Good morning, Salinas.

Carmel Valley residents have pushed back on Peace of Mind Dog Rescue’s plan to use an old theater building at 8 El Caminito Road as a cage-free senior dog haven due to concerns over noise and traffic — county officials are reviewing permits and reports on noise, traffic, and water as the project awaits a public hearing.

Monterey County is hosting several events this week including a community meeting today at 6 p.m. at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, a job resource fair at Northridge Mall in Salinas on Oct.

18, a park planning workshop in Soledad and a city meeting in Marina on Oct. 21, an airport open house on Oct. 22, and a highway work briefing at Chualar School Gymnasium later that day — all free to attend.

The bidding period for renovations at Sherwood Rec Center closed, and officials expect the review of the latest low bid to finish by late October or early November.

Fremont Elementary School in Salinas celebrated its grand reopening on October 15th after major renovations funded by a $70 million bond approved by East Salinas voters in 2016.

The updated school now features new classrooms, a library, and a community center open to the public (a facility added for broader use) with the event attended by the mayor and district staff who helped shape the design.

A wild mix of weather swept the Central Coast on Monday, October 15, bringing heavy rain, flooding, lightning, hail, and two funnel clouds that did not reach the ground.

The storm caused streets to flood and forced Salinas Fire to pump water from businesses while leaving icy conditions for children to play—officials advised drivers to slow down and avoid flooded roads.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Family Preparedness Plan Act over the weekend—this law lets extended relatives, like great aunts and second cousins, care for children if ICE detains their parents.

Local school districts urged families to complete care plans while critics warned that unclear agreements might allow untrustworthy people to step in, and parents can revoke caregiver rights at any time.

Simon Salinas spent decades serving East Salinas as a council member and county supervisor - he became the first Mexican American to chair the board and focused on improving housing and healthcare for local families.

He retired in 2019 but remains active on local boards and teaches part-time.

Central California Alliance for Health launched TotalCare, a new HMO that gives coordinated care for people on Medicare and Medi-Cal with no plan premiums and benefits like vision checks and exercise programs.

Enrollment began Oct 15 and will run until Dec 7 for coverage starting Jan 1, 2026—helping members manage all their care with one phone number.

Boys preps of the week include Jorge Uribe of Gonzales football, who returned a pick six, rushed for a touchdown and completed a two-point conversion in the Spartans win over Rancho San Juan.

Girls preps shine with Katia Slama of King City flag football, who scored 14 touchdowns in three games (six in one game and four in another) as several athletes earned honorable mention.

Salinas Cowboys lead the new top 10 volleyball rankings with a 60-3 record and eight straight wins this fall—chasing a fourth Gabilan Division title in five years.

Scotts Valley, Pacific Grove, Carmel and other teams are competing closely for key league titles.

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.