Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey Peninsula Unified was chosen for a $500k California Serves Grant—administered with California Volunteers—to support students in earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

The grant will run from May 2025 through June 2027.

Monterey County has begun the Elkhorn Rehabilitation Project near Pajaro along the stretch from Walker Valley Road to Salinas Road, using lane closures and one-lane reversible traffic control to guide motorists.

The project (costing nearly $7 million) will take about 55 working days with work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and occasional night work.

An investigation near the Country Kitchen on U.S. 101 in Prunedale has led to road closures as the Monterey County Sheriff's Office reports that the northbound off-ramp to Vierra Canyon Road and the State Route 156 exit are shut — drivers are advised to follow detours via southbound San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale South Road or eastbound State Route 156.

The JEDI office at Middlebury Institute in Monterey closed amid a restructuring, with some work set to continue.

Monterey Bay area residents can now apply for electric vehicle rebates — the program covers both new and used cars.

The American Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood to prevent a summer shortage caused by vacations and holidays.

Salinas residents can donate at Compass Church on July 11, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.—with additional drives planned in nearby areas.

El Charrito near Highway 101 in Salinas serves breakfast burritos made with homemade hand-stretched tortillas and bold, spicy sauces based on a Mexican grandmother's recipes—offering a taste of local tradition.

Founded in 1981 from a small grocery store, the restaurant continues to draw locals with its simple and satisfying breakfast options.

California Rodeo Salinas

6 PM - 11 PM — Salinas Sports Complex — Cost info not available — Experience California's largest rodeo with over a century of tradition and excitement.

IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey - Saturday

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — Tickets available — Experience thrilling IndyCar action at the iconic Laguna Seca track.

Watsonville Strawberry Festival Kickoff

Evening — Watsonville City Plaza — Cost details not provided — Experience the excitement with live entertainment and carnival rides as the festival begins.

Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival

11 AM – 8 PM — Watsonville City Plaza — Fun Run Registration Required — Experience carnival attractions and delicious strawberry treats at a family-friendly event.