Harry O's Swingin' Christmas podcasts

In the spirit of the holidays here is an original radio show hosted by yours truly featuring vintage tracks from Christmas of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Hope you enjoy!! Talk to you after the First.

Cheers, Harry O 

Part one:


Part two:

County campaign Avoid the 18 underway

Monterey County is one of 41 of the state's 58 counties which is participating in the annual anti-impaired driving effort Avoid the 18.  Here's a conversation with Jan Ford, the press director for the effort: 

Greenfield PD staffed a checkpoint in the community on December 18th.

Still time for last minute food and toy donations in county

Officials in throughout Monterey County emphasize that there is still time to make charitable donations before Christmas day.  more>>

City of Greenfield launches redesigned website

Recently the City of Greenfield launched a comprehensive redesigned website with an eye toward attracting new business to town.  Here is a conversation with Greenfield City Manager Roger Wong:

The American Red Cross launches $5 Saves a Life Campaign

The American Red Cross has launched the campaign “$5 Saves a Life” to bolster support during these trying economic times.  Even though the Red Cross is such a large part of the community the services provided  are sometimes taken for granted.  The training and tools needed for Red Cross volunteers to respond are available only through the generosity of local citizens and businesses.  The American Red Cross receives no federal or state dollars. A $5 dollar donation can help the American Red Cross in providing those services.  To make your donation, please go to www.ARCMontereyBay.org. Every $5 counts!

SPCA update on neglected horses

"The horses are doing well under our care and we are feeding them slowly on a strict feeding schedule to get their systems moving correctly again. We are also providing veterinary care and treating them for their tick infestations. Donations to help Mocha, Bailey, and Folger and all our other rescued animals are greatly appreciated." Additionally SPCA reports the owner of the horses has been reached. No further details.

MCFL wants your opinion

During December Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) is conducting a survey of the public to evaluate satisfaction with the hours the branches are currently open. This survey is part of the strategic planning and needs assessment process for the Library. Though MCFL cannot increase hours at this time, the need for efficiency and providing excellent service are seen as top priorities. Branch hours may be adjusted depending on the results of the survey. The survey will be available in English and Spanish through the Library’s website at www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org, through the Library’s Facebook site, and in print form at various locations throughout the county. Please participate. Your opinion counts!

Monterey County Free Libraries awarded 'We the People' Bookshelf Collection from National Endowment for the Humanities

The seventeen branches of the Monterey County Free Libraries system are among the 4,000 libraries across the country selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) to receive free hardcover editions of 17 classic books as part of the We the People Bookshelf grant program. The theme of this year’s Bookshelf is “Picturing America. Participating libraries will present programs on the theme of “Picturing America” for their library patrons.

Active shooter drill reflects zero tolerance for gang activity

The recent active shooter drill at Main Street Middle School points up the emerging zero tolerance policy toward gang activity in the community. more>>

Youth concert at Soledad YMCA December 11th

The Soledad YMCA and Wise Music are sponsoring an educational concert on December 11th at 6 PM. The event is designed to inspire creativity in youth for music and for all the arts. Live concerts are rare in Soledad and other parts of Monterey County. Concert headliners are The Sledge Grits Band -Musical Soul Food. The YMCA and The Sledge Grits Band.

Soledad adult school to close?

The Soledad Unified School District is facing a $3 million deficit for the coming school year. In the May revision of the state budget, legislators gave district staff and board members the power to sweep the adult education money into the district's general budget. more..

City of Greenfield launches redesigned website

The City of Greenfield launched its new Web site about two weeks ago in hopes of attracting more businesses and allowing residents get easier access to city information. Changes include more photos of Greenfield life allowing site visitors to better navigate city information, news and files. more>>
City of Greenfield

SPCA Monterey County rescues three neglected horses, offers $1,000 reward

The SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who abandoned three geldings in a pasture on the 800 stretch of River Road in Salinas. The horses, all believed to be in their mid 20’s, were seized December 2nd by SPCA Humane Officers after their owner was unable to be located. The horses were brought back to the SPCA shelter for emergency vet care. If caught, the owners could be charged with the following offenses: California Penal Code Sections 597.1 (Permitting Animals to go Without Veterinary Care), Penal Code 597 (Animal Cruelty), Penal Code 597(b) (Deprivation of Food, Water, and Shelter), Penal Code 597s (Abandonment), and trespassing. If you have any information about this case or if you can identify the geldings in these photos, please contact The SPCA at 831-373-2631 or 422-4721 x213. All calls are completely confidential. Photos and more details.

