Good morning, Salinas.

CSUMB ranked second among regional universities in the West for social mobility—measuring how well it enrolls and graduates low-income students—in the U.S. News & World Report 2026.

About 30 community members gathered at the Monterey County Government Building in Salinas on Tuesday to demand restrictions on organophosphate pesticides after a study found that many pregnant residents lived close to sites where chemicals were applied—especially on crops such as lettuce and strawberries. The demonstrators criticized Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo for not taking stronger steps to protect public health and called for more robust buffer zones and the phaseout of additional pesticides.

Monterey reopened San Carlos Beach yesterday after it had been closed on August 21 because of a large group of sea lions.

City officials say—visitors must stay 50 yards away since some sea lions may still be on the beach.

After decades of planning, the MST SURF!

Busway project broke ground in Marina, adding a new bus lane near Palm and Del Monte and building a station at Fifth Street that will be the largest in Monterey County. The project uses zero-emission vehicles, offers low fares at $2 for two hours and $1 for youth, and is set to finish by 2028 — authorities said.

Lawmakers passed a bill that would make Diwali an official state holiday if Governor Newsom signs it, allowing state workers to have paid time off and schools to close with agreements.

Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates light over darkness, with the main day set for Oct 20.

Following a meeting on Oct.1, the airshow committee said the Blue Angels will perform this weekend if the shutdown ends by midnight, but if it continues, U.S. military flights will be canceled.

The 44th California International Airshow will still run this weekend—featuring top civilian acts, ground exhibits, and a tribute to local hero Everett Alvarez.

The Nancy Ausonio Breast Health Center in Salinas diagnosed 174 women with breast cancer last year and now urges women to start mammogram screenings by age 40 + the center noted that 28% of its cases are in women under 50 compared to 25% nationally.

Dr. Amy Lantis Stemerman will hold a walk and talk on Oct. 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Badger Hills Trailhead to promote early detection.

A 75-unit affordable housing project on East Market Street in Salinas is finally moving forward after seven years of delays following state legislation that streamlined city approvals—nonprofit New Way Homes plans further cleanup including fixing a hidden gas tank leak with a $2 million state grant. The project will feature a six-story building with apartments and commercial space and aims to break ground in spring 2027.

The latest girls flag football rankings list St. Francis at number one and Salinas at number two, with Scotts Valley at third and Alisal, Palma, King City, Watsonville, Carmel, Monterey, and North County rounding out the top 10 (teams were evaluated based on season performance).

Pacific Collegiate, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Pajaro Valley, and Soledad remain on the bubble for the top 10 (names are under review).

UC Davis junior Brooke Hibino — a Salinas graduate — recorded a career-high 15 kills in a four-set win over Hawaii as she returned from an injury and now ranks second on the team with 68 kills.

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.

Luis Angel The Skinny in Salinas

8 p.m. — Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electric atmosphere as Luis Angel The Skinny takes the stage for an unforgettable night of regional music.