-
FOR MEDICAL, POLICE, FIRE EMERGENCIES ALWAYS DIAL 9-1-1.
2-1-1 TTY/TDD (877) 211-3233
Outside of County (888) 877-3211 News You Can Use
Free Tax Preperation
If you make $50,000 or less you could qualify for free tax preparation.
All returns prepared through a VITA Tax Prep site are done at no charge. As many VITA sites are located near paid tax preparers, before you sit down to have them prepare your tax return, always ask, “Is this a VITA site? Is there any charge for preparing my federal and state forms?” If there is a charge quoted, leave immediately and contact 2-1-1 to verify the address of the VITA site.
FamilyWize Discount Card
Save up to 30% or more off your prescriptions. Individuals that have no health insurance or have no prescription coverage can start receiving immediate savings by presenting the FamilyWize discount card at any participating pharmacy. Click here for more information and to download and print your discount card.
To view a report of how much money FamilyWize discount cards are saving residents in Monterey County, Click here.
Publications and Recognition
Rob Pappani, Board Chair for United Way Monterey County, speaks out about the valuable service of 2-1-1
"Soapbox: 2-1-1 Monterey County connecting statewide"Article in the Salinas Californian reflecting on 2-1-1 service to the community in 2010
"2-1-1 Monterey County sees needs grow"The Monterey County Board of Supervisors recognizes 2-1-1 Monterey County for its efforts in serving the community View the Resolution here.
Join us on the web!
Related Links
Category Archives: News
Salad Blends Recall
Recall of salad blends due to potential contamination No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall Taylor Farms Retail has recalled 3,265 cases of various salad blends with the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella following a random test conducted on a finished package of spinach by the State of Washington Department of
Read more ...
Contact Lense Recall
CooperVision recalls certain Avaira Toric contact lenses If you wear the affected contact lenses and experience any symptoms stop wearing the lenses immediately. CooperVision has initiated a worldwide recall of certain lots of Avaira™ Toric contact lenses. To date, the recall has impacted approximately 600,000 Avaira Toric contact lenses in the U.S. The recall was
Read more ...
Stillwater Cove Beach Advisory
Beach Advisory: Stillwater Cove, Pebble Beach When: 3:00 pm, September 27, 2011 Where: Stillwater Cove, Pebble Beach What: Stillwater Cove has been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 9/26/2011. The beach will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for recreational water
Read more ...
Nationwide Recall of Oral Contraceptives
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has issued a nationwide, retail-level recall of multiple lots of oral contraceptives. The recall is the result of a packaging error, where select blisters were rotated 180 degrees within the card, reversing the weekly tablet orientation and making the lot number and expiry date no longer visible. This packaging error and the potential
Read more ...
Beach Advisory
When: 8:00 am, September 13, 2011 Where: Monterey State Beach, Seaside CA What: Monterey State Beach has been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 9/12/2011. The beaches will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for recreational water contact according to state
Read more ...
Raw Oyster Advisory
Monterey County Health Officials Advise Consumers Not to Eat Raw Oysters Reports indicate an increase in Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. Monterey County Health Department is advising people to avoid consuming raw or undercooked oysters (such as those that are lightly steamed, marinated, or prepared as Rockefeller). This is in response to several individuals becoming ill after
Read more ...
Health Advisory – Fatal Case of Vaccine-Preventable Disease
The California Department of Public Health recently announced a fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by a Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype (19A) included in the 13-valet pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). While there have been no cases reported in Monterey County yet this year, at least 29 California children have developed nonfatal invasive pneumococcal disease since
Read more ...
Layered Dip Recalled Due to Potential Contamination
Fresh Food Concepts has recalled Layer Dip products containing guacamole because the avocado has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product can be identified as follows: Product Description UPC Code Use By date code Fresh Food Concepts 5 Layer Dip, 32 oz 29358-11272 09/16/11 and before Delicioso 5 Layer Dip, 15 oz
Read more ...
Dog Treats Recalled Over Salmonella Concern
Merrick Pet Care, has recalled a single lot of its Doggie Wishbone pet treat because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The following product is affected by this recall: Doggie Wishbone, Item # 29050, UPC# 2280829050, Lot 11031 with Best By 30 Jan 2013 No additional Merrick Pet Care products are involved
Read more ...
