Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey County’s civil grand jury removed juror names from online records after a 2025 request, radio station KRML moved to Golden State Theatre as it builds out new studios, and Sunflower Star Laboratory trialed lab-grown sea stars at Tankers Reef over the summer.

Monterey County will host free events this week, including a disaster prep workshop Saturday, Oct.

17 at Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel and a flu clinic Monday, Oct. 19 at Alisal High School in Salinas. A teen safety workshop is planned Thursday, Oct. 22 at Pinnacles High School in Soledad.

No Kings: Vote Early is hosting events across California on Saturday, Oct.

17, with a Salinas gathering scheduled from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. near Star Shopping Center to help eligible voters plan their early voting.

Compass Church has started building a duplex to offer affordable housing for its staff in response to high rents that challenge recruitment, and the project will be completed in about 16 months.

The Community Foundation of Monterey County announced Gina Dalma as its new CEO today.

She brings more than 20 years of strategic philanthropy experience from Silicon Valley.

Major retailers are featuring Hispanic Heritage Month collections until today, showcasing traditional Lotería games, espresso makers, and beauty products that honor Latino culture.

Shoppers in Salinas can find these special items in store and online (check local listings for details).

Recent data shows Monterey County ranks seventh statewide for student homelessness as four local school districts have some of the highest rates in California.

School officials note that improved identification has led to higher reported numbers and the districts are offering motel vouchers and rental assistance to families in need.

More than 6.9 million Californians on Social Security and 1.1 million on SSI will see an estimated 3.6% boost in benefits for 2027 after the Social Security Administration announced the cost-of-living adjustment yesterday, potentially raising average monthly checks by about ($75).

California officials are hosting the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill today at 10:15 a.m. to remind residents to drop, cover, and hold on for safety; they also encourage families to prepare emergency kits (with essentials like cash and first aid supplies) to help stay safe if a big quake hits.

Flu season began early in Monterey County with test positivity rates reaching 9 percent, and health officials urge anyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated soon, noting free clinics and drive-up options at Central Coast VNA (located at 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive) through Oct.

30.