March of Dimes fundraiser
HOLLISTER
– The Marching for San Benito Babies team will be hosting a car
wash fundraiser at True Value Hardware, 1260 San Juan-Hollister
Road, on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will go
toward the team’s fundraising efforts for the March for Babies walk
in May.
Fundraiser for Si, Se Puede Learning Center
GILROY – Barnes and Noble, 6825 Camino Arroyo, in Gilroy, will be donating a portion of sales through May 2, at 10 p.m. for any customers who mentions the National Farm Workers Service Center, including Si Se Peude Learning Center. The donations will support a camping trip for the students who attend the center in Gilroy and Hollister. For more information, call 637-9097.
March of Dimes fundraiser
HOLLISTER – The Marching for San Benito Babies team will be hosting a car wash fundraiser at True Value Hardware, 1260 San Juan-Hollister Road, on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will go toward the team’s fundraising efforts for the March for Babies walk in May.
Cinco de Mayo celebration
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The English Language Advisory Committee is hosting a family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebration at San Juan Elementary School, 100 Nyland Drive, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The event will feature school performances, authentic Mexican food and drinks, arts and crafts, and music. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Home and School Club, a nonprofit organization that funds field trips and educational programs for the school.
For more information, contact Sergio Martinez, ELAC president, at 623-4538.
Hollister police officer recognized
HOLLISTER – Hollister police officer Christopher Wells received a Mothers Against Drunk Driving California Hero Award at the organization’s annual banquet April 18. Held in Sacramento, the banquet recognizes law enforcement officers who enforce laws that prohibit driving while under the influence. Wells made 27 DUI arrests in 2008. He was given a plaque and pin to wear on his uniform that has the numbers 23152 on it to represent the California vehicle code section for driving under the influence.
The local police department staff also received a plaque that recognizes its efforts “to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” In 2008, Hollister police officers made 185 arrests for driving under the influence.
Historic park seeks volunteers
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is seeking volunteer docents who can portray early California life through costumes, information and demonstrations. A class will be offered Sunday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at the Plaza Hotel in San Juan for those who are interested. For more information, contact Nikki at 623-2753 or ac****@pa***.gov.
HOPE collects e-waste at fair
HOLLISTER – During the Eco-nomics Expo and Job Fair May 14, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Building, HOPE Services will be collecting e-waste items. The items include televisions, monitors, microwaves, laptops, keyboards, printers and fax machines. HOPE assists individuals with disabilities to live and participate in the community. While 65 percent of its funding comes from state funds, the rest is raised through contract work, fundraising and e-waste recycling. For more information, call 638-6851.
The job fair will feature several workshops for job seekers including sessions on interviewing skills; dressing for success; do’s and don’ts and vocational training providers.
Casey’s pledge
HOLLISTER – The Friday Night Live chapter at San Benito High School, sponsored by the San Benito County Behavioral Health Services’ Substance Abuse Prevention Program, will invite students to take Casey’s pledge, a promise to be sober, or not to drink and drive before their prom May 16. It is a statewide prevention program that encourages youth to take an active role in reducing the negative effects of underage alcohol use and drinking and driving.
It is named in remembrance of Casey Goodwin, an advocate for healthy lifestyles free of alcohol and drugs, who was killed in an auto accident by an underage drunk driver in March 2003. Casey’s friends created the pledge as a way to honor her.
Youths sign a pledge card in the shape of a star and receive a wristband to wear during the prom at and future events. The stars are on display at the high school the week before and after the prom. Last year, 600 students at SBHS signed the pledge.
For more information, contact Renee Hankla at 636-4020 or rh*****@sb***.org.
Culinary & Hospitality Foundation fundraiser
TRES PINOS – The Culinary & Hospitality Foundation will be hosting its Passport Weekend Gala Dinner Americana Friday, May 15, as a fundraiser for its scholarship program. Gala dinner tickets are $125 a person and include a complimentary pass for the entire Passport Weekend Festivities. The event starts with a no-host social hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and a silent auction and brandy snifter and cigar service at 10 p.m. The meal will include four courses of gourmet cuisine, with wine from Calera Winery, Six Strings Winery, Fortino Winery, McManis Family Vineyards and Hallcrest-Brigantino Winery. Semi-formal attire required
For more information, call 628-3320
Travel requirements change
WASHINGTON – Starting June 1, U.S. citizens crossing the border into the United States from Western Hemisphere countries – regardless of method of transportation – will be required to show a passport or other qualified documentation. This is a change from current rules that required a passport only for those traveling by air.
“Congress delayed the implementation of this rule once already when it was clear the State Department was overwhelmed with passport requests,” said Congressman Sam Farr, D-Carmel, in a press statement. “It’s my hope that State Department officials are prepared for the rapid increase in passport requests they will surely face in the next few weeks. This new rule is important for our border security, but it can’t come at the expense of the public.”
Accepted documents include a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Those applying for a passport should allow four to six weeks for new passports and renewals.
