VNA receives $100K grant to expand bereavement services
MONTEREY COUNTY — Central Coast VNA & Hospice (VNA) has received a two-year, $100,000 grant from the Harden Foundation to expand free bereavement counseling and respite care services for Monterey County families facing the challenges of serious illness, caregiving and loss.
These programs provide compassionate support beyond what insurance and Medicare cover. Grant funding will expand grief counseling capacity, increase access to bilingual bereavement services, strengthen VNA’s volunteer program and provide respite resources that give caregivers much-needed time to rest while helping families remain together at home.
Each year, VNA’s bereavement program serves more than 500 Monterey County residents through individual counseling, community outreach and weekly grief support groups. The respite care program complements these services by connecting caregivers with temporary in-home assistance, volunteer support and practical resources that help reduce caregiver burnout during serious illness and end-of-life care.
As Central Coast VNA & Hospice celebrates 75 years of serving the community, the organization stated that it is grateful to the Harden Foundation for nearly 40 years of partnership and continued support in strengthening families and improving the health and well-being of Monterey County residents.
Vargas named interim president of Cal State Monterey Bay
SEASIDE — California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia has appointed Carlos Vargas as the sixth leader of California State University, Monterey Bay. Vargas will serve as interim president beginning Aug. 1, pending approval of his compensation by the California State University Board of Trustees at its July meeting.
Andrew Lawson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, is serving as executive in charge as of July 1 to ensure a smooth transition until Vargas arrives.
Vargas brings more than 30 years of higher education leadership experience as a faculty member, researcher, provost and university president. A first-generation college graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and two master’s degrees, in aerospace science and physics, along with a doctorate spanning both fields from the University of Michigan.
His career has included leadership positions at Kent State University, Central State University and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, he served for 10 years as president of Southeast Missouri State University.
Throughout his career, Vargas has focused on student success, social mobility, community engagement and partnerships that strengthen the communities universities serve. Campus community members will have an opportunity to meet Vargas during the fall semester.
Cal Water releases annual quality reports
CALIFORNIA — California Water Service customers can now review annual Consumer Confidence Reports detailing the quality of their local water supplies.
The reports show that Cal Water met all primary and secondary federal and state drinking water quality standards in 2025. They also include information on local water sources, testing, regulations and current water quality topics.
Customers can view their reports at calwater.com/ccr or request a copy from their local Cal Water office if they do not have internet access.
“Delivering safe, clean, reliable drinking water is our top priority,” said Sophie James, vice president of water quality. “We treat and test the water to meet regulatory standards and monitor emerging requirements, so customers can have confidence in the water they use every day.”
Cal Water said it conducts more than 600,000 annual water quality tests for more than 300 contaminants, invests in treatment technologies and infrastructure, and performs ongoing maintenance and upgrades to water system equipment.
