The SPA Datebook
For the Week of December 18-24, 2011
If you provide a public service, or have a special community- or business-related event that you'd like to post on AM 1000 KCEO, AM 1450 KFSD, and/or AM 1510 KSPA and their associated websites, please e-mail Gordon Brown, Public Service Director, with your announcement attached. Please allow at least three weeks before the event date for timely posting. Thanks! ~ G.B.
San Diego County
Cappella Gloriana, San Diego's professional chamber choir, presents O Holy Night: Christmas with Cappella Gloriana, a holiday concert on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 44651 Avenida de Missiones in Temecula. Under the direction of Stephen Sturk, the choir will sing traditional Christmas favorites, lesser-known seasonal gems and audience sing-along carols. Tickets are $10, are available at the door, and can be reserved by calling 619-291-3055.
Isabella's Gift is a nonprofit organization that seeks to collect pajamas for infants and children stricken with cancer, and who are being treated at Rady Children's Hospital. The organization also seeks donations of robes, slippers and non-skid socks, sweatsuits, flannel or fleece sleepwear, and blankets and throws. Many of these items will be used by the parents of suddenly stricken and/or terminally ill children, who spend days or weeks at a time at the bedsides of their children. Monetary donations are also welcomed. For pick-up and drop-off locations, and instructions on how to donate, please visit this webpage.
During these tough economic times our four-legged family members are sometimes forgotten. Rancho Coastal Humane Society is helping to alleviate this by taking one worry off the table, and supplying pet food to families in need for the holiday season. The Society is currently accepting donations of pet foods, pet treats, and toys. When you go to the store to buy some food for your pet, pick up an extra bag and drop it off in the Holiday Baskets located in the front lobby at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. The office is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. You can also donate online. For more information, please call 760-753-6413, or visit this webpage.
North County Senior Dance has a series of dances in store prior to Christmas, including a Winter Wonderland dance on Friday, December 16th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Encinitas Senior Center, featuring music by The Cradit Union. Admission is free of charge, but limited to 175 people. On Sunday the 18th, The Vidals will perform at the Mira Mesa Center from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Swing to the stylings of The Harmonaires, on Tuesday the 20th from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Escondido Center. Lastly, remember your invitation to dress to the nines, and step out for a spectacular New Year's Eve Dance, Saturday, December 31st from 8 p.m. to midnight at Oceanside-Oceana, located at Vista Oceana and El Camino Real! Admission to this special event is $30 per person. These great events are open to dancers of all ages, and admission is still just three to five dollars. Find out more by calling North County Senior Dance at 760-720-2011. (For detailed scheduling information, senior center addresses, etc., click on the calendar icon to view the schedule in PDF format. If you use an older web browser, you might need to have Adobe Reader® or similar PDF software installed. Download Adobe Reader® here; or upgrade to a newer browser if possible.)
This week the Rancho Coastal Humane Society's Pet of the Week is Norma Jean, a two-year-old, spayed-female, domestic short-haired cat. Norma Jean is sweet and affectionate, and since she has already lived with dogs, cats, and children, she would do well in any of a variety of homes. This is Norma Jean's second stay at Rancho Coastal, and this time she seeks to fulfill her wish of finding a "forever home" this holiday season. Please remember that animals are not to be given as gifts; however, if you're thinking about adding a pet to your home, consider making Norma Jean a member of your family. For more information about Norma Jean, or any of the delightful animals available for adoption into loving homes, call 760-753-6413, or visit online.
During this holiday season, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society would like to remind everyone that it's never a good idea to give an animal as a gift, whether for Christmas or any other occasion. A dog or cat that has to be rehomed, or even worse, returned to an adoption center, is cause for unnecessary difficulty and expense—to say nothing of the heartbreak for all concerned. Instead, why not invite your prospective gift recipient to visit the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and get to know first-hand the wonderful dogs, cats, and rabbits that are available for adoption? Also, make sure your recipient wants to adopt, and is in a good position to do so. For more information, call 760-753-6413, or visit online.
Visitors to the San Diego International Auto Show can receive a free health tune-up at the Scripps Health Know Your Score exhibit, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 29th through January 1st at the San Diego Convention Center. This exhibit will offer a variety of services, including blood pressure screenings, body fat analyses, and diabetes risk assess- ments. For those who've experienced a stroke or have other neuromuscular challenges, Scripps' new driving assessment program can provide an important baseline evaluation; more information is available at the booth. Guests can also receive a free Scripps pedometer and a variety of educational materials. For more information, call 1-800-SCRIPPS, or visit online.
