Essential items sought for overseas troops
KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will collect items on Oct. 13 to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas through Operation: Care and Comfort, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization.
Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the King City Rustler office, 522-B Broadway, or the King City Library, 402 Broadway, during regular hours. A list of requested items is available at both locations.
Monetary donations may be made by cash, check or money order payable to Operation: Care and Comfort.
Additional information about Operation: Care and Comfort can be found at occ-usa.org. For more information about the local collection, call Kathy Imamura at 408-802-4437.
Hartnell Athletics Hall of Fame celebration Saturday
SALINAS — Hartnell College will celebrate its 13th annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of a daylong celebration of Panther athletics.
The event will begin with a morning induction brunch at the college’s main campus, 411 Central Ave. in Salinas, followed by an afternoon tailgate party and a home football game against Contra Costa at 3 p.m. at Bill Elliott Football Field.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes athletes, coaches, teams and supporters who have contributed to Hartnell’s athletic tradition.
This year’s inductees include athletes Gio Sprattling, Clarissa Hernandez, Mark Hebert, Rick Raymundo Encallado, Kiero Small, Renee Gomez, Chris Balatico and Victoria Perez. Staff inductees are Andy Watt, a softball coach who will be inducted posthumously, and men’s soccer assistant coach Carlos Volpini. Sports writer John Devine and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation will be recognized as supporters.
The 1971 football team and the 2009 and 2010 women’s cross country teams will also be inducted.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through the Hartnell College Foundation at hartnellfoundation.ejoinme.org/hof2026.
Rancho Day returns to Adobe on Saturday
SALINAS — Monterey County Historical Society will host Rancho Day at the Adobe on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 333 Boronda Road in Salinas.
The family-friendly event will feature historical reenactments, live music, blacksmithing and cowboy roping demonstrations. Historical buildings will be open for tours.
Other activities include a produce sale, dancing charro horses, arts and crafts, and representatives from historical and cultural institutions across the region. Food trucks will also be available.
Admission is free. For more information, visit mchsmuseum.com or call 831-757-8085.
