Good morning, Salinas.

A 3-month-old infant died at an unlicensed daycare on the 100 block of Hillcrest in Royal Oaks—an autopsy is expected this week and the tragedy highlights a severe childcare shortage that leaves many Monterey County parents with few safe care options.

Two Salinas gang members—Gil Vasquez, known as 'Rhino', and Jose Mexicano, known as 'Armani'—pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy after admitting to violent assaults, drug and firearms trafficking; both are in federal custody and will face sentencing on August 26 while nine additional gang members remain indicted.

Salinas City Council voted to reallocate funds to cover a nearly $2 million shortfall in homeless services—cutting funding for Chinatown Navigation Center while boosting the SHARE Center's budget by over $1 million.

The council also plans to seek a nonprofit to operate the El Rey Motel as transitional housing.

Doctors and recovery workers at Central Coast Overdose Prevention improved addiction treatment in Monterey County by conducting street outreach in Chinatown, the county jail and other local sites, distributing Narcan and linking patients with personalized care using medications such as buprenorphine, methadone and Sublocade. The team allied with government agencies plus community organizations to offer direct support for opioid recovery.

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.

ACP Compost Workshop & Demo Day

8 AM – 5 PM — National Steinbeck Center — Free entry — Explore innovative strategies in composting and organics recycling at this expert-led workshop.