In today's newscast:
Salinas puts the brakes on new tobacco retailers
The temporary pause does not affect existing businesses or license renewals. It's intended to give city leaders time to consider stricter rules to prevent children from accessing tobacco products.
City staff will study possible regulations, including buffer zones around schools and parks and limits on the number of tobacco retailers in the city.
Council member Gloria de la Rosa says she’s especially concerned about vape shops near places where children gather.
"These smoke shops, to me, they do not belong in proximity to youth-populated areas like schools, parks and recreation,” she said.
City officials say as of March 2026 Salinas has 124 licensed tobacco retailers with no restrictions on where new shops can locate.
The moratorium will lift in August, when staff will return to the council with updates on possible permanent regulations.
That reporting from our partner, KCBX.
Monterey Bay region gears up for holiday
The long Fourth of July holiday weekend begins tomorrow for many.
Hollister’s Independence Rally will host bikers Friday and Saturday.
Also Saturday, Pacific Grove holds its annual celebration at Jewell Park. Chamber of Commerce President Christi Metzner says the event brings neighbors together.
"We just want everyone to have fun, relax, enjoy the day," she said. "It’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so a lot of people might have other activities in the evening."
Entertainment includes Monterey Peninsula Voices. The Pacific Grove Youth Ambassadors will host a barbecue.
The Monterey Pops will perform in Carmel. Marina, Seaside, King City and Salinas all will have community celebrations.
And, in Santa Cruz County, Aptos and the Seabright neighborhood of Santa Cruz have short parades planned.
An open house at the Watsonville Airport will culminate with fireworks at about 8:30 p.m.
