PETITION PERIOD
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Signatures In Lieu of Filing Fee Petition Period for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Primary Election opened on Dec. 19, and will run until 5 p.m. on Feb. 4. This period is open to candidates for offices that require a filing fee, including all judicial, nonpartisan county and voter-nominated state and federal offices appearing on the primary ballot. During this period, candidates may submit a petition containing signatures to offset a portion of or to fully cover their filing fee. Only signatures verified as valid by the Elections Department will reduce the filing fee. Valid signatures on the petition will also be applied toward the signature requirements for the candidate’s nomination papers. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Elections Office for petitions. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, email Ca***************@**************ey.gov or call 831-796-1499. Official documents may be obtained from and filed at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, in Salinas. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/nhdb6y9d.
LAND SURVEY
SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is a state-funded initiative that supports the voluntary transition of flood-prone or less productive irrigated farmland into projects that use less water and provide environmental and community benefits. Through the program, landowners and growers can receive funding to repurpose agricultural land into multi-benefit projects that support long-term water conservation while also improving water quality, reducing flood risk, restoring habitat and in some cases creating open space. Community members are encouraged to share their input on which types of projects and benefits should be prioritized through a short community survey. Feedback will help guide future project development and ensure the program reflects local needs and values. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. Access the survey at tinyurl.com/b32czvrv. For more information, visit svbgsa.org/multibenefit-land-repurposing-program/.
ARIEL GIFT
SALINAS — To honor and memorialize the decades-long impact of beloved ARIEL teacher and choreographer, Diane Chatwin, the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation and Shelley Schulte presented ARIEL Theatrical with a $10,000 check to fund a much-needed lighting project. With the guidance of lighting specialists and contractors, new equipment was purchased and permanent fixtures were installed to light areas of the stage that previously lacked full coverage. “This beautiful gift initiated by Diane’s daughter, Shelley Schulte, and funded by the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation, will allow Diane’s influence and light to brighten the world of the children who step onto the stage at ARIEL for many, many years to come,” stated the organization. To learn more about ARIEL, stop by the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre at 320 Main St. in Salinas, visit arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.
BONUS BRIEF: RODEO LEADERS
SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas installed a new president, 3rd vice president, secretary and three new directors earlier this year, during the annual stockholders’ dinner on Oct. 16. The Officer team is as follows, with some shifting titles from 2024: President Bob Eggers, 1st Vice President Tom Nielsen, 2nd Vice President Henry Dill, 3rd Vice President Tim Baldwin, Treasurer Patty Standridge and Secretary Matt Jenkinson. New Directors include Rachelle Lightfoot, Danny Little and Ryan Scarr. New Advisory Directors, stepping aside so new leadership can progress within the organization, include Randy Parola, John Sargenti and Mark Scarr. “These directors have made unique and meaningful contributions to the California Rodeo Salinas,” according to the rodeo. “With more than 70 committees supporting every aspect of the organization — from ground preparation, announcing, security, banking and community events to many others — volunteers play a vital role in bringing this historic event to life. Their work extends far beyond the arena, ensuring every detail of the Rodeo runs smoothly.”
