Community Calendar

Join us for Holiday Fun & Shopping! | Free Admission

It's time for WTG's Annual Holiday Boutique. Come and explore what you can discover at our event. You might also run into friends you haven't seen in a while. It will be a fun place to spend Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy Arts & Crafts, Gift Certificates, Gift Baskets, Theme Baskets, Plants, Succulents, Food, QUILTS, and much more!

Where: Kizuka Hall (150 Blackburn St, Watsonville)
When: Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Join us on Tuesday, October 14th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm for The Great PUP-kin Contest at the Carmel Mission Inn’s Dog Bar!

90.3 KAZU-FM’s MaryJane Peters will be our Emcee for an Evening that is sure to be filled with Adorable-costumed Dogs, Great Music, Raffles, Food and Drink (available for purchase).

There are Four Dog Costume Contests with a limit of 15 Contestants per Category:
• Small Dogs (25 pounds and under)
• Medium Dogs (26 pounds to 50 pounds)
• Large Dogs (51 pounds and over)
• Dog/Owner Duo

There will also be Raffle Prizes. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase ($5.00 each; 6 for $10.00; 15 for $50.00; 25 for $100.00) from a wide variety of local businesses including:
• Diggidy Dog
• Carmel Dog Shop
• DOGMA
• Dawn’s Dream
• Di Tierra Vineyards
• All-Starr Pup Camp, and many more!

The Costume Contest will begin at approximately 6:15pm so be sure to arrive on time to get your pup ready to strut their stuff across the stage.

All Costume Entrants MUST PRE-REGISTER (there will be NO “night of” Registration at the event). Each entrant is $25.00.

Multiple Dogs (group costume, for example) can be registered as ONE ENTRANCE as long as all the dogs are (roughly) in the same category and they will walk the stage together. Costume Contest Winners will be decided by the audience with prizes of hotel stays up for grabs!

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

DATE: Tuesday, October 14th
TIME: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
LOCATION: Carmel Mission Inn, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel-by-The-Sea
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Additional Information and Registration is available at https://animalfriendsrescue.org/pages/paws-around-town. All proceeds benefit Animal Friends Rescue Project.

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

ANIMAL FRIENDS RESCUE PROJECT

OUR MISSION:
We are dedicated to finding good permanent homes for abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals and ending the pet overpopulation crisis through focused spay/neuter programs. We work with our local community and animal shelters to identify and assist the dogs and cats most in need of a helping hand.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
• OFFICE: 161 Fountain Ave Pacific Grove, CA 93950
• MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 51083 Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
• PHONE NUMBER: (831) 333-0722
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@animalfriendsrescue.org

With the fall migration season approaching, there is exciting news on the horizon for every birder! The Bird School Project, a local nonprofit outdoor education organization, will be hosting The Monterey Bay Festival of Birds (MBFOB) for the 4th year in a row, happening this October 10th - 12th 2025!

This year we are bringing in different field trips and new experiences for people who are interested in birding in the area. We look forward to connecting with those who will be coming both past attendees and new comers! Our field trips are geared towards all levels of birding and accessibility. We are hoping to unlock stewardship through birding by helping make the connections between the birds and the environment. This is a great time of year for the festival because we will be in Fall Migration, when the birds start heading back south. 300+ species can be seen in the area during the migration season. This makes the area a hot spot for birding.

We will be hosting field trips and events throughout the weekend of 10/10/25 - 10/12/25. They will be held throughout the Central Coast. We will be bringing back our Birder’s Night Market on 10/11/25 in Sand City at The Art Park (525 Ortiz Ave., Sand City, Ca). The event will be going on from 4pm - 8pm. At this event we will have a list of guest presenters, non-profit organizations, food vendors and art vendors. We will have crafts for all ages to participate in. On 10/12/25 Central Coast Birding Collective will be hosting the Trivia Event in Watsonville, Ca at Fruition Brewing Watsonville (918 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, Ca).

There are also many opportunities for free fun! Throughout the festival weekend several community nature pop-up hubs will provide free nature journaling resources, free beginner bird walks, and free binocular demonstrations.

