Monterey Bay Today

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Salinas has much HUD money remaining, investigation into high speed rail consultant expenses Sep 18, 2026

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The Salinas community development department has presented its annual performance report to the city council. And, an independent inspector is calling for California’s high-speed rail project to improve oversight of consultants.

Panetta pushes back against Trump tariffs, Donation funds Big Basin Interpretive Center Sep 17, 2026

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A bill would reassert congress's role in trade, and a $6 million donation will fund a new interpretive center at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Rough summer for sea lions, Monterey County Government Center remains closed Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Rescue teams have responded to 150 sea lions infected with domoic acid poisoning this summer. And, Monterey County officials hope to reopen the government center in Salinas soon after what they’ve called “an extensive sewer line malfunction.”

Invasive beetle threatens local trees, President uses Defense Production Act for energy projects Sep 15, 2026

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An invasive beetle known for burrowing into native trees leaves behind a fungus that eventually kills them. And, President Donald Trump is using the Defense Production Act to expand federal authority over energy projects.

Sen. Laird reflects on session as it wraps up, new census proposal to exclude undocumented immigrants Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

The Monterey Bay region’s state senator authored 31 bills that passed during the 2025-26 legislative session. And, how a proposal to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2030 census could affect California.

Monterey Bay This Week: inside Big Sur's fire evacuation zones Sep 12, 2026

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In this week's news roundup, KAZU reporter Katie Brown talked to folks in Big Sur pitching in to keep the fires contained and crews comfortable.

Big Sur resort supports fire crews, LA jail faces federal investigation Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

The Plaskett Fire is nearly 80% contained. A nearby resort has offered free showers to fire crews since the blaze began. And, the US Justice Department is investigating Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Fire weather minus wind, bills to help with wildfire recovery Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The Timber and Plaskett fires in Big Sur together have now burned more than 55,000 acres. And, lawmakers have sent two bills to the governor that aim to improve the recovery process after a wildfire.

Plaskett Fire containment reaches 61%, sharing emergency calls from ICE centers Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Containment of the Plaskett Fire has reached 61% amid worsening air quality conditions in some places. And, a bill the governor’s desk would force government agencies to share information about emergency calls made from immigration detention centers.

New tech comes to farms, Californians will vote on billionaire tax Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

New technology could change how produce is grown and harvested. Plus, Californians will vote on a one-time, 5% billionaire tax this November.

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