ONGOING

FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS | COUNTYWIDE—Help change the world’s perception of Americans while opening a young mind. Host homes for foreign exchange high school students needed for this fall. Reach Lillian at 1-800-522-4678 or stsfoundation.org.

SALUTE SMALL BUSINESS | COUNTYWIDE—Nominations are being accepted for the Salute to Small Business awards, now through Aug. 11. A gala luncheon on Oct. 11 will honor winners and feature a keynote by Leon Panetta. Nomination forms are available at Union Bank branches in Monterey County or online at unionbank.com/salute2biz. 722-3976.

7|28 FRI

GET OFF THE GRID | BIG SUR—Brian Weller shares how Willits, a small Norcal town, is preparing its community for energy independence in the face of inevitable peak oil realities. 7pm. Henry Miller Library, Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. 656-0664 or henrymiller.org.

7|28-7|30 FRI-SUN

FREE E-WASTE DISPOSAL | MONTEREY—Got e-waste? Keep it out of our landfills and waterways by bringing unwanted electronic equipment to the Electronic Waste Management’s recycling event. Save time by visiting noewaste.com in advance for the state-required e-waste form. Friday, noon-5pm. Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Carnival Parking Lot, Monterey. Free. 335-3373.

7|29 SAT

VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE | SALINAS—Join elected leaders, candidates and special guests for free food at the Monterey County Democrats voter registration drive kick-off and picnic. Noon-3pm. Natividad Creek Park, 1395 Nogal Dr., Salinas. Free. 1-866-679-3367 or democrats.org.

7|31 MON

CONDORS IN THE WILD | Soledad—Pinnacles National Monument hosts a forum to discuss how to help the California condor survive in the wild, plus an update of Pinnacle’s 13 free-flying condors. 6:30pm-8pm. Mission Room, Soledad High School, 425 Gabilan Dr., Soledad. Free. 389-4485.