ONGOING

DONATE KIDS’ BOOKS | SALINAS –  Friends of the Salinas Public Library seek donations of new and gently-used children’s books for distribution to kids up to age 6 at the Story Time programs in Salinas libraries. Drop off books in the lobby of the John Steinbeck Public Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. 443-6059 or president@fospl.org.

FOOD FOR FINES | MONTEREY/PACIFIC GROVE – Monterey Public Library and Pacific Grove Public Library accept donations of unopened, non-perishable food in lieu of fines for overdue library materials through Jan. 2. Donations go to the Food Bank for Monterey County. Bring food to the Monterey Public Library Bookmobile; the Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey; or the Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. 648-5760 or 646-5602.  

12|6 THURS

CARMEL RIVER COMMITTEE | CARMEL VALLEY – Hear an update and discussion on Carmel River watershed activities. 10am. Mid-Carmel Valley Fire Station Community Room, 8455 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley. Free. 658-5600.

12|8 SAT

IRANIAN ACTIVIST | MONTEREY – Sanaz Meshkinpour, an Iranian-American activist of Jewish and Muslim parents who serves as Global Exchange’s Middle East Program Coordinator, gives a critical analysis of the conflict with Iran and tells personal stories about her family and travels. 2pm. Monterey Institute of International Studies Irvine Auditorium, 460 Pierce St., Monterey. Free. 206-5043.

12|9 SUN

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY | SALINAS – Local Democrats stage the “First Presidential Primary in the Nation.” Noon-5pm. Sherwood Hall Auditorium, Salinas Community Center, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. $10 or two cans of food. 262-0367.

12|11 TUES

CITY EXPANSION | SALINAS – The City Council considers approval of the supplemental environmental impact report for its future growth area north of city limits. The City wants to annex 3,350 acres of land and have developers build 14,000 homes over time. 4pm. City Hall Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. 758-7381.