Good morning, Salinas.

Salinas Californian reporter Roseann Cattani won 14 awards, including 8 first-place honors, at the 2025 California Journalism Awards for her coverage of local council, business and environmental issues.

Editor Sheyanne Romero praised her work as a strong example of local reporting.

Today, the World Cup is boosting local soccer shops as Salinas Futbol Central reports a 70% increase in sales + customers from near and far visit Deportivo Falcon for popular Mexico jerseys.

Community watch parties and youth tournaments at Watsonville’s Slice Project further spark local excitement and dreams of soccer stardom.

A $3.6 million boost in the state budget today supports the development of Fort Ord Dunes Campground under the Outdoors for All initiative.

Construction, which began in June 2025 off Highway 1, will be finished next year and offer 98 campsites, accessible features, beach access, and interpretive trails.

Several new state laws take effect July 1 that change school rules, housing permits, streaming ad volumes, and driverless car oversight.

The regulations add smartphone limits in schools + new food labeling standards, and other measures that may affect local community services.

Monterey County has advanced a mandatory spay/neuter plan to ease full shelters — pet owners should review updated guidelines as the policy takes effect soon.

Monterey County officials confirmed a paramedic shortage is affecting fire agencies, though emergency services operate normally (using a 911 nurse navigation program and basic life support ambulances) to keep response times steady.

AMR expects full staffing by July as new paramedic programs stabilize the workforce.

Lisa Catalano, a Salinas native, said her creative use of Bay Area billboards to share her search for love led her to meet a promising local man; the campaign ran on a modest budget (about $4,746) and received thousands of responses.

Monterey Bay hotels invite locals to enjoy luxury dining and happy hour specials this summer (featuring $2 off bar bites, discounted wine, and spa deals) as events roll out at venues like Kimpton Mirador, Portola Hotel and Spa, and Hyatt Regency.

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.