Meeting highlights Gonzales bridge improvements
GONZALES — City of Gonzales, Transportation Agency for Monterey County and Caltrans will host a community meeting on Wednesday, May 13, to provide updates on transportation and safety improvement projects in Gonzales.
The meeting will focus on Safe Routes to School participatory budgeting projects and long-term improvements planned for the Fifth Street and Highway 101 bridge corridor. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their input on the projects.
The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gonzales City Council Chambers, located at 117 Fourth St. Organizers said Spanish interpretation, dinner and a children’s activity table will be available during the meeting. The event is open to all community members.
For more information, residents may contact Odalys Barajas at 831-775-0903 or od****@**********ey.org.
MBEP hosts 2026 Regional Economic Outlook
MONTEREY BAY — Leaders from business, government and community sectors will come together to explore current economic conditions and emerging trends at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 2026 Regional Economic Outlook on Friday, May 15, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside.
MBEP’s annual conference will provide insights into regional progress, highlight key challenges and opportunities and share updates on collaborative initiatives, such as Regions Rise Together and Uplift Central Coast — efforts focused on advancing economic opportunity, workforce development, and inclusive growth across our region.
To register or for more information about the conference, visit mbep.biz/2026-economic-outlook.
Public Works celebration set for Saturday
SALINAS — County of Monterey, in collaboration with the Cities of Salinas and Soledad, will host its annual National Public Works Week community celebration on Sunday, May 17, at Toro Park in Salinas.
The free, family-friendly event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to the entire community. Residents are invited to celebrate local Public Works teams and learn more about the essential services they provide throughout Monterey County.
Activities will include equipment displays and demonstrations, employment information, kids’ activities, raffles and food trucks with food available for purchase. Organizers say the event is designed to highlight the important role Public Works professionals play in supporting local communities every day.
Toro Park is located at 501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy an afternoon of hands-on activities, information and family fun.
Mobile spay/neuter clinics coming to King City
KING CITY — SPCA Monterey County will offer low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinics in King City this May, supported by donor funding.
The clinics are scheduled for May 19 and 28 at the King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St.
Services cost $75 for dogs and puppies and $35 for cats and kittens, and include surgery and rabies vaccination. Pets must be between 2 months and 6 years old and weigh 2 to 30 pounds. Appointments and deposits are required.
The mobile clinics supplement year-round veterinary services at SPCA Monterey County, which performs more than 8,000 spay and neuter surgeries annually and also offers free feral cat surgeries.
Officials say spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters and can improve long-term pet health by reducing the risk of certain cancers and other medical conditions. Appointments can be made at spcamc.org/mobile.
