Good morning, Salinas.

Salvation Army officers Ashley and J Koebel have returned to serve Seaside for their second holiday season after a decade at headquarters and plan to extend their service to 10 years to expand programs — including a food pantry upgrade — while Operation Christmas Cheer continues to fund local services.

SPCA Monterey County has given over 150,000 pounds of pet food to about 800 pets each week this year but has low supplies amid rising demand — the organization depends on donors to help families keep pets safe during the holiday season.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to share updates on Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF!

Busway and Bus Rapid Transit Project — and California State Parks’ Fort Ord Dunes State Park Campground Project, which affect access to the California Coastal Trail.

An oil spill released 130 barrels from an eight-inch pipe near San Ardo on Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. off Sargent Canyon Road; cleanup crews are working to contain the spill while no injuries or evacuations have been reported.

Grocery Outlet in Seaside is holding its annual BoHoHo sale today from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1523 Fremont Blvd, offering buy one get one half off on selected dry groceries and general merchandise that exclude dairy, gourmet cheeses, alcohol, and frozen or fresh meats and fish.

Families are welcoming the holiday season with local events — The Streets of Bethlehem in Salinas features a living nativity at First Baptist Church while Krampus Night offers a unique, dark twist at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Pacific Grove hosts an annual light parade.

Monterey County increased its renewable energy investment to create long-term savings & help residents benefit for decades.

Local students toured the construction site on Friday, Dec. 5 & gained firsthand insight into the project.

Monterey Bay officials are asking residents to propose locations for new EV charging stations or comment on existing proposals via an interactive map through Dec.

31. The plan will bolster climate-resilient charging infrastructure to support the growing EV demand across nearby counties.

A proposed 16-bed mental health rehabilitation center is drawing community opposition due to concerns over a 14-foot fence next to homes by the county jail; a meeting is set for 10 a.m. tomorrow at the County Health Department on Natividad (with another review scheduled for January 6).

Monterey County officials say Stage 2 of the Laureles Grade roundabout construction in Carmel Valley is causing driver delays and confusion due to stoplights.

They have texted nearby residents and warn that wet winter weather may further delay the project.

Hartnell College’s men’s soccer team advanced to the 3C2A State Final 4 title match after beating Los Angeles City 2-0 at Saddleback College on Friday, and they will face Cerritos Sunday at 2 p.m. for the state title.

Salinas tops the local girls’ soccer ranking, ahead of teams like Soquel and Hollister.

The list also features Rancho San Juan, Alisal, Soledad, Aptos, Pajaro Valley, North County and Alvarez, with Monterey, Stevenson, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville on the bubble.

Hartnell College’s cross country team, led by Coach Christopher Zepeda (Coast Conference Coach of the Year), will send four runners to compete at the USA Track and Field Championships today through Sunday, Dec.

7, running in the Under 20 Men’s 8K and Under 20 Women’s 6K events.