TROOP ITEMS
KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be collecting items to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas on June 3. Those who would like to participate in this ongoing project can drop off items for the troops in King City at the Rustler/Tribune newspaper office (522-B Broadway) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the King City Library (402 Broadway). Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. Go to occ-usa.org to find a “wish list” of requested items and more information about Operation: Care and Comfort. A list of desired items for the troop boxes is also available at the newspaper office or the library. Money donations can be cash, check or money order made payable to Operation: Care and Comfort. For more information on this outreach project, call Kathy Imamura at 408-802-4437.
PRESCRIBED FIRE
LOCKWOOD — Conditions and weather permitting, Cal Fire plans to assist Fort Hunter Liggett conduct a multi-day broadcast burn in the Lockwood area of South Monterey County from May 19-27. This prescribed fire project is planned as part of broader strategic efforts to protect the local community and nearby natural resources. The project adds to significant work underway throughout the state and brings California one step closer toward meeting or exceeding state fuels reduction goals directed by the California Fire Plan and the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation and conditions for dispersal of smoke. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size, conditions and weather. Prescribed fire smoke is generally less intense and of much shorter duration than smoke produced by wildland fires. Smoke from this control burn will be visible in the Lockwood area. Weather conditions will be monitored, and the burn may be postponed if burning conditions are found to be unfavorable.
OPEN STUDIOS
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is calling on local artists to register for the 2025 Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT). Registration is open now and closes June 30. This annual event, held over two weekends in October (11-12 and 18-19), invites the public into artists’ studios for free, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process. OSAT provides significant visibility for participating artists through an event magazine, app and online promotion, fostering direct sales and connections with art enthusiasts. Community spaces will be available for artists without private studios. Early registration is encouraged. For details and registration, visit arts4mc.org/open-studios.
BONUS BRIEF: SPCA PODCAST
MONTEREY COUNTY — SPCA Monterey County has launched its first podcast, “SPCA Stories,” hosted by SPCA Creative Content and Education Manager Dawn Fenton. The podcast introduces the community to those who dedicate their lives to helping the pets, people and wildlife who depend on the SPCA’s programs, resources and love. With 12 available episodes and new ones released every week, listeners will always learn something new about the SPCA and its compassionate staff and volunteer team members. Each episode deep-dives into a singular SPCA program, why it is important, the people that make it possible and how it changes and enriches lives. The podcast is available on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean and YouTube.