Too many men face life’s challenges in silence — shouldering stress, relationship struggles and self-doubt alone. Breakthrough Men’s Community has been changing that narrative for nearly four decades, offering a safe space for men to connect, grow and live with greater purpose.

Continuing in that tradition, the Monterey-based nonprofit opens another registration window on Aug. 15 for its Fall 2025 Workshops (beginning in October).

Breakthrough isn’t just a program — it’s a 26-week journey where men step out of isolation, examine the patterns holding them back, and discover the strength that comes from authentic connection. In a confidential setting — whether in person or online — participants gain tools to strengthen relationships, deepen self-awareness, and live more intentionally.

“We’ve seen it time and time again,” said Arnold Westphal, Breakthrough’s executive director. “When a man feels safe enough to be real, change happens. He becomes a better father, partner, friend, and community member. This work is not about fixing men — it’s about helping them see who they really are and giving them the tools to live from that truth.”

Two Ways to Participate

In-Person Workshop — Monterey

Start date: Oct. 22, 2025
Online Workshop — accessible anywhere

Start Date: Early 2026 (pre-registration open now)
Financial aid — no one turned away

From the beginning, Breakthrough has committed to making workshops available to any man ready to do the work, regardless of financial situation. Scholarships and tuition assistance are funded by donors who believe in the mission. Men who need support are encouraged to apply — no one is ever turned away because of cost.

Breakthrough’s impact is best expressed by those who’ve experienced it:

“Breakthrough gave me the space to be honest with myself for the first time in years. I am a better man, partner, and parent because of it.”
“This was the most transformative experience of my life. I came in uncertain and left with clarity, community, and compassion.”
“Every man needs this. I found lifelong friendships and a sense of purpose I never imagined.”
Men leave Breakthrough with more than insight. They leave with momentum, energy, and a renewed ability to trust themselves and others.

Registration

Signups for the Fall 2025 Workshops opens Aug. 15 at www.breakthroughformen.org.

Free introductory sessions are offered for those who want to learn more before enrolling.

About Breakthrough Men’s Community

Breakthrough Men’s Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Monterey, California. Its mission is to help men lead fuller, more authentic lives through facilitated workshops, community support, and long-term peer connection. For more than 35 years, Breakthrough has served thousands of men across the Central Coast, Northern California, and beyond.

🎉 Treasure Hunters, Thrifters & Bargain Lovers — This One’s for You! 🎉
The new Salvation Army Thrift Store has officially opened on Blossom Hill Road in San Jose, replacing the Ace Hardware space in the Blossom Hill Plaza — and it’s not your average thrift store. Step into 13,000 square feet of endless deals, unique finds, and sustainable shopping fun. San Jose’s Blossom Hill store is the 13th Salvation Army Thrift Store to join the Bay Area family.
✨ What to Expect: 🛍️ Gently loved clothing, accessories, home décor & one-of-a-kind treasures ♻️ A vibrant, eco-conscious shopping experience at unbeatable prices 🚗 Super easy drive-thru donation drop-off 🎁 Entry into a $100 Gift Certificate Drawing (winner announced Oct. 31!) 🎶 A Grand Opening Celebration coming soon (stay tuned!)
Best of all, every purchase and donation supports The Salvation Army’s San Jose Adult Rehabilitation Center — a local, 96-bed program helping men rebuild their lives and find lasting transformation.
📍 1339 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118 🕘 Mon–Sat: 9am–8pm | Sun: 10am–6pm
Come shop for treasures, support sustainability, and give back to your community — all in one trip! Shop with heart. Thrift with purpose.

Coastal Roots Hospitality (CRH) is pleased to name Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay as the September and October recipient of its Pick It Up — Pay It Forward initiative, continuing its tradition of supporting nonprofits that forge lasting, positive change in the community.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s mission is “to build decent, affordable homes and provide home ownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties”. As a locally operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the nonprofit brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

“Our region is fortunate to have a nonprofit that is literally building futures,” said Ken Donkersloot, co-owner of CRH. “Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay doesn’t just put roofs over people’s heads—they’re architects of stability, empowerment, and dignity. We’re honored to contribute to their mission this fall.”

Launched in 2020, Pick It Up — Pay It Forward donates 10% of every takeout order from CRH’s three signature restaurants—Montrio, Tarpy’s, and Rio Grill—to a selected nonprofit partner every two months. To date, the program has raised more than $300,000, benefiting dozens of local organizations.

