Good morning, Salinas.

California Rodeo Salinas is in town with a daily horse parade from East Salinas to the sports complex—where families, sheriffs, and riding groups gather to watch horses, cowboys, and cowgirls take over the streets.

Jose Chaidez, a first-time dad, said he is excited for the famed local tradition.

Santa Cruz County has been named the most expensive rental market for the third year by the National Low Income Housing Coalition with a typical two-bedroom apartment costing $81.21 per hour—nearly $50 more than the national average—and Monterey County ranked fifth at $57.35 per hour while San Benito County required $50.44 per hour—just above the state average.

Visit California (with its global consulting firm JLL) recognized the Salinas Valley Tourism and Visitors Bureau for its plan to boost regional heritage tourism, and the bureau works with partners to create new tourist destinations in Salinas.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition released its Out of Reach report Thursday and showed that the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area required over $81 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment while Salinas ranked as the fifth most expensive at over $57 per hour — the study also noted that California overall was the least affordable with nearly $50 required per hour for a modest apartment.

Fifteen Salinas Valley students received $25,000 in scholarships from the Raymond Costa Family Scholarship Fund, which is open to high school graduates, college students, and graduate students who work at local McDonald’s or have a parent who does — the program is managed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

The Monterey County Jail reopened to the public Thursday after a planned PG&E power outage uncovered a safety issue that required shutting off power until repairs were made — a supplemental emergency generator restored power to key areas at 10 p.m. Wednesday — and visitations resumed, though work continues with possible intermittent outages.

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.

Pat Travers Band Concert

8:30 PM - 2:30 AM — Fox Theater — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night featuring the legendary Pat Travers Band and opening act Bad Machine.