ONGOING

SALINAS READS WEEK | SALINAS – With the 12th Annual Salinas Reads Week approaching (it’s Oct.15-19), business leaders, community members, parents and students are needed to volunteer one hour in a classroom reading a favorite story. Call 751-7310 x12 or e-mail c4peace@pacbell.net by Oct. 11.

9|27THURS

NATIVE TREE FORUM | CARMEL – Learn how to care for native trees with a consulting arborist for the Getty museums and the host of TV’s “The Coastal Gardener.” 5pm. Carpenter Hall, Sunset Center, Mission southwest of Eighth, Carmel. Free. 626-1610.

PLANNING AHEAD | MARINA – The Planning Commission considers a proposed expansion of the Marina Dunes RV Park. 6:30pm. City Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. 884-1278.

9|29SAT

LIBRARY GRAND OPENING | MARINA – Check out the city’s new and improved library. 11am-2pm. 190 Seaside Court, Marina. Free. 883-3968.

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY | FORT ORD – In celebration of National Public Lands Day, volunteers work on habitat restoration, trail repair, seed collection and invasive weed abatement and enjoy refreshments and entertainment. 9am. Ford Ord: Follow event signs from Reservation Road to Imjin Road, or from Highway 1 to Lightfighter Road. Free. 394-8314.

10|2TUES

HARTNELL TRUSTEES’ FORUM | SALINAS – Meet all 12 candidates for the Hartnell College Board of Trustees. 5:45-8pm. Main Stage Theater, Performing Arts Center, Hartnell College, 156 Homestead Ave., Salinas. 755-6858.

CARMEL POLITICS | CARMEL – City Council meets. 4:30pm. Council Chambers, City Hall, Monte Verde between Ocean and Seventh, Carmel. Free. 620-2000.

“DARFUR, BEYOND THE CONFLICT” | MONTEREY – Hear from a refugee camp doctor (see story, this page) and watch video footage from Darfur. 7pm. Irvine Auditorium, Monterey Institute of International Studies, 499 Pierce St., Monterey. Free. unamontereybay.org.

10|3WEDS

PG POLITICS | PACIFIC GROVE – City Council meets. 6pm. Council Chambers, City Hall, 300 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. 648-3172.