CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA
KING CITY — King City is kicking off a new pilot program of summer evening concerts at the recently opened Downtown Plaza, located at Broadway and Vanderhurst Avenue. The series begins this Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring the band Memory Lane, playing favorites from the ’60s and ’70s. Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, dinner and blankets or chairs for a relaxing evening of music in the heart of downtown. The free concerts will continue on Aug. 22 with Herencia Humilde and Sept. 19 with Paradise Road.
CAMPFIRE WARNING
BIG SUR — County of Monterey, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Big Sur Fire and the Big Sur South Coast Fire Patrol, has issued an urgent warning to residents and visitors that all dispersed campfires are strictly prohibited across the Monterey District of Los Padres National Forest due to extreme wildfire danger. This ban, established under Forest Order No. 05-07-00-25-09 on June 18, is in effect until further notice, and violators may face significant fines and criminal penalties. Despite efforts such as signage and patrols, illegal campfires continue to pose a serious threat, with recent incidents including remnants found along South Coast Ridge Road and active fires in the San Martin area. Since June, there have been 10 documented violations, with authorities dismantling or flagging fire rings. Given the dryness of the year and the remote, steep terrain, even small sparks could trigger catastrophic wildfires, making containment and evacuation difficult. The public is urged to avoid building or using campfires in restricted zones, report illegal fires immediately and follow all posted regulations to prevent further incidents and protect lives, property and natural resources.
BLOOD DRIVE
KING CITY — City of King is partnering with Vitalant to host a blood drive to help meet critical blood supplies. The blood drive will be held in the Bloodmobile in front of the King City Recreation Center at 401 Division St. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. Donors in August will receive a $10 gift card and a chance to win one of three $10,000 Gas Giveaway gift cards. Appointments can be made online at vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL.
BONUS BRIEF: AIRPORT FUNDING
MONTEREY — U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta announced a new $5.3 million federal grant for the Monterey Regional Airport to continue construction on its new state-of-the-art terminal. The funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will support Phase 5 of the terminal replacement project, including the relocation of utilities and the construction of a new public parking lot. This announcement follows Panetta’s previous efforts to secure over $64 million in federal funding for the Monterey Regional Airport’s modernization, supporting terminal design, tarmac improvements and other safety upgrades. In June, the airport broke ground on the new 62,754 square-foot terminal, set to open in 2027, marking a major milestone in the project’s progression.
