Computer literacy and fun activities

Lots of activities are taking place this summer financed by the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Monterey County received last fall.

Now that almost all the equipment has been purchased and almost all the instructors have been hired, more computer classes are falling into place.

For starters: this Saturday, Community Conexion will showcase the films their students have been producing. At the King City Cinemas at 10:30 a.m.

Next up, also from Community Conexion: From July 9 until Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a free music video workshop at the Center for Employment Training in Gonzales. For youth and adults, ages 13 and up. Local filmmakers Juan Ramirez and Eric Palmer and local Hip Hop artist from 2Face Entertainment--Fred Segura-- will be teaching it. No experience required. Bilingual instructors.

Also: The Community Learning Center, run by CSUMB in Chinatown, recently had a 16-station computer lab installed. And last week, the center began its first computer refurbishing class, with the idea to help Chinatown residents gain job skills and the ability to become self-sufficient. The classes are free, and they're open to everyone.

Also with funding from the grant, the Boys and Girls Club have opened their clubhouses in Salinas and Seaside from 9 a.m. to noon to the public to use their computers. The Seaside clubhouse is located on 1332 La Salle Avenue, while the Salinas unit is at 85 Maryal Dr., behind Sherwood Hall.

And last, the Community Information Center will begin its next round of free computer literacy classes en español at the Gonzales Library on Saturday June 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. At the Greenfield Library, Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at Los Abuelitos apartment complex in Salinas Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Classes run for eight weeks, and the students, mostly parents of young children, learn computer basics. (I help run the Community Information Center on a volunteer basis)