Good morning, Salinas.

Hundreds of volunteers from local businesses and groups packed thousands of produce boxes with locally grown fruits and vegetables at the Rancho Cielo youth campus this week (helping families served by local food banks and supporting free education and vocational training programs).

All 12 schools in the Alisal Union School District now offer community services like health care, mental health counseling and after-school programs to help break barriers such as poverty and housing instability—Frank Paul Elementary has already opened a community room built from its parking lot, and Cesar Chavez Elementary will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. today under a five-year, $17 million state grant from 2024.

Cal State Monterey Bay welcomed 3,100 students during Wednesday and Thursday move-ins, with volunteers in blue shirts helping families settle in.

The university will add upgrades—new dining options and a student dashboard—to support the fall semester.

PG&E is tracking a dangerous Category 2 heat event on the Central Coast and advises Salinas residents to open windows, set A/C to 78 degrees and keep flashlights and water ready—SPCA warns that pets can overheat in cars or in the sun and urges owners to bring them indoors or provide fresh water and shade.

Salinas High graduate Jeff Weimer won a ruling from the West Virginia District Court that cleared him to play football this fall for West Virginia—he is set for his final collegiate season after the NCAA questioned his eligibility.

Salinas resident Clara Adams, a junior at Watsonville High and national track star, was honored by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors when they declared August 19 Clara Adams Day.

She set county records in the 200 and 400 sprints with one time among the fastest in the world — and her family plans legal action after a state title was stripped for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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.

La Arrolladora Banda El Limon Live

2-3:30 p.m. — Salinas Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant performance of La Arrolladora Banda El Limon in concert.