Good morning, Salinas.

7 Brew Coffee has begun demolition on the former KFC site on South Main Street in Salinas + the chain plans a drive-thru as one of its first California locations, though no opening date has been set.

Amazon's warehouse in South Salinas is now scheduled to finish by early 2027, delayed from its holiday 2026 target, and the five-story facility over 3 million sqft is expected to add 1,200 jobs + boost local business.

Local researchers at UCSC can predict harmful algal blooms (which may reduce risks to marine life) and local officials (from city and county governments) are reviewing safety plans as they prepare for El Niño later this week.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta met with local healthcare leaders on the Central Coast to discuss Medicare payment issues and doctor shortages affecting seniors; leaders warned that a Medicare cut expected in January may force more doctors to stop accepting the program.

Bruce Taylor said his office remained deeply concerned for families affected by a summer cyclospora outbreak and acknowledged the worry and frustration it caused.

The official statement stressed ongoing efforts to address the public health impact.

Rancho San Juan scored a school record 35 second half points to beat Santa Cruz in a high school football game.

The win energized local fans and boosted the team's reputation in Monterey County.

Salinas quarterback Michael Andrade threw four touchdowns in the first half Friday as the Cowboys beat Monterey 43-14.

The junior—still recovering from a lower-body injury—led his team to its second straight win and will face Alisal next Friday.

Carmel high school football defeated Alisal by a score of 51 to 36 as Luke Stiver and Max Goldsmith each scored three touchdowns during the contest.