SPCA offers free microchipping, low-cost vaccinations
SALINAS — SPCA Monterey County is offering free microchipping and low-cost vaccinations for pets during a community event Saturday, May 30, at its veterinary clinic in Salinas. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the SPCA Monterey County Veterinary Clinic, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway. No appointments are required.
According to the SPCA, the organization rescues more than 1,500 stray dogs and cats each year, and 89% arrive without identification, such as a collar, tag or microchip.
“It is heartbreaking to see a pet who is healthy and well-loved arrive with no identification,” said Ben Shaw, SPCA shelter manager. “We post their photos online and search through lost pet reports, but often no owner comes looking for them. If this free microchip event reunites even one pet, it will be completely worth it.”
A microchip is a small, electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique identification number that is tied to the owner’s information, explained the SPCA.
“Collars and tags are great at helping reunite pets quickly, but collars can slip off,” Shaw said. “Many owners tell us they had just removed their pet’s collar when their pet went missing. By providing microchips and encouraging pet owners to use collars, we hope more pets can be reunited with their families without even needing to come to shelters.”
Saturday’s event is open to cats and dogs 8 weeks and older. Vaccinations, including rabies, FVRCP and DAPPi, will cost $25 each, and dewormer will be available for $5. Cash and cards will be accepted. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in secure carriers. The event is limited to Monterey County residents. Information is available at SPCAmc.org/vax.
PG&E foundation to fund $1.3M in restaurant grants
CALIFORNIA — PG&E Corporation Foundation will provide nearly $1.3 million this year to support independent restaurants and caterers through the California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund.
Applications for the program open June 1 and close June 30 at restaurantscare.org/resilience.
A total of 213 restaurants and commercial caterers in Pacific Gas and Electric Company service territory will each receive $5,000 grants, an increase from 188 recipients last year. Grants can be used for equipment upgrades, employee training and retention, and other business needs.
Since 2021, PG&E and the PG&E Foundation have contributed nearly $5.6 million to the program, funding grants for 863 restaurants in Northern and Central California. With this year’s funding, the total number of grants awarded in PG&E’s service area will surpass 1,000.
Eligible applicants must be California-based restaurants or commercial caterers operating for at least one year, with annual revenue under $3 million for the applying location. Businesses may have up to five locations, though only one location may apply.
Nominations due June 5 for 2026 Alfred Diaz-Infante Award
MONTEREY COUNTY — Siembra Latinos Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County invites nominations for the 2026 Alfred Diaz-Infante Award.
The award was established in 2023, in partnership with Alfred’s family, to honor the late Alfred Diaz-Infante, a community leader and nonprofit executive who created partnerships to create opportunities for all.
“Siembra” means “to sow,” and Alfred sowed seeds of goodwill and progress along his path, leaving this community better than he found it. This annual award honors Alfred’s work and legacy by recognizing individuals who work collaboratively to make positive change for the Latino community.
“We are honored to present this award to someone who follows in my brother Alfred’s footsteps as a champion for the Latino community in Monterey County,” said Louie Diaz-Infante, Siembra Latinos Fund Advisory Council Chair.
Nominations are due Friday, June 5, by 5 p.m. and information is available at cfmco.org/AlfredDiazInfanteAward.
Award criteria include exhibiting values that reflect Alfred Diaz-Infante’s character, including humility, generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness, inclusivity, strength as well as his tireless efforts to create an equitable community. The individual must also be involved in one or more of these areas: equitable opportunities, civic engagement, collaboration, housing, education, environmental justice, farmworker community, environmental justice and mentoring and/or volunteering.
The 2026 Alfred Diaz-Infante Award will be presented at the annual Siembra Latinos Fund Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1 Main St. in Salinas. Tickets and sponsorship information will be available soon on cfmco.org/Siembra.
