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California Mid-State Fair Announces 2026 Home Brew and Home Winemaking Competitions

  PASO ROBLES, CA — If you’re already brewing beer or making wine at home, you already have what it takes to enter a California Mid-State Fair competition. The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Central Coast Home Brew Competition and Home Winemaking Competition, both taking place in May. The competitions invite home producers to submit beer, cider, perry, and wine for professional evaluation by experienced local judges, offering a credible and rewarding way to take part in one of the Fair’s longest-running traditions. The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition features beer, cider, and perry entries made by home brewers from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, judged on aroma, appearance, and flavor. Judges are selected locally for their knowledge and experience, with participant feedback a key focus. Home Brew key dates: • Registration opens February 24; deadline May 1 • Physical Entries accepted May 4–8 • Judging May 17; results announced May 19 M...
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County of Monterey and City of Soledad announce grand opening of Sendero interim housing site on March 9!

  SOLEDAD, Calif. — The County of Monterey and the City of Soledad are marking the first-year milestone of a partnership aimed at permanently resolving a long-standing encampment along the Salinas River. Launched in 2024 and supported by a $4.7 million Encampment Resolution Funding grant from the State of California, the initiative focused on relocating 40 individuals identified during the grant application process for services and housing support. Citing public health and environmental concerns, including the encampment’s proximity to active agricultural fields, officials prioritized immediate relocation. Individuals were temporarily placed in motels and at a provisional site while construction began on a 16-bed, noncongregate interim housing facility. In its first year, the program reported the following outcomes:     380 tons of debris and waste removed, and permanent closure of the encampment.     Wraparound case management services for residents, including ...
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California Rodeo Salinas is Hosting a Drive-Thru Dinner Fundraiser to Benefit the Golden Circle of Champions on March 12!

  SALINAS, CA, February 20, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas is proud to announce its annual drive-thru dinner fundraiser supporting the Golden Circle of Champions, a program dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer and providing financial aid to children and their families. The event will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. The Golden Circle of Champions supports families affected by pediatric cancer by addressing immediate needs, including medical expenses, travel costs, and more. The Salinas Golden Circle of Champions Committee now hosts an annual Family Playday at Hope, Horses & Kids in Salinas, where these families can enjoy farm animals, horseback riding, fishing, and more. This has quickly become a beloved tradition and an opportunity to bond our growing ‘Golden Family.’ Additionally, the program offers one family per year a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, bringing moments...
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Volunteer at the SPCA Benefit Shop and Help Animals

  Looking for a fun way to make a difference for animals? The SPCA Benefit Shop needs fun, hardworking volunteers to join their team! Located at 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, the SPCA Benefit Shop helps power SPCA Monterey County’s lifesaving programs. They aren't just selling vintage handbags and designer coats, they’re raising the vital funds that rescue injured wildlife, heal neglected pets, and find forever homes for animals in need. The SPCA Monterey County is currently looking for volunteers to help with:     Cashier and Customer Service: At our busy cash registers you’ll work hard, laugh often, and help animals every single day.     Curating, Sorting, and Pricing: Turn compassionate donations into love for the animals. “Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do,” says Christy Jacoby, SPCA Benefit Shop Manager. “We work hard together, we make new friends with customers and team members, and we know that every sale makes a real difference for the animals...
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Monterey County Free Libraries to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Gonzales Branch at the Dennis & Janice Caprara Community Center on February 28!

GONZALES, CA — February 18, 2026 — Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) is thrilled to invite the community to the grand opening of the brand-new Gonzales Branch Library, located within the Dennis & Janice Caprara Community Center at 630 5th Street. The celebration will take place on Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This modern facility represents a significant leap forward for local library services, offering a vibrant hub for learning, technology, and community gathering. To mark the occasion, the grand opening will feature a variety of hands-on activities tailored for all ages: · For Tech Enthusiasts: Live 3-D printing demonstrations and interactive 3-D pen stations for kids and teens. · For Families: Face painting and hands on activities. · Special Guest: Save the Whales will be on-site with engaging marine education activities for attendees. “Staff are excited to be part of the Community Plaza and are ready to serve the community,” says Kris Amaral, Managing ...
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District 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren Delivers $500K to Turn Salinas Regional Soccer Complex into Largest Sports Facility Between San Francisco and L.A.

  SALINAS, CA  — On Wednesday, February 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) visited the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to deliver a $500,000 check as one of her 13 community projects she submitted for the Fiscal Year 2026 congressional appropriations cycle. This funding will help support the next phase of expansion for the Complex, a critical investment that advances what is poised to become the largest sports facility between San Francisco and Los Angeles. "I was proud to have submitted the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex as one of my community project requests this year, and I'm glad to see this funding coming to Monterey County," Rep. Lofgren said.  "This is a big investment in Salinas' future as a regional cultural hub, and I am thrilled that Californians of all ages will get to enjoy this complex for generations to come.” “This $500,000 investment is a major win for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and for the families and youth we serve ...
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Applications are Now Open for the 2026 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant!

  Paso Robles, CA - The California Mid-State Fair is now accepting applications for the 2026 Miss California Mid- State Fair Scholarship Pageant - and young women across San Luis Obispo County are invited to take the stage. More than a pageant, this program is a scholarship opportunity, leadership experience, and confidence-building journey designed to celebrate community involvement, public speaking skills, and personal ambition. Eligible applicants must: • Be between 18-24 years old or a graduating high school senior • Reside in San Luis Obispo County No previous pageant experience is required. Contestants will participate in: • Personal Interview • Talent Presentation • Evening Gown • Fair Platform Proposal • Final Question Scholarships are awarded in multiple categories including: • Best Interview • Best Talent • Miss Congeniality • 1st & 2nd Runner-Up Princesses • Miss California Mid-State Fair Queen The Fair Platform Proposal portion gives contestants the opportunity to p...
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