GOLDEN GRANTS
CENTRAL COAST — McDonald’s owner/operators across the San Francisco Bay Area, Eureka and the Central Coast are now accepting applications for the 2025 Golden Grants, which will distribute a total of $55,000 to local educators and organizations. Now in its fourth year, the program has awarded over $126,000 to date, supporting initiatives that foster imagination, education, and youth development. Eligible projects—including arts, mentorship, sports, technology and community service—can receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, based on creativity and impact. Applications are open until Oct. 10. Applicable counties include Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma. For more details and to apply, visit mcdgoldengrants.com. Recipients will be announced in October.
HOMETOWN HEROES
GONZALES — City of Gonzales is now accepting registrations for its Hometown Heroes Program to honor veterans and active-duty service members. Thanks to the generous contributions from American Legion Post 81 and Auxiliary Unit 81, the cost for each sign is $35. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 10, through the online form available at surveymonkey.com/r/LQK9WLX. A ceremony honoring all Hometown Heroes will be held later this year. Last year’s sign recipients are encouraged to bring their signs to City Hall for display. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, contact ja****@************ca.us or call 831-675-4206.
ART TOUR
KING CITY — Sol Treasures will host a Día de los Muertos-inspired event as part of the Open Studios Art Tour, a program of the Arts Council for Monterey County. The event will take place Oct. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring the Dia Gallery displaying works inspired by tradition and imagination, hands-on workshops for all ages and local vendors showcasing handmade goods, art and treats. The tour offers a vibrant celebration of community creativity held at Sol Treasures, 519 Broadway St. in King City. Spots for classes are limited; visit soltreasures.com for more information.
BONUS BRIEF: ECONOMIC STUDY
MONTEREY — Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) and Building Business Back (BBB) will host renowned economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics for a free event unveiling their latest regional economic study, building on last year’s report on Monterey County’s workforce and business landscape with a new focus on small businesses. Thornberg will provide a data-driven analysis of the fundamental factors driving the local economy, cutting through polarized political narratives, and will participate in an interactive Q&A covering key issues, such as housing, water, tourism and immigration. The event takes place on Friday, Oct. 10, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey, beginning with coffee and networking before the keynote presentation. Tickets and registration are available at MCBC.biz.
