Good morning, Salinas.

Hitchcock Road Animal Services retrieved three adoptable dogs from Miranda’s Rescue on Sunday, Jun.

14, and returned them to the local shelter, where they are healthy and gaining weight while adoption plans are prepared. The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged animal abuse at the rescue — local authorities report no harm to other county animals.

A series of community events are planned this week with park clean-ups Saturday at Ensen Community Park and family activities at Highland Otis Park, followed by a listening session Monday in Gonzales and workshops in Salinas Wednesday.

Residents can apply for a Marina Coast Water District credit until July 31.

Two Bay Area college friends were swept off course near Santa Cruz on June 10 and later pronounced dead after rescue crews retrieved them at Panther Beach (Yellow Bank Beach); officials warn that rapidly rising tides and sneaker waves are increasing hazards along the rugged coastline.

Amazon’s fulfillment center in Salinas is nearing completion after construction began mid-2024 on former farmland following a 2023 property purchase.

The project spurred road and infrastructure improvements (as announced by city leaders) that may boost local business and create new jobs.

Trader Joe’s released its new striped mini tote bags (four pastel colors) on Wednesday at the Marina location; by 10:30 a.m., shoppers formed a line and some picked up as many as 10 bags priced at $2.99 each.

A blimp tied to Sergey Brin flew from Sausalito to Salinas on Tuesday, taking a scenic route along the Santa Cruz County coast near Pebble Beach before landing at the Salinas airport as part of test flights by his airship company.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is launching in Monterey County this summer.

Over 34,000 children ages five and under will receive free, high-quality books each month via a collaboration among community partners + Taylor Farms providing seed funding.

Activists gathered outside Driscoll’s headquarters in Watsonville calling for stricter pesticide protections for Pajaro Valley schoolchildren by ending hazardous use and creating one-mile buffer zones around schools — local residents shared health concerns while the company maintained that state guidelines already enforce strict regulations.

After a September 2023 mistake nearly endangered a stroke patient’s life, regulators fined CHOMP $49,950 and temporarily questioned its Medicare contract until corrective measures were submitted.

The probe began on Nov. 18 to prompt safety improvements.

Celebrate America Fireworks Extravaganza

3 PM — Salinas Sports Complex — Admission varies — Experience a family festival with food trucks, carnival rides, patriotic music, and the largest fireworks display in Monterey County.

Big Hat BBQ

5-10 p.m. — Monterey County Sheriff's Posse — $15 no meal — Enjoy BBQ and dancing with live music to kick off Big Week and the California Rodeo.

Miranda Lambert Concert

5-8 p.m. — Salinas Sports Complex — Cashless venue — Experience the powerful voice of country rock star Miranda Lambert live in concert.

California Rodeo Salinas

Daytime and evening events — Salinas Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of professional rodeo with over 110 years of tradition in sunny California.