Good morning, Salinas.

An arm wrestling contest in East Salinas saw ten participants compete in friendly matches to unite local businesses.

Fabian Lopez, a colon cancer survivor, organized the event to foster community spirit.

The annual Holiday Parade of Lights lit up Salinas last evening as local groups marched down Main Street to showcase holiday spirit—crowds watched lighted floats, classic low riders, folk dancers and marching bands.

Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust will spend $40,000 on its Community Seafood Program to donate fresh fish from Sea Harvest to groups like Al & Friends, providing 25,000 meals this year — a move that supports local food relief.

Third-generation fisherman Walter Deyerle helps deliver the catch so food insecure residents get nutritious meals.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, a career expert in Monterey, explains that job seekers should use clear and honest examples in interviews to show they have the skills employers want — she advises reviewing job postings and practicing brief success stories to strengthen responses.

A study published in November confirmed that the battery fire at Vistra released heavy metals into Elkhorn Slough Reserve—researchers measured high levels of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in the soil.

Marine geologist Ivano Aiello and his team at Moss Landing Marine Labs will continue to track how these metals move through the ecosystem and affect local wildlife.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said he is starting an oversight process to measure the effectiveness of new laws as state lawmakers plan to return to the Capitol next year.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office warned residents to watch for scams this holiday season — urging caution.

Montage Health announced it will open an urgent care clinic at 1910 North Davis Road in Salinas by fall to help patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits—this new center will be their fourth in Monterey County and comes as more residents travel for care.

In October, Monterey County home listings showed a median price of $1,250,000 — a drop of 2.5% from last month and 4.2% below October last year.

Homes averaged 1,808 square feet at $710 per square foot, were listed for 67 days, and 184 new listings appeared.

The Hartnell athletics program mourned the loss of staff member Anthony Cotti—41, a defensive run game coordinator—who died on Nov.

30. The football team and head coach Art Berlanga paid tribute to his dedication and warm leadership.