Summer Reading Fun Available at Library

Deep Sea Readers is the theme of the Library’s Summer Reading Club now underway.
Kids can join anytime!
As members of the free Summer Reading Club, children consult with their parents and set individual reading goals. The “Readers” meet for weekly programs, and librarians recommend books to read. Prizes are awarded to children for working toward and achieving their goals.
Programs for this summer include music by MaryLee and Zun Zun, sea science adventures and a visit from author Joanne Ryder.
It’s simple and fun and helps with school success next year.
For more info, call the Youth Services Desk at 646.3934 or visit us on the Web at www.monterey.org/library

Disposing of Large Unwanted Items

What to do with the unwanted “treasures” you’ve cleaned out of your home and yard? Simple! Call Monterey City Disposal and Recycling at 372.7977.
Residential customers with standard refuse and recycling service qualify for large item pick-up each billing period.
So, if you have an old couch, refrigerator, stove, water heater, large quantities of yard trimmings or other stuff from your garage or yard, call Monterey City Disposal. Pick-ups are scheduled for Thursdays.
Tip: If you are considering a construction project (such as a remodel), roll-off containers cost 50% less if you separate wood or concrete.
For more info call MDS at 372.7977 or City Recycling Coordinator Angela Brantley at 646.5662; email brantley@ci.monterey.ca.us

Getting to Cannery Row Coast Easier than Ever

How can you access the beaches and rocky shores of Cannery Row?
Now it will be easier than ever as the City puts in signs along the Row and Coastal Trail that point the way. Property owners and developers are often required by law to provide public access to the shore, and Cannery Row has a number of these access points.
Look for the new directional and coastal access signs to point you to the coast as well as to unique landmarks and resources along the Row.

Return to top

Places to Be, Things to Do for Seniors in Monterey

Today’s active adult can find an array of instructional classes, special events, travel opportunities, general interest programs, clubs and fitness options at the City.
“The Senior Center is my home away from home,” says Edna Judson.
“I enjoy tap dancing, line dancing, pinochle and the Golden 55 tours.”

• The Monterey Senior Center, located on the corner of Lighthouse and Dickman avenues is currently undergoing renovation and is scheduled to reopen in mid-June.
  This historic facility is the hub for a variety of dance and movement classes, arts and crafts, needlepoint and sewing, nutrition and health programs as well as one-day tours and extended travel. Lunch is served on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Several dance/performance programs are also available.
  Please note, the Senior Center is operating out of Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie Street, until renovations are complete.
• Fitness programs, including therapeutic water exercise, aquatics and lower back strengthening, are available at the Monterey Sports Center.
• Activities such as yoga, watercolor, ceramics, bridge and billiards are available at various community centers located throughout the City. The Choraleers meet at Hilltop Park Center and welcome calls from interested vocalists regarding auditions.
• Countless services are provided to Seniors through Alliance on Aging which will once again be located adjacent to the Senior Center once it reopens. The Visiting Nurse Association Adult Day Care program is open to area residents on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and is located at Hilltop Park Center.

At the Library ...

The Monterey Public Library plays an important and active role in the cultural life of the community with a rich and varied schedule of events.

• For adults: the popular “Stories for Adults” and “Acoustic Music Concerts” series (including Singer Songwriter Alisa Fineman, pictured, on June 26); the Literary Circle book discussion group, lectures, workshops and poetry readings. Funded by the Library Trust, most of these programs are free to Library cardholders.
• For youth: educational and fun literature-based programs including storytelling, puppet shows, concerts and visits by authors. Activities are held both in the Library and at Bookmobile stops.

Return to top

Abandoned Vehicles in the City

In an effort to keep Monterey beautiful, the City continues to keep abandoned/stored vehicles off our streets.
A vehicle cannot be parked and left standing on any street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours. Vehicles found in violation will be marked for towing under City Code section 20-72.
Abandoned vehicles left on City streets are an eyesore, and studies show that neighborhoods that appear neglected are more likely to experience criminal activity. Abandoned vehicles are one of the first signs of a neglected neighborhood.
If you will be gone for an extended time, remember to either park your vehicle on your property or have someone periodically drive it. To report an abandoned vehicle, call our tipline at 646.3973. Please be prepared to give a description of the vehicle (including license plate number), its location and the duration it has been parked.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Your Police Department

What is policing in Monterey all about?
Come find out at our Citizens’ Police Academy. Learn “up close and personal” how your police department operates.
The 12-week course is designed to educate and build communication with the citizens we serve. Topics include narcotics and vice investigations, firearms training, arrest procedures, the judicial system and defense tactics. Through this free course, participants can earn 2 units of college credit through Monterey Peninsula College.
The next Academy begins August 30 and is held on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. For info on eligibility requirements or to request an application, please contact Officer Michael Sargent at 646.3819 or sargent@ci.monterey.ca.us

Return to top

Citizens’ Academy Alum Offer Support for Police

Educating the public about safety and local police services are goals of many graduates of our Citizens’ Police Academy.
During the Academy, community members learn about police procedures and establish direct lines of communication with officers and other professionals in the City’s Police Department (see story bottom right).
As an outgrowth of the Academy, the Monterey Police Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (MPCAAA) was formed in 1997.
“We wanted to work on safety programs that would benefit children and people community wide,” says Colleen Sullivan, MPCAAA president. “We wanted to make a positive impact.”
Since the nonprofit’s inception, members have adopted two main objectives: to support the Police Department’s Canine Unit and the Halloween “Glow in the Dark” Necklace Program. Through fundraising efforts and promoting safety education at local events, the group has had success.
MPCAAA has raised more than $13,000, plus an additional $2,000 in pro-bono services, to bring Canto (pictured), a trained police dog, to the City. Through the sale of Canine Share Certificates ($5 per share), MPCAAA continues to raise funds to provide training equipment for the entire Canine Unit, including a recent purchase of a bite suit, and educational materials. Canto and partner Officer Mickey Roobash along with Charp and partner Officer Terry DeSalvo make up the City’s Canine Unit.
Alumni have also raised more than $4,000 for the necklace safety program.
Neighborhood and business associations, hotels, independent small business owners and many individuals have contributed to the association’s fundraising.
For more info on the Monterey Police Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association call 649.0141.
cutline - The K-9 teams have performed more than 25 demonstrations and have been involved in more than 20 arrests.

Return to top

Rev 02/19/08 L. Huelga http://www.monterey.org/focus/summer00/citybriefs.html