ONGOING

ONE WARM COAT | MONTEREY – The Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay are collecting gently used coats so they can be cleaned and given to someone in need. Children’s coats are especially needed. Bring them to Macy’s, 260 Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey. www.onewarmcoat.com.

DINING WITH FRIENDS | COUNTYWIDE – The Food Bank of Monterey County invites you to have a party – any kind of party – between now and Dec. 31. Just ask your friends to bring a financial donation to the food bank. Call the food bank or visit online for more information on how to obtain your host kit. 758-1523. www.food4hungry.org/events/show/44-dining-with-friends.

THURSDAY 12|30

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | SALINAS – Friends of County Animal Services will pay $50 toward the cost of each pet adoption. The group will also donate a free microchip and registrations for all Monterey County animal adoptions from Dec. 27-30. Noon-5:30pm, Monterey County Animal Services, 160 Hitchcock Road, Salinas. 769-8858. www.mtyhd.org.

SUNDAY 1|1

BEACH CLEAN-UP | P.G. – Surfrider Monterey invites you to help clean up Asilomar State Beach. You never know what you might find. Last summer, an entire car body was unearthed at Del Monte Beach. 10am, Asilomar State Beach, at the end of Highway 68, P.G. 272-2731. www.surfridermonterey.org.

TUESDAY 1|4

MONTEREY POLITICS | MONTEREY – The Monterey City Council holds its first meeting of 2011, and as always, invites public participation. 4pm, City Council Chambers, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. 646-3760. www.monterey.org.

TUESDAY 1|4

CARMEL POLITICS | CARMEL – The Carmel City Council convenes for its monthly meeting. 4:30pm, City Council Chambers, Monte Verde between Ocean and Seventh, Carmel. 620-2000. www.ci.carmel.ca.us.

WEDNESDAY 1|5

SALINAS PLANNING | SALINAS – The city’s Planning Comm – ission meets. 3:30pm, City Council Chamber, 201 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. 758-7381. www.ci.salinas.ca.us.