The San Diego Museum of Man continues its Culture, Coffee and Conversation series with a fun and provocative lecture entitled MONOPOLY: Insights and Insider Trading from a Tournament Perspec- tive, Thursday, December 29th at 4 p.m. in the Gill Auditorium of the Museum. Come learn from Timothy Vandenberg, the 2009 United States MONOPOLY National Championship Runner-Up. Tim has presented his mathematical MONOPOLY analysis and educational techniques at local, regional, state, and national teacher conferences. Using his math-based MONOPOLY strategies, his sixth-grade students have proven they can hold their own against the game's best, having defeated both U.S. and World MONOPOLY Champions in tournament play. If his sixth-graders can do it, so can you! For information about exhibits, events and more, visit online, or call (619) 239-2001, x10.
The North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) will partner with Boomers! in Vista to offer a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve Bash for up to 1,000 people, with a live DJ and unlimited access to Boomers! attractions, on Saturday, December 31st from 6 p.m. to midnight at 1525 West Vista Way in Vista. The entertainment center offers a variety of attractions and games for all ages. Admission is $20 for ages 13 and up, and $15 for children ages 5 to 12; children under 5 are admitted free. Proceeds from this event will fund NCPC's programs to prevent alcohol and drug abuse among youth, and other community programs aimed at combatting underage drinking and drug use. For further information, visit online.
Do you want to have an exciting New Year's Eve on San Diego Bay and support an important cause? You can do both by attending the First Annual Sand and Sea Ball at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, located at 1380 Harbor Island Drive in San Diego. Proceeds from this event benefit two of San Diego's most respected nonprofit organizations: Mental Health America (MHA) San Diego and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego. This black-tie-optional affair is presented in collaboration with Xceptional Music Company. The evening begins at 7 p.m. and includes a five-course dinner with wine, continuous live music provided by a lively 10-piece band, dancing throughout the evening, and champagne at midnight. Tickets are $175 per person, or a special rate of $1500 for table of ten, and may be purchased directly by visiting this webpage.
Is dog walking a regular activity? Is a running 5K or a fun run on your "to do" list? Think about an event where you and your best friend can do a 5K run together, or imagine 5K races where both you and your furry friend get an official time. That's WALK.RUN.WAG and a whole lot more—Sunday, January 15th, starting and finishing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego. The course takes walkers/ runners along the coast in Del Mar, next to Dog Beach and back. And if fun runs or walking are more the style for you and your pet, then we have that covered too. Walk or run 5K or 1 mile with your dog, or do it solo. Proceeds from this event will benefit the PETCO Foundation, which helps animal-welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for millions of orphaned pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane educa- tion. To register, visit this webpage.
The 24th Annual All People's Breakfast, celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., takes place Monday, January 16th from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, One Park Boulevard in San Diego. Delivering the keynote address will be José Antonio Vargas, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose compelling essay, My Life As An Undocumented Immigrant, published by the New York Times Magazine in June 2011, has paved the way for broader, deeper conversations about inclusion, opportunity, and civil rights. Admission is $40 per person, $400 per table. Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,500. For ticket sales and more information, e-mail AllPeoplesBreakfast@equalitysandiego.org, or visit the Equality Alliance of San Diego County online.
San Diegans can gain practical insights into natural dietary supplements and their role in improving aspects of personal health, at a special public seminar led by Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. The seminar, entitled Natural Supplements School, will take place Thursday, January 19th from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located downtown at 1 Park Blvd. in San Diego. The event will explore the basics of supplements such as labels and claims, as well as their use for pain, inflammation, fatigue and heart health. Dr. Mimi Guarneri, medical director of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, will be among the seminar's presenters. Registration for the half-day event is $99 and includes lunch. For more information or to register to attend, call Scripps Conference Services at 858-652-5400.
The San Diego Museum of Man presents its latest exhibition, Adventures in Photography: A Century of Images in Archaeology and Anthropology, now through January 13th, 2013. This exhibition was organized by the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Sixty-four vintage photographs were chosen from the University's extensive collection, spanning over one hundred years and six continents. The suite of amazing imagery features Hiram Bingham, credited with finding Peru's Machu Picchu; Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen; Harriet Boyd Hawes, the first woman to excavate on the island of Crete in the early 1900s; and much more. For additional information, call 619-239-2001, or visit this webpage.
