Kit for New Parents

Do you wish your new baby could come with an instruction manual? Let First 5 California and First 5 Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties help! The updated “Kit for New Parents,” is available and free. It contains all the parenting information, advice and useful tips first-time parents need to best prepare for the joys and challenges that lie ahead. For more information, or to order your free “Kit for New Parents,” contact First 5 Santa Cruz at (831) 465-2271 or First Five Monterey County at (831) 444-8549 or call 1 (800) KIDS-025.

Carmel Heritage Society Walking Tours

The Carmel Heritage Society offers walking tours on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to join a docent and hear all about the colorful history of Carmel. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are not required. Those interested should meet at the First Murphy House, located at Lincoln and Sixth, in Carmel. Group tours are also available. For more information, call (831) 624-4447.

Docent-Led Tours of Elkhorn Slough

Rain or shine, docent–led tours of Elkhorn Slough are offered each weekend at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. There’s even an early-bird tour at 8:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Tours begin at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Visitor Center, located at 1700 Elkhorn Road in Watsonville. The cost is just the $2.50 to cover the day-use fee. For more information, call (831) 728-2822 or click onto elkhornslough.org.

Point Sur Lightstation Walking Tours

The Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park offers Walking Tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Walking tours are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays. They last about three hours and are limited to 40 people, so arrive early! A limited number of moonlight tours are also available.

Those interested in taking the tour should meet outside of the Highway 1 farm gate, 19 miles south of Rio Road (look for the signs, near the Point Sur Naval Facility). The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-17 and ages 5 and under is free. For more information, call (831) 625-4419.

Officials and Umpires Needed in Santa Cruz

The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is looking for qualified officials and umpires to work in the Sports Department. Sports officiating and umpiring is a great source for additional income, community involvement and fun exercise. It presents the opportunity to work year-round with adult basketball, soccer and softball programs. For more information, contact the Sports Office at (831) 420-5267.

American Red Cross Seeks Volunteers for its “Disaster Action Team”

The Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross is urgently seeking healthcare workers, to serve on its “Disaster Action Team,” take shelter training courses, complete nursing kits check blood pressure and become instructors. If you are a physician, physician’s assistant, registered nurse, vocational nurse, emergency medical technician, or paramedics, your services are needed. Free training will be provided and continuing educational units are available. For more information, call (831) 809-5779.

“Ageless Art Project” Needs Artists & Craft People

The Family Service Agency of the Central Coast is seeking artists and crafts people. Volunteers are needed to share their talent and make creative expression possible for residents living in Santa Cruz County care facilities. Volunteers will work with the “Ageless Art Project.” For further information, call (831) 459-8917, ext. 208.

PacRep Presents “This Wonderful Life”

Pacific Repertory Theater presents, “This Wonderful Life,” their stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1946 classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” This inspirational story is presented in a one-man show, starring Monterey’s acclaimed actor, John Farmanesh-Bocca. Performances are 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, through Sunday, December 28th. Performances are in the Circle Theater at the Golden Bough Playhouse, Casanova between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel. For more information, call (831) 622-0100 or go to pacrep.org or ticketguys.com.

Pinnacles National Monument Nature Talks

Ranger Michael Rupp and Condor Biologist Jessica Auer will be giving “Nature Talks” to children about the Pinnacles National Monument and the endangered Condor. This is a great time to learn about “caves, condors and other critters” at Monterey County Free Libraries. The presentations are at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10th at the Greenfield Library, 6:00 p.m. at the Soledad Library and 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 17th at the King City Library. There isn’t any fee for “Nature Talks” and they are open to the public. For more information, call (831) 383-0912.

“Velveteen Rabbit” Comes to the World Theater

ODC Dance of San Francisco brings their long-standing San Francisco holiday presentation of “The Velveteen Rabbit” to CSUMB’s World Theater in three special performances on Friday and Saturday, December 19th and 20th. The musical based on Margery Williams’ 1922 children’s tale of the same name, features colorful costumes and sets, energetic dancing and an enchanting musical score by British composer Benjamin Britten. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and there’s a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. To encourage families to attend, special ticket prices are in effect for this show. For more information, contact the World Theater Box Office at (831) 582-4580 or go online to CSUMB World Theater.

Monterey Museum of Art Offers Free Admission in December

In gratitude for a year of unparalleled public attendance and new heights of community support, the Monterey Museum of Art welcomes you to attend the exhibits at the Pacific Street and La Mirada locations for free during the month of December. This is a great time to visit. Hundreds of “Miniatures,” from small drawings, paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures are on display in the Pacific Street galleries. The photographic gallery features the world-renowned photos of Armin Hanse, William F. Ritschel, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams.

The La Mirada galleries present the solo exhibit of the photographic works of Angela Strassheim. The two locations for the Monterey Museum of Art are 559 Pacific Street and 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (831) 372-5477 or click onto www.montereyart.org.

Annual Holiday Teddy Bear Boutique in Carmel

The Alzheimer’s Association “Annual Holiday Teddy Bear Boutique” continues through Sunday, December 21st. The shop located at the corner of Ocean and San Carlos in Carmel is open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. All proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s programs and services in Monterey County. For more information, call one of the following numbers: Monterey 647-9890, Salinas 757-0531 or King City 385-8813.

