LIBRARY UPDATE
GREENFIELD — Monterey County Free Libraries’ Greenfield branch reopened on Nov. 4 following the completion of its roof replacement. The branch is open for full service during regular library hours, Tuesday through Saturday. In other repair work, the Big Sur Library renovation project continues, with the branch remaining closed through Nov. 8. Staff is visiting weekly to collect returns from the neighbors, dehumidify the branch and plan the reopening logistics. Patrons will see a new entry at this branch — the former back door to the library will now be the new entry way, so the interior is being reconfigured a bit to accommodate.
JOB FAIRS
SALINAS — Holiday hiring season is underway, and job seekers are encouraged to register with Monterey County Works to take advantage of upcoming job fairs and recruitment events in November and December. In the coming months, there will be several opportunities to meet employers in person, including a multiple employer job fair on Nov. 5, an industry spotlight recruitment focused on transportation on Nov. 12, another job fair on Dec. 3 and a retail industry recruitment on Dec. 10, all held at the Salinas Career Center. Jobseekers needing assistance with resumes or interview preparation are encouraged to contact the Monterey County Works Career Center at 831-796-3335. More details and a full calendar of events are available at montereycountyworks.com/events-calendar/.
FISH AND GAME GRANTS
MONTEREY COUNTY — The County of Monterey is soliciting grant applications for eligible projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Fish and Game Propagation Grant Program. The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 7 by 5 p.m. Fish and Game Propagation Grant Funds are intended to provide financial resources to qualified agencies, organizations and individuals working to protect, preserve, enhance and promote fish and wildlife resources in Monterey County, including education on habitat conservation, wildlife resources and outdoor activities. Application packets and additional information regarding the grant funds and application process are available on the County website at bit.ly/46hR8y7. Alternatively, contact the County of Monterey Parks and Lakes Division to request an application packet at 831-755-4895. The County Board of Supervisors has charged the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission with reviewing all grant applications and making a funding award recommendation to the Board for approval.
BONUS BRIEF: ART SHOW
SALINAS — Hartnell College Art Gallery will present “Larger-Than-Life Visions: José Ortiz,” an exhibition celebrating the prolific career of artist and educator José Ortiz. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the college’s Visual Arts Building (Building J), 411 Central Ave., in Salinas. The exhibition traces Ortiz’s artistic journey from his earliest work to his decades-long community impact as a painter, muralist and mentor. The show features a comprehensive collection of Ortiz’s drawings and paintings spanning his career, highlighting his evolution as a visual artist and cultural advocate. A special companion exhibit in the smaller gallery showcases artwork created by apprentices and muralists who grew up at Hijos del Sol (Children of the Sun), a nonprofit Ortiz founded in 1994. Hijos del Sol offers an experimental art studio space where youth can develop their creative minds and artistic skills and pave the way to self-discovery. The opening reception will include complimentary refreshments and a short artist talk by Ortiz. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet the artist and his students, enjoy the exhibition and learn more about the ongoing work of Hijos del Sol.
