A violence prevention program in Sonoma County faces funding uncertainty as the community becomes safer.
Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, August 17, 2026
- A significant El Niño will continue warming California coastal waters into fall and winter, and likely bring new marine visitors to Monterey Bay.
- Republican lawmakers are pushing new measures with the goal of making California’s top elections office nonpartisan.
- A violence prevention program that brings at-risk teens into nature has been up-and-running for more than a year now. But, the program’s success could threaten its funding.
El Niño Could Bring New Marine Life To Monterey Bay
With this year’s El Niño weather pattern expected to be especially significant, scientists are forecasting changes in marine life.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife manager John Ugoretz says ocean critters that don’t typically call Monterey Bay home will likely be visiting.
These critters include California sheephead fish, the California spiny lobster, and even juvenile white sharks…