Earlier this year, CRH presented donations to The Bridge Restoration Ministry ($10,297.45) and the Monterey County Film Commission ($10,649.62), and Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation was honored in May and June and Set Free Monterey Bay as the July and August.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay not only builds homes—it also empowers families through homeowner education, sweat equity, and long-term affordability. Partner families purchase homes with an affordable mortgage and contribute substantial “sweat equity,” ensuring that their homes stay accessible to future low-income families.

Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay has been a community-based force for better housing fairness—continually working toward the vision of decent, affordable homes and stronger neighborhoods.

To learn more about Habitat’s work or how to become a partner or volunteer, visit habitatmontereybay.com. For more information on Coastal Roots Hospitality, its restaurants, or the Pick It Up — Pay It Forward program, visit coastalrootshospitality.com or call (831) 647-1085.

Contact:

Coastal Roots Hospitality
Phone: (831) 647-1085
Website: www.coastalrootshospitality.com
Address: 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey, CA 93940
Montrio: (831) 648-8880 — montrio.com
Tarpy’s: (831) 647-1444 — tarpys.com
Rio Grill: (831) 625-5436 — riogrill.com
Events & Catering: (831) 655-2999 — coastalrootshospitality.com/events-and-catering

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has partnered with local artist Cady DeLay for a series of field sketching classes open to all knowledge levels and ages 12 and up. Participating artists ages 12-18 are also offered the opportunity to show their completed works in a new exhibition the Museum will hang at the Monterey Regional Airport beginning February 2026.

The sketching classes will take place on six Sundays between September and December, with each taking place in a new area and focusing on specific methods of artwork and exploration. Local areas including the Monarch Sanctuary, Huckleberry Hill, will make up the terrestrial portion of the classes, while tidepool sites at Asilomar will encompass the tide pooling portion, where artists will get to tidepool with marine biologist DeLay and learn how to draw what they’ve found. The series will finish with a final day at the Museum where artists will get the chance to finish their works, enhance them with materials provided by Cady and the Museum, and if youth artists would like, allow the Museum to borrow them for the final exhibit.

Cady DeLay has a background in marine biology and has been an art instructor with various organizations around Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties since graduating from CSUMB’s Science Illustration program in 2022. Cady said, “Nature journaling has helped me connect with my environment in a more personal way. It lets my curiosity fill a page of all the plants, animals, and more that makes Monterey County so special. I'm thrilled to share that joy with others and to show that art is something we are all capable of."

Upcoming Events at the Museum:

Field Sketching Workshops: Begins September 28, learn more at www.pgmuseum.org

Dive into Jade: September 18, 5:30-7:30, sign up: Dive Into Jade — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Member Brown Bag: Don’t Get Rattled, Myths, Truths, and Lives of Rattlesnakes, September 19, 12:15-12:45pm, sign up: Brown Bag Lunch: Don't Get Rattled! Myths, Truths, and Lives of Rattlesnakes — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

First Friday: October 3, Kirsten Carlson artist Meet & Greet, 6:00-8:00pm, learn more about Kirsten, KiRSTEN CARLSON | FATHOM iT STUDIOS

Night Owl: October 11, VIP 5:30-7:00pm, General 7:00-10:00pm, Learn more & get tickets: Night Owl 2025 — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Find WOW, our Mobile Museum at:

Carmel Women’s Club Centennial Celebration, September 20, Carmel

Steinbeck Street Fair, September 27, Steinbeck Center

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our cultural and natural world. The Museum supports conservation, scientific literacy, co-curation, and deep learning towards a resilient community and sustainable future. Their work is made possible, in part, by the following generous donors: American Water Charitable Foundation, City of Pacific Grove, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Helen Johnson Endowment Funds, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Discover the vibrant creativity of Monterey County at the Open Studios Art Tour 2025!

Open Studios Art Tour is a free, self-guided event over two weekends, giving you the chance to visit artists’ studios, explore their creative processes, and even take home a one-of-a-kind piece. Plan your journey easily with Arts4MC's mobile app and printed guide, and don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and support local art!

