Co-Op Day explores cooperative economic development
SALINAS — Ventures will host its third annual Co-Op Day on Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at One Main Street in Salinas, bringing together local government representatives, anchor institutions and entrepreneurs to discuss cooperative economic development.
The bilingual event, which will alternate between English and Spanish presentations, will focus on how cooperatives can strengthen regional economies and promote worker participation. Interpretation will be available.
This year’s event will have a special focus on the care economy, including cooperative childcare businesses and ways cooperatives could address housing needs. Discussions also will explore food systems, housing models and their connections to regional economic development.
Featured speakers include Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership, and David Lidz, asset manager at Rising Housing Real Estate. The event also will highlight Futuro, a cooperative enterprise being developed by Ventures to support cooperatives in the care economy.
More information is available at cooperativeday.org.
Soledad Unified breaks ground on new admin building
SOLEDAD — Soledad Unified School District will break ground Friday, Oct. 9, on a new administration building at Gabilan Elementary School as part of a Measure E-funded campus improvement project.
The groundbreaking, open to the public, is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the school, 330 N. Walker Drive. The new building will include accessible facilities, a staff lounge, restrooms, meeting space and upgraded areas for student and family services.
After the new building opens, the existing administration building will be demolished and the staff parking lot expanded. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
Republican women to hear from King City police chief
KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Wildhorse Café, at Highway 101 and Wildhorse Road in King City.
King City Police Chief Robert Masterson will be the guest speaker. Julie DeMaria of Operation Care and Comfort also will speak.
Members and guests are asked to bring items for troops serving overseas.
The meeting is open to everyone. For reservations and more information, call 831-385-1333 or email ka************@***il.com.
Big Sur Health Center hosts annual health fair
BIG SUR — The Big Sur Health Center will host its annual Health Fair Tuesday, Oct. 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Big Sur Grange.
The community event will offer flu shots, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks, dental screenings, nutrition counseling and acupuncture. Yoga, Narcan education and samples, and information from Big Sur CERT also will be available.
The event will include a demonstration featuring MEarth organic vegetables, live music and food provided by Esalen.
For more information, call the Big Sur Health Center at 831-667-2580.