Increase Traffic on Hwy 68
Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County are advising drivers to expect and plan for increased traffic on Highway 68 beginning August 3 and lasting for the next several days due to the Spirit West Coast festival taking place at Laguna Seca Recreation Park August 4 – 6. The festival is expected to draw
Read more ...
Purina ONE Cat Food Recall
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company has recalled a limited number of 3.5- and 7-pound bags of its Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food from a single production run and shipped to customers in 12 states including California in December 2010. The recall is a result of the finding some bags were found to be
Read more ...
Weight Loss Supplement Recall
Intercharm Incorporated has recalled Slimforte Slimming Capsules, Slimforte Slimming Coffee, and Botanical Slimming Soft Gel. The recall is the result of FDA laboratory analyses that found the products contained Sibutramine, an appetite suppressant. Sibutramine is a controlled substance and was withdrawn from the market for safety reasons in October 2010. The products affected by the
Read more ...
Beach Advisory: Lover’s Point
BEACH ADVISORY: Lovers Point Beach, Pacific Grove, CA When: 7:30 am, July 19, 2011 Where: Lovers Point Beach What: Lovers Point Beach has been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 07/18/2011. The beach will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for
Read more ...
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
Starting July 15th through August 6th United Way will gather school supplies to ensure kids return to school ready to learn. The drive will benefit elementary and middle school children throughout Monterey County. The materials will be distributed in partnership with the Monterey County Office of Education to children who are homeless, in foster care
Read more ...
Posted in News Comments closed
Beach Advisory Lifted: Spanish Bay
When: 3:17 pm., July 7, 2011 Where: Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach What: Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach was posted with an advisory on 7/6/2011 due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 7/6/2011. Follow up samples reveal that bacteria have subsided to levels considered safe for recreational contact. Higher levels of bacteria have been associated
Read more ...
Beach Advisory: Pebble Beach, Stillwater Cove
When: 12:00 pm, July 6, 2011 Where: Stillwater Cove, Pebble Beach What: Stillwater Cove has been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 7/05/2011. The beach will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for recreational water contact according to state guidelines. Higher
Read more ...
Beach Advisory: Spanish Bay
When: 7:30 am, July 6, 2011 Where: The Beach at Spanish Bay What: The Beach at Spanish Bay has been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 7/05/2011. The beach will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for recreational water contact according
Read more ...
Recall of Candy Containing Lead
State and local health officials are warning consumers not to eat BAVAN Brand Sugar Rewari candy imported from India. The warning comes after tests conducted by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) found unacceptable levels of lead. The candy is also packaged under the names Sugar Redoi and Sugar Reori. Consumers in possession of the
Read more ...
Tylenol Recall
McNeil Consumer Healthcare has recalled one product lot (60,912 bottles) of TYLENOL®, Extra Strength Caplets, 225 count bottles. McNeil is taking this action following a small number of odor reports, including musty, moldy odor. The uncharacteristic musty, moldy odor has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical known as 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA).
Read more ...
Ham Recall
Specialities Agro Alimentation has recalled approximately 5,700 pounds of imported boneless Serrano ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The following products are subject to recall: Approximately 11 lb. cases of “Noel Jamón Serrano Boneless Spanish Dry-Cured Ham” and “Bloc Noel Serrano Ham,” with production codes “11000481″ or “11000119″ on the shipping container
Read more ...
Nature Relief Recall
Nature Relief has recalled all lots Nature Relief Instant Wart and Mole Remover. The product is potentially unsafe and contains an ingredient that may result in harmful burns to the skin. Consumers are advised to immediately discontinue use of the product. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the active ingredient, calcium oxide,
Read more ...
Endocet Recall
Endo Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of Endocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen, USP) Tablets, 10 mg/325 mg 100 count bottles. One bottle from each of the affected lots of Endocet® Tablets, 10 mg/325 mg, was found to contain some Endocet® 10 mg/650 mg Tablets, which are identifiable by their larger size, and different shape and markings.
Read more ...
Qualitest Recall
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets. This recall was initiated because an individual bottle of Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets, was found incorrectly labeled with a Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets. The recall includes the following products: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine
Read more ...
Advisory: Laguna Seca Control Burn
The Monterey County Regional Fire District will be conducting a control burn at the Rifle & Pistol Range located at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. The burn operations on the 53-acre area have been scheduled to be held, weather permitting, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Laguna Seca Recreation
Read more ...
