Good morning, Salinas.

At a luncheon today at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance raised a record $4 million in charity donations that benefit children's health and education—bringing its total to over $45 million since 1950.

Chairman Sandra Button said the event will need to set a new record of $5 million at the 75th Concours on Aug. 16 to reach a $50 million goal.

Monterey County offers free events this week with the School Board meeting today in Castroville, a new Goodwill store with family activities opening tomorrow in Salinas, and a support event for suicide loss survivors scheduled for Saturday.

Other events include a planning meeting on November 25, holiday volunteer roles, electric vehicle charging input, and free water efficiency assessments for residents through January—each inviting local participation—.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance raised $4 million for local charities including the Boys and Girls Club, Montage Health Foundation, MY Museum, Natividad Foundation, Rancho Cielo, Salinas Valley Health Foundation, Seneca, and the United Way, with representatives receiving their checks at Pebble Beach. The event has raised $45 million in total and organizers hope to exceed $50 million during its 75th edition next year.

The Meatery in Seaside was named the best specialty butcher shop in California after ranking first in a statewide poll by MarketBeat — it offers sustainably sourced meats with over 30 flavors of house-made sausages and a full-service deli that sets it apart from competitors in Santa Rosa and Los Angeles.

A report released Nov 19 shows Monterey County agriculture contributed over $11 billion to the local economy in 2023—supporting more than 81,000 jobs and generating about $32.1 million daily.

The study, presented during a briefing by Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez, underlines that agriculture is the county’s largest economic sector.

Girls Inc. has helped young women for 161 years by giving them a safe place to learn and grow.

Its Central Coast chapter runs programs at 41 schools to teach skills such as science, money management, and public speaking—Patty Fernandez said it helps girls be strong, smart and bold.

Monterey Peninsula College and MPUSD are expanding their dual enrollment program to allow high and middle school students to earn college credits while still in school—Seaside High has long offered these courses and now Los Arboles Middle School is piloting counseling classes to build early college skills. The program offers nearly 30 pathways, enabling students to work toward career credentials or an associate degree.

Salinas City Council voted on November 18 to transfer two downtown city-owned lots to Taylor Fresh Foods for a project that will add a hotel, commercial space, and 66 housing units near City Hall.

Next steps include property appraisals and environmental assessments with final council approval scheduled for December 2—if approved, Taylor will pay in cash.

Residents in Bolsa Knolls report repeated flooding each rainy season as Little Bear Creek—changing to Santa Rita Creek—remains poorly maintained despite county promises and a current drainage study, leaving homeowners like Lisa Wise and Francisco Maciel frustrated.

They say the lack of effective creek cleaning forces them to rely on sandbags and pumps every winter.

An investigation by the California Office of Health Care Affordability found that Monterey County’s three main hospitals charge high prices because there is little competition.

The report released on Nov. 13 and discussed on Nov. 19 said that high labor and operating costs do not explain the high rates & that insurance network rules give the hospitals strong negotiating power.

In the Central Coast Section playoff weekend, Palma extended its season with an 11th-straight win—recording a shutout defense and 263 total yards by Eli Dukes to set up a semifinal matchup on November 21 at 7 p.m., while the Salinas Cowboys lost 42-9 and North Salinas and Alisal ended their playoff runs. The strong performance in postseason play leaves local teams planning for a refreshed campaign next season.

Ashley Gettleman posted a 3-under 68 — her best finish tied with a school record behind Mina Harigae — and helped Stevenson finish third at the CIF State golf championships, marking a strong team performance.

The result underscores the team's competitive play at the state level.

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.