Monterey, CA – As the March 2 priority financial aid deadline approaches, Monterey County high school seniors completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are encouraged to check whether they have a CalKIDS Scholarship that can help pay for college or career training. In Monterey County, more than $27 million in CalKIDS Scholarship funds are available to support students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is easy to claim and doesn’t require essay submissions, recommendation letters, or a minimum GPA. CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships of up to $1,500 for eligible California public school students. Funded by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, CalKIDS helps reduce financial barriers as students plan for college or career training. “CalKIDS was created to support students at moments when financial decisions can feel...
PASO ROBLES, CA — If you’re already brewing beer or making wine at home, you already have what it takes to enter a California Mid-State Fair competition. The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Central Coast Home Brew Competition and Home Winemaking Competition, both taking place in May. The competitions invite home producers to submit beer, cider, perry, and wine for professional evaluation by experienced local judges, offering a credible and rewarding way to take part in one of the Fair’s longest-running traditions. The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition features beer, cider, and perry entries made by home brewers from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, judged on aroma, appearance, and flavor. Judges are selected locally for their knowledge and experience, with participant feedback a key focus. Home Brew key dates: • Registration opens February 24; deadline May 1 • Physical Entries accepted May 4–8 • Judging May 17; results announced May 19 M...