San Diego Home Loan Counseling and Education Center is a 501(c) nonprofit, HUD Certified organization that provides free counseling services to persons who've fallen behind in their mortgage payments, and are possibly facing foreclosure. Established for over 34 years, San Diego Home Loan Counseling can help you free of charge, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spanish-speaking counselors are also available. The Center is located at 3180 University Avenue, Suite 300 in San Diego's North Park. For information and appointments, call toll-free, 1-877-734-5232, or visit online.
Did you know that at-risk youth have the greatest chance of getting into trouble between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside provide North County youth with fun and safe environments during those critical hours. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside currently serve 1,400 youth every day and need your support to continue doing so. Learn more and support our Clubs by visiting online.
Enjoy walking or riding your bicycle? Are you 18 or older? Then why not volunteer for the Lakeside River Park Conservancy's River Park Patrol, and get more out of your outdoor activity? Walk or ride to different locations in the River Park, and chart activity such as graffiti, trespassing, and other signs of illegal activity. Call the Sheriff’s Department if needed. Park Patrollers also help educate users—and trespassers—about the park project, wildlife, and habitat, and assist River Park staff at special events to provide traffic control, parking, education and outreach. Park Patrollers always work in groups of two or more during daylight hours every day of the week. You pick your time and day and commit to making a weekly patrol, for a total of at least six hours a month. Ongoing training is provided. To volunteer, please e-mail Seth Connolly at sethriverpark@gmail.com, or call 619-443-4770. For more information about the Conservancy, as well as additional volunteer opportuni- ties, please visit online.
The FACE Foundation—the Foundation for Animal Care and Education—is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The first of its kind in San Diego County, FACE provides funding to families in need, whose pets require life-saving surgeries and procedures. FACE is entirely reliant upon donations to continue its mission of enhancing and preserving animals' lives. For more information, or to donate, please visit online, or call 858-450-FACE (858-450-3223).
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011, PCI is a San Diego-based health and humanitarian organization, operating over 100 programs in 16 countries. It is dedicated to saving lives and building healthy communities around the globe, annually reaching over five million people in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Funded by federal grants and private support, PCI has over a $35 million budget and nearly 600 employees worldwide. For more information, and to donate, call 858-279-9690, or visit online.
The San Diego Environmental Leader Network celebrates its tenth year of operation with a name change. This regional environmental networking organization is now known as San Diego EcoNetwork. The network is run entirely by volunteers, utilizing a "self-posting" system of listing events on the web calendar. Over the past ten years, the network has steadily grown to incorporate a directory of regional nonprofit organizations, and a job-listing service. With the dawn of social networking, San Diego EcoNetwork has expanded to include a Facebook page, an e-mail notification list with over 400 current subscribers, and a Yahoo open discussion forum. Find out more by visiting online.
San Diego County has more threatened and endangered species than any other county in the contiguous United States. Many of these species exist in our riparian areas, such as our creeks and canyons. The mission of San Diego Canyonlands is to promote, protect and restore the natural habitats in San Diego County canyons and creeks, by fostering education and ongoing community involvement in stewardship and advocacy, and by collaborating with other organizations. Many of its success stories have come from grassroots activism conducted by canyon "Friends Groups" throughout San Diego County. Their website contains monthly events listed on the right side of the main page. For more information, call 619-358-9367, or visit online.
Experience the wonders of wetlands through free guided docent-led tours at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. These walks provide insight into the history of the reserve, as well as the many plants and animals that reside within it. Participants gain an appreciation for the reserve's incredible diversity, and learn about the importance of preserving this endangered ecosystem. Free tours are offered every Saturday at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Ave. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea) from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and every second Saturday monthly from the Rios Avenue trailhead in Solana Beach from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit this webpage, or call 760-436-3944, ext. 701.
CONNECT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining the growth of innovative technology and life science businesses in San Diego. Since 1985, CONNECT has assisted in the formation and development of over 2,000 companies, and is widely regarded as the world's most successful regional program linking inventors and entrepreneurs with the resources they need for success. More than 25 countries and regions have adopted the CONNECT model, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Australia, and China. For more information, please call 858-964-1300—or visit online.
