ONGOING


ADVANCING TECH SKILLS | SALINAS – Hartnell College partners with Monterey County One-Stop Centers and the Office for Employment Training to offer a certification program in sustainable ag tech and green construction. Grant funds make students eligible for $2,000 scholarships. Classes run from Oct. 3, 2011-Dec. 15, 2012. 770-6118, vwenger@hartnell.edu. 


PAPER OR PLASTIC | MONTEREY – The city of Monterey hosts two public workshops to discuss the impacts of a proposed ordinance banning the use of plastic bags. 6-8pm Sept. 29 and Oct. 3. City Hall, 580 Pacific St. 646-5662, www.MontereyRecycles.org. 


THURSDAY 9 | 29


LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON | MONTEREY – Elected officials present at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce annual leadership event. Featuring State Sen. Sam Blakeslee, County supervisors Dave Potter, Lou Calcagno and Jane Parker, Sheriff Scott Miller, and eight local mayors. 11:30am-1:30pm. Hyatt, 1 Old Golf Course Road. $40 members, $50 non-members. 648-5359, www.mpcc.com. 


GREENER COMMUTING | MARINA – Planning and transit leaders present cost-saving ideas for green commute programs for your employees. Learn how to save through tax deductions for ridesharing. 8:15am-1pm. Airport Administration Building, 881 Neeson Road. Free; includes breakfast and lunch. To RSVP, 883-3755 or info@commutealternatives.info. 


FUMIGANT FORUM | SALINAS – Local community leaders present a forum on the impacts of methyl iodide on the community, public health and environment. Featuring assemblymen Bill Monning and Luis Alejo. 6:30-8pm. Hartnell College, Steinbeck Hall, Central Ave. and Homestead Ave. Free. 402-9106. 


STARTING UP | MARINA – The Marina Technology Cluster hosts attorney Tom Armstrong, who offers guidance on incorporation, contract and other legal requirements for start-up businesses. 9:00am-2pm. Free. MTC, 3180 Imjin Road. 582-9718. www.marinatechnologycluster.org.


SUNDAY 10 | 1


PRISON ALTERNATIVES | SEASIDE – Former lobbyist, teacher and author Laura Magnani speaks on moving beyond prisons in the U.S. 1pm potluck lunch, 1:45 lecture. Peace Resource Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd. Free. 392-6574.