Good morning, Salinas.

KSBW 8 will partner with three regional food banks on Thursday, May 28 to host the Feeding Families telethon that helps local families facing food insecurity.

Donations may be made online, on the KSBW app, or by calling the toll-free number (all funds go to the chosen food bank).

Multiple community events engage locals this week — Marina’s Downtown Vitalization meeting is at 6 pm today at City Council Chambers, a housing workshop runs Friday via Zoom, and wildfire safety is on Saturday at Ace Hardware in Prunedale — Pacific Grove, Salinas, Monterey, and South County host later events.

A transport cargo plane got stuck at a roundabout near Bardin Elementary in Salinas on Wednesday, causing traffic delays as it was headed to Fort Hunter Liggett for training and appeared to ride on a semi-truck flatbed without its wings.

Monterey County recorded a record $3.3 billion in tourism spending last year with rising hotel revenue and about 400 tourism jobs; county leaders plan to add 1,000 hotel rooms, launch nonstop Chicago flights, and host summer events to boost growth.

The SPCA is offering scholarships for animal camps where kids learn animal handling and rescue basics – campers also make toys and treats for shelter animals awaiting adoption.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will propose a 50% tax cut for new small businesses in his revised May budget presentation Thursday.

The proposal will lower first-year LLC filing taxes (from $800 to $400) for new limited liability companies and partnerships for tax years 2027-29, potentially benefiting 250,000 businesses each year.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office held its annual memorial wall ceremony during National Police Week to honor fallen deputies and add new names to the project; multiple law enforcement agencies from across the Central Coast attended (May 10-16).

Linda B. Mullally took a day trip to Pinnacles National Park from Soledad, hiking trails that wind through chaparral, oak gulleys & vineyards.

Her journey revisited cherished local views and showcased Monterey County’s natural allure.

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez signed with El Paso Locomotive FC pending league approval and will be eligible to play against Monterey Bay FC on June 20 at Cardinale Stadium after a two-month trial, reviving his lifelong passion for soccer *from his early youth days*.

Five former Herald all-county softball players will compete in the NCAA Regionals this weekend.

Their performance is expected to showcase local talent on a national stage.

Los Originales de San Juan and CLAVE AR

9 p.m. — Hacienda Mexican Grill — Buy your ticket on Ticketón — Experience a vibrant live performance from CLAVE AR, a Latin music band that fuses traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds.