Last Updated: December 22, 2004, 07:03:57 AM PST

'Publisher's Pick'

Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, a national magazine, has recognized California State University, Stanislaus, as a "Publisher's Pick." That means that in the publisher's view, Stanislaus State has a solid record in recruiting Latino students and working with them through graduation. Ratings are based on formal and informal inquiries as well as data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Stan State joined 18 other California State University campuses as "Publisher's Picks." Latinos make up nearly a quarter of overall CSU enrollment. Among Latino bachelor's degrees awarded throughout the state annually, 58 percent come from CSU campuses. — Melanie Turner

Flu clinic today

Stanislaus County health officials have scheduled a flu shot clinic for children today. Officials say the vaccine is still limited to those considered high-risk. The clinic will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Redwood Room of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Center, 800 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Officials said Santa Claus will make an appearance at 9 a.m. Shots are $15.

A Book of Dreams

The Bee's annual A Book of Dreams effort has raised $43,284 toward programs that help children. Hundreds of donors have made Christmas possible, and helped these programs run through the year. But we're still $76,000 short of our goal, and there are many more agencies and children in need of help this holiday season. There's still time to take part. Donations will help the Redwood Family Center, Community Hospice, Children's Crisis Center, Friends Outside, the Modesto Jaycees' shopping tour, Aspira Foster and Family Services, Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus County, The Salvation Army Red Shield Center, the Soroptimist Community Christmas Tree, Youth for Christ, Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Modesto Gospel Mission, the Parent Resource Center, the Bridge, three military families and two other families, each with special needs. Contributions will be accepted through Friday. Send them to A Book of Dreams Fund, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 4922, Modesto 95352.

Yesteryears

50 YEARS AGO: The city of Turlock decided to turn over the job of assessing property and collecting taxes to Stanislaus County. City Administrator Richard H. Ward declared that the change would save the city $3,000 a year.

25 YEARS AGO: Only large, expensive homes on at least half-acre lots will be allowed around the Del Rio Country Club north of Modesto, under a plan approved by the Stanislaus County Planning Commission. There was no opposition to the plan. It called for cluster development, as long as the overall density did not go up.

— Karen Aiello