Good morning, Salinas.

Closter Park has reopened following a nearly $10 million renovation that added new sports courts, a playground, restrooms, and event space.

The seven-acre park in east Salinas was improved through extensive public engagement and local, state, and federal support — its grand opening took place on Aug. 29.

The Monterey County Fair returns to the fairgrounds this week with a cowboy boots and coastal roots theme (highlighting the area's western history) and runs Thursday to Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. and Monday from noon to 10 p.m.

Restoration is underway on Gabilan Creek as Erin Lawrence and her team take water samples to check nitrate levels from agricultural and urban runoff—pollution that affects Monterey Bay and native riparian species.

CAL FIRE reported Tuesday that the Plaskett Fire burned 28,724 acres and was 1% contained after starting on Aug.

26 near Fort Hunter Liggett. Highway 1 remains closed along Big Sur while evacuation orders are in effect and two shelters are open for residents (call 831-647-7760 for assistance).

Seaside officials applied for a grant to fund a one-time cleanup of illegal waste dumped on the abandoned barracks and to install fencing that will prevent trespassing and future dumping (approval pending).

On Sept. 1, the Marine Mammal Center rescued 30 sea lions in Monterey and southern Santa Cruz Counties after toxic algae sickened the animals.

The hotline received up to 600 calls daily, and experts are studying the outbreak's shift to a year-round pattern.

Monterey-Salinas Transit is launching a six-month pilot program to provide Uber vouchers for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in south Monterey County.

Riders pay $3 per trip — with each voucher covering up to $14 and up to 10 vouchers monthly — to improve rides in underserved areas.

Drivers from AJ Foyt Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing spent eight hours testing car setups in late July at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca ahead of this weekend's IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey (they said real track feel shows how the car really works).