Good morning, Salinas.

CAL FIRE said a structure fire burned outside Gonzales on Thursday when a mobile home off River Road was fully engulfed — the fire was stopped from spreading to nearby vegetation shortly after.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a murder in Carmel and an attempted suicide in the High Meadows community that occurred after 4 a.m. on Thursday — one person is dead and the suspect is being treated for self-inflicted, life-threatening injuries.

A 17-year-old arrested in Castroville for a deadly shooting during an attempted robbery pleaded not guilty yesterday, and deputies are searching for another 17-year-old suspect—Isiah Rodriguez, who is considered armed and dangerous.

A Salinas man (54) named Gregory Smith was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for selling 29.8 grams of meth and a ghost gun during a week in February 2021 after he pleaded guilty in April 2024 amid charges that included an estimated 54 prior parole violations and he will serve three years of parole once released.

Tens of thousands of Safeway and Albertsons workers across California might go on strike if a deal is not reached by midnight Friday (the strike will start at 12:01 a.m. Saturday), which could affect store operations.

Unions are asking for higher wages, improved healthcare, pension benefits and better scheduling protections as negotiations continue.

Caltrans will close Highway 1 near Rocky Creek this Sunday from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday for crews to use a crane+ deliver materials to repair the seawall below the new viaduct-supported section.

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.

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.