6|9 Friday

Dignitaries on the Issues | SALINAS—Assemblyman and Supervisor elect Simón Salinas and Salinas City Councilwoman Maria Giuriato talk about community issues at today’s luncheon of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of the Monterey Bay. 11:30am-1:30pm. Champion Grill, Twin Creeks Golf Course, 1551 Beacon Hill Dr., Salinas. $20/members; $25/non-members. RSVP mtovar@stewart.com. 424-0334.

Losing the War on Drugs | MONTEREY—Former prosecuting attorney for the city of Oakland James Anthony says the war on drugs isn’t working. His solution: “Legalize drugs.” Come listen to him talk at tonight’s event, co-sponsored by the local Libertarian Party. 6:30pm dinner; 7:30pm speech. Backyard Buzzard BBQ at the Travelodge, 2030 Fremont St., Monterey. $18; $8/speech only; free/students (no meal). 626-8417.

6|10 Saturday

Walk Dogs or Socialize Cats |SALINAS—Monterey County Animal Services is looking for volunteers for dog walking, foster care, cat socialization, adoption counseling, animal care and more. Learn more at today’s orientation. 11am-12:30pm. Animal Services Center, 160 Hitchcock Rd., Salinas. Free. 769-8859.

6|11 Sunday

Parenting Workshop and Prizes | MONTEREY—First 5 Monterey County and Children’s Creative Learning Center hosts a free parenting workshop, open to parents, teachers and other caregivers of kids ages 0 to 5. Mary Hartzell, co-author of Parenting from the Inside Out talks and the event includes dinner and drawings for books and CDs. Babies in arms are welcome. 5:30-8pm. Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. Free. RSVP 647-1880.   

6|12 Monday

Mobile Blood Drives | CARMEL/MONTEREY—Blood demand continues to exceed supply. Save a life, and get free cookies. 10am-noon, Highlands Inn, 120 Highlands Dr., Carmel. 622-5438. 2-4pm, Hyatt Regency, 1 Old Golf Course Rd., Monterey. 647-2043.

6|14 Wednesday

More Mobile Blood Drives | SEASIDE—There’s one for Seaside too. 1:30-4pm. Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. 899-6802.