Community Calendar

Shake It Señora invites you to build community through joyful movement. Zumba workouts are offered T/Th&S begin August 5 at 8:30am at N Space Dance Studio, 170 Central Ave. Your first class is free when you mention this announcement. Learn more at ShakeItSenora.com or text Tracy at (919)995-55574.

This time of year, the Arboretum hosts both Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds, the two most common species in Northern California. “The density of hummingbirds—the number per area in the Arboretum—is ridiculously high,” says Bruce Lyon, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC. “You can watch them feeding on flowers, you can watch their courtship, you can watch them chasing different species. It’s a great opportunity to see some pretty amazing hummingbird biology.”

In celebration of this special time of year, we invite you to visit the garden as much as possible! We will have presentations, workshops, and tours throughout the month. See our webpage for a schedule of activities and more information about hummingbirds and the abundance of plants at the Arboretum that attract them.
We will also feature hummingbird merchandise and hummingbird-attracting plants at our gift shop and nursery. Visit Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop, Tuesdays thru Sundays from 10 - 4. For more information visit: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/garden-shop/

All events are free with paid admission: Adults: $10, Seniors $8 and Youth 4-17 $5. Rain cancels outdoor activities.

Current members are always free and enjoy other great benefits year-round! Join Today at https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/join-us/

Anna's Hummingbird photo taken by Brad Lewis (2017).

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History announces the presentation of “Tethered Light,” a sculptural exhibition by California-based artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry, on view January 21 through April 26. The exhibition features a collection of sculptural works created from driftwood gathered along California’s rugged coastline.

Rooted in the landscapes and histories of California’s shores, Tethered Light transforms weathered, fire-marked and ocean-worn wood into expressive sculptural forms that speak to environmental change, endurance and renewal. Many of the materials used in the exhibition were collected from beaches where wildfire-scarred trees met the sea, carrying visible traces of both destruction and survival.

Bright marine ropes bind the sculptural elements together, referencing the maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast — from fishing vessels and buoys to migration routes and navigation systems that have long shaped life along the water. These luminous cords contrast with the aged wood, symbolizing the human impulse to connect, secure and preserve in an ever-changing environment.

Several pieces in the exhibition are suspended, appearing to hover and sway in space. These floating forms suggest motion, balance and the shifting relationship between land and sea — a reminder that California’s coastline remains in constant dialogue with wind, water and time.

“Tethered Light is a meditation on resilience and regeneration — sculptures shaped by the sea and bound by memory, inviting us to reflect on our deep connection to California’s coast and the shifting balance between nature, culture and change,”
— Raphaele Cohen-Bacry

Presented at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, the exhibition aligns closely with the museum’s mission to inspire discovery and stewardship of the natural world. Through sculptural storytelling, Tethered Light invites visitors to consider the fragile beauty of coastal ecosystems and the responsibility we share in protecting them.

Located on the edge of Monterey Bay, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History serves as a gateway to understanding the rich biodiversity and cultural history of California’s Central Coast. Tethered Light offers a contemplative artistic extension of that mission, blending science, environment and art into a single immersive experience.

Special Event

Virtual Artist Meet & Greet
February 22 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Join artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry for a live virtual conversation exploring the inspirations, materials and stories behind Tethered Light. Details and registration information will be available via the museum.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition: Tethered Light
Artist: Raphaele Cohen-Bacry
Dates: January 21 – April 26
Venue: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Website / Artist Studio: Raphaele Cohen-Bacry Studio

For museum hours, admission and exhibition information, visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Coastal Roots Hospitality announces 2026 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward nonprofit partners following more than $400,000 in donations since 2021

MONTEREY, Calif. — In advance of its sixth year of community investment — with more than $400,000 donated to local organizations — Coastal Roots Hospitality has announced additional nonprofit partners for its 2026 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward program.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency response to support essential services amid widespread uncertainty, Pick It Up — Pay It Forward has evolved into a lasting force for good. Now entering its sixth year, the initiative serves as a cornerstone of Coastal Roots Hospitality’s philanthropic business model, transforming everyday takeout orders into consistent, reliable funding for nonprofits serving Monterey County. Pick It Up — Pay It Forward is one of several philanthropic pillars through which Coastal Roots Hospitality integrates community investment into its daily operations. To learn more about CRH’s broader commitment to giving back, visit coastalrootshospitality.com/community-involvement.

