recipients on Nov. 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Up to 19,000 locals may lose coverage if they do not meet a 20-hour weekly requirement (exemptions apply).

Since Mee Memorial Hospital closed its labor and delivery unit six years ago, expectant moms in South Monterey County often travel to Salinas and rely on clinics in King City and Soledad for care — community leaders urge more local maternal health services.

The Life Time Grand Prix gravel race, which began Thursday, April 16 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is underway at Sea Otter Classic as 44 riders including four-time champion Keegan Swenson tackle a 90-mile course (three 30-mile laps through Fort Ord with steep climbs and fast descents).