Good morning, Salinas.

Salinas approved its 17th Starbucks for Abbott Street while Dutch Bros Coffee applied for a permit to open its first local store at 115 East Boronda Road.

Diesel prices topped $8 a gallon on Sept.

16, 2026, affecting drivers and local businesses. Rising costs are already impacting grocery deliveries, package shipping, construction projects + farm operations in our community.

Rural residents in Salinas Valley can receive free water-efficiency assessments from the Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency through year end, with screenings offered Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The inspections cover faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems — water-saving devices may be installed at no cost based on available funding.

CAL FIRE reported that the Timber Fire grew to 25,435 acres (44% contained) and the Plaskett Fire reached 29,993 acres (97% contained) while evacuation orders remained in effect for some areas.

Highway 1 closures were lifted Monday, restoring access from the Monterey Peninsula to San Luis Obispo.

Central Coast officials are bracing for heavy rain and flooding as a strong El Niño is forecast to hit this winter — they will inspect water systems, set up sandbag stations, and urge residents to clear gutters and sign up for emergency alerts.

Salinas voters will decide on Measure H on Nov.

3 as conflicting studies on rent stabilization offer mixed views on tenant protection and housing supply effects. City Manager René Mendez noted that data remain inconclusive while advocates favor keeping controls & preventing displacement.

Rescue teams responded to 150 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning this summer, prompting coastal health checks + Monterey County’s government center in Salinas remains closed after an extensive sewer line malfunction delayed its reopening.

California has enacted new wildfire smoke-damage laws that require insurance to cover testing, presume smoke as cause, and offer mortgage relief even for unburned homes.

The law will protect homeowners across the state.

On Aug. 24, CSUMB launched a vending machine in the Otter Student Union that dispenses discounted emergency contraception pills at cost ($10); by Sept.

14, 33 doses had been dispensed and the health office may add another wellness machine if the pilot proves successful.

Californians should check homes, schools and workplaces for Intercon hand soaps recalled for potential bacterial contamination that could cause infections.

The FDA began the recall on June 29 and classified six products as Class II on Sept. 11 — consumers must verify UPC numbers and lot codes.

Realtor.com data shows that Monterey County's median home sale price reached $982,000 in June (up 13.9% from May and 25.9% from last year).

The report, released today at 3:30 a.m. PT, indicates a strengthening market.

Trinity Christian golfer Naomi Raymundo will represent First Tee Monterey County at the PURE Insurance Championships & compete against top golfers at Pebble Beach this weekend.