This Week on the Central Coast…
Incentives for EVs, a hot chicken restaurant chain coming to Salinas, funding to prevent youth homelessness, and plenty of praise for local education.
Monterey
Monterey Launches a New Electric Vehicle Incentive Program
Last week, Monterey County started a new electric vehicle incentive program. The program awards varying amounts of rebates depending on the type of electric vehicle:
$750 to $2,500 for new vehicles
$500 to $1,000 for used vehicles.
The benefits of an incentive program like this are important for several reasons. Electric vehicles produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Reducing emissions from vehicles can lead to better air quality, something that Monterey County has always been a leader in.
The incentives will help lower the cost of EVs, making them more accessible to more people. The increased sales promotes the production of more EVs and pushes companies to invest in better technology. And, of course, with more EVs sold, it encourages the state to develop more charging stations, making it more convenient to own one.
If interested, anyone can benefit from the incentive by filling out the form on the MBARD website. Additionally, certain income levels may be eligible for more funding help.
MPC Expands Its Degree Offerings
Monterey Peninsula College is adding four new degrees to its offerings, beginning in the Fall 2024 semester. The new programs are designed to expand on subjects within the Liberal Arts department:
Law, Public Policy, and Security
African American Studies
Chicano Studies
LGBTQ Studies
All of the new programs are part of the Associate Degree for Transfer program, which makes them easily transferable to a CSU or other four-year university. They highlight MPC’s commitment to providing a range of educational opportunities and focus on social justice. “The nature of these degrees are rooted in social justice and provide a clear pathway to individuals interested in giving back to (the) community and engaging in social change” Said the Dean of the Liberal Arts Department.
New Outdoor Classroom Pavilion Proposed for Garland Park
The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District proposed an outdoor classroom pavilion at Garland Ranch Regional Park. The new space will provide a venue for the community to hold gatherings and events, as well as on-site educational activities about nature and the surrounding environment. It will be located near the existing Visitor’s Center and restrooms, in the native plant arboretum.
It will be a ramada-like structure that provides a shaded, open space outside, large enough to accommodate up to 60 people. Overall, the new outdoor classroom pavilion will enhance the park’s facilities, making it a more convenient and versatile space for the community.
The project was adopted as a California Environmental Quality Act exempt project, likely as a Common Sense Exemption, meaning it has no chance to negatively impact the surrounding natural area.
The project will begin construction in the Fall of this year and should be completed early in 2025.
Salinas
Salinas Receives State Funding to Help Prevent Youth Homelessness
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the city of Salinas would be awarded just under $3 million in funding through the Family Homelessness Challenge Grant program. It’s all part of the state’s broader initiative to support communities and ensure housing stability.
The money will be used to implement programs and services aimed at preventing homelessness among young people. Other programs will provide helpful services, such as case management, mental health support, and job training.
The state of California has announced a total of $56 million in funding to help support youth and family homelessness. Overall, the funding is expected to help over 8,000 people in need.
Popular Hot Chicken Chain Plans an Opening in Salinas
A popular Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant chain called Angry Chickz is coming to Harden Ranch Plaza in Salinas. The restaurant appeals to many people by offering a range of spiciness, from mild to extremely hot along with affordable prices. Some of the fan-favorite menu items include sliders with pickles and slaw and a mac and cheese bowl, topped with hot chicken and secret sauce.
The next closest Angry Chickz is in San Jose, though the chain is well-established across California. They are rapidly expanding with new locations opening frequently. An official opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but their Instagram page has been very active. Follow them for updates!
Santa Cruz
Cabrillo Robotics Team Takes First Place at a World Competition
The Cabrillo Robotics Club competed in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) World Championships in Kingsport, Tennessee. The team beat 29 other teams from ten different countries competing to take home their third consecutive gold.
The team’s robot performed various simulations of real-world industry applications, including observation, inspection, and physical tasks in various aquatic environments. “They also had to demonstrate the functionality with marketing materials, technical documentation and an engineering presentation.”
The team is eyeing a new challenge next year. The RoboSub competition adds a new layer of complexity as teams must design and build an autonomous underwater vehicle that operates remotely, without a tether.
I plugged you as best blog in Best of Monterey... Thanks, Ralph!