Beach Advisory Lifted
BEACH ADVISORY LIFTED: Lovers Point Beach Pacific Grove, CA When: 12:41 pm, June 14, 2011 Where: Lovers Point Beach, Pacific Grove CA What: Lovers Point Beach was posted with an advisory on 6/9/2011 due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 6/8/2011. Follow up samples reveal that bacteria have subsided to levels considered safe for
Read more ...
Adult Supplement Recall
Global Wellness is conducting a nationwide recall of Via Xtreme Ultimate Sexual Enhancer Dietary Supplement for Men. The product is distributed in a bottle containing six (6) blue colored capsules per package. The label on the packaging lists the company name Global Wellness. Only Lots 809013 and 806030 are covered in this recall. The product
Read more ...
Bratz Makeup Recall
MGA Entertainment has recalled Bratz Makeup Design Sketch Book. The product has the potential to be contaminated with Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus intermedius. MGA is recalling products produced between November 5, 2010 and February 25, 2011. Finished product testing, elevated levels of bacteria was found in the eye shadow portion of this product. Product can
Read more ...
Kashi Pizza Recall
Kashi is recalling approximately 11,000 cases of frozen pizzas, including Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza, Roasted Vegetable Thin Crust Pizza, and Mushroom Trio and Spinach Thin Crust Pizza due to possible plastic fragments in an ingredient in the pizza crusts. The impacted products include the following individually packaged pizzas: Kashi Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza packaged in
Read more ...
Outbreak of E. coli in Germany
Currently there is a large outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 (STEC O104:H4) infections in Germany. As of June 2, 2011, there have been 520 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and 11 deaths associated with this outbreak. Many of these illnesses are in individuals who recently traveled to Germany but reside elsewhere. In
Read more ...
SimplyThick Recall
Simply Thick is recalling its SimplyThick® thickening gel products manufactured since June 1, 2009 at a food processing plant located in Stone Mountain. The SimplyThick® thickening gel products manufactured at the Thermo Pac Stone Mountain plant are being recalled because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised Simply Thick that Thermo Pac failed to
Read more ...
Prunedale Road Closures
Prunedale Improvement Project: June 4 – June 11 • On Tuesday, June 7, PG&E will close Moro Rd at the intersection of Hwy 101 to remove and replace utility poles. This work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm. Traffic for local residents on Moro Rd. and Oak Estate Dr. will
Read more ...
Cat Food Recall
Primal Pet Foods recalled their Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a “Best By” date code of 043112-17 because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only product affected by the recall is Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a “Best By” date code of 043112-17. No other Primal Pet Foods products are affected.
Read more ...
Possibly Dangerous Dietary Supplement
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Monterey County Health Department are advising consumers not to purchase or use “Slim Xtreme Herbal Slimming Capsule,” a product for weight loss sold on various websites and distributed by Globe All Wellness. The company falsely claims on the label that the product is “100% natural.” FDA laboratory
Read more ...
SimplyThick Precautions for Premature Infants
FDA is warning parents, caregivers and health care providers not to feed SimplyThick, a thickening agent for management of swallowing disorders, to infants born before 37 weeks. The product may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation and death of intestinal tissue. Health care providers should stop administering the product to premature
Read more ...
Road Closure Hwy 101 at Airport Blvd
Caltrans has announced that bridge work will be result in a full closure of Hwy. 101 in both directions at Airport Blvd from 9 pm to 6 am for three nights from Monday, May 23 through Thursday morning May 26. • Motorists headed northbound will be detoured at Abbott Street to Sanborn Road before reaching Hwy.
Read more ...
Listeria Contamination Product Recall
Two products, Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste and Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese have been recalled due to possible Listeria contamination. Click here for information about the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste recall. Click here for information about the Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese recall. There have been no illnesses reported
Read more ...
Pet Treats Recall
Boss Pet Products has recalled Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats because the products may be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ears are as follows: Bulk pig ears in boxes of 100 (UPC #0-72929-00038-6) Bulk pig ears shrink-wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC #0-72929-99120-2) 2-pack bags shipped in cases of
Read more ...
Blackie Road Closure
Businesses in the Castroville area will be impacted by Union Pacific Railroad closures on Blackie Road, from Saturday, May 21, 2011 through Monday, May 23, 2011. Alternative routes have been designated for commercial trucks, business deliveries and commuters as detailed in this map. Beginning Saturday, May 21, at 4:00 a.m., Union Pacific Railroad (UP) will
Read more ...
