Good morning, Salinas.

The Soledad Education Foundation carnival started earlier today and will run through Sunday.

Organizers increased security — adding extra police patrols and entry checks — after last year's incident when a teen was found with a gun and knife, helping ensure the event is safe for thousands.

Volunteers keep the Sea Otter Classic running at Fort Ord and Laguna Seca Recreation Area as they cover 1,650 shifts for safety, setup, and support during the four-day cycling festival.

Organizers say more than 1,100 community members (including new groups) have registered to help ensure the event runs smoothly.

Circus Osorio brings high-flying acrobatics and motorcycle stunts to the Rodeo Grounds until April 27, offering free admission for children under 10 with each paying adult (shows run Fridays through Tuesdays and expect up to 500 attendees per performance).

Dan Burns and Ralph Porras are competing for Monterey County superintendent as they bring decades of education and leadership experience; Burns, who recently recovered from health issues, plans to boost early education and technical training — while Porras leverages his teaching and local farming background to support community programs.

A new study in Science Advances finds that climate change has added extra burn time to wildfires, with California now facing 550 more burning hours than in the 1970s.

Experts warn that warmer & drier nights make fires harder to control.

California taxpayers can check their state and federal refund statuses on the Franchise Tax Board and IRS websites; e-file refunds take about three weeks and paper returns may require up to three months.

Taxpayers need key details (Social Security number, ZIP code, and refund amount) to use the trackers.

Today at 3:40 p.m., costumed racers will start the Brompton World Championship at Sea Otter Classic on the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track with a parade lap after opening remarks.

Spectators can also watch new Enduro downhill courses, e-mountain bike racing, and a criterium race on a 1.2-mile loop.