Good morning, Salinas.

A Salinas teen launched the nonprofit Heartfelt Healing to deliver mental health care packages to patients and families in long-term care—drawing on her experience caring for her father during his cancer battle.

The nonprofit, sponsored by Hack Club, uses teen volunteers who share their own loss experiences to support others.

On August 23rd, 2025, officers stopped a car on Penzance Road near San Juan Grade Road and arrested 40-year-old Samuel David Salgado from Salinas—a convicted felon on active probation—for carrying over 240 grams of methamphetamine, other drugs, and a loaded, concealed firearm.

Forty-year-old Mario Thomas Garcia was sentenced to 55 years to life plus 32 months in prison for the second-degree murder on April 5 of 46-year-old Gabriel Gutierrez outside Jaime’s Lounge—caught on surveillance footage—after he fled and was later arrested in Mexico.

Monterey County celebrates its role in California statehood with a photo exhibit at the County Government Center Lobby running today through September — a special presentation will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Board of Supervisors Meeting by the Colton Hall Museum and Monterey County Historical Society to honor the legacy of local heritage.

Agricultural workers in Salinas and Watsonville have been on strike for several days because they say farming companies ignore their demands for fair wages and safe working conditions.

Some workers have already returned to work out of fear of retaliation while local agencies investigate the complaints (including the issue with only individual complaint options).

On Monday morning, crews cleared a homeless encampment along the Pajaro levee to prevent future flooding—Mark Strudley of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency said the cleanup will take a few weeks, remove debris and control vegetation, while volunteers work to connect people with housing resources.

The Marine Mammal Center is opening a new 4,000 square foot triage facility in Castroville to quickly care for sick and injured sea lions, seals, and whales.

It will stabilize animals before moving them to the main hospital in Sausalito — a move aimed at improving care amid a Leptospirosis outbreak and rising marine mammal strandings.

A wet spring and cool summer kept wildfires low, but now the Central Coast moves into its hottest, driest months and CAL FIRE and KSBW are alerting Salinas residents to rising risks—residents are urged to monitor fire weather watches and prepare for potential evacuations if red flag warnings are issued.

Sophia Gasser celebrated her 107th birthday at Carmel Valley Manor—she once helped raise six siblings and said she feels as young as 79—and she enjoys dancing and modern tools like cellphones.

Gabriel Clemente finished fourth overall at the Tour de Cuesta Invitational—his performance helped Hartnell men’s cross country secure the team title with 33 points, and honorable mentions include Anna Eldridge, Gabriela Cardenas, Andres Avila, Kayla Smith, Alexa Flores, Dora Roberts, and Sina Roberts.

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.