Good morning, Salinas.

The groundbreaking for the East Garrison Library fulfills a 20-year-old promise — local officials say the new facility will spark community enthusiasm and boost library use when completed.

Relay for Life returns to downtown Salinas Saturday to celebrate cancer survivors, honor loved ones lost, and pay tribute to the late businessman Sam Linder — who brought the event to town nearly 30 years ago and helped establish its enduring car raffle tradition run by Salinas Honda.

Salinas is set to see new business openings as Windmill Restaurant will open at 1315 North Main Street in the coming weeks and Brewjee Coffee Company already opened downtown.

Residents offer mixed views on additional chains like Starbucks (some favor local family-owned shops) amid ongoing growth.

In 1987, thousands gathered at Laguna Seca for Pope John Paul II’s first Monterey County visit, where he met then-Carmel-by-the-Sea Mayor Clint Eastwood at Monterey Airport - leaving local leaders, such as Salinas Mayor Russ Jeffries, moved by his words.

With gas prices high, car shoppers in the area are reviewing the cost benefits of electric vs. hybrid vehicles; a recent study shows hybrids have lower operating and ownership costs plus fewer depreciation issues.

Local residents are urged to speak with dealers and insurance agents before purchasing a new car.

The Read to Me Project is set to move to a new location at the corner of Main Street and Alisal Street to reach more community members after 14 years in a low-traffic area (said executive director Jason Little).

Left Coast Composites is building a 58-foot hybrid-electric catamaran that Monterey Bay Eco Tours will use for whale watching tours departing from Moss Landing Harbor.

Construction started in January and trips will run all year.

California seniors may see a slight increase in Social Security checks next year as forecasts predict a COLA of between 3.5% and 3.6%, which could boost benefits by about $68 to $75; the official rate will be announced Wed, Oct.

14. The update aims to help seniors manage rising costs & inflation.

Results from the Cypress/Santa Lucia Division Cross Country Center Meet in the Pacific Coast Athletic League were released.

Local high school athletes competed and coaches are reviewing team performances for upcoming meets.

Hollister forfeited its scheduled football game with Alisal on Thursday due to undisclosed reasons — the decision disrupted the local high school sports matchup.