Around Town: Community donations sought for a new family shelter Around Town: Community donations sought for a new family shelter (December 31, 2003)

As their under-construction First Step for Families shelter takes shape in San Mateo, officials at the Burlingame nonprofit Shelter Network are making a push for donations from the community.

The project is expected to cost about $6.1 million overall, and officials say they are about $400,000 away from their goal. The new shelter, being built on the site of the old one, is expected to have space for 39 families, more than double the capacity of the old shelter, Shelter Network executive director Michele Jackson said.

The organization's other facilities include the Haven Family House in Menlo Park and the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City. Donations can be made via the group's Web site at shelternetwork.org or by calling 685-5880.

New county call center for Medi-Cal clients

County officials have inaugurated a new call center to make it easier for Medi-Cal participants to get help with their health insurance needs and provide updated data, such as new address and income information.

Previously, clients had to contact a designated benefits analyst; now, they can simply call 1-800-223-8383, said Mary Ann Tse, program manager with the San Mateo County Human Services Agency.

Callers can also get information about other health insurance programs, such as Healthy Families and Healthy Kids, by contacting the call center.

Peninsula Pops Orchestra holds auditions Jan. 4-5

The Peninsula Pops Orchestra, specializing in the music of Hollywood, Broadway, and the Big Bands, will hold auditions at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 4, and 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 5, at the First United Methodist Church, corner of Hamilton and Webster streets in Palo Alto. Starting Tuesday, January 6, Peninsula Pops will rehearse in the orchestra room at Gunn High School in Palo Alto. For an appointment, call Alicia Wilmunder at 856-8432 or e-mail peninsulapops@yahoo.com.

Fruit tree pruning

Wegman's Nursery will hold its annual free fruit tree pruning demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, January 4, at the nursery, 492 Woodside Road in Redwood City. How, when and why to prune deciduous fruit and citrus trees will be discussed, and spraying and fertilizing schedules will be outlined. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 358-5908 or go to www.wegmansnursery.com.

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