Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey County became the first in California to earn Blue Zones Community status when King City, Gonzales, Monterey, Marina and Seaside received the designation on Tuesday while Salinas earned it in 2024.

The project led by Montage Health and Salinas Valley Health Care System improved residents' well-being and health habits—helping secure $133.3 million in grant funding and over $392 million in savings in healthcare costs.

Several National Night Out events were held along the Central Coast on August 5 to build trust between police and residents.

Salinas hosted its event at the Salinas Sports Complex from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—other departments in Santa Cruz, Marina, King City, Hollister and Watsonville held events with games, contests and free food.

Eric Beam, a state corrections officer, filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation claiming he was sexually assaulted and violently hazed at state prisons including Salinas Valley State Prison on the Central Coast—he alleges supervisors witnessed incidents such as burns from pepper spray, a crushed foot, and being tied to a wheelchair as part of a code of silence.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said wild pigs in Monterey County developed blue tissue after ingesting blue-dyed rodenticide bait.

Officials warned hunters not to eat wild game with blue tissue+ and called on pesticide applicators to use safer methods+ to prevent further wildlife exposure.

CAL FIRE launched an interactive tool that shows high wildfire risk areas across the Central Coast—residents are urged to check the map and update evacuation plans and emergency kits.

Officials said the tool is part of a larger push to help families prepare for dangerous fire conditions as temperatures rise.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington reported on Monday that Vibrio pectenicida is killing billions of starfish along the West Coast, which has led to a decline in kelp forests.

The research published in Nature Ecology and Evolution suggests future steps such as breeding resistant sea stars and restoring habitats—actions that may help coastal life recover—.

Covered California announced that thousands of DACA recipients in Salinas will lose Affordable Care Act coverage by the end of August—those on Medi-Cal will keep coverage while an estimated 2,300 others may face full premiums.

The agency said impacted individuals have 30 days to find alternatives as Hartnell College and community partners offer additional support.

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.

Monterey County Fair

5 PM – 11 PM — Monterey County Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Celebrate the local culture with rides, food, and entertainment at this family-friendly fair.