Santa Cruz County Children’s Holiday Party

The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association presents their “2nd Annual Santa Cruz County Children’s Holiday Party,” from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, December 21st at the Santa Elk’s Lodge, located at 150 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz.

This free event for kids and their parents features a holiday movie on the big screen, a chance to decorate your own holiday cookies, the opportunity to play Xbox and Wii games on 20 foot screens, wrestle your friends in “Sumo Suits” and participate in games, other entertainment, and there’s even a rumor that Santa might visit!

Christmas Outreach Donations Still Needed

While you may have missed the opportunity to make a donation during KSBW’s Annual “Share Your Holiday,” it is still not too late to help those in need. The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corp still needs your support to meet the increased demands for their Christmas Outreach Program. They are still accepting donations of food, clothing, and toys, as well as, monetary contributions. Donations can be dropped off at the Good Samaritan Center, 800 Scott Street, Sand City, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also drop off donations at their office, located at 1491 Contra Costa Street, Seaside. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23rd. For more information, call the Good Samaritan Center at (831) 899-4911 or the Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula headquarters at 899-4911.

Christmas Tours at Wild Things ends on December 27th

Christmas Tours at Wild Things continues on Saturday and Sunday, December 20th – 21st and December 26th and 27th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Wild Things and Vision Quest, 400 River Road, Salinas. This is a great opportunity to tour the ranch and the exotic animals that live there. The perks include a photo opportunity with a real reindeer, visits from Santa and refreshments after the tour. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for kids (14 and younger) when you use the coupon code CCEM1208. For more information, call (831) 455-1901, ext. 3.

LULAC Council Presents “New Year’s Eve Dance” in Hollister

The San Benito County LULAC Council presents their “4th Annual New Year’s Eve Dance,” on Wednesday, December 31st. This dance featuring San Benito County’s best DJ Serio Flores & Miguel Gonzales and Sonido Con Sabor will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Hollister. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the dance is from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Proceeds benefits the Council’s 2009 Scholarship Fund. For more information about this event, call (831) 673-2009.

Girl Scouts Seeks Gently-Used Coats for “One Warm Coat” Drive

The Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay are collecting gently-used coats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Macy’s Store at Del Monte Center, in Monterey, Saturdays through January 3, 2009. Coats are being collected for their “One Warm Coat” coat drive. Coats of all sizes are welcomed, but child sizes are needed most. All coats will be cleaned and repaired by professional cleaners before being given to a local child or adult in need. For more information, call (831) 373-2705, ext. 107 or click onto www.onewarmcoat.org.

“New Classes for a New Year” in Santa Cruz

Kick start 2009 with an exciting new class offered by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department. Everything from triathlon training to mountain biking or surfing is available now. Registration for city residents begins on Tuesday, January 6th and non-city residents beginning on Thursday, January 8th. Registration is easy…you can do it online, by mail, in person or by phone. Check the Winter-Spring Activity Guide now for more details on the hundreds of classes, designed to make this New Year your best! For more information, call (831) 420-5270 or click onto Santa Cruz Park and Rec.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seeks Volunteer Guides

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is looking for volunteers to serve as guides for the aquarium. If you love the natural wonders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and want to start the New Year off with a new adventure, plan on attending one of their informational meetings. They are 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 8th and Tuesday, January 13th at the Aquarium.

You must be at least 18 years old to serve as a volunteer guide. Bilingual speakers are needed and encouraged to attend. For more information, call (831) 648-4867 or visit montereybayaqurium.org.

“17th Annual Parent University” Focuses on Emotionally Healthy Families

The Parent Center at the Salinas Adult School presents their annual “Parent University,” on Saturday, January 31st. More than 50 workshops designed for parents, grandparents and anyone who loves kids will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a focus on raising emotionally healthy families. The fee is $10 per person or $15 per couple with pre-registration by January 27th. Scholarships are available, as well as, childcare at a cost of $3, plus $1 each for each additional child between the ages of 18 months and 10 years old. Pre-registration for childcare is required by January 27th. For more information, call (831) 796-6970.

VNA Health Screening in Monterey

Before you begin your new workout regimen in the New Year, take a moment to get a health screening to help you get on track! The Monterey Sports Center will be hosting a VNA Public Health Screening Clinic on Monday, January 26th from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. It’s going to be quick and easy, and you get the results in just 5 minutes! The screening includes cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood glucose results. VNA nurses will administer the screenings for those who are 18-years-old and older. A Health Screening is $40. Daily admission or Extended Use Passes are not required to participate. For more information, call (831) 646-5624.

Auditions for El Teatro Campensino

El Teatro Campensino will hold an audition for actors, singers, dancers and musicians from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st at their theater in San Juan Bautista. Anyone interested in auditioning should come prepared with a monologue, a song and dressed to move. For more details contact Stephanie at (831) 261-4838 or email her at stehanie@elteatrocampesino.com.

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Ground Tours

Did you know that there are free one-hour tours offered, upon request, of the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds? You get to tour the grounds, historic buildings, forest, the Natural Dunes Preserve, beach and tide pools with state park staff. For more information, call (831) 646-6443.