FRIDAY 1/28

NUCLEAR SECURITY | MONTEREY—Dr. Igor Khripunov, Senior Research Associate at the Center for International Trade and Security in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Georgia, lectures on concept, implementation, and evaluation in nuclear security culture. 12:15pm. MIIS, CNS Building, Room D-100, 400 Pacific St. www.cns.miis.edu.

TAX PREP | SALINAS—United Way Monterey County kicks off its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services with remarks by Congressman Sam Farr, Healthy Start Manager Annabelle Rodriguez and CEO of UWMC Mary Adams. VITA offers free tax prep for households with an income less than $49,000 at eight sites countywide. 12:30pm. Alisal Family Resource Center, 1441 Del Monte Blvd. Call 2-1-1 for tax prep locations.

SATURDAY 1/29

PARK CLEAN-UP | SEASIDE—Return of the Natives invites the public to become part of ongoing park restoration efforts. Volunteers welcome to help remove litter and transplant native species. Tools, water and snacks provided. 9am-1pm. Natividad Creek Park, Nogal Drive picnic area. For more information or to RSVP for large groups, 582-3686. ron.csumb.edu.

CAR PART RECYCLING | MARINA—The Monterey County Health Department hosts a used oil and filter collection event. Residents who bring a used filter receive a new one free. Only 100 filters available. 8am-2pm. Kragen Auto Parts, 250 Reservation Rd. For information, 755-4579.

TUESDAY 2/1

GROW YOUR LUNCH | PACIFIC GROVE—Sustainable PG presents a program on the impacts of local and backyard gardening. Ben Eichorn, founder of San Francisco-based Grow Your Lunch, will speak on seasonal gardening tips for the Monterey Peninsula and institutional gardens. 7pm. PG Museum of Natural History, 165 Central Ave.

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT | SEASIDE—The Neighborhood Improvement Program Commission meets for its regular monthly meeting the first Tuesday of every month. The commission’s objectives are to encourage property beautification, reduce vandalism, and maintain the appearance of the city. 6pm. Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Ave. www.ci.seaside.ca.us.