Tour will be held over two weekends: October 11–12 & 18–19, 2025

This year, Arts4MC is pleased to also include a Special Exhibition including all participating OSAT artists at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery (inside Seaside City Hall) — a curated showcase running from Sept. 8 – Nov. 6. Experience the magic of original artwork up close, meet the artists at the Artist Reception on Friday, Sept. 19, and get inspired by the incredible talent in our community.

Also includes Special Exhibition at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery:
Sept. 8 – Nov. 6, 2025, | Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 180 Years with a Special Free Birthday Party and Historic Exhibits Online and Off

Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Save the date! The Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the community to celebrate the 180th Birthday of Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event with new activities this year will feature live entertainment, activities for all ages, and beautiful scenic views of Monterey Bay. Check out the 450 photos included in "Old Fisherman's Wharf Through the Decades: 1845-2025" available now with a click on the History page of MontereyWharf.com: https://www.montereywharf.com/history.html

Event Details:
What: Old Fisherman's Wharf 180th Wharf Birthday Party (1845-2025)

Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf (GPS to 201 Washington Street, Monterey, CA)

More Information: For more details, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Event Activity Highlights:
Live Entertainment: The award-winning Money Band will perform from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Photo Ops with lots of colorful and festive decorations.

Master of Ceremonies: Local award-winning radio personality David Marzetti of KMBY 106.7 fm and 1240 am will host the festivities.

Free Birthday Cake: A sealife-themed cake will be served at 3:30 p.m. at the Wharf Tent in front of Abalonetti Bar & Grill (while supplies last).

The Western Flyer will have an information table near Rockfish Harbor Grill and the boat will be available for free tours at the California Dock from 11 am - 3:00 pm. Attendees can step aboard the world-famous Western Flyer at the California Dock (just to the left of Rockfish Harbor Grill) at the end of the Wharf. This iconic vessel, made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their legendary 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez, recently returned from retracing that historic journey. Enjoy free public tours from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm and learn more about its enduring legacy, remarkable restoration, and new life as a vessel for curiosity and learning. A must-see for history lovers, literary fans, and maritime enthusiasts alike.

The General Pershing historic boat will also have an information table near the Crab House Restaurant and Glass Bottom Boat area. The historic boat will also be available for photo ops right off of the Finger Pier for viewing from the east side of the Wharf. Between 1901-1903, Angelo Siino,his brothers, and father immigrated to America from Sicily with the knowledge of generations of fishing boat builders. In 1920 Angelo at the age of 32 built the Siino Boat Works on Wave Street in Monterey and began repairing and building wooden fishing boats.By 1924 he moved the Siino Boatworks next to Hovden Cannery. In 1930, Angelo Siino, already with a growing reputation as a Maestro boatbuilder, was commissioned by Neno DiMaggio (Joe DiMaggio's first cousin) to design and build the largest fishing boat he ever attempted. Angelo recruited his two brothers and his father from Pittsburg to help build the General Pershing. The General Pershing has been returned to the third generation Siinos who are restoring it to his former glory and dedicating her use as a Classroom on the Bay 501c3 to the youth of Monterey Bay teaching about her maritime history, Siino and Monterey Boat Works history and especially the urgent need to keep our oceans clean from pollution.

Cannery Row Jump dancers will be on site during the afternoon. Cannery Row Jump is home of the Monterey swing dance offering fun-focused Lindy Hop, Balboa and Charleston lessons along with regular swing outings for live music and dance events. www.canneryrowjump.com

Meet & Greet with Monterey’s Heroes: The Monterey Police and Fire Departments will be on-site from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., showcasing a fire engine, offering giveaways, and sharing important safety tips.

Candy Crawl: The first 180 attendees will receive a free piece of candy at the three candy shops on the Wharf: Carousel Candies, Wharf Chocolate Factory and Candy World.Carousel Candies will offer a free bag of delicious samples to the first 180 attendees including a nice size piece of Peanut Brittle, Sea Salt caramel salt water Taffy, Chocolate sea salt caramel Taffy, Caramel Corn, and a Strawberry salt water taffy in the bag! .And, the first 180 attendees of the Wharf Birthday Party can also get a complimentary piece of Dubai Chocolate, courtesy of Abalonetti's and Rockfish Harbor Grill.Candy World and Wharf Chocolate Factory will also have a free piece of candy for the first 180 attendees to complete the Candy Crawl.

