Good morning, Salinas.

The Soledad Police Department held a POW/MIA flag raising ceremony at City Hall on September 19th to honor U.S. service members who were captured or remain missing in action—Chief Patrick Valenzuela said residents, veterans, and community partners gathered to remember their service on National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Monterey County’s North County Parks and Recreation Board announced the Artichoke Festival will return next year in Castroville with two events—one featuring about 50 vendors along the main drag near the recreation center and a second larger event set between October and November.

Organizers said the alcohol-free events will give local seniors, kids and businesses a chance to get involved.

Julio Gil—owner of Central Coast Sign and Design—celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by sponsoring local projects and hiring community talent, crediting his childhood love of drawing and hard work for his 24-year business success.

He supports community events like the Rodeo and Air Show with his contributions.

Watsonville native Eduardo Vargas, known as DannyV, has spent over six years honing his music skills and plans more live shows and tours to build his audience on Spotify, YouTube, and social media.

His new single '100,000 hours' and work with the underdawgs reflect his commitment to honoring hometown roots—proving success can start at home.

Alisal Community School in Salinas reopened after renovations that began in June 2020 and ended in the spring—its new building now has 12 classrooms, a play area, an administration building, and a parking area with a drop-off zone.

Silvia Rivera, a longtime organizer of Relay for Life, will ring the bell today at 4 p.m. in downtown Salinas as the event—aiming to raise $650,000 for cancer research—brings together over 80 teams with races, survivor celebrations, and a luminaria ceremony to honor those lost.

Lidia Paramo, a Monterey County resident, has battled valley fever since September after misdiagnoses delayed treatment and caused severe pain.

She struggles with daily tasks+ the Monterey County Health Department advises wearing a well-fitted face covering outdoors to reduce exposure.

Palma's high school football team defeated Monterey 41-7 today after Eli Dukes and David Garcia combined for five touchdown runs—strengthening their game performance.

Salinas Regional Sports Complex near Natividad Medical Center now has 15 soccer fields attracting about 11,500 visitors a week while its $18 million investment boosts local jobs and business.

The project will add seven new grass fields and a sand court — steps that will make it the largest soccer center between San Francisco and Los Angeles when $3 million in funding is secured.

GRIDLIFE Laguna Festival

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — Check website for pricing — Experience the thrilling finale of motorsports with races, drifting, music, and food at this vibrant festival.

Steinbeck Center’s Annual Street Fair

12:00 AM — 100 Block of Main St, Salinas, CA — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly day with live music, vintage cars, and fun activities at this community street fair.

California International Airshow Salinas 2025

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — California International Airshow, Salinas — $15.00 to $625.00 — Experience thrilling aerial performances and family-friendly exhibits at California's premier airshow event.