Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey County has released its latest count of those experiencing homelessness, Gilroy residents are pushing back on a planned data center, and organizers are relaunching the River Stewards program to support local waterways.

Porsche Monterey announced that Sally from Cars will appear at Monterey Car Week in two weeks and details about her participation remain undisclosed.

Salinas has become an open air art gallery as eight new sculptures inspired by Mexican folk art and magical realism have been installed around town; three were unveiled today at Northridge Mall with attendance from the mayor, Mexican Consulate, and the artists.

The works will remain until Sept. 4.

California state officials announced Friday that the statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.40 per hour starting Jan.

1, 2027; fast-food and healthcare workers will receive even higher wages. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the change follows an inflation-adjusted law that automatically updates wages every year.

California families can now sign up for SprayDays, a tool from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, to receive notifications when pesticides are scheduled near schools and other sites.

The system sends messages 48 hours before fumigant applications and 24 hours before other uses (via text or email).

The U.S. House approved the Sunshine Protection Act on July 31, which would let California stay on daylight saving time year-round and eliminate biannual clock changes.

The proposal now faces Senate hurdles and could shift sunrise and sunset times, affecting commutes + sleep patterns statewide.

Papillon Center for Loss & Transition is hosting a free online Spanish grief support group today from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. for Monterey County residents to share their feelings during National Grief Awareness Month.

Several food products recalled in July may have reached local stores.

The recalls cover children’s food pouches, rice balls, and a dietary supplement, and they include specific lot numbers and best‐by dates (check labels for details).

Montage Health is expanding its cancer center in Monterey to bring local advanced care as cancer cases continue to rise.

The center adds a second linear accelerator for radiation therapy and remodeled infusion and screening facilities that will be in use in the coming months.

Uniquely United Soccer is launching an adaptive soccer program for children with autism, ADHD and other developmental or intellectual disabilities on Sept.

7. The program follows a successful pilot and will give neurodivergent kids a chance to play soccer.

A half marathon was held Friday morning at Monterey County Juvenile Hall as part of a 12 week training program by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation.

Jimmy and other runners completed 124 laps and received free HOKA shoes — a win that shows new opportunities for the youth.