Reward for bird abusers

The SPCA for Monterey County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for deliberately and severely injuring a Cooper’s hawk. SPCA website

click player for update on injured golden eagle found in a vineyard near Soledad.

Head Start Resource Fair November 30th

Head Start Resource Fair is scheduled for November 30th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Castro Plaza. An Outreach Worker will be available to assist residents in applying for Healthy Families and Medi-Cal. The address is 10601 McDougall St., Castroville, CA 95012. Call 1-866-361-0477

Soledad Rec Pool closed for a few weeks

Soledad Rec's Pool is now closed to swimmers for a few weeks for the refinishing of the wading pool, stain treatments, and annual maintenance.
Offices will be open to answer questions about upcoming programs or to register for Girls Spring Softball or the Renovation Run. The website is soledadrec.com.

Soledad medic talks about swine flu and prevention mp3

Dr. Giuseppe Slater of Soledad discusses swine flu and flu prevention

click on the player

Youth concert at Soledad YMCA December 11th

The Soledad YMCA and Wise Music are sponsoring an educational concert on December 11th at 6 PM. The event is designed to inspire creativity in youth for music and for all the arts. Live concerts are rare in Soledad and other parts of Monterey County. Concert headliners are The Sledge Grits Band -Musical Soul Food. The YMCA and The Sledge Grits Band.

Free Thanksgiving meals in Monterey County locales a success

Those who sought festive Thankgiving feasts were fed at numerous locations throughout Monterey County. Soledad, Prunedale and Seaside were just a few of the communities where local business helped the hungry. Many events benefited the Monterey County Food Bank. >>more

Thanksgiving Eve Service and Food Drive Wednesday

Join your neighbors for the fellowship of a Thanksgiving Eve Service and Food Drive at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 490 Aguajito Road, off Highway 1 in Monterey.

Please call the Food Bank at (831) 758-1523 for more information about this event.

South county's only theatre reopens in time for holidays

King City Cinemas reopened earlier in November. A King City father-and-son team reopened south county's only movie theater, saving the town's 12,000 residents an hour drive to Salinas or Paso Robles, just to catch the latest flick. The reopening came more than two weeks after King City Cinemas owner, Gene Harvey, closed its doors. The theater has three screens. more>>

Rep. Farr supports Pinnacles National Park

U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, testified November 17th in Washington, D.C., in support of the Pinnacles National Park Act (H.R. 3444). The bill would elevate the Pinnacles National Monument in the Gabilan Mountains above Soledad to National Park status. During his testimony before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Rep. Farr also read part of a letter from producers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan in support of the Pinnacles National Park Act. more>>

Active shooter drill at Main Street Middle School

"Gunmen" stormed the hallways at Main Street Middle School in Soledad on November 18th during an active shooter drill. Three teachers wearing ski masks played the part of the gunmen, shooting students and teachers around the school, that were all part of the training exercise. Minutes later, the Soledad Police Department and Monterey County Probation responded in force as Monterey County sheriff officers closed streets surrounding the school and a CHP helicopter hovered overhead. Thanks to the California.com.

Injured eagle rescued in Soledad mp3

On Saturday, November 7^th, an injured golden eagle was found in a field in Soledad. The SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center responded and brought the eagle back to SPCA center. An examination revealed that the eagle’s left shoulder is either dislocated or broken.

Today SPCA Wildlife Staff are stabilizing the eagle in order to transfer to California Raptor Center at UC Davis tomorrow for possible specialized surgery.

The SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the only full service wildlife rehabilitation center serving Monterey County. The SPCA Wildlife Center’s professional staff operates under permits from the California Department of Fish & Game and rescues over 2,600 wild animals every year.

