Youth Council presents Community Garden Day
GONZALES — Gonzales Youth Council invites the community to attend its upcoming Community Garden Day on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Elko Street and Fairview Drive.
The event will feature a variety of hands-on activities for all ages, including rock painting, planting, garden bed cleaning and educational opportunities about pollinator habitats and invasive species. In addition, several community partners — including Live Well, Salinas Valley Health, Save the Whales, Salinas Valley Recycles and RCDMC — will be on site providing resources and information.
As part of the event, organizers will also unveil a new community food pantry and host a food drive to support local families.
Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this day of service and learning. For more information, contact Advisor Jessica at ja****@************ca.us or Youth Commissioner Shelby at sh***********@***il.com.
16th Annual Whalefest Monterey set for April 11-12
MONTEREY — The 16th Annual Whalefest Monterey will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park.
This free, family-friendly festival features interactive exhibits, live music, research and rescue vessel tours and educational activities for all ages.
The popular Symposium, with renowned marine experts, is scheduled for both days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stanton Center. There will be interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, such as Abalone Races, Origami and Gyotaku, plus appearances by “Dee” the inflatable humpback whale. Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will lead history walks, and live music and plein air painting will add to the fun.
Dozens of local, regional and national marine organizations will be represented, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Save the Whales, Western Flyer and more.
Whalefest raises awareness and support for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. For updates, schedules or sponsorship info, visit whalefest.org.
SAVHA spring cemetery tour set for April 18
JOLON — San Antonio Valley Historical Association will host its annual Spring Tour on Saturday, April 18, offering guided visits to several historic cemeteries in the San Antonio Valley.
The day begins at 9 a.m. at St. Luke’s in Jolon with registration, coffee and donuts before carpools depart. Stops include Pleyto Cemetery, with stories of the former town now beneath Lake San Antonio; Gillett Cemetery, highlighting SAVHA’s founding; and Paulsen Cemetery, resting place of early families dating to the 1800s. After returning to St. Luke’s for a catered lunch, the tour concludes with a visit to the historic St. Luke’s Jolon Cemetery.
Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Reservations and advance payment are required by April 12. To register, call 805-472-2780 or 831-236-4220, or email sa****@***il.com. Checks may be mailed to SAVHA, P.O. Box 145, Lockwood, CA 93932.
Health department awarded grant for child safety seat education
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department has received a $261,165 grant to support its efforts in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and making sure every child travels safely.
Funding for this program, which runs through September 2026, is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our child safety seat education program,” said Health Program Coordinator Julia Marmolejo. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, resources, and support so that every family has the knowledge and tools needed to keep their children safe.”
Grant funds will be used for a variety of community outreach events, education classes, distribution of child safety seats and training on the installation and use of child safety seats. The car seat safety program includes: child safety seat inspection events and education classes; Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses; child safety seats at no-cost for families in need; and partnering with local organizations on car seat safety community outreach efforts in underserved communities.
