PHOTO CONTEST
CALIFORNIA — Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) has announced its ninth Annual Rural County Photo Contest. The contest encourages participants to submit photos showcasing the scenic beauty, communities, activities and history of RCRC’s 40 member counties. Entries can be submitted via the contest webpage or emailed to ph**********@*****et.org, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on July 31. Photos must be original works, include the location (county) where taken, and provide the photographer’s name and email address. Prizes include a $300 gift card for the grand-prize winner, with the winning photo unveiled at the September RCRC Board of Directors Meeting. Second place receives a $150 gift card, and third place wins a $75 gift card. More details are available at rcrcnet.org/photo-contest.
EV INCENTIVE PROGRAM
CENTRAL COAST — Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) has launched its FY 2025-26 Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, offering residents incentives to buy or lease new or used electric, hybrid or hydrogen vehicles. As of July 1, eligible buyers in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties can qualify for rebates, with doubled incentives for low-income applicants. The program aims to reduce vehicle emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides, which make up over 60% of local NOx emissions. Incentives range from $500 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle type, with additional support for public agencies and nonprofits. Details and applications are available at mbard.org.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING
MONTEREY COUNTY — Alliance on Aging is dedicating the month of July to celebrating and promoting its transformative Senior Peer Counseling (SPC) program, which provides free, one-on-one emotional support to older adults across Monterey County. The Senior Peer Counseling program matches trained volunteer counselors — many of whom are seniors themselves — with older adults navigating grief, isolation, illness or major life changes. These confidential and deeply personal connections offer companionship, understanding and practical strategies for coping. “We are privileged to witness the strength and resilience of our senior clients each day,” said Nicki Pasculli, development director. “From helping individuals like Marilyn overcome depression and lead community groups, to supporting grieving seniors like Ron in rediscovering joy, our counselors are making an extraordinary difference.” To learn more about Senior Peer Counseling, or make a donation, visit allianceonaging.org or contact Pasculli at 831-655-7564.
