EL MERCADO OPENS
SALINAS — Hartnell College has announced the grand opening of El Mercado, an on-campus market set to launch on April 1 at its Main Campus in Salinas. Developed by the Hartnell College SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs), El Mercado is an innovative initiative designed to provide students with free, easy access to essential groceries, personal care items and basic necessities throughout the year. El Mercado is open to all currently enrolled students and aspires to be more than a food pantry. Its aim is to offer a supportive, dignified space that promotes student success, health and well-being. Mimicking a conventional grocery store, El Mercado will offer a wide range of fresh produce, meat, dairy, non-perishables, hygiene products, school supplies, clothing and childcare items. The community is invited to celebrate this significant achievement at the April 1 grand opening, which will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and speeches from college officials and students from 12 to 2 p.m. inside the Student Center, Building B, Room 132, at the college, 411 Central Ave., in Salinas.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON
KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will host its monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at 11:30 a.m. at King Kora Restaurant, 611 Canal St., in King City. The guest speaker will be King City Police Chief James Hunt, who will discuss the effort to repeal Proposition 47 that designates a theft of up to $950 a misdemeanor. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. For reservations and further information, call 831-385-1333 or email ka***********@ya***.com.
MISSION DAYS
JOLON — Mission San Antonio de Padua, located at the end of Mission Road in Jolon, is hosting its annual Mission Days event on Saturday, April 6. Docents from four California Missions will participate in this educational, interactive and festive event. Members of Los Arribeños de San Francisco will be performing historical Californio music and dance from the Mission period. Many of the gift shop consignment artists will be attending in person to offer their unique gift items for sale (cash only). This year the Mission is welcoming Access Adventure back to the event. Michael Muir, descendant of the naturalist John Muir, will showcase his nonprofit’s vocation of providing safe and accessible adventure for the mobility-challenged community. Music, dancing, crafts, demonstrations, docent tours and carriage rides all provide for a wholesome, family-friendly event. For more information, visit missionsanantonio.net/mission-days.
