FINAL JOB FAIR
MONTEREY COUNTY — Know a jobseeker still looking for work this season in Monterey County? Don’t miss the last Multiple Employer Job Fair of this calendar year coming up Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Monterey County Works, Salinas Career Center at 344 Salinas St. in downtown Salinas. Eleven local employers are standing by to meet eager jobseekers at this in-person event. Jobseekers are encouraged to bring their resumes, dress to impress and join the event between 1 and 4 p.m. Register online at pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/xb132d.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE
GONZALES — City of Gonzales’ annual Holiday Lights Parade returns Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 6 p.m. This year, the parade route has been changed; however, the community is invited to gather at the following key viewing points: La Gloria Elementary School parking lot, Fairview Middle School parking lot and Central Park. Vehicle set-up will take place at Centennial Park from 5 to 5:30 p.m. To register for the parade, stop by City Hall or visit surveymonkey.com/r/YSNDGPX for an application. The deadline to register is Dec. 12. Call 831-675-5000 with any questions.
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
SALINAS — California Rodeo Association invites the community to the second annual Country Christmas Celebration presented by MYCARS.com on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Salinas Sports Complex. This free, family-friendly event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., offering a festive evening of holiday activities, including complimentary photos with Cowboy Santa Claus, hot cocoa, candy canes, letters to Santa and more. The night will culminate with the lighting of a 20-foot tree, donated by Jenkinson Family Christmas Trees, which will remain lit through the new year. One of the main attractions will be the distribution of 1,500 toys to children ages 2 to 12, made possible by donations from event donors and sponsors and Compass Church of Monterey County. In addition to the tree-lighting ceremony, taking place at 7:45 p.m., guests will enjoy live entertainment from the Compass Church Choir and traditional Folklorico dancing by Luna Creciente. A variety of food vendors will be on-site, offering tacos, kettle corn, mini donuts, baked potatoes and more. For full event details, visit carodeo.com/events/2024/country-christmas.
BONUS BRIEF: WINTER ESSENTIALS DRIVE
GONZALES — Gonzales Unified School District is hosting a Winter Essentials Drive this holiday season. Donations of blankets, hoodies and/or jackets, socks and gift cards are being sought from the community through Dec. 13. Drop-off locations include the school offices at La Gloria, Fairview and Gonzales High, as well as the District Office at 600 Elko St. For more information, contact Community Liaison Sonia Vallejo at 831-305-4549 or the school site’s social worker.
