, 2018 In This Edition: SPECIALREPORT Library honors literacy tutors, learners Meet the Sheriff s Office new deputies County Notes Recycle those holiday leftovers - trees to décor. Details at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District. Participants proudly hold their certificates of recognition at the Learner-Tutor Literacy celebration. Library Celebrates Tutors, Learners The Monterey County Free Libraries has an active Adult Literacy Program known as Read with MCFL or just ReadMCFL for short. The dedicated library staff knows that literacy is a key to success and that, as former President Barack Obama once said, Literacy is the most basic currency of the knowledge economy.
2 Page ReadMCFL is part of the Library s vision of creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and pursue happiness and the program is celebrating 30 years in action. ReadMCFL thrives not just because of the efforts of staff but because of the time and effort that both volunteer tutors and dedicated learners devote to the pursuit of learning, explains Library Director Jayanti Addleman. The one-on-one English tutoring program is a volunteer driven program that is based on helping learners reach their individual goals which can vary from getting a driver s license, passing a citizenship exam, getting a promotion at work or helping a child with their homework. Every year, MCFL acknowledges the commitment of learners and tutors at a special appreciation event that brings tutors and learners and their families together to recognize the hard work and the successes. The event took place last month at the Marina Library and had a record number of attendees - 94 learners, tutors and family members. ACAO Manny Gonzalez hands out the certificates of appreciation while Library Director Jayanti Addleman provides the high fives. Assistant County Administrative Officer Manny González was the guest of honor and gave out certificates of recognition. He inspired the audience, speaking in both Spanish and English about growing up with English as his second language and about the importance of literacy in improving individual lives. Library Director Jayanti Addleman and Managing Librarian Be Astengo thanked staff, volunteers and community donors who helped with the success of the event and the program at large. After certificates were awarded, in keeping with a beloved annual tradition, everyone took part in a rousing game of Hot Monte (where library mascot Monte the burro takes the place of the hot potato). Three participants let Monte the library mascot cool off after a game of Hot Monte. Congratulations to all those who participated.
3 Page Sheriff Ranks Expand; New Deputies On The Job The Sheriff s Office is pleased to welcome a cache of new deputies to its ranks, seven in all. Many are locals, fulfilling a dream of going into law enforcement. All the new deputies attended the South Bay Regional Training Basic Police Academy in San Jose. The academy is a full-time, 888- hour intensive course which satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for California entry-level peace officers. The Basic Police Academy course includes the fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement including: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Handling Emotional Situations and First Aid/CPR. These deputies now begin their second phase of training, the Facility Training Program in the Sheriff s Corrections Bureau. This 10-week program pairs each with a training officer to learn the day-to-day requirements of a Deputy Sheriff. Sheriff Bernal and new deputies at their swearing in ceremony last month. Who are these new deputies?
4 Page Meet them here and find out more about the men and women who will protect the County. My name is Tautaimatapala Langkilde. I was born and raised in American Samoa. When I graduated from high school, I left for college but felt restless so I joined the U.S. Navy. I served for five years, was deployed to Iraq for eight months and was stationed in Bahrain and Japan. Deputy Tautaimatapala Langkilde. I was honorably discharged and attended college at the University of Hawaii. I graduated with a Bachelor s in Political Science. In the Navy, I had served as a Master at Arms, which includes military law enforcement and anti-terrorism. After college, I was looking to get back into law enforcement. My brother-in-law, Joseph Willrodt, who is a deputy for Monterey County, told me that the Sheriff s Office was hiring, so I put in an application and the rest is history. I moved from Hawaii to California to attend the academy and join the Monterey County Sheriff s Office. I am Trevor Trecsh, am 22 years old and I was born and raised in Hollister. Before I joined the Sheriff s Office, I was in the United States Marine Corps and am currently enlisted for four more years. My family works in other departments of law enforcement and my grandfather retired from MCSO quite a while ago. I m excited to have started a career at a young age and I m glad it is with MCSO. I hope to keep climbing in this career and building friendships with my fellow brothers and sisters in the Sheriff s Office. Deputy Trevor Trecsh. Hi, my name is Anthony Longo. I grew up in Southern Oregon. I served eight years with the U.S. Coast Guard. My wife and I are expecting our first child at the end of January. My hobbies include spending time with my wife and our dog and golfing. I am looking forward to starting my career with the Monterey County Sheriff s Office. Deputy Anthony Longo.
5 Page I am Bianca Alonzo, I was born in Salinas but grew up in Gonzales with my mother and two younger sisters. After I had my now eight-year old son Adrian in November 2009, I became a stay-at-home mom for the first few years of his life. Prior to attending the Police Academy, I worked as a front desk receptionist at a beach resort in Marina for four years. I have always looked up to and respected the men and women in law enforcement. It has been a dream of mine to become a Police Officer for as long as I can remember. As my son grew older, I wanted to not only give him an amazing life but I also wanted to make him proud, so I began pursuing my dream. I applied for the Monterey County Sheriff s Office and was hired and I am happy to finally be doing what I love for a living. Deputy Bianca Alonzo. My name is Matt McMahon. Prior to working for the County I was enlisted in the military. I grew up in California. I'm thankful for new opportunities and good people to work with. Deputy Matt McMahon. My name is Travis Johnson. I am 45 years old, was born in Mountain View and raised in San Jose. Before joining the Sheriff s Office, I was a coach/trainer as well as a professional fighter for the American Kickboxing Academy. I fought professionally in boxing, Muay Thai (kickboxing) and MMA. I have studied martial arts since the age of 10 and still continue to work out and train. I am very excited to start my career with the MCSO and am proud to represent and be a part of the MCSO family! Deputy Travis Johnson.
6 Page My name is Mario Flores. I am 26 years old and was born and raised in King City. Most of my family still lives there and elsewhere around the county. Before joining the MCSO, I was a mechanic/smog technician. It s been a huge positive change in my life becoming a deputy. It s an honor to wear the MCSO badge and I look forward to serving the community where I grew up. Deputy Mario Flores.