Good morning, Salinas.

KSBW 8 raised $454,599 in a Feeding Families telethon — partnering with local food banks to help those affected by rising hunger — which will serve 1,363,797 meals across the Central Coast.

Starting June 9, Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust will launch a digital campaign to raise $5,000 for the Community Seafood Program and match donations up to $5,000—helping provide fresh seafood to local families, farmworkers, seniors and others while supporting local fishermen and food relief partners.

Steve King, who was homeless and using drugs, credited the Navigation Center for helping him get clean and enroll at Hartnell Community College; the center may close in October when COVID-19 funding ends.

City officials are now exploring options to keep the facility open—many residents rely on its support for a better future.

Rite Aid is planning to close three Central Coast stores in Aptos, Freedom and Hollister as part of a nationwide shutdown of over 300 stores; no timeline was provided for the closures.

The move follows the recent closure of the Greenfield location during the company's bankruptcy filing—local residents may need to transfer their prescriptions to other pharmacies.

CAL FIRE said a 69-year-old Carmel hiker with a high-risk health condition went missing on Wednesday from her usual hike at Garrapata State Park when she did not return, and search and rescue teams from Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties—using drone and aerial searches—are looking for her.

Tele Matangi, 37, of Pittsburg was given 150 years to life for a 2023 crime spree in Monterey County that began when he broke through a school gate at Gonzales High School, carjacked a driver, crashed a stolen car on Highway 156, and fired shots at a good Samaritan—he had two prior strike convictions and was arrested after brandishing a gun at a deputy.

KSBW.com is hosting a sweepstakes for Blake Shelton concert tickets at Salinas Sports Complex where California residents 21 or older can enter online from 12:00am June 9 until 12:00pm June 23—winners will be notified within one day and must collect their prize at KSBW studio by 4:00pm on June 26.

California avocado growers say Mexican imports have boosted sales by providing a year-round supply to meet demand despite challenges like high labor costs and water restrictions—growers in Somis, including Andreas Tompros, are replanting nearly 300 trees after last year's wildfire as avocados continue to be a popular choice for meals and snacks.

The Salinas Union High School District announced it will transform all its campuses—including Salinas High School—into community schools that focus on family engagement to improve student outcomes under the California Community Schools Partnership Program.

The changes will be implemented soon to support local students.

Pebble Beach Company, California Coastkeeper Alliance, The Otter Project, and Monterey Waterkeeper formed an alliance to protect water quality in Carmel Bay (an Area of Special Biological Significance).

The group increased water monitoring and updated best management practices for dry-weather and stormwater discharges (steps to keep the bay safe).

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.