Through the program, 10 percent of every to-go order from CRH’s flagship restaurants — Montrio, Tarpy’s and Rio Grill — is donated directly to nonprofit partners on a rotating, two-month basis.

2026 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward partners

January/February: The Bridge Restoration Ministry
March/April: CASA of Monterey County
May/June: Monterey County Film Commission
July/August: Community Partnership for Youth
September/October: Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum)
November/December: Seneca Kinship Center
Each organization will receive funds generated during its designated giving period, allowing nonprofits to plan ahead and rely on predictable support rather than one-time donations.

Unlike traditional fundraising campaigns or annual check presentations, Pick It Up — Pay It Forward is embedded into Coastal Roots Hospitality’s daily operations. Every takeout order becomes a micro-investment in the community, creating a steady funding stream that helps nonprofits meet ongoing needs — from housing and youth advocacy to family stabilization and cultural enrichment.

“For us, this program represents more than a donation — it’s a partnership,” said CRH CEO Ken Donkersloot, joining his wife Mona as the driving force behind CRH’s “Faith, Family, Friends, and Food” motto. The organization believes that treating employees with care leads to exceptional guest experiences, and that inviting guests into the act of giving back strengthens the entire community.

That ethos is felt directly by the organizations served.

“Support from Pick It Up — Pay It Forward allows us to focus on families when they need us most, without worrying about where the next dollar will come from,” said a representative from Seneca Kinship Center. “This kind of consistent, community-driven funding has a real and lasting impact on the people we serve.”

Since its inception, the initiative has supported many other nonprofits across Monterey County, including: Monterey County Food Bank; Monterey Rape Crisis Center; Loaves, Fishes & Computers; Set Free Monterey Bay; the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation; and more.

As the program enters its sixth year, it stands as a model for how local businesses can create meaningful, long-term impact through everyday actions.

“We wanted to build something lasting that connects our guests, our team and the organizations doing the hardest work in our community,” Donkersloot said. “Six years in, we’re proud that Pick It Up — Pay It Forward is still growing and still making a difference.”

For more information about Coastal Roots Hospitality and its commitment to community engagement, visit www.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

Individual Restaurants:
Montrio: (831) 648-8880 | montrio.com
Tarpy’s: (831) 647-1444 | tarpys.com
Rio Grill: (831) 625-5436 | riogrill.com

Coastal Roots Events & Catering:
(831) 655-2999 | coastalrootshospitality.com/events-and-catering

Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association hosts Wharf Walks on the First Saturday of Each Month. These Walking Tours take place at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, are at no-charge to attendees and are held from 10am to 12:00pm. The tour is for ages 10-adult only, with no more than 15 people. Tours meet at the head of the Wharf near the pink “Harbor House” Store, #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey.

More details are available on www.montereywharf.com. To reserve your free space, please visit monterey.gov/library/events or call 831-646-3933.

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About Wharf Walks:

This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront will take you back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People -- Monterey’s first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry.

You will discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey’s colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman’s Wharf and those who worked and walked there. You will also learn about the sardine and squid industry.

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf:

Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay.

For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, please visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Join us for our Semi-Annual Meeting of the Rio del Mar Improvement Association on Wednesday, April 15th at the Rio Sands Hotel Meeting Room.

Doors open at 6:00pm. The meeting is free to attend and open to all RDMIA Residents.

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DATE: Wednesday, April 15th
TIME: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
LOCATION: Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit RDMIA's Website for Additional Information & Program Details.

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Welcome to the Rio del Mar Improvement Association

Join a vibrant community where your voice truly matters! The Rio del Mar Improvement Association (RDMIA) is dedicated to enhancing the beauty and livability of our neighborhood, bringing together residents who share a passion for creating a welcoming and thriving environment for all.

More information is available at https://www.rdmia.org/
RDMIA
P.O. Box 274
Aptos, CA 95001-0274

Kick off the cycling season on the California coast at The World’s Premier Cycling Festival.

If you’re looking to Race & Ride & Demo, welcome home.

Four days of World-class Cycling, Trail Running, Family Programming, Camping, and One of the Largest Outdoor Sports Expo in North America. Includes professional and amateur bike racing, the Sea Otter Trail Run, Family Bike Day, kids’ races, demos, and a full festival environment.

Meet us in glorious Monterey, California, for the official start of the season at the Life Time Sea Otter Classic. Test ride the latest gear from 1,000(plus) bike brands and converse with cycling legends at the Sea Otter Expo. Rip through gnarly gravel and shred down massive berms in one of our 14 Races. Embrace the beauty of biking with our untimed Recreational Rides.

