Press – Salinas City Center Improvement Association

A giant fox mural now graces the Fox Theater, part of a Salinas City Center Improvement Association initiative.

Greg Hamer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:28:27 +0000

For her largest mural to date, Lisa Haas took inspiration from the architectural style of Oldtown Salinas, and also from the building itself.

One of her design concepts for the back wall of the Fox Theater on Main Street is an angular fox, and that’s the concept that the Salinas City Center Improvement Association and the property owner selected. It took Haas and a team about two weeks to complete the project, after they started with 60-foot-tall lifts that turned out to be too short—she had to try again with 85-foot lifts.

“Looking at a giant wall can seem intimidating,” says Haas, a Monterey-based decorative painter and muralist. “But once you get into it, it’s not.”

‘No fronteras, just passion’: Patria on Main showcases Italian fusion cuisine that transcends

Greg Hamer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:19:47 +0000

Patria on Main is a neighborhood bistro that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a special occasion.

A showcase for the fusion cooking of co-owner and chef, Jose Aranda, the restaurant features Italian dishes—pastas, pizzas and risottos, along with a hearty selection of grilled meat and seafood, crafted with an appreciation for flavor that transcends any one cuisine.

“You will find passion and good quality ingredients in every dish,” said Aranda, whose been cooking professionally for more than 20 years.

CSUMB Salinas City Center to become One Main Street with sale

Greg Hamer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:26:45 +0000

Cal State Monterey Bay, the Hartnell College Foundation and the Steinbeck Center announced a transfer of ownership of the CSUMB Salinas City Center during a Wednesday morning press conference at the center on July 9. The more than 70 people in attendance were told the building will be rebranded as One Main Street.

The change comes after more than a year of trying to find an appropriate buyer.

“When we looked into selling the building and finding a new owner,” CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said, “we continued to look at, what are the needs of this community, so we can support the future of Salinas.”

Hartnell College seemed the natural choice, she said.

Found Treasure: Otto’s Bread Company

Greg Hamer — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:04:10 +0000

The bread will get you on sight, smell and (eventually) texture and taste.

But what gets me is the white board.

The board hangs on a side wall at Otto’s Bread Company bakery, in its Oldtown Salinas bakery, not far from Main Street, in a spot that’s a testament to patience Siddhartha would admire: Otto Kramm baked for years out of his studio apartment before he could afford the production space.

New mural is first of a series that will fill Midtown Alley in Salinas City Center

Greg Hamer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:24:05 +0000

A striking figure of a woman is turned outward, her gaze is strong and behind her, a radiant sun-like formation creates a brilliant frame.

The mural, part of United Way Monterey County’s Impact Center Mural Project, is one of many by local artists that will eventually fill Midtown Alley in downtown Salinas.

The artists behind the mural, Bonnie Broderick, Nada Abdelshahid, Katie Santiago and Amy Burkman made the final touches in January.

Officials will discuss how best to capitalize on new Salinas train service

Greg Hamer — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:33:36 +0000

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County will be discussing expanded Caltrain service to Salinas at a meeting next week hosted by the Salinas Valley Tourism and Visitors Bureau, which will highlight projects to expand tourism opportunities in the region.

Oldtown’s New Caffe Soleil Now Open, and Adorable

Greg Hamer — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:10:40 +0000

Oldtown’s New Caffe Soleil Now Open, and Adorable

Salinas City Center barbershop empowers Black barbers and community

Greg Hamer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:22:29 +0000

Located in the heart of Old Town Salinas, R Barbers opened its doors in September 2024, offering more than just haircuts — it provides a space for community.

Owner Ricky Cardona has created an opportunity for two Black barbers to showcase their skills and talents within his shop.

Salinas gears up for start of California Rodeo Salinas with annual Kiddie Kapers Parade

Greg Hamer — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:23:10 +0000

The California Rodeo Salinas wrapped up its annual Kiddie Kapers Parade in downtown Salinas, a tradition that brings together dozens of local organizations and community members.

Rodeo staff members said over 1,200 kids participate in the event, which is a good way to bring families together.

For more information visit https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/weddings/salinas-gears-up-for-start-of-california-rodeo-salinas-with-annual-kiddie-kapers-parade/ar-AA1IAn1M?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

Salinas is the mural capital of Monterey County, with free, public art adorning walls all over town.

Greg Hamer — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:30:52 +0000

WHEN POPE JULIUS II ORDERED HIM TO PAINT THE CEILING OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL IN VATICAN CITY, MICHELANGELO WAS EVERYTHING BUT PSYCHED. First, he thought himself a sculptor, not a painter. Second, he fully understood the pressure – the frescoes had to not only please the pope, but to keep inspiring the conclave, the body of cardinals that gathers in the chapel each time a new pope is to be chosen. The frescoes had to demonstrate the power of God, the power of his kingdom on Earth, but above all they had to create a sense of unity and solidarity necessary to pick a new leader.