[MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – MARCH 12, 2026] – The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is pleased to announce that applications for the Spring Cycle of the Community Arts Grants will officially open on Monday, March 16, 2026. These grants are designed to empower local nonprofit organizations to bring vibrant public arts and culture programs to life across the region. The Community Arts Grants provide awards of up to $7,500 annually to support both new initiatives and the sustaining of beloved existing programs. To be eligible, nonprofit organizations must have a total annual revenue less than $3 million. “We are proud to support the vision of our local organizations that work tirelessly to enrich our community through the arts,” said Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director at Arts4MC. “Whether it’s a mural, a performance, or a community workshop, these grants help ensure that arts and culture remain accessible to everyone in Monterey County.” The Community Arts Grants are made poss...
Monterey County District Attorney Jeanine Pacioni Supports Assembly Bill 46 to Strengthen Mental Health Diversion Law
SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 12 support for Assembly Bill 46 (Nguyen), legislation that would give courts greater discretion to consider public safety when deciding whether a defendant should receive mental health diversion. This bill closes legal loopholes in California’s mental health diversion law by restoring judicial discretion and ensuring the program provides treatment while protecting community safety. Mental health diversion, created under Penal Code §1001.36, was designed to help individuals suffering from mental illness receive treatment instead of incarceration. However, recent court rulings and statutory limitations have significantly restricted judges’ ability to deny diversion, even in serious and violent cases, leaving courts with limited authority to evaluate whether diversion is truly appropriate. Under current law, once a defendant meets certain statutory criteria, judges have very limited discret...