Salinas
Morning News
Thursday, July 24th, 2025
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Good morning, Salinas. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Forty-year-old Mario Thomas Garcia was convicted of second-degree murder for the April 5 killing of 46-year-old Gabriel Gutierrez outside Jaime’s Lounge in 2024—surveillance footage linked him to the shooting after he fled and was later caught in Mexico—and his sentencing is set for August 20 when he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. KSBW
- ➤ Four tobacco shops in Monterey County, including a 7-Eleven on South Main in Salinas, were fined for illegally selling flavored tobacco products and one owner faces labor law violation accusations—total fines reached $38,305 with Smoke Shop ordered to pay $30,435 in penalties. KSBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Monterey Peninsula College has reopened its Little Lobos Academy preschool to offer updated early education programs amid federal cuts—staff said the new space includes a safer, nature-based play area, an onsite garden, and a 40% raise for most employees to support vulnerable families. KSBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA announced that Vistra signed an agreement on July 17 to safely remove damaged lithium-ion batteries from its Moss Landing plant after a fire left about 55% of the 100,000 batteries at risk. The company must follow strict safety steps—such as air monitoring and emergency plans—under EPA oversight as the cleanup continues over several months. Monterey Herald
- ➤ CAL Fire launched an AI chatbot to give residents near real-time wildfire updates and evacuation zone details through the agency’s website. Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said the tool quickly gathers data on fire acreage, damage, and containment — helping people prepare for local fire risks. KION
- ➤ The EPA reached an agreement with Vistra Corp. to remove and dispose of batteries damaged in the January fire at Moss Landing. The company will submit work plans and conduct air monitoring — with a private firefighting company onsite — to protect nearby residents and workers. KION
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Salinas Valley Health marks the 40th year of its Asthma Day Camp by giving children with asthma a safe space to learn how to manage their condition and take part in activities like soccer drills and hiking. The camp, managed for 15 years by Dell Ginete, runs until July 25th (funded by donations through Children's Miracle Network Hospital). KSBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alex Palou, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing and Honda, is set to defend his IndyCar title at the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway (Laguna Seca) as practice sessions begin Friday and the finale is scheduled for Sunday at noon. Monterey Herald
- ➤ In Salinas, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation and Monterey County Juvenile Detention Center will host the inaugural Hall Half on Friday at 8 a.m.—10 incarcerated young adults will run 124 laps to complete a 13.1-mile half marathon while receiving donated shoes, race bibs, and finisher medals as part of a months-long training program. Monterey Herald
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Flower Arranging Workshop
3-5 p.m. — Cesar Chavez Library — Free entry — Let your creativity bloom with stunning arrangements using organic flowers like dahlias.
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Alicia Villareal Live Concert
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Tickets available — Experience a captivating live performance by the renowned singer whose career spans decades.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
~ Benjamin Disraeli
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