Wildlife Fund-raiser and auction
TRES PINOS
– The Nan Pipestem Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s Eleventh
Annual BBQ dinner, raffle and live auction will be held Saturday,
March 24th at Bolado Park Fairgrounds in the Pavilion.
A social,
”
Pick-um Raffle,
”
and silent auction begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.
Wildlife Fund-raiser and auction
TRES PINOS – The Nan Pipestem Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s Eleventh Annual BBQ dinner, raffle and live auction will be held Saturday, March 24th at Bolado Park Fairgrounds in the Pavilion.
A social, “Pick-um Raffle,” and silent auction begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.
Dinner will be provided by Famous Dave’s BBQ with a combination of Barbecued Ribs and Chicken, Texas Beef Brisket, Beans, Salad and Muffins. A vegetarian lasagna will be provided by Papa Murphy’s. All proceeds from the no-host bar will go to the wildlife center.
Local wines donated by Calera and Flint will be available by the glass or bottle, and will also be offered for auction. Entertainment will be provided by “Cold Blue,” a rhythm and blues band.
The center is still accepting donated auction items. Those wishing to donate an item or service should call the center at 831-628-3400 or Kate Woods at 831-693-4533.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Tickets may be purchased at the following locations:
Tres Pinos Ranch Supply, Animal Hospital of Hollister, Johnny’s Bar & Grill, Visions of Christmas in San Juan Bautista, Family Pet Care Center and Ausaymas Veterinary Service.
Ag woman forms available
HOLLISTER – Ag Against Hunger will recognize a woman who has contributed significantly to the success of the tri-county agricultural industry at the Fourteenth Annual Ag Woman of the Year luncheon at Paraiso Vineyards in Soledad on Wednesday, June 6, 2007. Nominations for this award are now being accepted; forms are available at www.agagainsthunger.org and due by April 20, 2007.
 All Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz County service, non-profit or trade organizations are welcome to submit a nomination for Ag Woman of the Year. This award seeks to honor unique leadership qualities held by women working within our local agricultural industry. These qualities include a selfless spirit of engagement in promoting and celebrating agriculture with one’s heart, mind and soul; and a perpetuation of the pioneering traditions and tenants of independence, integrity, and innovation from our agricultural history, for and with humanity.
 This year’s keynote speaker will be Nita Gizdich of Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, CA. Gizdich was recognized as Ag Against Hunger’s Ag Woman of the Year in 2004 and her family-run farm has been a draw for families, schools and visitors looking to pick apples and berries or simply “Eat-A Nita Pie” for over 40 years.
 Reservations for this event are $50 per person and table sponsorships are available. For more information visit www.agagainsthunger.org or contact AG Against Hunger at 755-1480.
Get more back from the IRS
OAKLAND – Californians are missing out on more than $40 million for a one-time telephone tax refund. The government stopped collecting a long-distance excise tax last August after several federal courts said it was illegal. For those who paid the excise tax on long-distance phone service between March 2003 through July 2006, they may be eligible for a $30-60 refund.
For more information, visit www.irs.gov.
Two drive-by shootings
HOLLISTER – The city of Hollister Police Department officers are investigating two drive-by shootings that occurred between March 9-11. March 9, at approximately 8:30 p.m, Hollister police officers responded to a shooting at the Mission Oaks Mobile Home Park. No one was home at the time of the shooting, but officers found two bullet holes.
March 11, at 12:09 a.m., officers responded to fires shot near East and First Streets. The shots had been fired into an apartment complex on East. A suspect walked up and shot a firearm into the apartment, officers reported, barely missing an 8-year-old girl. Police said they believe the shootings are gang related. There have been four drive-by shootings in March.
Anyone with information on the incidents should contact Detective Jeff Caires at 636-4330.
Attempted armed robbery
HOLLISTER – Hollister Police officers responded to an armed robbery in the area of Premier Cinemas on McCray Street March 9 at 8:30 p.m. Witnesses reported several juvenile suspects had brandished a handgun and demanded money from two juvenile victims. The victims were beaten with the gun when they did not hand over their money. HPD officers and San Benito County Sheriff’s officers responded to the call. They pursued the suspects as they ran toward Las Palmas Drive. The suspects were found 20 minutes later and officers also found a pistol in a bush. The pistol, which matched the description given by the victims, turned out to be a toy replica that had been painted black.
The suspects arrested are believed to be connected to a local Norteño street gang. They have been charged with attempted armed robbery, assault and conspiracy to commit a crime. One was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Jeff Caires at 636-4330.
Literacy tutor training
HOLLISTER – Diane Leverich, the coordinator for the Adult Literacy Program, will be hosting a tutor training session at the San Benito County Free Library, Saturday, March 24 from 3 to 6 p.m., at the library 470 Fifth St. Refreshments will be served.
Volunteer tutors work with adults who have a desire to learn to read. Tutors must be 18 years of age and not currently in school. A passion for reading is a plus. Learning materials and training manuals are supplied.
For more information, call Leverich at 630-1449.