The Charter School of San Diego is currently enrolling new students in grades 7 through 12. This is a tuition-free public school with 20 convenient school sites located throughout San Diego County. If your children can benefit from a rigorous education that's personalized to meet their specific needs, call 858-678-2020, or visit online. Charter School of San Diego is there for you, and daring to make a difference.
Pit Bull Rescue San Diego is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non- profit organization devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing pit bulls in San Diego area shelters, as well as educating the public about responsible pet ownership, and advocating against the inhumane and unethical activities of dogfighting, backyard breeding, and housing discrimination by breed. Pit Bull Rescue San Diego also maintains a directory of apartments, condo complexes, and property-management companies that are pit bull-friendly. Find out more by calling 760-231-1909. or by visiting online.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is a non-profit organization providing education, support services and advocacy to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental illness. NAMI offers two programs called Family To Family and Peer to Peer. Each is a set of courses designed to provide guidance for persons with mental illness or brain disorders, as well as their families. These courses are provided free of charge, and some courses are available in Spanish. Call the NAMI San Diego Helpline at 619-543-1434, or 800-523-5933 to enroll—or visit NAMI San Diego online and click "Services" for more information.
Challenge Center is a non-profit organization devoted to transforming dramatically the quality of life of persons with severe mobility disorders through exceptional physical therapy, and specialized fitness and wellness programs, in an environment of hope and possibilities. Challenge Center is located at 5540 Lake Park Way in La Mesa. For more information about Challenge Center, or to donate, call 619-667-8644, or visit online.
Mama's Kitchen brings daily sustenance and hope to more than 1,500 people in San Diego County who are living with AIDS, cancer, or other critical illnesses. Won't you make a contribution of $35 or more to help? A donation of just $50 provides three meals a day for six days. Mail your donation to Mama's Kitchen, 1875 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. For more information, call 619-233-6262, or visit online.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency has launched a campaign to inform the public about a recent rise in three sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Many believe that these diseases have been wiped out through advances in medicine, but in fact, cases of syphilis have increased nearly 200 percent in the last five years. The County urges the public to get tested for all STDs, and to take proper precautions during sexual activity. For further information, visit online.
Do you like to meet and greet the public? Learn about California's Superior Court by staffing the information desks at various court locations. Volunteer training is provided. Call 619-450-7443, or consult the Volunteer Opportunities Section of the Court's web page.
Orange County and the Inland Empire
LifeStream—the official Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties—has issued an urgent plea to persons with B-negative and O-negative blood types to give the gift of life and donate blood as soon as possible. These blood types are urgently needed to treat surgery patients, trauma victims, and patients with life-threatening illnesses. Please schedule your life-saving donation today. Individuals must be at least at 15 years of age to donate blood. (Those 15 and 16 years of age must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parental consent forms are available at any donor center, mobile blood unit, or online.) All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors will also receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, call 1-800-879-4484, or visit LifeStream online.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center is conducting a research study to test a new medicine that may help traumatic brain injury. Patients who get to the hospital quickly, with moderate to severe head injury, between the ages of 16 and 75 can be included. Our previous experience suggests that this medicine can reduce injury to the brain if given quickly. Because head injury is a life threatening condition requiring immediate treatment, some subjects will be enrolled without consent until a family member can be located. Every attempt will be made to locate family to review the study. Before the study starts, we will hold meetings with the community to review the study, get your feedback and answer questions. For more information or to decline participation in this study, please visit this webpage.
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been providing exceptional mental health and substance abuse treatment services throughout Los Angeles County for over 60 years. Their programs serve over 57,000 children, families, adults and seniors at nine sites each year, from Pacoima to Venice to South Los Angeles to the Downtown area, and many points in between. Services include crisis intervention and stabilization, counseling, residential treatment, case management, youth-at-risk and family reinforcement programs, delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and extensive community outreach. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services also operates the only free, accredited, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, suicide prevention crisis line from Orange County to Santa Barbara, at 1-877-7CRISIS. That's 1-877-727-4747. For more information, visit online.
West End Animal Shelter offers low-cost pet immunizations every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost of immunization ranges from $8 to $12 depending on vaccine; cash only, please. West End Animal Shelter is located at 1010 East Mission Blvd. in Ontario. For more information, call 909-947-3517, or visit online.
