Good morning, Salinas.

Salinas native Lorraine Valdez volunteers with the Salvation Army and Operation Christmas Cheer to support seniors and children by helping with events like toy fishing games.

She welcomes folks in need, reminding everyone that the organization offers services like food pantry support and gas vouchers (a boost for low-income residents).

California gas prices fell to $4.27 per gallon on Monday from last week's $4.36 (a 23-cent drop since last month) and remain about 45.3% above the national average (per the U.S. Energy Information Administration).

Monarch butterflies remain low on the Central Coast as Pacific Grove volunteers counted only 226 so far after a Thanksgiving peak of 8,000 — the Xerces Society will publish a statewide 2025 count in January.

Conservation experts urge reducing pesticides and planting native milkweed to aid recovery.

Local estate planning expert Liza Horvath explains that all assets form an estate, meaning even modest finances may need both a will and a trust to handle asset distribution and incapacity.

She advises that these planning tools help manage your affairs—offering valuable guidance for locals.

Residents in Moss Landing donated hair samples in early October to support research after a battery fire at the Vistra battery storage plant raised health concerns.

UC Santa Cruz and San Jose State researchers will analyze the samples to better track heavy metal exposure.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay: Lysander Piano Trio

8 p.m. — Harden Ranch Plaza — Contact for ticket info — Experience exquisite musical performances by the renowned Lysander Piano Trio.