Good morning, Salinas.

Monterey County offers several community events this week, including a road planning drop-in at Castroville Library and a Mexican Consulate meeting in Salinas today, a mental health session on Saturday, Tuesday meetings on city council, school and public safety, and a U.S. Army survey open until Dec. 31.

Salinas' District Attorney’s Office now uses two trained service dogs (Armani and Norma Jeane) to comfort victims during testimony and reduce stress while they wait in the office.

The program, following training by Canine Companions, began in the mid-2020s to offer extra support at court.

On Dec. 2, local Bank of America employees volunteered at the Food Bank for Monterey County, sorting food boxes and donating $75,000 to support local families in need.

CSUMB broke ground today on transforming Gavilan Hall into sophomore housing for 200 students; the project features upgraded plumbing, heating, and a 2,600 sqft common area — a kitchen and study room — with move-in set for fall semester 2026.

Moss Landing Marine Labs researchers presented findings on heavy metals from a lithium-ion battery fire at the nearby BESS facility — forcing 1,200 people to evacuate.

They sampled soil in Hester Marsh three days after the fire and found levels of manganese, nickel and cobalt dropped with rain and tides.

A photo feature displays 15 snapshots of monarch butterflies overwintering in sanctuaries in Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz (captured on Jan.

26, 2023), highlighting ongoing efforts to protect the endangered migration pattern along the California coast.

California approved a ban on cat declawing under Assembly Bill 867 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The law, effective January 2026, permits the procedure only when it is medically needed (to protect a cat’s health).

Cal Fire San Benito-Monterey’s drone program now features 19 aircraft for wildfire management and search and rescue operations (since its 2021 launch) and supports service for local fire districts.

The Salinas City Council unanimously passed a rental assistance pilot program to help residents facing eviction.

The program offers one-time help covering up to three months rent (max $9,000) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seven people were hospitalized over the weekend after eating wild white cap mushrooms, and Salinas Valley Health said treatment is limited since toxins persist even with washing or cooking (some patients may need a liver transplant) while Monterey County Public Health advises consuming only commercially grown mushrooms.