Good morning, Salinas.

MPC will rename its Welcome Center in honor of Larry Walker to recognize his achievements, with the change scheduled to be announced soon at the facility.

Monterey County is hosting several free public events over the coming week including fire department open houses, a community flu clinic and candidate plus council forums.

Residents may also share input on a new Active Transportation Plan through an ongoing survey.

Castroville’s Giant Artichoke Restaurant closed Wednesday after 25 years, and the building remains for sale with its iconic sculpture that is built of cement + rebar and cannot be bought separately.

The co-owner noted the sculpture is inseparable from the property.

Salinas teen Naomi Raymundo won the girls’ pro-junior title at the PURE Insurance Championship on Sept.

23 at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Soka University of America acquired MIIS, rehired staff, and applications for fall start today.

Big Sur state parks have reopened for hiking, camping, and exploring after the Timber and Plaskett Fires.

Only Pfeiffer Big Sur remains closed as an incident command base while firefighters secure the area & the ranger station offers current updates.

The California Lottery reported one winning ticket worth $45,387 from Tuesday, Sept.

29 drawing with numbers 10, 15, 16, 27, 64 plus Mega Ball 23; the jackpot did not hit and will now grow to $321 million ahead of Friday, Oct. 2 drawing at 8 p.m. PT.

California signed wildfire laws that offer low-interest loans (for home hardening and defensible space) and expanded prescribed burns to help property owners and renters prepare for wildfire risks.

A consumer report explains what these measures mean for local residents.

Gov. Newsom signed a bill today that designates Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, allowing Muslim students to have excused absences and employees to use holiday credits or personal leave.

Local schools may close in observance through locally negotiated agreements (according to CAIR-CA).

Patrice Vecchione explained how living with the threat of wildfire causes serious emotional stress as close encounters with flames trigger trauma and strain the nervous system.

Her account shows the mental challenges residents face during wildfire season.