Good morning, Salinas.

Leal Bakery in Salinas experienced long lines on Christmas Eve as customers waited up to three hours for its famous fresh masa for tamales; the family-run bakery—serving the community for nearly 50 years—kept prices low despite rising costs and will continue its holiday tradition.

Local updates offer multiple community opportunities: Pacific Grove invites residents to join boards (applications are due Jan.

2); GreenWaste will start holiday tree curbside collection on Jan. 2 for three weeks, and Salinas provides rental assistance until June 30 with groundwater workshops beginning Jan. 31 at the Sports Complex.

Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula will move to a 15+ times larger Seaside building at 1020 Auto Center Parkway, promising increased meal production for seniors and group dining sites.

Renovation plans are underway with completion expected in about two years.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County provides safe spaces, meals, homework help and career counseling for over 6,000 local youth, serving ages 6 to 24 at clubhouses in Salinas and Seaside while offering after-school wellness programs across the county.

Monterey County offers a slate of New Year’s Eve events for all ages.

First Night Monterey — a family-friendly celebration with live shows downtown from 3 p.m. until past midnight — and themed parties like Yacht Rock provide a range of options with tickets available online.

Monterey County Office of Education will vote on Navigator Charter Schools’ countywide proposal (set for Wednesday, Jan.

14, 2026) amid community concerns following a Dec. 17 hearing. Local educators argued the plan may worsen segregation and reduce school funding.

Salinas city officials updated their economic development setup by moving the department to the City Manager’s office to support local businesses & create more high-paying jobs; Nathan Kieu, the new deputy director, will start Jan.

6. Officials discussed the changes during a Dec. 16 town hall at El Dorado Community Park.

Anthem Blue Cross announced on Dec.

22 that thousands of commercial and employer plan members on the Monterey Peninsula may lose CHOMP network access by Feb. 1 if an agreement with Montage Health is not reached by Jan. 31 – Medicare patients will remain unaffected.

Drew Dalman, a Palma graduate & Chicago Bears center, was named to his first Pro Bowl, marking a local achievement that brings national recognition to hometown talent.

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.

Dr Cesar Lozano Live

8-9:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the engaging humor and insight of Dr. Cesar Lozano in Salinas.