Good morning, Salinas.

The 19th annual México-Tenochtitlan Celebration Ceremony is underway today at Central Park, featuring traditional art, dance and music that honor Mexican heritage as organized by Calpulli Yaocuauhtli.

The event began Friday and continues through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with vendors and cultural presentations).

A humpback whale nicknamed 'The Duchess of Anchovy' was freed from Dungeness crab gear in Monterey Bay after trailing ropes and buoys for weeks.

Researchers tracked the whale since late May and removed the gear early on July 11 so it could feed safely near Moss Landing.

Scientists warn a heatwave + an expected El Niño are warming Pacific waters, pushing baitfish and their predators away from our coast as harmful algal blooms may affect local marine life from fall to spring.

EPA officials at the North County Farmers Market gave an update on the Moss Landing battery cleanup, noting nearly 5,000 batteries remain in areas that need special equipment.

They said phase two cleanup—removing damaged batteries and demolishing the burned building—will start this fall.

Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said county officials still are uncertain about who will cover costs & operate plans to address seawater intrusion affecting areas in north county near the Salinas River.

The deadline nears as officials work on resolving the issue.

Many California residents with PG&E, SD&E & SCE will see automatic climate credits on their electric bills in August and September to help lower summer energy costs; customers with smaller utilities and small businesses will receive credits on different schedules, following a change to boost impact during high usage months.

Taylor Farms halted iceberg lettuce sourcing and production from central Mexico on Thursday as a Cyclospora outbreak investigation continues — a recall is in effect for some Marketside products sold at Walmart locations.

The company works with health authorities to review food safety processes.

Covered California's 2027 rates will rise an average of 9.9% though many enrollees will pay the same premium thanks to state subsidies (for incomes up to 200% FPL) and by shopping for better plans.

Final rates take effect Jan. 1.