THURSDAY 8 | 25


TURTLE CONSERVATION | WATSONVILLE – The Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program presents a workshop for regulators and biological consultants on western pond turtles, with training on the biology and conservation. 9am-5pm. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road. $285. To register, 274-8700, www.elkhornsloughctp.org. 


CASA VOLUNTEERS | MONTEREY – With 80 local foster children awaiting advocates, CASA hosts this info session on how to get involved. 5:30pm. Cannery Row Brewing Co., 95 Prescott Ave. Free. To RSVP, 455-6800 or michelle@casamonterey.org. 


NAACP LEADERSHIP | SEASIDE – The Monterey County branch screens National NAACP President Ben Jealous’ annual convention speech delivered in June. Under his leadership, membership has tripled. 7pm. New Hope Baptist Church social hall, 1304 Sonoma Ave. Free. 394-3727, www.naacp.org. 


SATURDAY 8 | 27


HOUSING FUNDRAISER | SALINAS – Shelter Outreach Plus hosts its Pasta with Pastors fundraising dinner to benefit the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, which provides shelter, meals and services to Monterey County’s homeless. 5-7pm. Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 Alvin Dr. Suggested $12/adult, $5/children. 384-3362, www.sopinc.org. 


SUNDAY 8 | 28


SEEING STRAIGHT | CASTROVILLE – California Optometric Association and Assemblyman Bill Monning hold a back-to-school Eye Health Fair. Optometrists offer vision screenings and free glasses. Lunch provided. Library plaza, 11160 Speegle Street. 10am-4pm. Free. 649-2832. 


FORECLOSURE PREVENTION | SALINAS – Central Coast Foreclosure Collaborative and Assemblyman Bill Monning host a panel on navigating the threat of foreclosure and avoiding scams. 1-5pm. Agricultural Center Conference Room, 1428 Abbott St. Free. 


MONDAY 8 | 29


WATER 101 | MONTEREY – Monterey County Planning Commissioner Keith Vandevere and LandWatch activist Julie Engell lead a session on the basics of the Carmel River and Salinas River watersheds. Sponsored by LandWatch. 5:30-7:30pm. Hyatt, 1 Old Golf Course Road. Free. www.landwatch.org.