Fire forces family from home
HOLLISTER
– A fire in the 400 block of Hawkins Street in Hollister forced
two families from their homes Monday. The Monterey-San Benito
Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross is meeting the emergency
disaster needs of seven people, including four children whose
duplex was destroyed in the fire. One resi
dent suffered minor smoke inhalation, but the rest were without
injury, according to an ARC report. A family dog also escaped
injury. The cause of the fire was still under investigation at
press time.
Disaster action team volunteers Craig Johnson and Jeanne
Dorrance arrived on the scene at 8:20 p.m. to determine the
families’ immediate needs. So far ARC has provided meals and
clothing to the families, who are staying with family and
friends.
”
Both families were pleasantly surprised to see the American Red
Cross on the scene, ready to offer help,
”
Johnson said.
”
They were very grateful for the assistance that we were able to
provide.
”
For more information or to donate to the American Red Cross,
call 636-2100 or visit www.montereyarc.org.
Fire forces family from home
HOLLISTER – A fire in the 400 block of Hawkins Street in Hollister forced two families from their homes Monday. The Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross is meeting the emergency disaster needs of seven people, including four children whose duplex was destroyed in the fire. One resident suffered minor smoke inhalation, but the rest were without injury, according to an ARC report. A family dog also escaped injury. The cause of the fire was still under investigation at press time.
Disaster action team volunteers Craig Johnson and Jeanne Dorrance arrived on the scene at 8:20 p.m. to determine the families’ immediate needs. So far ARC has provided meals and clothing to the families, who are staying with family and friends.
“Both families were pleasantly surprised to see the American Red Cross on the scene, ready to offer help,” Johnson said. “They were very grateful for the assistance that we were able to provide.”
For more information or to donate to the American Red Cross, call 636-2100 or visit www.montereyarc.org.
Animal shelter now open Saturdays
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Animal Shelter is now open on Saturdays, starting this weekend. The shelter is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and will be closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
City officials said they hope expanding the days of operation at the 1331 South St. facility will help foster more dog and cat adoptions.
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 [email protected] or Michael at [email protected].
Relay for Life meeting
HOLLISTER – Those who have been or know someone who has been touched by cancer are encouraged to have a team at the local Relay for Life cancer fundraising event on July 31. A team captains’ meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Paine’s Restaurant banquet room.
For more information, contact Chuck Obeso-Bradley at 831-524-1331 or by e-mail at [email protected].
A taste of Hollister
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister monthly luncheon will be Wednesday at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guest speakers will include Mari Rossi with B&R apricots; Brad Van Dam with Marich Confectioners; Kathy MacWilliamson with a vintner; and Debbie Breslauer with her olive oil. All products will be tasted following the business meeting. Price is $15 and reservations are required.
For more information or reservations, call Maureen Sweet at 636-8851 or e-mail [email protected].
CASA info session
HOLLISTER – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Benito County is holding an information session at Starbucks on Airline Highway (next to Nob Hill) on Wednesday, March 11, at 6 pm.
Be a voice for an abused, neglected or abandoned child. Come and learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life and support your community. Spread the word, bring a friend! To RSVP, please contact Esther at 831-637-4992.
Census testing starts
HOLLISTER – For those interested in a job working for the Census Bureau for the 2010 Census, testing has begun in San Benito County and will continue through March. The positions include crew leader, crew leader assistant, enumerator/lister and supervisory. Salaries range from $15 to $18.50 an hour for most jobs. Applicants should bring two forms of ID which may include a driver’s license and Social Security card. Testing and the application process take about two hours. Testing is available in Spanish. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 1-866-861-2010.
Upcoming testing dates:
– San Benito County Library – 470 5th St.
Saturday, March. 7, at 9:30 a.m. (supervisor positions only)
Monday March 16, at 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, 9:30 a.m.
– Hollister One-Stop Career Center – 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 107
Monday, March 9, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (in Spanish)
Band and color guard social
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Scarlet Regiment Band and Guard Unit are hosting a social for all eighth grade students and their parents. The social will be at the San Benito High School Cafeteria, 1221 Monterey St., on Friday, March 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The purpose of the event is to help 8th grade students make the transition to the high school music program. Band director James Zuniga and guard director Camille Zuniga will be on hand to talk with parents, as well as current members of the band and color guard.
Walnut institute
HOLLISTER – The University of Cooperative Extension farm advisor Bill Coates is hosting a Central Coast Counties Walnut Institute on Friday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. through mid-afternoon. The workshop is free and open to the public.