For more information on applying for a passport, visit travel.state.gov.
Employee handbooks workshop
HOLLISTER – The Gavilan Employer Advisory Council and the California Employment Development Department will present Employee Handbooks, Wednesday, May 13, at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Road, in Hollister. The event is $30 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Laura Innes, of Simpson, Garrity & Innes, will discuss how employee handbooks can be an employer’s best defense. Innes is a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee for the Employer’s Resource Institute and is an associate of the Associated General Contractors Legal Advisory Committee. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast at 8 a.m. and the program at 8:30 a.m.
Send RSVPs to Valerie Westerdale, 2290 Bert Drive, in Hollister or fax to 637-2952. Full payment due unless reservation is cancelled by May 12.
Stamp out hunger food drive
HOLLISTER – The National Association of Letter Carriers will be hosting its “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive Saturday, May 9. To donate, residents can put a bag of nonperishable food items near their mailbox. The letter carriers will pick up the food and bring it to local food banks.
For more information, call 408-982-9738.
Mental health services open house
HOLLISTER – San Benito County Behavioral Health Department staff will be hosting a community event Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Esperanza Center, 327 Fifth St., in Hollister. The event is meant to bring together community members as they promote “empowerment and recovery in the mental health field.” The event will include skits and a panel about mental health; a watermelon eating contest and water balloon toss; face painting and other activities for families.
For more information, call 636-4020.
Valley Medical Center Foundation hosts glider event
HOLLISTER – The Valley Medical Center Foundation, the Bay Area Glider Rides and the Hollister Gliding Club are hosting an accessible event at the Hollister Airport May 1. The event is meant to offer an opportunity to fly for people with physical disabilities. Flights are $90 each, and a barbecue lunch is available for $10. Ten flights are available, at will start at 11 a.m.
For more information, visit www.AccessibleEvents.org or call 408-793-6428.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a Blood drive May 21, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church Hall, 1670 Cienega Road.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit HelpSaveALife.org and enter the sponsor code HOLLISTER.
Boy Scout flag fundraiser
HOLLISTER – Boy Scout Troops 777 and 787 are soliciting donations for their Holliday Flag Program. The Scouts put up and take down American Flags in the Downtown area on eight national holidays each year. In addition, the Scouts have participated in other projects in downtown, at local schools, and at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
The funds raised have allowed the boys to take a 50-mile backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas. This summer, the Scout camp will include a 50-mile canoe trip, and the money raised will cut the cost for the Boys to attend.
For more information on how to donate, or to suggest a community service project, call Brent Hawks at 637-6736.
Wings of Freedom Tour
HOLLISTER – The Collins Foundation is bringing the Wings of Freedom Tour to the Hollister Municipal Airport May 13-15. Tours are available of the B-17, B-24 and P-51, as are flights. To reserve a ride, call 978-562-9182.
Float-building workshop
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is sponsoring an amateur float-building workshop Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Room 218. The workshop fee is $10 per organization or business and is open to participants of any local parade include the Saddle Horse Parade, the Homecoming Parade, the San Juan Bautista Easter Parade, the Veterans’ Day Parade, the Fourth of July Kiddie Parade, Mexican Independence Day Parade and the Lights on Celebration.
The workshop will offer information on design concept, construction, decorative materials and parade day appearance.
To RSVP or register with payment, send checks to Hollister Downtown Association, 455 San Benito St., Ste. 21, Hollister, CA 95023. For more information, call 636-8406 or visit www.downtownhollister.org.
Friends of the Library book sale
HOLLISTER – Books for all ages and interests are available for purchase at $2 per bag at the shed behind the San Benito County Free Library on Fifth Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 636-4107.
Club Ed tutoring available
HOLLISTER – Club Ed, a club at San Benito High School, offers private tutoring for students in first through 12th grade in math and most language arts subjects. Tutoring takes place in the SBHS library from 3 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $14 an hour. For more information, contact teacher Rachel Flores-Zepeda at rf*****@sb***.us or 637-5831, ext. 370.
In search of Sacred Heart class of ’82
HOLLISTER – Members of the Sacred Heart class of 1982 are looking for missing classmates for a summer reunion. Bonnie Brown, maiden name Goodwin, and Michael Kirch are asking anyone who is in contact with a member of the Sacred Heart class of 1982 to help them pass the message along. They hope to have the reunion this summer in San Juan with all 48 class members present, with a date and location to be announced soon.
For more information, please contact Bonnie at bo*********@wi******.net or Michael at mi**********@ho*****.com.
Teen driving class
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Gilroy area office of the California Highway Patrol is hosting a free teen driving class. The class targets new and future licensed drivers between the ages of 15 and 19, and their parents or guardians. In the class, CHP officers will discuss how to avoid an accident, factors that can lead to an accident, driver/parent responsibilities and seat belt use. The class will be held at the CHP office, 740 Renz Lane in Gilroy.
For more information, call CHP Officer Matt Peters at 408-848-2324.