Posted in News Comments closed
Counterfeit Dietary Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a potentially harmful product represented as “ExtenZe,” a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement. The counterfeit product looks similar to the actual product, but contains hidden ingredients that can cause serious harm to consumers. The counterfeit product has the following lot numbers on the
Read more ...
Deli Meat Recall
Rose & Shore Meat Company has recalled approximately 15,900 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products subject to recall include: 40 to 50 pound boxes containing packages of “OLYMPIC GOLD BEEF PASTRAMI” with the lot number “20911″ and a “04-05-11″ pack date on the outside of each
Read more ...
International Travel Health Risks
As the summer travel season begins, health officials urge all international travelers and individuals receiving international guests locally to take precautions to prevent the spread of serious illnesses. There have been 13 cases of measles in California in 2011 to date. Cases were among international travelers and among individuals who did not travel themselves but
Read more ...
Tdap Shots for Students
Schools working hard to keep students safe from Pertussis. Schools have been working hard to get the message out to parents of middle and high school students that they need to bring proof of a Tdap shot or they will be sent home the first day of school. Estimates show that at least half of
Read more ...
Vegetable Platter and Snack Recall
Mann Packing has recalled certain vegetable platters and Snacks on the Go products because the grape tomato ingredient may be contaminated Salmonella. This recall is part of a larger recall initiated by Six L’s Packing (Immokalee, Fla) on April 29, 2011. Six L’s is recalling a single lot of grape tomatoes packed on April 11,
Read more ...
Dietary Supplement Recall
Multi-Mex Distributor has recalled dietary supplements that may be labeled as antibiotic drugs. The recall was initiated after an US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection revealed the product packaging mimics antibiotics readily available in Mexico and possibly familiar to Hispanic consumers. Consumers may be confused in thinking that the dietary supplements are actually antibiotics.
Read more ...
Taylor Farms Pacific Recall
No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall. Taylor Farms Pacific has issued a recall for particular products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. This recall is in response to a supplier’s recall of a specific lot of grape tomatoes. This lot of grape tomatoes was used in products made by Taylor Farms
Read more ...
Grape Tomato Recall
No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall. Six L’s has recalled a single lot of grape tomatoes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The strain of Salmonella has not been determined and no illnesses have been reported. The specific lot was packed on April 11 and was comprised
Read more ...
Coumadin Crystalline Tablet Recall
Recall of Coumadin® (Warfarin Sodium) Crystalline 5 mg Tablets Bristol-Myers Squibb has initiated a recall of one lot of 1,000-count bottles of Coumadin® (warfarin sodium) Crystalline 5 mg tablets. Bottles of 1,000 tablets are distributed to pharmacies for further dispensing to patients in prescription quantities. The lot number affected in the U.S. is 9H49374A with
Read more ...
Canned Seafood Recall
Quinault Tribal Enterprise has recalled all canned seafood products including all Salmons, smoked and non-smoked; Tuna, smoked and non-smoked; Smoked Sturgeon; Minced Razor Clams; smoked Razor Clams; and smoked Steelhead. The canned seafood products are being recalled because they were not adequately processed according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s low-acid canned food regulations.
Read more ...
School Vaccine Requirement
Starting this fall a new law requires all middle and high school students to show proof of Tdap vaccination by the first day of school or the student will be sent home. In the fall of 2012, only seventh graders will have to show proof of vaccination. Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping
Read more ...
Seafood Salad Recall
Frankly Fresh Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Seafood Salad Products Because of Possible Health Risk Frankly Fresh, has recalled it’s seafood line of products, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune
Read more ...
Turkey Burger Recall
The Jennie-O Turkey Store has recalled approximately 54,960 pounds of frozen, raw turkey burger products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. As the investigation into illnesses related to this recall continues, additional raw turkey products may be recalled. Consequently, public health officials are urging consumers to take extra care when preparing all raw turkey products.
Read more ...
VA Post-Incarceration Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend health care to eligible Veterans in halfway houses and other temporary, post-incarceration housing under a new program aimed at cutting back on repeat offenses. “There’s hard evidence that lack of access to health care, including mental health care, for newly released inmates is a factor in people
Read more ...
Tylenol Product Recall
Product recalled due to musty or moldy odor McNeil Consumer Healthcare has recalled one product lot of TYLENOL® 8 Hour Extended Release Caplets 150 count bottles distributed in the United States. This action is part of an ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts that have identified complaints of a musty or moldy odor. The uncharacteristic odor
Read more ...
