Salinas
Morning News
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Salinas. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Hebbron Family Center in Salinas is nearly complete after five years of closure and will reopen early next year with improved assembly spaces, multipurpose classrooms, a teen lounge and outdoor sport courts + city staff are reviewing vendors to launch new programs. Monterey County Now
- ➤ On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV appointed Ramón Bejarano, an auxiliary bishop in San Diego, as the new bishop of Monterey. He fills the leadership gap left when Bishop Daniel Garcia moved to Austin in July. KSBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The FAA’s A3 pilot program will let local air taxi operator Joby Aviation offer limited rides at major Monterey events beginning in 2026 if approved, as it gathers data & tests procedures for future regulations. Monterey County Now
- ➤ Local fishers are selling rockfish, black cod, and halibut instead of crab for the holiday season — adapting to a shorter fishing window as businesses like Real Good Fish at Moss Landing connect consumers with sustainably caught seafood. Monterey County Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ California will raise its minimum wage on Jan. 1 from $16.50 to $16.90. The labor department said exempt workers will see their annual salary rise to $70,304 (about $2,700 per paycheck) with the change. The Californian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ North Salinas High School students learn hospitality and culinary skills in a yearlong Kitchen Careers program, culminating in running Maple & Morning Cafe; they earn food and workplace safety certifications to begin careers in Monterey County's booming hospitality industry. KSBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Mexican Consulate canceled its mobile pop-up in Salinas on Dec. 6 after brokers resold free appointment slots, forcing residents to secure document appointments such as passports or IDs in San Jose. Monterey County Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Covered California warned that premium costs could spike as ACA subsidies near expiration. Enrollment is open until Jan. 31 — sign-up must be by Dec. 31 for coverage to start on Jan. 1 — while local Rep. Panetta noted families' concerns and urged Congress to act. KSBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Salinas graduate Emmerson Cortez Menjivar entered the transfer portal after three seasons at the University of Idaho — he had 22 receptions for nearly 300 yards last season and retains two years of eligibility. Monterey Herald
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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