FIELD CLOSURES
KING CITY — Aera Soccer Park and Creek Bridge Softball Park in King City will be closed to the public from Nov. 4 through Feb. 28, 2025. Public Works staff will be working on the fields, which includes re-seeding, aerating and rest. Report any trespassing to the King City Police Department by contacting the dispatch non-emergency number at 831-385-8311. In 2018, the City Council approved a citywide Sports Field Improvement Plan. The plan included gradual renovation of all the City’s sports fields, followed by an ongoing maintenance program. Given the increase in year-round sports, the fields get more wear and need a recovery period or the turf is destroyed. As a result, most fields are now temporarily closed every one to two years to allow for a turf maintenance and recovery period. “The sole purpose of the closures is to maintain quality recreation facilities for the community, so any unauthorized use of the fields during the recovery period only serves to prevent this from being accomplished,” stated the City. Contact 831-385-6748 with any questions.
HOMETOWN HEROES
GONZALES — In partnership with the American Legion Post 81 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81, the City of Gonzales will honor local veterans and active-duty service members at a Hometown Heroes event on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 12:05 to 12:45 p.m. at Central Park, 207 Fifth St., in Gonzales. The event will include a brief program followed by the unveiling of the Hometown Hero signs, which are displayed with the service member’s photo, name and branch of service. The mission of the Hometown Heroes program and this event is to pay tribute to those who put their lives on the line to serve the country. Following the event, attendees are invited to a Veterans Assembly hosted by the Fairview Middle School ASB leadership class and advisers. The assembly will take place at the Fairview Middle School gymnasium from 1:05 to 1:50 p.m. and will honor all who have served. Coffee and pastries will be served at the American Legion Post 81 Hall at 419 Fifth St. after the Veterans Assembly. For more information, email ja****@ci.us or call 831-675-4206.
BUSINESS EXPO
SALINAS — Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) will host the inaugural Central Coast Procurement Expo, a groundbreaking event designed to bring together local businesses, government agencies and procurement professionals to explore new opportunities for business growth through public and private sector contracts. The event will take place Thursday, Nov. 7, at the National Steinbeck Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Central Coast Procurement Expo is open to all local businesses, with a particular emphasis on helping small and underrepresented businesses navigate procurement processes. The event will feature several key highlights, including workshops on contracting opportunities, where participants can learn about the procurement process and how to compete for public sector contracts. In addition, more than 20 exhibitor booths will showcase industry experts and agencies providing information on current and upcoming contracting opportunities. The event is free, and early registration is encouraged due to limited availability. For more information and to register, visit the Monterey County Business Council website mcbc.biz.
BONUS BRIEF: FLU CLINIC
SOLEDAD — Salinas Valley Health, in collaboration with the Monterey County Health Department, is hosting a free community flu clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Main Street Middle School, located at 441 Main St., in Soledad. No appointments are required. Community members are encouraged to protect themselves and loved ones by getting a flu shot. For more information, call 831-759-1890.
