Rodeo, Monterey Bay FC partner for ‘Boots on the Pitch’
SEASIDE — California Rodeo Salinas and Monterey Bay FC have partnered to present “Boots on the Pitch,” a rodeo-themed soccer event Saturday, June 20, at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside.
The event will coincide with Monterey Bay FC’s match against El Paso Locomotive FC and will feature rodeo-themed activities before and during the game.
Before kickoff, fans can visit a California Rodeo Salinas activation area featuring appearances by Miss California Rodeo Salinas, a roping dummy, a prize wheel and other activities. During halftime, local produce company mascots and the rodeo mascot, The Dude, will participate in a stick-horse barrel racing competition on the field.
The first 4,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a complimentary bandana courtesy of Taylor Farms.
“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Barbara Causley, general manager of the California Rodeo Salinas. “Both organizations are deeply rooted in this community, and ‘Boots on the Pitch’ is a fun way to celebrate the Western lifestyle while introducing Rodeo traditions to a whole new audience.”
The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Monterey Bay FC ticket office at 831-529-4119.
Lopez hosts community listening session in Gonzales
GONZALES — Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez will be hosting a community listening session on Monday, June 22, in Gonzales.
The session will take place at 6 p.m. at the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center, 620 Fifth St., in Gonzales. Residents are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the community and county government.
For more information, call 831-755-5033 or email di*******@**************ey.gov.
Nominations open for Third District Veteran of the Year
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County is seeking nominations for its 2026 Third District Veteran of the Year award, which recognizes veterans whose volunteer service has made a meaningful and measurable impact on fellow veterans and the broader community.
The annual award has honored local veterans for 35 years, highlighting service performed after military duty through volunteer work that benefits Monterey County residents. Nominations are open for veterans who live in the county’s Third District and have demonstrated outstanding community service.
Applications must be received by the close of business June 26. Incomplete applications will be returned to the nominator for completion. County officials said complete contact information for both the veteran and the nominator is required to process submissions.
Nomination forms are available online at bit.ly/4bPqq2O. For more information, contact the Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Office at 831-647-7613.