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  Salinas Californian news story "SPCA's Golden Eagle faces surgery"
  
  
  
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  Monterey Herald news story "Golden Eagle Grounded"
  
  
  

Click on the player for an interview about the rescue and the SPCA's wildlife rehabilitation program.

Bus ads support the Food Bank during rest of year

The Food Bank for Monterey County, MST and First National Bank are sponsoring bus ads that the agencies hope will encourage awareness of the food bank programs and spur donations. The ads on buses will run until December 31, 2009. Call the Food Bank at (831) 758-1523 for more information.

Gonzales landmark remembered

The Stag Saloon in Gonzales may be gone, but according to a local TV station, it's certainly not forgotten. At a ceremony downtown in October, a group of merry hucksters celebrated the venue that stood on a lot in town for more than 100 years. The Monterey Viejo Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, or the Clampers as they are known, held the event.

"This was more than a bar or saloon or tavern. It was a meeting place for the local community," said Grand Humbug Carl Taylor.

The active fraternity dates back to California's gold rush of the 1840s.

The Clampers said they love to celebrate tradition all in good fun.

To them, the Stag Saloon, like a lot of venues in what was then the Wild West, is just as important as the first courthouse or train station and that's why Taylor said the group made the effort since they believe we should honor all that had a role in making our state great.

The Stag Saloon was the oldest building in Gonzales at one time and was built in 1873 and torn down in 1985. >>more>>

Free days at Monterey Bay Aquarium for Soledad residents and others

Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrated its 25th anniversary with free admission on the 20th of each month from January through October, however they have extended the free day to Monterey County residents for Nov. 20 as well.

In addition to free admission Nov. 20, residents will also have the opportunity to visit the aquarium free of charge during its annual Community Week, Dec. 5 - 13.

To receive free admission, Monterey County residents must present valid identification and proof of residence at the main entrance.

UWMC busts myths about people with disabilities

United Way of Monterey County does its part to dispel myths about people with disabilities.

"Breaking Down Workplace Stereotypes" is a guide for being inclusive of persons with disabilities created by the United Way Inclusion Council.

It's important to bust the myths regarding the employment of people with disabilities. Based on its research, the council concluded that the biggest detterent to hiring people with disabilities is the stereotypes and misperceptions that exist. In response, they have created this guide to dispell the myths, highlight the benefits and provide resources for hiring people with disabilities. Check out the link to the full report under the Community Resources section of UWMC's website.

Campaign to light Gonzales ballfields

Currently athletic fields in Gonzales are not lit at night forcing curtailment of games and events when the sun goes down. There is a campaign to remedy the situation at Centennial Park.

The grassy stretch of land may soon get a $200,000 face-lift — including lights that would allow Little Leagues to host more than a single-evening baseball game before spring twilight settles into dusk.

The project is the work of Poder Popular para la Salud del Pueblo, which had a ceremonial groundbreaking at the ballfield on Tuesday. Poder Popular is a California Endowment-funded program that uses community input to improve the lives and neighborhoods of farmworkers.

"We are seeking to improve community infrastructure and increase recreation opportunities," said Nicolas Sandoval Jr., Poder Popular's Gonzales program coordinator. He works through the Community Foundation of Monterey County, which administers the funding grant. "This project meets both those goals." >>more>>

Information about current services of Monterey County Food Bank (mp3)

Here is an interview with Leslie Sunny of the Monterey County Food Bank about services offered in and around Soledad. Click on the player.

United Way campaign underway

The United Way of Monterey County is underway. After surpassing its $3.5 million goal during the previous campaign despite the general economic malaise, the United Way board said it will be shooting for the same goal this year. United Way is an umbrella fundraising agency for a host of nonprofit groups in Monterey County. A key element in the fund raising campaign is donations by county residents who give through their employers and have their contributions deducted from their paychecks. Last year, the agency started the 211 service, a referral service people in crisis can access by dialing 211 on their telephone.

Girls' volleyball team needs support from friends

Support is needed for the girls' ninth grade volleyball team at Soledad High School. There is no budget for league fees, referees and transportation which are all necessities for league play. Volunteers are urging local residents to support and give time to help the girls play. The volunteers will try to recognize supporters at all games, tournaments and press releases. Make checks payable to: Soledad Volleyball Parents Club.