Discussions include:
8:30 a.m. Walnut husk fly management and impacts on nut quality by Coates
9 a.m. Pesticide regulation update by Christy Clayton of the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner’s office
9:30 a.m. Walnut variety update and blackline resistance by Coates
10 a.m. Codling moth management by Bob Van Steenwyk, U.C. Berkeley
10:30 a.m. Managing vertebrate pests by Roger Baldwin, U.C. Kearney agricultural center
11 a.m. Walnut canopy management: UC findings over 40 years by Dave Ramos, California Walnut Board
11:30 a.m. California Walnut Board by Dennis Balint, CEO the Board
For more information, contact Coates at 637-5346 or by e-mail to [email protected].
Free CPR training day
HOLLISTER – The Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Red cross will be offering a free CPR class in Hollister, Salinas and Monterey on March 14. Please call 424-4824 or 375-5730 to reserve a place. The training is available in English and Spanish.
“More than 75 percent of all cardiac arrests occur at home with family and friends looking on and not knowing what to do,” said Brielle Bumba, the education and training director. “CPR Saturday will teach hundreds of local residents how they can save a life by learning and performing CPR.”
Girl Scout cookies on sale
HOLLISTER – Girl Scout cookies are being sold outside of several local supermarkets and stores through March 22.
This year, Girl Scouts are encouraging buyers to donate cookies to military troops serving overseas through Operation Gratitude. Troop-to-troop donations can be made at any cookie booth location, or by visiting the council website for a secure online donation at www.girlscoutsccc.org. Supporters can also participate in the Girl Scout Gift of Caring program by donating boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to local charities at any Cookie Booth location. Ccookie donations will be delivered to local charities or food pantries identified by each respective Girl Scout troop.
The Girl Scout Cookie activity is one of the longest running hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial programs for girls in the United States, and provides the majority of money girls use all year for service projects and program activities. Cookie sales also provide girl financial aid scholarships for program activities and summer camps.
Eight varieties of cookies are being sold for $4 a box.
Rotary sets scholarship fundraiser
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Rotary Club invites the community to support its local scholarship effort by supporting a fundraising barbecue set for Saturday, April 4. Pick will be from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the 400 block of San Benito Street, near the Briggs Building. The club has a goal of selling a minimum of 250 tickets.
The barbecue includes a whole seasoned tri-tip and a loaf of garlic bread for $25. Tickets are available from any Rotary member or by calling Ruth Humber at 637-5311 or Mari Davis at 637-1100.
Annual Crab Feed
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Exchange Club’s 22nd annual Crab Feed will be held at the Bolado Park Pavilion on April 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Dancing, with music provided by “The Dadz,” starts at 9.
A wine auction will precede dinner and a silent auction will be held at the informal event, which includes all the crab you can eat along with salad, pasta and garlic bread. Proceeds from the $35 tickets will benefit the Exchange Club’s local youth programs. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the club or at Richard Shelton Insurance, 719 San Benito St, #B in Hollister. Details: 831-750-9635.
Nominate a hero
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross of Monterey and San Benito County is searching for nominees to honor at their 2009 Heroes Breakfast. Nomination forms are available online at www.montereyarc.org or by calling 636-2100. The form asks nominators to describe the act, where it took place, when it took place (should be from Jan. 1, through Dec. 31, 2008), why the person is a hero, and other information detailing the event such as news articles, witnesses or police reports. Nominees must live or work in Monterey or San Benito County, or have performed their heroic act in Monterey or San Benito County. Businesses, schools, nonprofits and institutions are not eligible for nomination. Nominations are due March 6.
Benefit luncheon/fashion show
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends will host a benefit luncheon-fashion show on Saturday, April 18. The event will be held in the Diablo Dining Room at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the event, which will also feature a raffle and silent auction, along with fashions by She’s.
Tickets are available at Pet Friends, 2975 Buena Vista Road; She’s, Postnet, Ridgemark, or by calling Barbara Ament at 637-2500 or Sally Crisman at 630-0750. Pet Friends is a tax-deductible organization serving San Benito County. For more information, call 634-1191.
Hollister a Main Street city again
HOLLISTER – The California Main Street Program notified the Hollister Downtown Association last week that the city has been designated a national Main Street destination for 2009.
The designation is given to cities demonstrating broad-based community support for downtown revitalization, a comprehensive Main Street work plan, a historic preservation ethic and an active board of directors and committees.
Help Cupid get well
HOLLISTER – On Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, a motorist watched as a car struck a Labrador retriever and continued without stopping. A passing motorist searched for the dog, and found him muddy and hiding under some branches. A stretchere was brought in and the dog was taken to a local veterinary office where he was examined and a shattered rear leg was set.
Even though Hollister veterinarian Melvin White discounted his services, Cupid will need weeks of rest and more x-rays as he recovers.
Bad Dawg Rescue of Hollister is seeking tax-deductible donations to assist with Cupid’s medical expenses. Further information is available by going to www.baddawgrescue.com or by calling 636-6816.
