PLANTING DAY
GONZALES — City of Gonzales and local partners are coming together for a day of planting at the Gonzales Community Garden on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers can stop by for a couple of hours or all day; remember to wear comfortably clothing and gloves. The garden location is at the corner of Elko Street and Fairview Drive in Gonzales.
CITY ADDRESS
KING CITY — King City’s annual State of the City Address luncheon takes place at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds’ Orradre Building. The mayor, city manager, police chief and public works director will provide an update on the City’s efforts and plans. There is a cost for this event, which is co-sponsored by the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the Rotary Club of King City. Contact the Chamber at 831-385-3814 for more information. An additional bilingual presentation of the State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. There is no charge for this event, and refreshments will be provided. Contact City Hall at 831-385-3281 for more information.
IMMIGRATION FORUM
SOLEDAD — For those who have questions about changes in immigration regulations or rights, a Community Forum is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Soledad Community Center, 560 Walker Drive. The City of Soledad has partnered with the Watsonville Law Center and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez to host the forum. Special remarks will be made by Lopez and Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez. “As we see the fear and anxiety in our community due to threats of their loved ones being deported, the City of Soledad is committed to supporting our families,” Velazquez said. The forum will be in Spanish, with English translation and childcare available, and will be streaming live on the City’s YouTube channel.
BONUS BRIEF: LIVE UNITED NOMINATIONS
MONTEREY COUNTY — Nominations for the 2025 Live United Awards will close on Jan. 31. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the incredible volunteers who make a difference in Monterey County every day. The Live United Awards celebrate those who give their time, talent and passion to causes that uplift the community. From mentors empowering youth to groups leading impactful projects, there’s a category for every type of volunteer: Education and Youth Services, supporting young people through mentoring, tutoring and more; Human Services, providing compassionate care and solutions for those in need; Youth Volunteer, highlighting changemakers under 21; Community Service, recognizing efforts that improve collective well-being; Group Volunteers, celebrating teams making a difference together; and Lifetime of Service, honoring those with decades of dedication. Visit unitedwaymcca.org/2025-lua to nominate an individual or group.
