Good morning, Salinas.

City officials held a ribbon cutting and picnic at Northgate Park in Salinas on July 13 to open a new universal playground with a jungle design for children of all abilities.

The project was funded by American Rescue Plan Act money and the city’s general fund — officials are now studying plans for a recreation center and dog park based on community input.

False ICE activity rumors have circulated on social media and scared farmworker and immigrant communities.

The Solidarity Network debunked reports of ICE presence in Salinas hotels, a field near Davis and Blanco Roads, and the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (residents should share only verified information) (local officials have found no evidence).

California Highway Patrol said several people were injured in a five-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 1 south of Highway 68 at around 11:55 p.m. Monday night—one person suffered major injuries and was suspected of DUI—and the road was closed for about four hours before reopening.

Joby Aviation expanded its Marina facility Tuesday by adding a sixth aircraft to its test fleet and doubling production capacity; the site (435,500 sq ft) is set to add hundreds of full-time jobs to support its growing electric air taxi service.

Mario Jose Villagrana from Pacific Grove was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for intent to sell fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm and manufacturing firearms without a license after police found eight firearms and over 13,000 counterfeit pills at his home near 700 Eardley Avenue on Feb. 15, and he will serve four years of supervised release.

Today, California Rodeo Salinas hosted the Special Kids Carnival at Salinas Expo Ground for students in the Monterey County Special Education Program, offering rides, games and a quieter environment—marking 28 years of a valued partnership with MCOE.

Never Again Moss Landing released a report claiming that design flaws and a crowded battery layout contributed to a Jan.

16 fire at Vistra’s facility — the report shows that Vistra and state regulators did not enforce proper safety measures. Monterey County officials agreed that the facility would remain offline until safety plans are updated — and the group supports clean energy when it is built with safety and transparency in mind.

Livestock contractors in Salinas say they care for their animals as team members by following nearly 70 PRCA and state rules ahead of the upcoming rodeo, where almost 600 cowboys will compete over the next few days.

Some animal rights advocates disagree with their practices, arguing that nonvoluntary participation may lead to cruelty & raising concerns about the treatment of the animals.

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.

Raza Costena Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Los Arcos De Alisal Restaurant — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night filled with the captivating sounds of Raza Costena performing their hit Corrido de Rey Hernandez.