Knock, knock:
Are you drunk?
The Marin County Probation Department conducted countywide unannounced checks last week on local probationers who had previous convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Out of 18 random residence checks, one person was found to be in violation.
The goal of the DUI operations is to enhance community safety by ensuring that past defendants remain in compliance with their terms of probation. The unannounced sweeps require a search of probationers’ residences.
The one probationer found to be under the influence of alcohol was brought to a local detoxification center. According to Healthy County Marin, over 1 in 4 driving-related deaths in Marin are direct results of driving under the influence.
MCF changes
In a move held close to the vest, the Marin Community Foundation, one of the largest in the country, has changed its governing structure. The Independent Journal broke the story, reporting the changes are “major shifts” in structure and grantmaking policies.
MCF has about $3 billion in assets. A third of it came from the original Beryl Buck endowment. MCF gives out tens of millions each year, largely to local organizations.
The nine-member board that once oversaw the Buck Trust has been dissolved and a new board has been constituted, the Independent reported. Mark Buell, a retired real estate developer, was appointed chair of the new board.
Double fatal
Two men died when their car launched into the Canal waterway at a high rate of speed on Sept. 16. The men were trapped underwater and both died at the scene. Alcohol is believed to have been involved.
They were identified as Jose Vasquez Gonzales, 21, and Denison Gaytan Hernandez, 21, both of San Rafael.
It is preliminarily believed that alcohol may have been a factor. Anyone with information about crash is asked to call San Rafael Police at 415-485-3000.
Senior grants
Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (Marin BHRS) is taking a significant step toward enhancing mental wellness among older adults.
As an active participant in the Help@Hand Innovation Project, a collaboration spanning 15 city/county partnerships, Marin BHRS is strategically channeling resources to support older adults through technology-driven solutions. This innovative approach seeks to address mental wellness needs by teaching older adults digital literacy skills, while fostering connections and combating social isolation.
The following organizations have been selected as grant recipients, each dedicated to advancing digital literacy and wellness among our older adult community:
– Marin City Community Development Corporation: $47,000 grant to expand computer lab resources for older adults.
– Marin County Cooperation Team: $35,000 grant to provide dedicated one-on-one tech mentors, monthly workshops, online access to mental health resources and digital tools/training to increase digital literacy.
– Sausalito and Marin Villages: $47,000 grant to provide digital literacy training through in person and remote workshops and individualized tutoring at multiple locations.
– Technology 4 Life: $43,000 grant to create instructional smartphone videos in English and Spanish.
– Mount Tamalpais College: $40,000 grant to provide computer literacy training workshops and modules
– Vivalon: $40,000 grant to provide one-on-one tech tutoring in English and Spanish.
– YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley: $49,000 grant to provide a series of digital literacy workshops for older adults.
Cash cows
Last week U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) shared the news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program, providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already paid out $15 million in the first round of payments for eligible producers, bringing total ODMAP payments to $20 million.
“This funding is a welcome relief for the many small organic farmers in my district who have been struggling from drought, shortages, and pandemic setbacks,” said Rep. Huffman.
A little help
With more than $73 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) credits already distributed in 2023, qualified Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers are on track to receive a record amount of LIHEAP financial assistance this year. LIHEAP funding is still available, and eligible PG&E customers who are behind on their bills are encouraged to apply today to receive the annual federal support.
“The LIHEAP program has helped thousands of PG&E customers get their energy bills back on track, and there is funding available to help even more who qualify. LIHEAP distributed a record amount to our customers in 2022, and we encourage others who may be eligible to apply for support this year,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E’s Vice President of Customer Operations and Enablement.
Eligibility for LIHEAP services can vary depending on factors including income, household size and place of residence. For more information or to find a local LIHEAP agency to apply, visit csd.ca.gov/energybills or call 866-675-6623.
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