Good morning, Salinas.

PG&E warns customers about a scam using fake barcodes to trick them into paying immediately to avoid power shutoff, and officials advise residents to hang up & verify billing details with official channels if contacted.

Nianti Rojas-Mendoza, a 17-year-old Monterey County native and 2026 Youth of the Year from Boys + Girls Clubs, will serve as a flag bearer at the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

She will also compete in the National Youth of the Year Finals in October.

Khenpo Karten, Tibetan Buddhist Lama at the Manjushri Dharma Center in Pacific Grove, responded to activist Logba Rangzen’s self-immolation outside the United Nations while Monterey County’s 2025 report shows agriculture remained strong with robust strawberry and lettuce yields, despite a 3% drop (to $4.8 billion).

The Carmel Bach Festival opens its 89th season this week at Sunset Center Theater and other venues with daily concerts and free lectures focused on 'The Nature of Sound' by artistic director Grete Pedersen.

The festival runs through July 25 (blending classic works with fresh interpretations).

The 2025 Monterey County crop report released July 7 shows strawberries remained the top crop while wine grapes dropped 25% in gross value + overall agricultural output fell 3%, with Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo noting stability despite rising production costs.

Salinas High School has named Dr. Margarita Contreras as its new principal, effective July 1, 2026, bringing 30 years of education experience + the district will host a meet-and-greet on July 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school for staff, families, and community members to welcome her.

A malnourished sea lion rescued from San Francisco nearly doubled his weight after weeks of rehab and was released with another pup at Weston Beach off Point Lobos on June 25; Irving is now back in Monterey County waters.

The Bureau of Land Management has left Monterey County open to future oil and gas leases following a new Record of Decision.

Environmental reviews are underway for 50 parcels, and the agency may offer the leases through competitive bidding later.

California law restricts how dark a car window tint can be with no tint allowed on windshields and only clear, colorless material permitted on front windows while rear windows may be tinted; drivers who receive a fix-it ticket face a $25 fine and must prove compliance to avoid further penalties.

Kao USA voluntarily recalled Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo sold in California after tests found a bacteria that may risk people with weak immune systems (affected lot codes include YR010556, YR010566, and YR010576).

Consumers are urged to stop using any bottles from these lots and follow disposal instructions.

Local 10-year-old boxer Anthony (Rayito) Hernandez earned a national silver medal at a recent tournament; his coaches say his talent and work ethic may carry him to Team USA in the future.

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.