Good morning, Salinas.

The Share Your Holiday event held over the weekend raised $240,612, 3,700 toys, food, blankets and turkeys to brighten the holidays for families, with six sponsors including top local brands (such as McDonald’s and Graniterock) helping set a new record.

On Dec. 15, volunteers at King City Cemetery placed 528 wreaths to honor veterans during National Wreaths Across America Day.

The event recognized all eight military branches and featured local youth from Greenfield High School's JROTC, underscoring a lasting tribute to service.

Registered nurses at CHOMP held a Monday rally demanding a fair union vote after filing with the National Labor Relations Board on Dec.

5 over unsafe care and short staffing. Supporters from Salinas and nearby urged CHOMP and Montage Health to allow the vote + improve patient safety.

A Seaside Hyundai dealership closed Monday, Dec.

15, leaving workers without transfers or compensation days before Christmas—employees are now seeking job leads from nearby dealerships.

A Salinas grocery store sold a winning Powerball ticket worth $708,443 in Monday night's drawing at Star Market (1275 S.

Main St). Winners have 180 days to claim the prize and the store earns a bonus for the sale.

Career expert Mary Jeanne Vincent advises local workers on how to strengthen job security amid modest economic growth and concerns for a softer 2026 job market.

She recommends regular check-ins with supervisors, increased visibility and mentorship from her coaching practice in Monterey.

Scientists with MBARI spotted a giant seven-arm octopus during a deepwater study in Monterey Bay on Nov.

6. The rare creature, which reaches 13.1 feet in length, was filmed eating a helmet jelly at about 2,300 feet, offering key insights about its elusive behavior.

Seaside launched a rental assistance program offering six months of rent support or security deposits to households earning less than 30% of the area median income; the city has received over 80 applications and is distributing $630,000 on a first-come + basis until funds run out.

Nurses at the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula are demanding a fair union election today, and Covered California officials report early data shows a decline in new signups compared to last year.

Monterey County Health Department added four new Narcan vending machines on Dec.

8, doubling free 24/7 access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Machines can now be found at Monterey Peninsula College, the Soledad Fire Department, North County Recreation and Park District in Castroville, and Monterey County Jail #2 in Salinas.

A Zumper report from Dec.

15 shows apartment rents in Salinas have stayed nearly unchanged since last November, with median rates near $2,400 and one-bedroom listings slightly lower than in October. Data covers all unit sizes (studios to four-bedroom apartments) and confirms stable market trends.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay secured over $2.5 million in down payment assistance through California’s final CalHome awards to help working families buy homes in Monterey County (as state funding drops after the 2025–26 budget) while officials urge leaders to restore support.

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.