ONGOING

NEIGHBORHOOD HELPERS | SALINAS – The city needs volunteers to distribute door hangers announcing community cleanups and meetings. Upcoming dates include: Oct. 5-6; Oct. 12-13; Oct. 19-20; Oct. 22-25. 758-7993.

PARADE OF LIGHTS | SALINAS – Kick off the holiday season as a Parade of Lights volunteer. The downtown event happens Nov. 29. High school students looking for community service hours may sign up through the school activity director. Volunteer forms at salinasparade.com.

10|4THURS

HISTORIC DOWNTOWNS | SEASIDE – PG Mayor Dan Cort speaks to The Rotary Club about “Historic Preservation of Downtowns; Sustainability and Green Buildings.” Reservations required. 5:15pm. Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside. Free. 320-9774.

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AND SACTO | MOSS LANDING – The US Green Building Council hosts a talk on “The Nuts and Bolts of Solar Technology” with Assemblyman John Laird. Register online. 5:30pm. Moss Landing Marine Labs, 8272 Moss Landing Rd., Moss Landing. $10/members; $15/nonmembers. 476-8450 or usgbc-ncc.org.

10|5-10|6FRI - SAT

DUMP E-WASTE EVENT | MONTEREY – Electronic items contain toxic elements that are hazardous when dumped into landfills. Get rid of computers, copiers, fax machines, printers, TVs and other items. 9am-3pm. Monterey County Fair, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd., Monterey. Free. 372-5863.

10|9TUES

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL | SALINAS – City Council meets. 4pm. City Hall Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. 758-7381.

10|10WEDS

MARKETING LUNCH | MONTEREY – Learn about promotional products and branding at today’s brown bag lunch seminar. Reservations advised. 12:30-1:30pm. Monterey County Fairgrounds Turf Club, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd., Monterey. Free. 375-1537.

EVENING WITH EDUCATORS | SALINAS – Hartnell College Center for Teacher Education hosts an event for those interested in a career in teaching. 6-8pm. Student Center Room 116, Hartnell College, 156 Homestead Ave., Seaside. Free. 755-6796.