FOSTER PETS
MONTEREY COUNTY — SPCA Monterey County is seeking foster volunteers to care for rescued underage kittens and puppies or provide support for pets healing after surgeries. Fostering can last from a few days to several weeks, with all food, supplies and veterinary care provided by SPCA. Currently, the organization is caring for 73 puppies and kittens, and there’s an ongoing need for more foster homes. In addition, a new Foster Care Workshop is now available, offering training on vital skills, such as bottle feeding, litter box training and working with semi-feral cats. To support these furry friends, consider checking out SPCA’s Amazon Wish List, which includes essential items like kitten formula and snuggly toys. For more information about fostering and other ways to help, visit SPCAmc.org or call 831-373-2631.
ALCOHOL TRAINING
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office are offering a free in-person training session for all Off-Sale licensees, including grocery and liquor store employees. Scheduled for April 26, this Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) program aims to equip participants with essential skills for selling alcoholic beverages in a safe, responsible and legal manner. The training emphasizes crucial areas, such as preventing sales to minors and intoxicated individuals and addressing illicit drug activities within licensed establishments. Each session lasts about three hours and is led by a certified ABC LEAD trainer, covering topics like community relations, employee liability, laws regarding minors, ID verification, handling intoxication and illicit drugs. There will be two sessions: the first from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Spanish, and the second from 1 to 4 p.m. in English. The training will take place at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office located at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas. For more information or to register, email le******@ab*.gov or visit tinyurl.com/ywjj6fkf.
MUTTON BUSTING
SALINAS — Young cowboys and cowgirls are invited to participate in the thrilling Mutton Busting event at the California Rodeo Salinas, held this July. Entries for this competition are due by April 30. Sponsored by Pacific Valley Bank, Mutton Busting provides children aged 4 to 7 who weigh 60 pounds or less the chance to ride sheep during this storied event. The competition will take place on July 16 during the Big Week Bull Riding Xtreme Bulls, and from July 17-20 during the California Rodeo. This year includes a new twist: a champion will be crowned at each performance, with daily buckles for the longest rides. To enter, parents can submit online applications at the California Rodeo website. Contestants will be notified by May 8. For more details, visit carodeo.com.
BONUS BRIEF: CALTRANS SCHOLARSHIPS
CENTRAL COAST — The employees of Caltrans District 5 and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) are offering three $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors. The scholarships are intended to recognize and assist students who are planning to pursue a transportation-related career. The application and directions to apply can be found here. Applications must be received at the District no later than May 15.
