California high school seniors have until March 2 to apply for a Cal Grant to be eligible to receive up to $9,700 in free money for college.

Cal Grants can be used toward tuition and costs at almost any California college—public and private universities, community colleges and vocational schools. And, the money does not have to be repaid.

Graduating high school seniors and recent graduates are eligible for a Cal Grant if they have a 2.0 grade point average minimum and satisfy certain financial requirements. To apply, they need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification forms.

For more information on Cal Grants, including eligibility, where to find forms and instructions on completing the forms, visit www.calgrants.org or call 1.888.CAGRANT (224.7268). Information on other college financial-aid options can also be obtained on the Cal Grants website. To obtain FAFSA-specific information, log on to www.fafsa.edgov.

Restrooms at park will be replaced

On Jan. 6, the Campbell City Council voted to award a $147,178 contract to Reno-based Restroom Facilities to replace the existing restrooms on the Budd Avenue side of John D. Morgan Park.

The city council authorized the bids for the park's restroom replacement project on Nov. 18. Bid opening was held Dec. 16 and three companies submitted bids. At 13.4 percent below the city engineer's estimate, Restroom Facilities' bid was the lowest. Installation of the new restroom facility is expected to take place in May. The city expects existing restrooms to be maintained as long as possible, but when construction begins, temporary facilities will be available until the final restrooms are installed.

Writing workshop planned for teens

As part of an effort to get more teenagers involved in writing, the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Pruneyard Shopping Center will be hosting a new monthly group called the Teenagers Guide to Becoming an Author.

"It's been a challenge to get teens into the store for educational events," Barnes & Noble Community Relations Manager Mike Welch said. "We're competing with popular culture at this stage in their lives."

The first workshop will be held Jan. 19, and will be facilitated by writer Tasra Dawson. It will help participants understand writing life, writing techniques and how to write writing plans.

Meetings will be held the third Monday of every month at the Pruneyard Barnes & Noble from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Tasra Dawson at tasra@tmdawson.com.