Sea Otter Classic returns with new trail run
MONTEREY COUNTY — The internationally renowned Life Time Sea Otter Classic will return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County on April 16-19, bringing world-class cycling competition, outdoor recreation and expanded family-focused events to the region, organizers announced.
The four-day festival — widely recognized as the world’s largest cycling event — draws professional athletes, recreational riders and families from across the United States and around the world. The event transforms the Laguna Seca area into a hub of competitive races, scenic rides, a large consumer expo and activities for all ages.
A new feature of the 2026 festival is the Sea Otter Classic Trail Run, scheduled for Saturday morning. Runners can choose between a 17K (10.6 miles) course for experienced trail athletes and a 5K (2.8 miles) course designed for beginners, families and casual runners. Both races finish on the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway track, offering scenic views of the surrounding trails and Fort Ord landscape. Strollers are welcome on the 5K course.
Sunday will spotlight Family Day, a long-standing festival tradition aimed at introducing children and families to cycling and outdoor recreation. Children 12 and under receive free admission, and on Family Day they may each bring up to two adults free, making it easier for families to participate together.
Family-oriented features include: kids riding zones and obstacle courses; balance bike areas for younger riders; interactive games and cycling activities; kid-focused races and demonstrations; and a Sea Otter egg hunt.
The Family Zone is designed to help young riders build confidence while parents enjoy the broader festival offerings.
Running Thursday through Sunday, the Sea Otter Classic combines professional and amateur competition across disciplines including road, gravel, mountain, criterium and circuit racing with the Sea Otter Expo, featuring more than 1,000 cycling and outdoor brands. Visitors can watch elite athletes, test the latest gear and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
For schedules, tickets and event details, visit seaotterclassic.com.
SNIP bus to host large spay, neuter event for pets
KING CITY — A large-scale low-cost spay and neuter event is scheduled for April 20 at San Lorenzo Park in King City, aiming to serve pet owners across South Monterey County.
SNIP Mobile Spay and Neuter will deploy four medical units for the event, each conducting two clinics for a total of eight clinics in one day. Organizers expect to provide surgeries and vaccinations for more than 200 dogs and cats.
Appointments are now being scheduled for South County residents. Pet owners can call or text 925-967-1001 to reserve a spot. They may also apply for a voucher through the nonprofit Our Neighborhood Pet Project at ourneighborhoodpetproject.org.
The event is supported in part by Our Neighborhood Pet Project, which helped sponsor one of the clinics. Organizers say the effort is intended to expand access to affordable pet care and reduce pet overpopulation in the region.
Monterey County launches website chatbot to assist users
MONTEREY COUNTY — The County of Monterey has launched a new website-wide chatbot designed to help residents more easily access information and services online.
The virtual assistant, named “Monty,” went live March 24 on the county’s official website countyofmonterey.gov. The tool expands on a pilot program first introduced in March 2024, when a limited version of the chatbot was tested by a small number of departments.
Now deployed across the entire website, Monty is intended to guide users who may be unsure where to begin when seeking information about county services or functions.
Monty appears as an icon in the bottom right corner of the county’s homepage and on individual department pages. Users can click the icon to open a chat window, where the chatbot prompts them to enter a question or message.
According to the county, Monty is available 24 hours a day and can answer frequently asked questions in more than 70 languages while searching content across the county’s website. If the chatbot cannot find an answer, it directs users to a general phone number or email for further assistance.
Officials say the tool is designed to save residents time by helping them locate information or submit requests more efficiently.
Monty is powered by artificial intelligence and will continue to improve over time by gathering feedback, monitoring performance and making adjustments. County officials noted the chatbot is still in a learning phase and will become more effective as it interacts with users.
The chatbot was developed by Citibot, the same company behind the county’s original pilot program.
