Good morning, Salinas.

Salinas residents will enjoy two food events on May 3 — the Food & Fly In at the airport from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring over 13 planes, 30 exotic vehicles including a special Italian Pagani, and local food and arts vendors, and What's Grubbin Salinas at 26 W.

Market Street from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. offering 25 food trucks, live music and a beer garden. Both events are free and promise to bring a festive spirit to our community.

Yesterday, May Day brought local celebrations while upcoming events include Cinco de Mayo on May 5, Mother's Day on May 11, the Salinas Valley Fair from May 15 to 18, and a three-day Memorial Day weekend starting May 26 when banks and schools will be closed—organizers say residents have a busy month ahead.

Juan Jose Bueno, a 30-year-old inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison, was sentenced to life without parole for first-degree murder after he and co-defendant Roberto Carlos Cortez stabbed inmate Steven Lovely nearly 50 times during recreational time on March 21, 2023 — he had already been serving a life sentence and faced additional penalties after previous convictions under the Three Strikes Law, according to Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni.

New income rules from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (CDHCD) now call incomes under $100,000 low in five counties, with one-person households in places like Santa Cruz seen as low income if they earn less than $111,100.

The 2025 limits use updated income numbers and may change how housing costs are judged across the state.

California teachers earned the highest average salary in the U.S. during the 2023-24 school year—averaging $101,084 compared to a national average of $72,030.

The National Education Association report noted that even with a 6% pay increase, teacher salaries remained a concern amid ongoing shortages.

A civil grand jury report finds that Monterey County drivers are confused about whom to contact for road issues since multiple agencies maintain the roads — only two cities, including Sand City, lack a website or app for reporting problems.

Local officials are updating digital tools so residents can submit reports more easily.

On May Day, hundreds marched to the old Monterey County courthouse in Salinas to protest potential Medicaid cuts that could worsen medical debt—lawmakers will decide on new health care rules by July 4.

Salinas native kicker Abraham Montano will take part in the New York Giants rookie minicamp on May 9+10.

The camp gives him a chance to show his skills and compete with other rookies for a spot on the team.

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.

California Roots Pre-Party Wine Mixer

6-9 p.m. — Rustique Wines — $20 for general admission, $15 for wine club members — Kick off the California Roots Festival with local wines, music from Rise Up, and delicious food.

Monster Truck Throwdown

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Salinas Sports Complex — Check local listings for pricing — Experience an afternoon of motorized mayhem with thrilling monster truck action.