4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH For years the City of Salinas has shared its meeting agendas online and delivered them electronically to residents who enrolled via email. Technology has grown, and now, our primary source of information is at our fingertips: our smartphones. So city officials took sharing agendas and community events a step further: They now send agendas and upcoming community events to phones via text. “One of our goals is to make sure we are communicating with residents and that they can easily access information,” says Sophia Rome, Salinas’ community relations manager. The text option was added because not everyone is connected to social media nor regularly checks their emails, making it easy to miss updates. Besides meeting agendas, residents can register to receive information for an array of events including festivals, parks, libraries, the Alisal Vibrancy Plan and more. Anyone can register at bit.ly/3PLtilR and choose to receive information via text or email. GOOD: CSU Monterey Bay Athletic Director Kirby Garry was recently recognized on a national level. National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics named Garry as one of the 2023-24 Athletics Directors of the Year. According to a press release, the award highlights the efforts of athletic directors for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities. “I’m thankful to be recognized by my peers,” said Garry, who has worked at CSUMB for 16 years, a decade of that time as athletic director. “I also think it’s a team award for Otter Athletics. It’s a reflection of the support we’ve had and the dedication of our staff. I just happen to be the athletic director.” The 28 winners are chosen from seven collegiate divisions. The awards will be presented June 11 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. GREAT: Hartnell College students in need of groceries and other basic necessities now have a place to go without leaving campus. El Mercado, an on-campus market, launched on Monday, April 1. Developed by the Hartnell College SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs), the initiative is designed to provide students with free groceries, personal care items and basic necessities throughout the year. Open to all currently enrolled students, El Mercado replicates a traditional grocery store, offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, clothing, childcare items and more. “El Mercado and our SOUL Center symbolize more than just a space—they embody our compassion and collective commitment to ensuring all Hartnell College students have their basic life needs met,” said Mario Flores, Director of Basic Needs at Hartnell College. “This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering an environment where every student can flourish.” GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The amount raised for SPCA Monterey County during A Day of Giving on March 14. The one-day telethon event aired on local television and encouraged viewers to call in with donations. Source: SPCA Monterey County $290,000 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Hear a full symphony orchestra play the opening to Jurassic Park and imagine being eaten.” -Monterey Symphony President/CEO Nicola Reilly speaking about an upcoming concert on Hollywood themes (see story, page 38). ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Stop By To Shop And Find Your Vintage Treasure OVER 100 DEALERS 21,000 SQUARE FEET The Largest Antiques and Collectibles Mall on the Central Coast 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com Open Daily 11am-6pm ’23 Voted Monterey County's Best Antique Shop ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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