EYES OPEN

Learn about services available from the Blind and Visually Impaired Center and connect with people experiencing vision loss at this barbecue social. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower people with free education and skills training.

11:30am-1:30pm Saturday, Aug. 1. Orchard Lane Park (Area C), 1505 Metz Road, Soledad. Free. (831) 649-3505, blindandlowvision.org.

TAKE THE BUS

Monterey-Salinas Transit is evaluating its bus stops and welcomes public feedback.

Survey runs through Sunday, Aug. 2. cvent.me/dweB10.

WHAT’S NEW

Seaside City Councilmember Dave Pacheco hosts a town hall meeting. City leaders share updates and attendees have a chance to meet Seaside City Council candidates.

6pm Monday, Aug. 3. Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside. Free. (831) 521-0577.

SMOKED OUT

Salinas City Council meets to consider extending a prohibition on new tobacco retailer licenses, among other city business. Public comment is accepted.

3pm Tuesday, Aug. 4. Council Chamber Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7381, salinas.gov.

STATE OF DRO

Del Rey Oaks Mayor Scott Donaldson and City Manager John Guertin host the State of the City. Hear updates and ask questions.

6-8pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. Moose Lodge, 555 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks. Free. (831) 394-8511, delreyoaks.org.

POLICE PRESENTS

Soledad Police Department outlines its use of military equipment during a public meeting. This annual presentation is required by state law.

6pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. City Hall, 248 Main St., Soledad. Free. (831) 223-5000, cityofsoledad.gov.

HOUSING STRATEGIES

Marina City Council considers ordinances related to housing, including an “Anti-Displacement Strategy” and “Energy Efficiency Strategy.” Public input is accepted.

6:30pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. City Hall, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina.org.

DEEP DIVE

Monterey residents are invited to apply for the First City Academy, which is designed to show how local government operates. The program runs for seven sessions in the fall.

Application deadline is 5pm Aug. 24. (831) 646-3799, bit.ly/FirstCityAcademy2026.

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