County invites public to observe election ballot tally
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Elections will conduct a required 1% manual tally of ballots cast in the Nov. 3 general election, with members of the public invited to observe the process.
Random selection of ballot batches will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 12, followed by the manual tally starting Nov. 16. Both will take place at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place, North Building, in Salinas.
“The 1% manual tally is one of numerous audits taken to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the vote count,” said Registrar of Voters Gina Martinez. “The process is completely open to public observation.”
During the official canvass, election officials randomly select batches of ballots and manually count them, comparing the results with reports generated by the voting system. Despite its name, the process reviews substantially more than 1% of ballots to include both vote-by-mail and polling place ballots, as well as ballots from every scanner used in the election.
For more information, visit countyofmonterey.gov/elections or call 831-796-1499.
SPCA offers free microchips, low-cost vaccinations
SALINAS — SPCA Monterey County will offer free pet microchips and affordable vaccinations during an event Friday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Veterinary Clinic, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway.
Microchips will be provided at no cost, while vaccinations will cost $25 each. Deworming services also will be available for $5. Services are offered for cats and dogs at least 8 weeks old, including rabies, FVRCP and DAPPi vaccinations.
No appointments are required. The event is open to Monterey County residents only. Dogs must be leashed, and cats must be in secure carriers. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Spanish-speaking assistance is available.
According to the SPCA, 89% of stray dogs and cats arriving at its shelter have no identification, making it difficult to reunite them with their owners. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification that can be scanned by animal shelters and veterinary clinics to retrieve an owner’s contact information.
For more information, visit SPCAmc.org/vax.
Soledad seeks public input on future park improvements
SOLEDAD — City of Soledad is inviting residents to help shape future improvements at Chester Aaroe Little League Park and Jesse Gallardo Park as it prepares an application for Round 5 of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program through California State Parks.
The city is exploring ways to improve park facilities, expand recreational opportunities and create spaces that better serve the community. Residents are encouraged to share what they value about local parks, what improvements are needed and what new amenities they would like to see.
Three community visioning meetings are scheduled for Nov. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soledad Community Center; Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Little League Park; and Nov. 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soledad Family Resource Center.
Residents who cannot attend a meeting can also provide feedback through an online survey at bit.ly/littleleague1. Community input will help guide the city’s vision and priorities for potential park improvements as it develops its grant application.
Salinas Valley Fair announces 2027 dates and theme
KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair will return May 13-16, 2027, with the theme “Back to Our Roots,” celebrating the event’s more than 80-year history.
Fair organizers are inviting the community to reflect on past fairs and the memories created over the years. The annual event showcases local talent, including 4-H and FFA exhibitors, artists and photographers.
Organizers said the fair provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate its traditions and accomplishments. Visit salinasvalleyfair.com for more information.
