Homeowners and perspective homebuyers in San Benito County are invited to attend a free community workshop Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Room 218, to learn about a variety of programs that can save them money. The event is sponsored by Energy Upgrade California, a new statewide program that aims to reduce energy use, save homeowners money and create local jobs.
Guest speakers will include housing staff representatives from the city of Hollister Redevelopment Agency and the county of San Benito. Topics covered will include an explanation of the complete home-buying process, how to access Energy Upgrade California rebates of up to $4,000 for home energy upgrades and how to attain financing and down payment assistance for a new home purchase. The workshop will be conducted in English and Spanish.
Residents can RSVP online to sanbenito-euc.eventbrite.com.
Red Cross blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be hosting a Mobile Blood Drive on Jan 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. The drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, use Sponsor Code “HOLLISTER.”
For more information call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrosssblood.org.
Open Studios applications available
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council is accepting applications for artists in all media for the annual Open Studios Tour and Emerging Artists Exhibit. Emerging and Open Studio Artists will have their artwork displayed at the Blak Sage Gallery March 20 through April 26, with the Open Studios Tour scheduled for April 28 and 29. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 10 and are available online at www.sanbenitoarts.org, or can be requested by mail or email by contacting the Arts Council at in**@sa***********.org or 636-2787.
New and past participants are encouraged to visit www.sanbenitoarts.org to learn more about the events. They are also invited to attend an informational meeting Jan. 31, at 6 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St.
For questions or for more information, call 636-2787 or email in**@sa***********.org.
Caltrans accepts grant applications
HOLLISTER – Caltrans is accepting applications online for the 2012-13 fiscal year transportation planning grants through April 2. Transportation planning grants promote sustainable communities, economic growth, environmental protection and community involvement. They also support close proximity of jobs and housing, efficient goods movement, safe and convenient bicycle mobility and access, multi-modal transportation, strategic land use and commute alternatives.
The agency is also accepting applications for the following grants programs:
• Community-based transportation planning grant – $3 million available
• Environmental justice – $3 million available
• Partnership planning – $1.2 million available
• Statewide or urban transit studies – $1.5 million available
• Rural or small urban transit studies – $1 million available
• Transit planning student internships – $300,000 available.
Funding for these programs is available on a statewide, competitive basis. Some restrictions apply for applicants. For applications and a guidebook to restrictions, visit www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/grants.html.
New AARP driving classes scheduled
HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program will be offering sessions in 2012 for drivers 50 and older, for $15.95 for AARP members or $19.95 for non-members. The eight-course is available in a variety of locations as well as a four-hour refresher for those who have completed the course in the past. Some insurance companies offer a discount for drivers who have completed the course.
A four-hour refresher course is scheduled at 470 Monterey St., in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Jan. 21. An eight-hour class is scheduled at 470 Monterey St.., in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 11. To register, call Brian Lindberg at 408-307-
Pre-registration is required. A full list of classes in the region is available online at www.aarp.org.
Red Cross blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be hosting a Mobile Blood Drive on Jan 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. The drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, use Sponsor Code “HOLLISTER.”
For more information call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrosssblood.org.
