Good morning, Salinas.

Officials at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve introduced reverse payment on Saturday to ease traffic jams caused by nearly a million visitors and fewer than 200 parking spots.

They are considering a shuttle service, but no timeline has been set while parking guidelines and fines enforce order along Highway 1.

Hartnell College hosted its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration in Salinas, featuring live music, fashion and a visual tribute to Black history.

Organizers introduced a new element that recreated slave ship conditions to underline the holiday’s significance for the community.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has inspired local restaurants and community venues to serve up international flavors and watch parties.

Locals can visit the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex — a site where a World Cup opener for Mexico was shown — and enjoy other themed dining events across the region.

Educators in Salinas gathered outside district offices to push for full Prop 98 funding amid state budget challenges — they warned Salina City Elementary may lose $5M and the local high school district $10M if lawmakers withhold billions needed to cover a projected $2.9B deficit for 2026-2027.

A nonprofit on the Central Coast created Mighty Tails, an animated series to spark local children's interest in aviation for future air taxi opportunities.

The program, designed for kindergarten through fifth grade and endorsed by Superintendent Dan Burns, will soon debut in classrooms after pilot runs in Texas and Los Angeles (Astro is based on a local rescue dog).

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched in Monterey County with First 5 Monterey County and now offers free monthly books for children under 5 to boost early literacy in underserved communities+ the program has already distributed over 300 million books worldwide.

A bald eagle that arrived injured on Dec.

21, 2025, with a broken flight bone and signs of electrocution received over 25 weeks of care using medication+physical therapy from SPCA Monterey County in Salinas. He was released on Friday and soon soared free into the wild.

Chad Harris, the CEO of Natividad Medical Center, announced he will step down on July 2 to join Santa Clara Valley Healthcare as chief operating officer — a move after leading the hospital since 2021.

The County of Monterey said details on interim leadership will come soon.

Former North Salinas sprinter Clara Adams qualified for the USA track and field U20 team in the 400 meters after finishing second at the Nike Outdoor Championships with a career-best time of 51.61 seconds.

Football preseason rankings released in June rank local high school teams with the Salinas Cowboys, who are boosting depth to chase an 18th playoff appearance, showing promise for fall competitions — with updates expected in August or November for the season.

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.