Car seat checkup
HOLLISTER – A free child safety seat checkup is set for 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the K Mart parking lot, 491 Tres Pinos Road in Hollister.
Car seats are only effective when installed and used properly. Representatives from the San Benito County First Five, Child Injury Prevention and Highway Patrol will be on hand.
Low cost car seats are available for qualified families to purchase. People should bring proof of income in the form of a WIC card, Medi-Cal card or pay stubs. People stopping in for the safety checkup should allot 45 at least 45 minutes, and arrive with a safety seat and the car it is to be most frequently used in.
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.
Deadline for new city residential development
HOLLISTER – The deadline to apply for residential growth management allocations, outside of the Measure Y exemption area, for 2009-2012 is March 31. Applications are available at City Hall, 375 Fifth St., at Development Services, 420 Hill St., Bldg. A, or online at www.hollister.ca.gov. The fee is $52 per lot. Along with the application, please submit architectural drawings that illustrate the project’s intentions, such as building elevations, floor plans and design guidelines.
The process is in accordance with the growth management program ordinance, which limits new residential construction allocations to 244 units per year. After the application deadline, city staff will begin an evaluation process for the proposed developments, and there will be a three-year development window. City staff will prepare a report on each proposal that will be reviewed by the city planning commission and will hold a public hearing before making a recommendation to the city council.
Property owners are encouraged to make an appointment with staff at Development Services to discuss the design concept and program for their proposed project prior to the completion of the application.
Properties in and around downtown Hollister may qualify for the Measure Y exemption from the 244-unit allocations, which is roughly Monterey to McCray streets and Third to Hawkins streets.
For more information, call 636-4360.
Children’s art contest
HOLLISTER – The Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Benito County is accepting entries for the April art contest. To enter children in grades third through sixth should create a picture and a slogan related to the theme of preventing child abuse. The pictures can be on 8 ½-by-11 paper up to poster size, and can be done in any medium such as charcoal, markers, paint, etc. Entries can be completed by an individual child, or a group of child, though only one prize will be awarded. All submissions should have a consent form completed by a parent or legal guardian attached.
The first prize is a $50 gift card; second place is a $25 gift card and third place is a $15 gift card. The winners will be announced at the YMCA Healthy Families Day April 25, and the winning entries may be used in agency newsletters Web sites, or on County Express buses.
For more information, contact Ana Cabrera at San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency at 634-0686 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Paint a chair to benefit HDA
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is seeking artists interested in painting a chair for the second annual Charming Chair event scheduled for April 4-18.
Chairs painted by artists will be submitted for a silent auction that takes place in front of participating businesses downtown. A few chairs will be available, or artists may use their own chair. Last year’s event raised $3,000, all of which went to the Downtown Endowment Fund to help revitalize downtown as the social and economic hub of the community.
For more information, call the HDA office at 636-8406.
Southside registration
HOLLISTER – Registration for Southside kindergarten will be held March 23 through April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southside School District, 4991 Southside Road. Children must be 5 years or older before Dec. 12, 2009. For more information, call 637-4439 or visit www.southsideschool.net.
Hospital scholarships available
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2009 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available. Each year the Auxiliary awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a medical or medically oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the discretion of the scholarship committee.
Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours throughout the year running a thrift shop, the hospital gift shop, and organizing their annual craft and antique faire in order to fund scholarships and purchase equipment for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you must:
– Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
– Be a resident of San Benito County for a minimum of one continuous year
– Be enrolled in health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
– Apply by April 17.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital Web site at www.hazelhawkins.com or contact Frankie Arballo in the hospital’s public relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.
Kindergarten registration opens
HOLLISTER – Spring Grove School is now registering children for kindergarten next fall.
Registration packets are available at the school office at 500 Spring Grove Road from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on school days.
Kindergarten classes are from 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m., with a maximum of 20 students per teacher.
Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 2. To register, birth date verification in the form of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate or passport must be supplied. Also required are: record of a full health exam prior to first grade, a dental assessment by May 31 of the kindergarten year, proof of residency in the form of a utility bill that includes name and address, and record of current immunizations.
The school is also enrolling students for Little Grove Preschool, a pre-K tuition-based program for students intending to enroll in kindergarten in the 2010-2011 school year. Students must be 4 by Dec. 2. Classes are from 8:15-12:15 daily.
Further information is available from the school at 637-3745.
Tax help for seniors and middle-to-low-income residents
HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide Program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers with middle and low income, with a special emphasis on helping those 60 and older. The program will run through April 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center, 300 West St., in Hollister. Help will also be available Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at the County Library on Fifth Street. Call ahead for an appointment at 637-1980.
Those who need help with preparing their taxes are requested to bring the tax package they received in the mail, last year’s return, and all relevant information on income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income.
