This Week on the Central Coast
Help for homeless vets, Fourth of July Festival, more money for teachers, and a new mini-golf-pub for Cannery Row
Monterey Fairgrounds hosted Homeless Veterans Stand Down event
The Monterey County Fairgrounds hosted an event aimed at helping homeless veterans, called Homeless Veterans Stand Down. The even took place over the weekend and provided many free services to help homeless vets get what they need in order to improve their situations.
Local specialists donated their time to help with free legal advice, dental exams, medical exams, and veterinary exams to check on pets.
On the second day of the event, veterans were able to speak to a judge to possibly get their misdemeanors cleared. Once their misdemeanors are cleared, they would be able to get a driver’s license and then, potentially, a job to finally get them off the streets.
Red, White, and Blues Festival in Seaside on Fourth of July
Seaside decided to hold its annual Red, White, and Blues Festival on the lawn of its City Hall this year. The event will not feature a fireworks display due to the venue change. The original venue is under construction and the city could not find another location large enough for the event.
However, the event will still feature tons of fun activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. Alcohol and fireworks are not allowed at the event, as well as barbecues, tents, and (sadly) pets.
The Festival will be from 11AM to 4PM on July 4 at the Seaside City Hall.
MPUSD gets funding for its Teacher Residency Program
The Monterey Unified School District received $575,000 to help fund a Residency Program for the coming school year. The money is especially needed for teachers in our area due to the high cost of living. MPUSD said “many applicants withdrew their applications and cited financial reasons”.
Due to the success of the program, MPUSD has experienced an increase in diversity and retention of its teachers.
The funding will also help increase pay to mentor teachers, which help train newer teachers.
Tipsy Putt coming to Cannery Row
A new mini-golf pub concept is planned to open late this year on Cannery Row. The company, called Tipsy Putt, will open in the building that was formerly Cannery Row Brewing Co. and will feature a “miniature golf course, restaurant, patio and multiple party spaces.”
Tipsy Putt started in Washington, but has been expanding in California over the past few years, with other locations being established in Sacramento and Tahoe.
The company is currently working its way through city licenses and permits and plans to open sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas of this year.
The brand prioritizes locally sourced spirits and family-friendly atmosphere. The brand managers emphasized their passion to “liven up the Cannery Row experience” during late nights.