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MUSD bringing back librarians at high schools
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Libraries are getting renewed attention — at least in the Manteca Unified School District.

Manteca Unified Superintendent Jason Messer indicated he plans to recommend the school board include funding to restore librarian positions at all five district comprehensive high schools — Manteca, East Union, Sierra, Lathrop, and Weston Ranch — in the fiscal year starting July 1.

The positions were cut as the district struggled to cope with dropping revenue during the Great Recession. Now that staff raises for certificated and classified employees have been addressed and the school district is in a stronger financial position, Messer said the time is right to bring back the librarians.

Messer said they are even more critical as the district moves toward maximizing student access to resources as part of the Going Digital Imitative.

Safe haven

for homeless

For the past month, a growing number of homeless have been gathering at the new Lincoln Park picnic structure after dark falls.

They typically stay for two to three hours before dispersing to sleeping spots during the night.

Neighbors have noted unlike previous homeless individuals that turned parts of Lincoln Park into their personal toilets and garbage dump, most of the homeless stopping by now are fairly respectful.

The City of Manteca keeps the picnic structure lights on throughout the night.

One neighbor noted the homeless stayed away during the summer months when several teens or more would drop by after dark to hang out at the tables.

While the parks legally close at 8 p.m., neighbors note that there have been no problems to speak off.

And as such Manteca Police leave them alone.

That’s the key to not raising the ire of residents. Unlike some homeless who chose to block sidewalks, sleep during the day in front of businesses along East Yosemite Avenue, and even grab a bottle of booze they keep masked in the proverbial brown paper bag while drinking on sidewalks where they panhandle

Youth Soccer

Challenge Sept. 8

The St. Anthony’s Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Youth Soccer Challenge.

 All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2015 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge Event.  The local event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s field near the church’s gym in Manteca.

The competition from 4 to 4:30 p.m. is for ages 9 thru 12. Then from 4:30 to 6 p.m. are ages 13 thru 14.

 The free Soccer Challenge is an annual event, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions.  All boys and girls 9 to 14 years of age are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age group. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent.  Entry forms will be on site, or for more information contact: Steven Garcia at (209) 981.9856.