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Despite the huge national spectacle of President Barack Obama's second inauguration ceremony, recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King's life and work isn't taking a back seat on the Peninsula.

Here are a couple of the MLK Day events scheduled:

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration in Seaside

The Monterey Bay community gathers to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's life and legacy with a march and subsequent presentations. Marchers will gather in front of the Monterey County Social Service Center in Seaside, and walk to the Oldemeyer Center. There, several people will speak in memory of Dr. King and his commitment to community service. The talks this year will focus on health and education, and speakers will include Dr. Chris Griffith, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and David A. Johnson, who will present some musical expressions of civil and human rights movements. Finally, the Monterey Bay community will be called to participate in a 40 Day Service Challenge, inspired by the Day of Service that will kick off Obama's second inauguration. Those who choose to participate will sign commitment cards to volunteer and help their community make better choices throughout the next 40 days. Occupy Monterey members have sent out a call to all occupiers as they look to join the procession as they did last year. [DLG]

11am Mon Jan. 21. Monterey County Social Service Center, corner of Broadway Ave and Noche Buena St, Seaside. Free. 899-3391. djordan@mbay.net.

Steven "Quazar" Goings performs Martin Luther Kings speeches at Peace Resource Center

Leading up to Monday's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Goings, former president of the Monterey Peace & Justice Center and current member of the NAACP, as part of his mission to merge the African American Civil Rights Movement and the peace movement, delivers three of Dr. King's iconic speeches: "I Have a Dream," "Why I Am Opposed to the Vietnam War" and "I Have Been to the Mountaintop."

7pm. Peace Resource Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. Free; donations appreciated. 899-7322.