CULTURAL ARTS FUNDING SAVED...After a two-day, drawn-out budget battle, county supes decided to maintain funding for arts programs at their current levels for 2003-2004. That's good news for the Cultural Council for Monterey County, which will be able to continue offering grants to the more than 70 groups and individuals it now funds. But lost in the budget shuffle was funding for the Cultural and Heritage Tourism Program, a joint program of the Cultural Council and Monterey County Visitors and Conventions Bureau. That was a seven-year program that has helped create and promote cultural assets throughout the county directed at tourists and locals.

PERRY AT THE CHERRY...If you're a fan of old-time crooning, shuffle on over to the Carl Cherry Center in Carmel to enjoy Len Perry's showcase production Perry at the Cherry. The first half is a bit disjointed, as Perry is joined by a few actor friends in presenting scenes from three modern American plays--the first scene, from Edward Albee's The Death of Bessie Smith, is by far the most successful, although all three made one wish for the entire play instead of just a tease. The second half of the show features Len, making tuneful love to the elderly ladies in the audience with such mid-century classics as "All I Need is the Girl," "Let Me Love You" and "I Believe." Len is one of the most talented actors on the local scene, and if this showcase gets him back on stage, it will have served its purpose. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 5pm; call 626-6796 for tickets.

STOP STEALING OUR HISTORY... Last week it was carved abalone shells from the Whaler's Cabin at Pt. Lobos. This week, we hear about irreplaceable spurs and a headstall stolen from the Castro Breen Adobe exhibit in San Juan Bautista Historic Park. The items were used by members of the Breen family, who were survivors of the ill-fated Donner Party expedition, and anyone who would steal such pieces of history is a real lowlife nogoodnik. The Plaza History Association is offering a $1,000 reward, no questions asked: Call C.L. Price at 623-0610.

BACH FEST IS NIGH...Tickets are on sale now for the 66th Carmel Bach Festival, opening July 19 in the spanking new, renovated Sunset Center. The opening night concert will be a joy: Bach's Magnificat, the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, and a secular Bach Cantata. Call 624-2046 or visit www.bachfestival.org.