Recall on Candy Gum
Monterey County Public Health Officials warn consumers not to eat Toxic Waste® Short Circuits™ Bubble Gum Candy Dynamics has recalled Toxic Waste® Short Circuits™ Bubble Gum, 3.2 oz (90 g) size, Lot #15070SC12. The affected lot was distributed from January 4, 2011 to March 18, 2011. A recent test performed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Read more ...
Soladek Vitamin Solution
Federal and local public health officials are warning consumers to stop using Soladek, a vitamin-solution product marketed by Indo Pharma of the Dominican Republic, because the product may contain dangerously high levels of vitamins A and D. Soladek is marketed with claims that the product treats “hypo and avitaminosis, rickets, growth, dentition, lactation, fractures, infection,
Read more ...
Bologna Products Recalled
Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc., is recalling approximately 23,000 pounds of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Lebanon bologna is a fermented, semi-dry sausage. This beef product has an appearance similar to salami. The products subject to recall
Read more ...
Cantaloupes Recalled
Del Monte Fresh Produce (“Del Monte Fresh”) of Coral Gables, Florida is voluntarily recalling 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Panama. The cantaloupes were distributed through warehouse clubs in seven states including California. The recalled products consist of cartons of cantaloupes, each containing 4 plastic beige mesh
Read more ...
Pedestrians Prohibited on Hwy 1
Steve Price and Caltrans has formally requested CHP begin enforcing the ban on pedestrian access across the Rocky Creek slide area. Caltrans will reevaluate conditions and access options daily, but for now, pedestrian prohibition remains in effect and will be enforced by CHP. In an effort to offer more information to locals and travelers a
Read more ...
Veteran Scam
This concerns an organization called Veterans Support Organization (VSO). Said organization is not to be confused with, or in any way connected to, the United Service Organization (USO). They have purposefully chosen a name similar to an excellent and legitimate organization so as to confuse and deceive potential donors. They have been calling around the
Read more ...
Highway 1 Closure
The following is an official message to the residents of Big Sur from Chief Karstens regarding the Highway 1 Closure and Public Safety Services. Dear Big Sur residents, For some of us here we are again, for others this may be your first extended road closure. The Fire Brigade met with Cal Trans, some business
Read more ...
Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablets
The damage to nuclear reactors in Japan has understandably lead to concerns about the safety of individuals throughout the world, including here in Monterey County. There is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in the United States based on the situation to date at the nuclear power complex in Japan. There is
Read more ...
Radiation Exposure
The following is an official message from the Monterey County Department of Health, California Department of Public Health, and Cal EMA. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Japan’s nuclear emergency presents no danger to California. CDPH is monitoring the situation closely in conjunction with our state and federal partners, including NRC, U.S. Environmental Protection
Read more ...
Tsunami People Locator
There are several resources available to aid in contacting or located family and friends in Japan. Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html The Google Person Finder site is available at: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en If you
Read more ...
Scam Alert!
ALERT – Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau issues alert on Health Inspector Scam Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) has become aware of a fraud scheme targeting food facilities and other small business in Monterey County. A number of restaurants in Monterey County have recently received telephone calls from a person claiming to be a
Read more ...
Christchurch Person Finder
An online search tool has been created for family and friends looking for loved ones involved in the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake. Use this tool if you are looking for someone or if you have information about someone to share. http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/
Avoid Wild Mushrooms
The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind Monterey County residents that collecting and eating wild mushrooms can cause serious illness and even death. In California, eating wild mushrooms has caused multiple illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. According to the California Poison Control System, 894 cases of mushroom ingestion were reported statewide in 2008. Among
Read more ...
Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) Warning
An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested
Read more ...
Monterey County Health Profile
The Monterey County Department of Health has released the, Monterey County Health Profile 2009: Behavioral Health, the eighth report in an annual series that examines the health status of Monterey County residents. The documentation is helpful for those applying for grants, designing or aligning programs, formulating health policy, or disseminating health information. Suggestions, comments, and
Read more ...
Prunedale Improvement Project
Project Proposal The project proposes constructing major operational and safety improvements including interchanges to address the safety and congestion issues within the Prunedale Corridor. Corridor Overview US Route 101 is a major north-south highway between the San Jose Metropolitan Area and the Salinas Valley Area and a primary link in the highway network serving interstate
Read more ...
