In downtown Salinas, Sushi Daruma features the item on its menu as a “nori taco.” Nori is a dried, edible seaweed commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Read more at https://www.ksbw.com/article/where-to-try-viral-sushi-tacos-downtown-salinas/71030884

On Friday, February 14, locals and visitors are encouraged to stop by the iconic Rotary Arch in Downtown Salinas for a fun, festive photo moment captured by B. Nice Photo, a professional and local photographer. The pop-up will feature a Valentine’s-themed setup designed to welcome couples, friends, families, kids, and even furry four-legged Valentines.

The event is free and open to the public, with no reservations required. Each group will receive one complimentary 4×6 printed photo to take home — a sweet keepsake from a day centered on connection and community.

This special Valentine’s activation is proudly sponsored by Salinas City Center with the support of A&G Facility Services. Without local sponsors like A&G Facility Services, the Salinas City Center Improvement Association (SCCIA) would be limited in what engaging, family-friendly experiences, like this one, they can bring to Downtown Salinas.

“Downtown Salinas is a place to gather, celebrate, and create memories,” said Greg Hamer, SCCIA District Coordinator. “This event is about bringing people together in a joyful, welcoming way while supporting local creativity and activating our downtown space.”

The pop-up photo booth offers the perfect reason to spend time downtown this Valentine’s Day — whether it’s before a lunch date, during a family outing to the Farmers Market, or as part of a Galentine’s celebration with friends. Visitors are encouraged to explore nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops while enjoying the Valentine’s festivities.

For more information about events, dining, and local businesses in Downtown Salinas, visit Salinas City Center’s website or follow along on social media, @SalinasCityCenter.

Event Details:
Location: Rotary Arch, Downtown Salinas
Date: Friday, February 14^th, 10am – 2pm
Photographer: B. Nice Photo
Cost: Free (Includes one 4×6 photo per group)

Media Contact:
Greg Hamer — Salinas City Center Improvement Association District Coordinator
greg@salinascitycenter.com    |    (831) 877-0997

After an “all-hands-on-deck” capital fundraising campaign and years of planning and construction, ARIEL could now call the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre on Main Street “home.” This new reality was wonderful and exciting, but not without challenge. Earthquake retrofits, electrical and plumbing upgrades, audience seating, lighting and sound equipment, and hundreds of other projects kept the early years in the building very busy – and expensive. When one problem was solved, another would not be far behind. Most notably, in 2015 a massive fire in the neighboring building put the theatre in extreme peril and caused significant damage. In 2020, the COVID pandemic closed theatre doors around the world. ARIEL continued to endure.

What began as an idea discussed decades ago at founder Gail Higginbotham’s kitchen table, stands today as a welcoming and vibrant community gathering place where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment are available to all. At ARIEL, young people are encouraged to make choices that will help them achieve success on stage, and more importantly, in their own lives.

Annually, approximately 500 kids perform at ARIEL, and roughly 10,000 audience members attend shows. ARIEL has seen growth and change over the years, but continues to stand firmly on its guiding foundational principles: Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. Here’s to the next 25 years on Main Street!

Anniversary celebration events will be announced on the ARIEL website and through social media channels.

ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including the 2026 Season Sponsors Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties.

For more information, visit ARIEL in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, online at www.arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.