In today’s newscast:
Monterey nonprofits give $110,000 to support Casanova Plaza fire victims
Monterey-area organizations are partnering to provide an additional $110,000 to support the residents displaced by the Casanova Plaza apartment fire.
The fire, which broke out on the early morning of March 9, resulted in the death of a 95-year-old woman and displaced 89 people.
Greg Baker is the executive director of Community Homeless Solutions, which will provide case management services to the displaced residents.
“So we'll start that process with assessments to assess what each individual needs,” he said, “and then put together an individualized plan.”
All of the residents have now found housing, so Baker says most of his organization’s work will focus on other kinds of support.
“Everything from vital documents recovery to physical and mental health services,” he said, “ things like furniture, transportation… some rental assistance if that's needed at this point.”
The services will be funded by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the Community Foundation for Monterey County, and Montage Health.
Monterey County holds budget hearings
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors is holding a set of hearings this week on the county administrative officer’s proposed $2.34 billion budget.
Though it represents a 5.3% increase over last year’s budget, the CAO’s proposal includes eliminating 111 county jobs—most of which are currently vacant.
Supervisors will hear budget presentations from county departments Wednesday and, possibly, Thursday.
Members of the public can make their voices heard during public comment online or in-person at the county government center in Salinas.