Wildhaven Ranch is a non-profit organization in the San Bernardino Mountains that is dedicated to providing a protective environment where sick, injured, and other disaffected wild animals can be nurtured, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild. For animals who cannot be adequately rehabilitated, Wildhaven provides a sanctuary where they can live safe, fulfilling lives. Learn about these and other aspects of the program, including a Learning Center for community members and children, by visiting online.
Forte is a non-profit foreign-exchange program which provides international high-school students the opportunity to study for one year in an American school. Forte is currently looking for people to work in its organization, and also seeks prospective host families in San Diego, Orange County and the Inland Empire. If your family is interested in hosting a foreign-exchange student, or you'd like to inquire about employment, call 1-202-833-4185; or visit online.
The Freeway Service Patrol for the San Bernardino Valley has hit the road—helping stranded motorists for free, every Monday through Friday—during peak commute hours. Watch for the roving team of tow trucks from Montclair to San Bernardino on the I-10 and from Ontario to Rancho Cucamonga on the I-15. This is a free service, including tows to a CHP-approved location. Call 909-884-8276 for more information.
Basically BOOKS is a non-profit bookstore run by the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library. They are open five days a week and need volunteers to staff the store. All proceeds from the store benefit the Diamond Bar Library. The store is located at the Country Hills Towne Centre on Cold Spring Lane. Call 909-594-9954 for details on how you can get involved and help out.
Other Announcements
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a great strategy for avoiding the holiday shopping crowds and making your gifts to loved ones, friends and colleagues even more special. Thanks to LLS's new partnership with renowned apparel and gear retailer Lands' End, your gifts will help fund lifesaving cancer research and provide information and support to cancer patients. When you shop at LLS's e-Store, 20 percent of your purchase price will be donated to LLS. And you can customize your purchases with the LLS logo or your favorite LLS campaign logo. For more information about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit online.
The Internal Revenue Service and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are looking for volunteers to assist in preparing tax returns next year at various AARP-sponsored sites throughout Southern California. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. All AARP tax counselor volunteers receive comprehensive AARP Tax-Aide training in cooperation with the IRS. Individuals with good computer skills are especially needed to assist in transmitting returns electronically through the IRS E-file program. Last year volunteers completed over 36,000 returns at sites located throughout Southern California. Training begins in early January 2012, and AARP Tax-Aide sites will be open from February 2nd through April 17th. For more information on how to join the AARP Tax-Aide team, call 1-888-687-2277, or visit AARP’s Tax Aide website. For IRS information, including more on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, visit online.
As you read this page during the next 60 seconds, 156 people will be added to the world's population. Many will face a life of poverty, hunger, and poor health. At some point, Planet Earth may no longer be able to sustain our world's population. But overpopulation is not just a numbers game; it's also about a better quality of life that includes access to basic health care, food, clean water, and a sustainable balance between people and our natural resources. If you think overpopulation is such a big problem that you can't make a difference...think again. Population Connection is the national grass-roots organi- zation that believes through education and information, individuals can make a difference. Take the time to invest in a better, safer, less crowded world. Even small choices can make an impact. To learn more, visit online.
Nearly 40 years ago, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) was created by Congress to help protect individual investors in the unlikely event of broker- age firm failure. Today, the SIPC is looking to investors just like you to help the SIPC modernize the way it does business. SIPC wants your input to make sure that it does even better in the next 40 years. Just visit online; find your topic, or create a new one. Do it soon, and help shape the future of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
Right now, thousands of kids in California need something to believe in. The National Youth Advocate Program is looking for people to help them strengthen families, by becoming a foster parent. The NYAP has provided cost-effective, community-based services and support to children, youth and families since 1978. Discover the benefits and rewards of becoming a foster parent, and give youth something to believe in. Visit NYAP online, or call 1-877-NYAP-CAN today.
Every year, thousands of people die and many more are hospitalized from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccination. In these tough economic times, more families must choose between health care and other critical needs. Fortunately, there is a federal government program to provide vaccines for children at no cost or low cost to uninsured families and others who qualify. More information is available at the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
Each year, more than a million people successfully quit tobacco. Resolve to be one of the million in 2011. Or encourage a military family member or friend to quit. Get help at ucanquit2.org. A message from the U.S. Depart- ment of Defense.
