BACKYARD BURNING
CENTRAL COAST — The last day of the backyard burn season was April 30 for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. From May 1 to Nov. 30, backyard burning of residential yard trimmings is prohibited. Fires to dispose of dry vegetation cleared before a construction project are also banned. These types of fires are prohibited during the summer and fall because of increased air pollution and fire danger during these months. Burning vegetation emits carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and hydrocarbons into the air. During warmer weather conditions, some of these pollutants combine and react to form ozone and smog. Exposure to air pollution can cause health effects ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat to respiratory disease. These exposures can also aggravate existing health conditions, such as asthma and emphysema. The backyard burn season restriction does not prohibit agricultural burning, including prescribed burning, recreational and ceremonial fires, or use of in-home fireplaces/wood stoves and outdoor barbecues.
CAT CLINICS
SALINAS VALLEY — SPCA Monterey County is offering free spay/neuter surgeries for cats belonging to South Monterey County residents at upcoming mobile clinics. There is still space available for both friendly and feral cats located from Chualar south to the county lines. The clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at the Soledad Lions Club and Wednesday, May 21, at the King City Recreation Center. These free surgeries, sponsored by Hitchcock Road Animal Services and staffed by the SPCA’s veterinary team, include rabies and FVRCP vaccinations. Appointments are required with a refundable deposit. Feral cats must be in humane traps, and friendly cats must be in carriers. In addition to these mobile clinics, the SPCA’s low-cost Veterinary Clinic in Monterey offers year-round spay/neuter services and free feral cat surgeries. Book appointments for the free clinics at spcamc.org/vet-clinic.
YOUNG LEADERS
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California are inviting high school seniors and college students from South Monterey County to apply for the South County Young Leaders Summer Program, running from June 12 through July 31. This opportunity offers students a chance to learn about local government, build leadership skills and connect with community leaders and industries that shape the region. Participants will attend workshops, take part in community events and work alongside the District 3 team, all while gaining valuable experience and insight into the place they call home. For more information or to request an application, email di*******@**************ey.gov or call 831-755-5033. Application deadline is Friday, May 16.
BONUS BRIEF: ‘DRAGON’ MUSICAL
SALINAS — ARIEL Theatrical will present “Imagine a Dragon: A New Musical” with performances scheduled for May 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. The production will take place at 320 Main St. in Salinas, with shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. The story follows innkeepers who invent a tale about a legendary dragon to attract guests to the struggling Dancing Dragon Inn, leading to unexpected visitors and a humorous adventure. Tickets can be purchased online (arieltheatrical.org), by phone or at the box office.
