Good morning, Salinas.

As winter nears and night temperatures drop in Salinas, local volunteers gathered Tuesday outside Dorothy’s Place to hand out blankets to help homeless people avoid pneumonia and frostbite.

County officials say if temperatures fall to 45 degrees with rain, they will offer free hotel vouchers — supports that include hot showers and laundry services at a Seaside center.

Local leaders in Monterey County told the Salinas Californian they are thankful for family, community support, and the strength of public service during Thanksgiving—emphasizing that local resilience and partnerships have helped overcome a challenging year.

They noted that gratitude for everyday support is key to building a stronger Central Coast.

On November 24, Cal Water's Operation Gobble distributed 425 meal kits to over 20 local charities at the Food Bank for Monterey County in Salinas—helping families prepare for a better Thanksgiving.

The utility also provided a $10,000 donation to assist community organizations during the holiday season, with local officials selecting recipients to meet key needs.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office and State Parks resumed Tuesday's search for Defense Language Institute student Amanpreet Thind who was swept out to sea at Soberanes Point — dive teams and aircraft are involved and crews will add manpower tomorrow as improved weather conditions are expected.

California regulators proposed cutting the return on equity for PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric—major utilities whose shareholder returns will drop to just under 10% next year.

The proposal, set for a December vote, is expected to have little effect on customer bills while raising concerns about future investments.

On Nov. 18, Salinas City Council voted 6-1 to approve an agreement with Taylor Fresh Foods to develop two city-owned lots near City Hall.

Taylor will build one project with mixed-use housing and retail on Lot 12 in one to five years and a hotel with retail on Lot 8 in three to eight years—both subject to affordable housing rules and price negotiations.

A proposed 96-bed mental health facility on Constitution Boulevard in Salinas has drawn local opposition over its $173 million cost and its close proximity to homes, schools — and a soccer complex.

County officials will use upcoming listening sessions on Dec 6 to gather community feedback and refine plans that aim to serve both local residents and clients from outside the county.

The Monterey Herald released its preseason Top 10 girls wrestling rankings, with Monterey at number one—Alisal and Hollister following and Salinas ranking fourth.

Teams on the bubble include San Lorenzo Valley, North Salinas, King City, Rancho San Juan, and Greenfield.

MPC swept Coalinga in the Northern California regional bracket—this win puts the team one win away from advancing to the state volleyball tournament.