Good morning, Salinas.

The California Rodeo Association will host Country Christmas at the Salinas Sports Complex on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The free event will offer 1,500 toys for children ages 2 to 12, along with live holiday music, hot cocoa, candy canes, crafts, and a chance to meet Cowboy Santa.

Marina’s Grocery Outlet is missing 30 to 35 shopping carts costing between $200 and $250 and is asking locals to help return them so customers won’t wait.

Some shoppers have already recovered four carts and can email the store ([email protected]) if they see any others.

This December, the Central Coast offers holiday events including candlelit tours at Monterey’s historic adobes and a Beatles tribute show in San Luis Obispo on Dec.

21. Local wineries host live music series from Dec. 8 to 21 — community members should verify event details and reserve spots as needed.

Construction crews pumped concrete for a retaining wall in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve in Del Rey Oaks last Saturday & will repeat the special schedule this weekend as the permit extension for the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway project ends next week.

At about 6:30 a.m., an eight-inch pipe near Sargent Creek released 96 barrels (oil and processing water) of produced fluid near San Ardo Oil Field, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts.

Monterey Bay FC signed defender Kelsey Egwu, a 21-year-old Canadian with a 6-foot-5 frame, to a two-year contract for a youth-focused plan in the 2026 season — the team also features local talent like Watsonville native Adrian Rebollar.

The RSF/GPF Central Coast Flag Football Senior All-Star Game – featuring local coaches and players – will be played at Aptos High School at noon on Jan.

4.