Soquel
Soquel, CA · Education
The Salinas Californian
Salinas nonprofit solves student travel hurdles
For some Salinas young people, landing a job is only half the battle. The other challenge is finding a way to get there. Rancho Cielo, a Salinas-based nonprofit that provides vocational training and high school education to youth ages 14 to 24, aims to tackle that problem with a $200,000 grant from Wescom Financial. The funding, announced during a check presentation at Rancho Cielo's sprawling 100-acre campus on Nov. 4, will go toward an 18-month transportation initiative to help low-income Monterey County youth get to school, internships and jobs. Susie Brusa, Rancho Cielo's interim CEO, said in a statement that transportation is "one of the biggest barriers to success for our students." "This generous gift will not only help transport students to campus for their education and training but will also help fund our Driver's Ed program," Brusa said. "The life skills and independence afforded through these gifts are priceless." Founded in 2000, Rancho Cielo serves more than 250 students annually through programs that combine high school education, vocational training, case management and life skills. Students can earn a WASC-accredited high school diploma or equivalent, as well as industry-recognized certifications. Its oldest and most established program, the Drummond Culinary Academy,
sanbenito.com
benitolink.com
Local school boards select replacement trustees
Both the Hollister School District and San Benito High School District boards of trustees recently appointed new trustees to fill upcoming vacancies. Two residents vied for the Trustee Area 1 vacancy on the Hollister School District board and, during the board’s Oct. 27 meeting, Matthea Anderson was chosen as the new trustee in a 3-2 vote. Anderson will fill the spot to be vacated by Kim O’Connor and will be sworn in during the board’s organizational meeting in December.
pajaronian.com
Mariners sail to a perfect 5-0 to capture PCAL Mission North crown | High school football
Ben Martin came up with the biggest play of the game on Friday night that helped the Aptos High football team clinch a Pacific Coast Athletic League crown for the first time in four years. Late in the fourth quarter, the 6-foot-3, 237-pound senior lineman made a game-sealing interception to...