PARK REOPENS
SOLEDAD — Pinnacles National Park’s west side entrance is once again open as of March 1 following this winter’s storms. Visitors can enter through the west entrance (east of Soledad), which is day-use only, or the east entrance (north of King City), which has the campground. Short-term repairs on the power grid have been put in place, while service on long-term fixes continues. The Balconies caves are also open, though visitors should expect to get their feet wet as water from the rains is flowing through the cave.
MENTAL ILLNESS
MONTEREY COUNTY — Interim Inc. will host an online webinar on “Mental Illness and Navigating the Criminal Justice System” on Thursday, March 9. The workshop, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., is meant to provide participants information about how mental illness is handled within the criminal justice system. Family members or caretakers of someone living with a mental illness will find the content especially useful in the event of a mental health crisis or arrest of their loved one. The workshop will be a live one-hour webinar, with a 30-minute question-and-answer session at the end. To reserve a spot, go to navcrimjust.eventbrite.com, or call 831-649-4522 ext. 205 for more information.
BUSINESS WOMEN
SOLEDAD — Nominations are being sought for Soledad Merchants’ “Soledad Women Who Mean Business” recognition awards. The campaign provides a platform to honor female business owners in Soledad in order to recognize them and promote growth of female-owned businesses that are community leaders in the city. Criteria are: Soledad female business owner; has a presence in the community; is a visionary and has championed for change; and can be described as a role model or heroine. Nominations are due by March 15 via email in**@so**************.com . The nominee that best meets the criteria will be announced at the Soledad Merchants’ monthly meeting in March.
BONUS BRIEF: POETRY SLAM
SALINAS — Salinas Union High School District presents a Poetry Slam, featuring local student poets, on Saturday, March 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fox Theater in Old Town Salinas. The free, family-friendly event will feature Monterey Comedy Improv to kick off the evening of entertainment before an impressive lineup of seventh through 12th-grade student poets take the stage.
