Good morning, Salinas.

Traffic officials warn motorists to expect delays in Big Sur as Monterey Car Week starts Aug.

7. A free online tracker and text line help visitors plan their routes and avoid closures during the event.

California officials showcased new firefighting technology Tuesday at a Sacramento hangar while urging residents to prepare for wildfires.

In Salinas, city leaders began seeking public input to rename a library and park with proposals accepted until Aug. 14 (community feedback is encouraged).

LULAC 2055 will award $45,000 in scholarships to 75 high-achieving seniors from all nine high schools this weekend, with average awards of $500 and some reaching $5,000, funded by annual events * including a ball and auction.

On June 10, the Monterey County Office of Education board approved Big Sur Charter School’s petition to become a countywide charter school after MPUSD denied its five-year renewal, allowing the school’s hybrid program to serve students statewide.

Its charter was set to expire on June 30.

On July 20, passengers on a Monterey Bay whale watching trip saw orcas chasing a pod of dolphins; the Sanctuary Cruises crew captured the dramatic hunt on video near the boat.

Monterey County officials are preparing for El Niño impacts, including wetter winters, coastal erosion, and landslides.

They are coordinating with Caltrans and local agencies (with plans for prescribed burns and safety exercises) to strengthen emergency responses; county management stresses readiness as storm impacts remain uncertain.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta urged the FDA & local farmers to work together as investigators trace a Cyclospora outbreak.

He said the effort will help protect food safety in the local agricultural community.

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is recalling four lots of cetirizine tablets over possible cross-contamination with ranitidine (expiring Oct.

2028), so local pharmacists and consumers should check their supplies to avoid severe allergic reactions.