Jazz Under the Stars: The Homeless Coalition of San Benito County will host its eighth annual Jazz Under the Stars fundraiser July 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., at St. Benedict’s Hall, 1200 Fairview Road. The event will feature Magnolia Jazz Band, food, wine and a silent auction. Tables are available for 10 people for $500 or individual tickets are available for $50 per person. Diamond Sponsors get a table for 10 for $1,000. The event is outdoors and is open to guests 21 and older. To RSVP, call Doug Emerson at 831-637-8399.
Pinnacles summer speaker series starts: The Pinnacles National Park Summer Speakers series starts June 8 with the “Hands of the Land” lecture at Soledad Library at 2 p.m. A ranger will help visitors learn about people who shaped the Salinas Valley into the “salad bowl of America.” The lecture will explore the lives of area farmers, immigrants, activists and writers with family friendly activities. The second lecture, “Cowboy Poetry,” will be June 15 at 2 p.m. Pinnacles Nation Park’s west side entrance. Janice Gilbertson will share stories and poetry with visitors. On June 22 at 2 p.m., for “Life of the Amah Mutsun,” Valentin Lopez will speak on the west side of the park. Lopez will discuss the culture and history of the tribal band. Park entrance fees apply for the speaker events inside the park.