Two presentations will focus on changes on the horizon for undocumented residents of the South Coast – the President’s new executive action on immigration and California’s new driver’s license program. And the holidays bring Puente’s annual community-wide Posada and La Sala Christmas.

Information Night about the new Executive Action on Immigration, December 10

Come and get information about the Executive Action on Immigration that will benefit parents of US Citizens. Learn what the initiative will do and who is eligible to obtain a work permit; when and how to begin to make a request; how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud; and learn about the new requirements. 530-630 p.m., at Pescadero Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room (620 North Street).

Driver’s license workshop, December 11

Puente’s first-ever driver’s license workshop will include presentations from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the Mexican consulate in regards to AB60, which allows undocumented Californians to apply for a license. Puente staff will be present to assist participants with the process, such as collecting all the documents that the DMV requires.  We will also be signing people up for our January test prep sessions. 7 – 9 p.m., at Pescadero Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room (620 North Street).

Community Posada, December 19

Puente’s annual Christmas Posada is an event not to be missed. The Posada is a touching Mexican ritual where locals enact the story of Jesus’ birth with a community procession, local stand-ins for biblical characters, and beautiful songs. The Posada ends with a visit from Santa and the biggest party of the year at Pescadero Elementary School. The Posada begins at 5 p.m. at Pescadero Community Church, 363 Stage Road.

La Sala Posada, December 21

There will be vast helpings of holiday spirit on hand at the annual La Sala Posada, which doubles as a big gift distribution event for farm workers, supplying them with clothing and other essentials. Be a part of it! 2-4 p.m., Pescadero Community Church, 363 Stage Road.

Celebrate Christmas with farm workers at La Sala (December 25)

Join the “men alone” as they celebrate Christmas. Come share a hot meal, live music and a round or two of dominoes on Christmas Day from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Pescadero Community Church, 363 Stage Road.

For information on all upcoming events, contact Puente at (650) 879-1691.

Give to Puente General Fund

Each year, Puente touches over 1,500 people on the South Coast – nearly 1/3 of the residents of our rural and isolated region. And each year we ask you—our donors—to support our programs and services that impact participants’ lives in so many ways. Thank you for contributing to Puente’s General Fund and for ensuring that all people on the South Coast can live healthy, sustainable, and inclusive lives. Visit www.mypuente.org to donate.

Give to Puente with Amazon Smile.

Planning some holiday purchases on Amazon.com? Sign in with Amazon Smile, where you can designate Puente de la Costa Sur as a beneficiary for a percentage of your purchases – for free. Get started here: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/37-1484262

Puente needs a new car!

Puente is seeking a new vehicle – preferably a mid-mileage, well-maintained SUV-type vehicle – for our back roads travel. Have one lying around? Donate it today for major “Carma” (karma) points. For details, contact Kerry Lobel at (650) 879-1691 ext. 144 or email Kerry Lobel.

Seeking donated adult mountain bikes

Here on the South Coast, most farm and nursery workers rely on bicycles to commute to work, run errands, and participate in Puente programs. Puente’s bike program is asking for used mountain bikes to help meet those needs. If you don’t have a bike to donate, consider donating some tires or a bike light. Adult-sized bikes only, please. To donate, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Ben Ranz at (650) 879-1691 x 143 or email Ben Ranz.

Help with La Posada (December 19)

Join us as we create a live Nativity procession (with Mary, Joseph, and a donkey from the Christian tradition leading the way).through Pescadero, recreating the journey of Mary and Joseph. The procession ends with celebration and food. Tasks include setting up, directing traffic, helping with singing, serving food, and cleaning up. Shifts begin at 9:00 a.m. for set up and continue throughout the day and into the evening, ending around 9:30 p.m. Morning volunteers especially needed. Email Abby Mohaupt for details.

Help distribute farmworker essentials at La Sala Posada, December 21

There will be vast helpings of holiday spirit on hand at the annual La Sala Posada, which doubles as a big gift distribution event for farm workers, supplying them with clothing and other essentials. Be a part of it! 2-4 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room of Pescadero Elementary, 620 North Street.  Email Abby Mohaupt for details.

Tax Preparation Assistance for Low Income Families

Puente needs volunteers to become tax preparers for next tax season. Volunteers must complete tax training and pass an IRS Certification Test. Volunteers must be willing to help prepare returns 2-4 hours per week from January 27-April 15, 2015. Email Abby Mohaupt for details.

 Be a Reading friend

Help boost literacy by reading with students from kindergarten to 5^th grade on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Email Abby Mohaupt for details.

Help new drivers learn the rules of the road

Puente needs several short-term tutors, relatively fluent in Spanish, to mentor adults preparing to take their driver’s license written exam at the DMV. In January, Puente will host evening tutoring sessions and seeks bilingual volunteers to work with different sizes of groups throughout the month. To volunteer, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Ben Ranz at (650) 262-4101 or email Ben Ranz.

Help adults get their GED and become citizens

Every year, Puente helps local adults realize their dream of earning a high school degree; others become American citizens. Be a part of the transformation – sign up to help with tutoring (in Spanish) and citizenship requirements. Email Abby Mohaupt for details.

Seeking mentors to keep high school kids on track

Puente is committed to supporting our local youth all the way through high school and college. Sometimes by the time anyone realizes a student is struggling, it’s too late. Puente sees 12 mentors who can commit to spending time with a student one day each week, preferably on Wednesday afternoon. Mentors will help ensure their mentee is getting good grades, particularly in English and Algebra. College readiness is also a key goal.

For more information on this and ALL volunteer opportunities, call (650) 879-1691 ext. 102, email Abby Mohaupt.