In today's newscast:
Local teen goes to World Cup final
A recent high school graduate from Salinas is headed to the FIFA World Cup Final in New York this weekend.
Nianti Rojas-Mendoza isn’t going as a fan. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Youth of the Year will be a flag bearer.
Rojas-Mendoza says the opportunity comes after being selected as the local, state and regional Youth of the Year. The competition taught her to push past self-doubt.
"I just try and calm myself and tell myself that I deserve to be in the room," she said. "But for sure it's a continuous issue."
Rojas-Mendoza has years of leadership experience through the Boys & Girls Club and says mentors encouraged her along the way.
She’ll begin classes at UCLA this fall and says she hopes to inspire other young people to pursue leadership and service.
California Rodeo Salinas underway
The 116th annual California Rodeo Salinas is underway and continues through Sunday.
Over 700 competitors and roughly 70,000 visitors are expected at California’s largest rodeo this year.
Mandy Linquist grew up in Salinas. She’s the event’s marketing director.
She says along with regional and national competitors, some people are traveling from Australia and Canada.
"This year we have a world-famous rope artist and charro, Tomas Garcilazo," she said. "It’s beautiful to watch him perform."
Rodeo clown John Harrison’s performances are also much-anticipated, and the Friday night fireworks show is sure to draw large crowds.
"We’re also going to be celebrating America's 250th with some patriotic tributes," she said.
The venue has a clear bag policy, and Linquist encourages visitors to "wear your sunscreen. Get out here early to enjoy shopping and food vendors and all of the activities that we have."
California Rodeo Salinas donates more than $800,000 dollars to local nonprofits each year.
