Good morning, Salinas.

Local organizations and businesses along the Central Coast are stepping in to help SNAP recipients as benefits drop to 65% in November—offering free food, discount meals and extra grocery items for students and families.

Providers include food banks and community kitchens in Salinas and nearby counties.

Joby Aviation, a company from Santa Cruz, announced it has begun FAA-approved power-on testing for its new electric air taxi designed for four passengers—this test is a key step before planned flight tests with FAA pilots.

Salinas is reviving its First Fridays event today along South Main Street with local artists, musicians and artisans performing from 5 to 8 p.m. Businesses will stay open late while an opening ceremony runs from 5 to 6 p.m. (in front of the Steinbeck Center) to mark the event’s return.

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District renewed its partnership with Monterey Peninsula College to give middle and high school students direct access to college courses and career pathways for the 2025-2026 school year—Central Coast High will start a dual enrollment course and Los Arboles Middle School will pilot a counseling program.

Hartnell College will host Veterans Appreciation Week from Nov.

10 to Nov. 14 at its main campus in Salinas to honor military veterans through flag raising, the Soldier’s Cross tribute, and several mixers and luncheons. The week-long event is open to veteran students, staff, and community members for free public participation.

Monterey County officials announced that federal authorization will allow partial CalFresh benefits to be issued next week during the week of Nov 10 amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Officials said more than 50,000 residents depend on the program and urged eligible residents to submit required paperwork and apply to prevent delays when full benefits resume, and they have allocated $150,000 in one-time funding to support local food banks.

The Legislature passed a law that will require employers to give every worker a written notice with rights information and update personnel records to include details like education and training starting Feb.

1, 2026—failures may lead to fines of up to $500 per day.

The FAA has ordered air traffic cuts starting today due to a government shutdown, and a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Monterey was cancelled.

Monterey Regional Airport is already feeling disruptions, and more cancellations may follow—travelers are urged to check their airline mobile apps for updates.

Life In The Fast Lane - A Tribute To The Eagles

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic rock hits of the Eagles performed by a talented tribute band.