The Sea Otter Classic is more than a festival. More than a race. More than an Expo. It’s where the world comes to celebrate cycling.

First Friday Salinas is a monthly tradition designed to transform Downtown into a consistent, positive space for community and culture to thrive.

Come and enjoy an evening of local art, live entertainment, delicious food, and shops open late. Bring your friends and family to Salinas City Center and discover something new every First Friday of the month

You won’t want to miss it!

When & Where:
Every First Friday of the Month
Starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas in 100 – 300 Blocks of Main Street
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the One Main Street Stage (in front of the Steinbeck Center).

Join the Carmel Orchid Society at its monthly meetings to learn how to grow orchids in our local environment. Meetings are held from 2:00pm to 4:00m on the First Saturday of the Month (except during Months with Social Events) at the Community Church of Carmel Valley. Monthly meetings feature Informative Speakers and an Opportunity to win Orchids, Food and Fun.

The Society also has a Picnic, Excursion and Holiday Dinner as well as sponsoring an Orchid Market in the Fall.

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DATE: First Saturday of the Month (except during Months with Social Events)
TIME: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
LOCATION: Community Church of Monterey Peninsula, 4590 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: More information is available at CarmelOrchidSociety.org

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THE CARMEL ORCHID SOCIETY
A Group of Orchid Enthusiasts based near Carmel, California who enjoy getting together to learn about Orchids and their Culture. We are also dedicated to exposing the public to the beauty and allure of these plants.

P.O. Box 223462, Carmel California 93922-3462
Info@CarmelOrchidSociety.org

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Campus Tree Planting

Friday, Feb 27 from 12–2PM

Help the campus in meeting its planting goal (2,030 trees and plants by 2030) by coming out and planting coastal live oaks this February! Leave your mark on campus by planting trees!

Feb. 27, 12 - 2 pm, meet at the retention pond next to Mountain Hall (the same parking lot where the University Police Department is located).

All supplies will be provided, and no prior knowledge is needed. Be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, bring water, and supplies to be outdoors for a few hours.

Hosted by Second Wave Supplies and Habitat Stewardship Project Monterey Bay

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Holi Festival of Colors

Thursday, Mar 5 from 12–4PM

Holi is a Hindu festival of colors, an Indian South Asian festival which has roots in Hindu mythology. All are welcome to participate!

Festival takes place in the Main Quad in front of the Otter Student Union.

Hosted by APIDA Center

Co-hosted with: Associated Students, Otter Student Union, Otter Cross Cultural Center, International Student & Scholar Services, South Asian Association, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center Center

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APIDA Night Festival

Thursday, Mar 19 from 12–10PM

Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American Night Festival–join us for a night of building community and honoring APIDA cultural traditions. We will be hosting an art market, food, and featuring local and alumni musicians, artists and vendors.

APIDA Festival Art Market starts at 12:00PM, ends at 4:00PM

Join us for the Art Market portion of the day long APIDA Night Festival Event. Stop by and support these amazing local small businesses!

APIDA Night Festival x AS Farmers Market from 2:00 to 6:00PM

The APIDA Night Festival x AS Farmers Market is a collaboration happening to celebrate the APIDA diaspora! Stop by and support your local vendors!

Community Concert happening from 7:00 to 10:00PM

Presenting performances from 8RO8, Wren Crisologo and the Blackflag Dance Crew!

Hosted by Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center

Co-hosted with: Associated Students, Otter Student Union, Otter Cross Cultural Center, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center Center

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Campus Cleanup Day

Wednesday, Apr 22 from 11AM–1PM

Celebrate Earth Day by joining us for our next Campus Cleanup as we work together to keep CSUMB’s campus clean, welcoming, and beautiful. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to take part, bring a friend and make an impact!

Support CSUMB’s commitment to sustainability and our goal of 90% waste diversion from landfill by 2030. By collecting litter and recyclables, you’ll help reduce pollution, protect local wildlife, and keep our shared spaces beautiful.

Team up with fellow Otters to remove litter from Main Campus, all cleanup supplies will be provided, and everyone is welcome to join!

Volunteers will be walking around campus, bending, and picking up litter, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable during the cleanup.

Questions? Contact Amanda Armstrong, Waste Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, at amarmstrong@csumb.edu

Hosted by Second Wave Supplies

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