There will be the launch of the online presentation of photos through the years of "Old Fisherman's Wharf Through the Decades" with more than 450 fascinating historic images illustrating the history of Old Fisherman's Wharf from 1845-2025 on the Wharf website for easy viewing on the History page on MontereyWharf.com at https://www.montereywharf.com/history.html

Photo Opportunities: Festive birthday decorations will provide the perfect backdrop as well as both the Western Flyer, General Pershing and strolling costumed characters.

Fun-loving characters Nemo and Dory from "Finding Nemo" will be strolling on site and doing meet and greets for fun photo ops this year.

Several costumed marine animals representing the 17th Annual Whalefest Monterey (April 11-12, 2026) a major annual event on Old Fisherman's Wharf, will also be on site for photo ops.

Wharf Walks: Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will offer a free one hour Wharf Walk to attendees at 11 am and 1 pm.
Reserve your free space at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Reserve your free space at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up."

There will be an information table and giveaways for the "Walk to End Alzheimers" which will be held a week later on October 18th at the adjacent Custom House Plaza and Rec Trail.

Pirate Selfies: Guests can commemorate Monterey’s history by dressing as pirates or sailors and taking photos with the pirate statues at Pirate’s Cove.

Through the end of the year, be sure to see the Bounty of the Sea exhibit at the adjacent Monterey History and Art Association Stanton Center which features outstanding historic photos and artifacts from the Italian Heritage Society and Festa Italia Monterey. (More information here).

Starting on November 1, 2025, there will be a special 3-month exhibit featuring a collection of 35 large framed and captioned photos that will open with additional historic photos of the Monterey Harbor area from the Chris Shake Collection entitled "On The Waterfront" at the adjacent Monterey History and Art Association Stanton Center.

About The Money Band
The Money Band has entertained audiences across California and beyond for over 15 years, performing an eclectic mix of top 40 hits spanning multiple genres, including rock, pop, country, and funk. Voted Best Band on the Monterey Peninsula by The Carmel Pine Cone, The Monterey Herald, and Monterey County Weekly, their high-energy performances continue to draw crowds of all ages. Fronted by lead vocalist and harmonica player Zoe Alexander, the band keeps the dance floor packed with hits from artists like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bruno Mars, and more.

About David Marzetti, Master of Ceremonies
David Marzetti is a veteran radio personality with over 48 years in broadcasting. He hosts multiple shows on KMBY 106.7fm _+ 1240am including The ShagBag Show and Sundays with Sinatra: Live from Old Fisherman’s Wharf. He is well known for emceeing major events in Monterey County, including Festa Italia, the City of Monterey’s Fourth of July Celebration, and the Wharf’s annual birthday party. A three-time PGA Media Person of the Year Award recipient and winner of the Monterey Herald’s Best TV/Radio Personality award, Marzetti is widely recognized as “The Voice of Monterey.”

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-visit destination open year-round. Originally established in 1845 as a hub for maritime trade, it has since evolved into a vibrant attraction featuring award-winning restaurants, unique shopping, and world-class ocean activities.

Recognized as the "Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World™," the Wharf offers a variety of marine experiences, including whale-watching tours, bay cruises, and fishing excursions. Dining options range from locally sourced seafood to international cuisine, with iconic clam chowder and fresh calamari among the highlights. Visitors can also explore boutique shops, enjoy panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and observe wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, and dolphins.

Conveniently located near downtown Monterey, the Wharf is accessible via the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, with ample parking available in the nearby Waterfront Parking Lot.

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Celine Grenier is returning to a UCSC Sesnon Gallery at Porter College fifty years after her senior show there for her Studio Art BA. There have been many periods and media explored over those five decades. The art reflects both the light and the dark of life in our times.

Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 5pm

Closest parking lots to the Gallery are #124 and #125 at Porter College. Additional parking at Lot #126, the Performing Arts lot, off Heller Drive on the right side. Park Mobile Permits are required 7 days a week on campus lots. https://sesnongalleries.ucsc.edu/visit/