Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey Bay Aquarium workers voted to unionize on April 21 after 183 employees voted in favor and 138 voted against—approving unionization by a 7% margin.

They will now join AFSCME Council 57—seeking fair pay, flexible hours and better benefits.

43-year-old Noel Ledesma, extradited from Yuma, Arizona, appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to the murder of his Greenfield girlfriend nearly 15 years ago, and he remains in custody (with bail set at $1,000,000) with his next court date scheduled (April 29).

California's planned minimum wage hike will raise pay for healthcare workers to between $18.63 and $24 per hour starting July 1—part of a larger series of wage increases affecting many workers nationwide.

The change will directly impact 3 million minimum wage earners and may lead companies to adjust wages for another 6.2 million workers.

Today is Earth Day during Earth Month, giving Salinas residents a chance to support environmental awareness by choosing eco-friendly home products that reduce waste and conserve energy—choices include reusable storage bags, non-toxic cleaners and energy-efficient LED bulbs.

The USDA Forest Service in Salinas is hiring permanent wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season across national forests and grasslands — the job openings include roles like hotshots and smokejumpers, and applicants must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or national.

This opportunity will be filled at the hiring manager's discretion.

A ribbon cutting marked the launch of Monterey County's second solar project at the government building (1441 Schilling Place) today.

County leaders said leasing rooftop space (saving $92,000 in the first year) will lower energy costs and create new local jobs as four more solar projects are planned.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that Californians can now purchase a twin-pack of naloxone nasal spray for $24 through the state’s CalRx website — a measure to help reverse life-threatening opioid overdoses.

Previously, the drug was available only in 24-dose packages to businesses — making this the first direct-to-consumer program of its kind in the nation.

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.