Route 156 Project
Project Proposal Route 156 is a Focus Route and gateway for tourists traveling from the Bay Area to the Monterey Peninsula. On the weekends, 156 is heavily congested and has safety concerns. This project proposes to improve safety, operations and congestion relief by converting the narrow two-lane conventional highway to a four-lane expressway. The cost
Read more ...
Roadwork on Hwy 1
ROADWORK SET FOR NEW HIGHWAY 1 INTERCHANGE AT SALINAS ROAD Construction on the new interchange at Highway 1 and Salinas Road continues with overnight temporary concrete barrier installation starting next Monday, November 1,Caltrans and TAMC officials have announced. Roadwork will consist of stopping traffic for up to 20 minutes at a time in the southbound
Read more ...
Sleep Positioners-SIDS Risk
Monterey County Health Department urges parents to stop using infant sleep positioners after two deaths cause concerns about suffocation risks. Infant sleep positioners are devices intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. Infant sleep positioners can be purchased over-the-counter at retail stores or on websites. They are marketed for use
Read more ...
CalTrans to Work on Airport Rd
Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) have begun making improvements at the Hwy. 101/Airport Blvd. interchange in the City of Salinas The temporary concrete barrier that has been installed on Airport Boulevard east of the overpass is creating some traffic delays for motorists. In addition, reversing one-way traffic control at the bridge
Read more ...
VA News: Presumptive Illness
VA Publishes Final Regulation on “Presumptive Illnesses for Gulf War and Irag, Afghanistan Veterans Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki announced today the publication of the final regulation in the Federal Register that makes it easier for Veterans to obtain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and disability compensation for certain diseases associated
Read more ...
Retroactive Stop Loss Pay
Today, the White House, Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs jointly released a new web video in which President Obama encourages active duty troops and veterans whose service in Iraq or Afghanistan was involuntarily extended or retirement was suspended due to ‘stop loss’ to apply for the special retroactive pay to which they
Read more ...
Disaster Preparedness Month
September is Disaster Preparedness Month Here are some easy tips to help your family be better be prepared for a disaster or emergency as your kids head back to school: 1. The American College of Emergency Physicians urges parents to make sure their children’s schools have children’s most recent information to ensure they receive prompt
Read more ...
Self-Sufficiency in Monterey
Click here to view a 2009 report on Self-sufficiency in Monterey County. Several factors were included, such as education attainment and house hold size.
Pertussis/Whooping Cough Alert
Pertussis Cases Increasing Locally There have been 13 cases of Pertussis, more commonly known as Whooping Cough, reported among Monterey County residents this year. This increase in pertussis activity is also occuring statewide, with four infants having died in California since January, all less than 3 months of age. State and local health officials are
Read more ...
Turn Passion into Action
Catalyst for Social Change Now Available to All of California Healthy City gives California tools to turn passion into action (Los Angeles, CA) – What if community residents wanted to build a park in their concrete-covered district? What if a community group wanted to build more school facilities in a high-need area? Making those arguments
Read more ...
Animal Rabies Warning
Four skunks have tested positive for rabies since December 2009. The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind residents about the continuous health threat presented by rabid animals in our community. Rabies is common in the following local wildlife: skunks bats foxes Household pets like dogs and cats are at risk for contracting rabies
Read more ...
Give to the United Way
The following was an editorial that was published in the Californian on February 27, 2010. The call for action is timely. Unemployment in Monterey County is in double digits, at 16.7 percent and rising. The local economy shed 16,500 jobs in December, according to the state Employment and Development Department. Things are worse in Salinas, where
Read more ...
Measles Alert!
CONFIRMED MEASLES CASES in SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Rapid and aggressive public health action is needed to respond to measles cases. It is critical that providers report suspect measles cases to the Monterey County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit (831-755-4521) There have been four confirmed cases of measles diagnosed in the San Francisco Bay Area
Read more ...
Children and Lead Safety
Lead is harmful to children. Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for children under the age of six because their rapidly growing and developing bodies absorb more lead. It can cause permanent learning and behavioral problems that make it difficult for children to succeed in school. Most children get lead poisoning from deteriorating lead paint in
Read more ...
Food Stamp Use Soars, and Stigma Fades
The New York Times reports that food stamp use is at record highs and climbing every month; a program once scorned as a failed welfare scheme now helps feed one in eight Americans and one in four children. Read the full article here. An interactive map showing food stamp usage across the nation is also
Read more ...


Tortilla Recall – Corrected “Use By”