Good morning, Salinas.

PEN America released its list of the most banned books for the 2024/25 school year on Oct.

1—reporting that titles including A Clockwork Orange and works by Sarah J. Maas have been frequently restricted in schools. Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1078 to ban book bans—this law protects inclusive materials as almost 23,000 books have been removed nationwide since 2021.

California State University Monterey Bay was ranked 24th among California public schools and 172nd nationally in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings released this week while University of California Santa Cruz was ranked 25th among California public universities and 47th nationally. The report noted that low net prices and strong salary boosts make the schools attractive for students.

The Panetta Institute for Public Policy will honor three national media figures—Christiane Amanpour, Dan Balz, and Nora O’Donnell—at a black-tie gala dinner on Nov.

15 in Pebble Beach. The event will support the institute's mission to promote public service and a free press, as expressed by chairman Leon E. Panetta.

King City's head coach Mac Villanueva broke his school's win record with his 68th victory Friday, and his team is preparing to open the Mission Division season at Soledad on Friday.

Meanwhile, Alisal's Jayden Duarte set a county record with seven touchdowns in a win over Aptos and Marina improved to 4-0 after a close win over Rancho San Juan at its new multi-complex stadium.

The top girls’ cross country teams have been ranked with Scotts Valley first, followed by Alisal, North County, Hollister, Marina, Watsonville, Aptos, Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove, and Monte Vista—teams on the bubble include Soquel, Salinas, Alvarez, King City, and Stevenson.

Palma won 57-21 over Carmel in a high scoring game as Eli Dukes rushed for 205 yards in the first half.

Alvarez led his team to a 28-6 win at St. Francis and surpassed last year's win total.

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.