Flat tire? Engine trouble? Battery died? Phone 5-1-1 first. By dialing 5-1-1 from your cell phone, you can now access tow services while remaining safely inside your vehicle. Simply dial 5-1-1 from your cell phone, and say "Roadside Assistance" when prompted. Each call is directed to the Call Box Answer Center, which will help you to receive roadside assistance. In non-emergencies in San Diego County, when roadside assistance is needed, phone 5-1-1 first from your cellphone. For more information, visit online.
The California Tax Education Council asks: Is your tax preparer legal? State law mandates that only attorneys, Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or CTEC Registered Tax Preparers can prepare your tax returns for a fee. Not sure which one your preparer is? You had better find out! Otherwise, you could pay the consequences. Protect yourself, and do your research; you have a right to ask your preparers for their credentials. For more information, call 877-850-CTEC, or visit online.
The National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA, is the federal agency that insures the vast majority of credit unions in the United States. NCUA insurance for credit unions is equivalent to FDIC coverage for banks, and federally insured credit union members are now protected up to at least $250,000. NCUA insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Not one penny of insured savings has ever been lost by a member of a federally insured credit union. For more information, go online to the NCUA Insurance Coverage Tool Kit to verify that your credit union is insured, and for details about your insurance coverage.
Business owners: Get the information you need to better manage your business! Keep on top of all the government rules and regulations that affect you. Business.gov is a one-stop shop for free business information from all levels of government—federal, state, and local. Whether starting out or branching out, Business.gov can help make sure you're getting it right. Visit Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S. Government. A public service message from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The American Council on Education, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the Ad Council have launched KnowHow2GO, a national campaign devoted to educating students in grades 8 through 10 about the steps they need to take to prepare for college. KnowHow2GO focuses primarily on students in low-income families, and those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. For more information, call 209-549-2441—or visit online.
California Conservation Corps crews from throughout the state were dispatched to this year's devastating wildfires. The CCC is looking for more young men and women to help out. It's a chance to do something for your state, and perhaps find a career. The Corps also offers a chance to work outdoors; protect the environment; and advance your education. If you're between 18 and 25, call the CCC at 1-800-952-JOBS; or visit online.
Every two seconds, another human being dies of hunger. Even here in America, 33 million Americans have a tenuous food supply, and many are going hungry. But you can help. Give to the Help End Hunger Now Foundation. One hundred percent of your donations provide nutrient-dense foods to hungry people. No administration costs are deducted, and that means every dollar you give puts food in someone's stomach...and lends another chance at life. Call 877-410-GIVE; or visit online.
Is your family overextended with credit spending? Have you been rolling over your auto loans until you owe more than your new vehicle is worth? Are you caught in the squeeze of a non-fixed mortgage? If one or more of these conditions obtains, you may be on the brink of a major debt crisis. That's why the National Foundation for Credit Counseling is non-profit, independently accredited, and community-governed: so they have a real stake in helping you. To find an NFCC agency near you, call 800-388-2227, or go online.
We all feel pressure...but there's a pressure that's good ...and that's the pressure in your tires. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Keeping your tires properly inflated not only reduces the chance of blowouts; it also improves your gas mileage and lengthens tire life, saving you money. Check your tire pressure right away. The longer your tires stay on your car, the longer they stay out of landfills...and that keeps the pressure off all of us. A message from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
When you have nowhere to turn, just dial 2-1-1. Connect with Health and Social Services in your area through United Way. Call 2-1-1 for help anytime 24/7. Visit online for more information.
Did you know that a family of four can make up to $66,000 a year and still be eligible for government health insurance for their children? It's true. Several million Californians are eligible for government health insurance, but have not signed up. The Foundation for Health Coverage Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization charged with educating people on how to find no-cost or low-cost, government-funded health insurance. The Foundation offers an Uninsured Help Line with live counselors speaking multiple languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week—and they're standing by to assist you. Call the Help Line at 1-800-234-1317, and find out how health-care reform might give you access to health coverage today. For more information about the Foundation, visit online, or call 310-556-9612.
Every day our gas-guzzling cars, buses, and trucks spew tons of pollutants into the air we breathe...and it's making us sick. The American Lung Association is encouraging everyone to help protect the air we all breathe by taking steps to improve air quality and supporting all efforts to reduce air pollution. Visit online for details on how you can help—or call 800-LUNG-USA.
Protect your business with an emergency preparedness plan. Visit ready.gov for free checklists, templates, and other tools to help you develop an affordable plan that fits your business. It's free from the Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council.