Good morning, Salinas.

On Monday, the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers held a meeting in Monterey County and asked residents to rank funding needs using a survey.

The group explained that the one-time grant of $2.7 million will not cover all projects (such as permanent housing) and will hold more meetings to gather additional input.

Data errors have delayed a health risk assessment of a battery fire at Moss Landing - officials have not provided further details on safety measures.

Universal pre-kindergarten will begin this fall for Monterey Bay area families as part of the 2025-26 school year.

The California Rodeo Salinas ended on July 21st—an estimated 68,000 visitors attended over five days, and ticket sales were slightly lower than last year after prices increased for the first time since 2012.

Some local businesses in Old Town saw reduced foot traffic while others, like Villa Azteca, experienced a busy weekend.

Two brand new tractors were stolen Friday night from D and J Packing at Swale Ranch in Chualar, prompting farmers to ask the community to help recover the equipment—tracking devices were removed which led officials to suspect a larger organized theft ring that has forced farms to use costly replacements and raise product prices.

Nominations opened Monday for the third annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest— a competition that honors innovative local products and aims to create jobs for people getting back on their feet.

The contest seeks to boost the local economy by recognizing creative contributions made in the state.

A UCLA study finds that ICE fears have made construction workers nervous and may lead to a labor shortage that could delay affordable housing projects in the state.

Local construction companies have seen work slow and costs rise as tariffs and uncertain conditions add pressure + affect planning.

Monterey County schools are facing a funding delay as over $25 million in federal aid ($25,898,987) was frozen by the U.S. Department of Education, impacting key education programs.

Local officials in Salinas say the withheld money, which supports critical initiatives (after-school programs, migrant education), may force budget cuts as the new school year approaches.

State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin visited Regent’s Slide on Highway 1 in Monterey County last week and Caltrans will update local business owners and the public with an estimated reopening date by the end of summer.

Salinas native Amanda B.

Evans is retiring as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service—she served on active duty, as a reservist and in the Air National Guard. She will start a business that brings rescue puppies into workplaces as therapy animals—offering a new chapter in her career.

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.

Flower Arranging Workshop

3-5 p.m. — Cesar Chavez Library — Free entry — Let your creativity bloom with stunning arrangements using organic flowers like dahlias.