CHIC "Red & Gold" Pinpoint Show 3rd Annual Holiday Party at Cibo Restaurant on Wednesday, December 11th

The Pinpoint Show & Moore Media present the CHIC "Red & Gold" Pinpoint Show 3rd Annual Holiday Party on December 11th at Cibo Restaurant.

Monterey, CA, December 06, 2014 - The Pinpoint Show & Moore Media present the CHIC "Red & Gold" Pinpoint Show 3rd Annual Holiday Party on December 11th at Cibo Restaurant. The event will be hosted by MADDOX Haberdasher.

The community is invited for some Holiday cheer to enjoy this special time of the year! Be part of the experience and join us in celebrating Pinpoint’s last event of 2014.

Entertainment will be provided by "On The One", Featuring DJBADDJ (Steb Montez) Dancing, Drink Specials, Dinner served late. Holiday Gifts and much more.

As a thank you to the community for their support throughout the year, from us and our local business partners featured on The Pinpoint Show we are having this party to spread some Holiday Joy! So wear your red or gold, or both and sign up for your FREE entry pass because there is no cover charge to get in, but spaces are limited.

Get your FREE tickets at: http://www.thepinpointshow.com

*21 and over only. No Cover Charge
When: Thursday, December 11, 2014

Where: Cibo Restaurant, 301 Alvarado, Downtown Monterey, nearby parking in adjacent garage

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Cover: Free. Sign up at http://www.thepinpointshow.com/ to be added to the guest list.

About Cibo Restaurant:
Cibo Restaurant offers Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas, cocktails, fine wines, cordials, and more. Cibo (pronounced chee-bo) means food in Italian, but it’s more of a feast for the senses. This beautiful, spacious and comfortable restaurant features an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere which is accentuated with expressive art in the form of photography, paintings, sculpture, hand-blown glass and live jazz. Fusing the best of old and new world Italian cuisine, Cibo offers an eclectic menu ranging from gourmet pizzas to multi-course dinners. Families are welcome and there is a special children’s menu. Cibo has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike since 1990.

Cibo is open every evening with dinner served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cibo Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is a popular “pre-event” and “after-party” destination. The bar features a $3 Happy Hour with special appetizers daily from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. They offer an extensive high quality local and international wine and beer list, cordials, microbrews, rare and small batch Bourbons, Scotches, Ports, Grappa and liqueurs, as well as espresso, coffee drinks and a full menu of cocktails.

Cibo also presents live music 6 nights a week. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the cool sound of Jazz accompanies dinner from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The restaurant features a lively and fun atmosphere with Reggae, R&B, Rock or Salsa dance music on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. with no cover charge. They also hold a special “House Blend Happy Hour” every Friday night from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. "Happy Hour Jazz Jam" from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. every first and third Sunday of the month which includes Happy Hour food and drink specials. Cibo is now “wired” with free Internet service.

With 150 seats, including intimate booths for dining , and room for over 50 people in the attractive bar area, Cibo also accommodates large groups for business functions, wedding rehearsals and receptions, special group dining events, and customized private parties.

Cibo Restaurant is the winner of numerous awards including California Writers Association Recommended Dining, Best Place to Meet Singles in Their 30's and 40's, Gold Key Award for Interior Design, Best Place to Enjoy a Martini, Best Place for Live Jazz, Best Italian Restaurant, Best Place to Dance, Best Martini and one of the Top 10 Happy Hours in Monterey.

For more information, go to www.cibo.com or call (831) 649-8151.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.cibo.com

Peninsula Ballet Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” at the Golden State Theatre on December 13th and 14th

Don't miss this timeless holiday classic! Enjoy two outstanding performances of everyone's favorite, The Nutcracker.

Monterey, CA, December 06, 2014 - ‘Tis the season! On Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 p.m., Peninsula Ballet Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” at the Golden State Theatre located at 417 Alvarado in Downtown Monterey.

Don't miss this timeless holiday classic! Enjoy two outstanding performances of everyone's favorite, The Nutcracker. Performed by the award-winning San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula Ballet Theatre, a company that has been creating joyous holiday memories for over four decades, this year is no exception as they bring their annual holiday treat to Monterey.

Delight and enchant your entire family at this lavish performance featuring some of the SF Bay Area's most beautiful, talented and athletic professional dancers with gorgeous costumes, great sets and amazing choreography. And, enjoy meeting the dancers on stage following every spectacular finale!

Ticket prices range from $25-$40. For tickets, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com or call (831) 649-1070. Bring the whole family! Group ticket discounts are available for 10 or more. There is convenient nearby parking in several City of Monterey parking garages in addition to street parking.

About The Nutcracker:
Peninsula Ballet Theatre is very pleased to bring its beloved version of The Nutcracker to the Golden State Theatre. “The moment we heard that Eric and Lori Lochtefeld were adding the Golden State to their venues we knew we wanted to be part of this great creative adventure,” said Christine Leslie, President and Executive Director of the ballet company. “We have partnered with them for all four years since they became the owners of the Fox Theatre in Redwood City,” she continued. “We love the charm and the atmosphere of these historic theatres, as do our audiences.”

After making two trips to the Golden State Theatre, the Peninsula Ballet Theatre’s artistic and technical team knew there was no looking back.

“The Golden State Theatre is set up differently than the Fox Theatre so we will be making some slight changes to our choreography to suit the stage size,” said Artistic Director David Fonnegra. “Carlos Carvajal, The Nutcracker choreographer, and I began creating on the spot how to make these changes that will bring the audience closer to the choreography and take advantage of the unique beauty of the venue.”

The Peninsula Ballet Theatre is bringing its entire cast including professionals and student performer from the Company Conservatory. Over 125 costumes characters bring the story of the Nutcracker to life. The technical team arrives on Monday before the performance to begin the transformation to Victorian Scotland. The students portray the friends and family of Clara and Fritz Silverbaum who attend everyone’s favorite holiday party filled with presents, dancing and special entertainments from Dr. Drosselmeyer. Clara’s holiday dreams are fulfilled by dancing by the company’s professional dancers and artists.

Choreographed by Bay Area dance legend and Isadore Duncan Dance Award winner, Carlos Carvajal, this Nutcracker has become a favorite of audiences throughout northern California and is sure to delight audiences in the entire Monterey Peninsula region.

The Company plans on bringing more than just Nutcracker to the Monterey area. Additional Productions will be announced at a future date. “When we have toured this production to Oakland, Pittsburg and Reno we have historically integrated local dance students into the production. We hope to be able to do so for future Nutcracker and other productions,” continued Fonnegra.

“This is a logical progression for a Company that has been delighting audiences for 44 years,” added Leslie. “We are looking forward to being part of this creative adventure in Monterey.”

About Peninsula Ballet Theatre:
Founded in 1967, Peninsula Ballet Theatre is the second oldest professional ballet company in the Bay Area. In 2010, it opened the Peninsula Ballet Theatre Conservatory in 30,000 foot space at 1880 South Grant Street in San Mateo. In that time, it has become an artistic hub with classes in all forms of dance, vocal and acting training as well as a fine art gallery for local artists. David Fonnegra joined Peninsula Ballet in 2013 with the vision of transforming the professional Company into one that reflected the younger, more dynamic nature of its audience base. More information at PeninsulaBallet.org

About the Golden State Theatre:
In 1926, a 15,000 square-foot Moorish castle rose on Alvarado Street, to the amazement of locals and visitors alike. A new cinema and live performance venue to rival those in California's largest cities, the Golden State Theatre , which was built by the Reid Brothers, was the definition of an opulent movie palace. After decades of deterioration, it was faithfully restored to its former glory, featuring an Old World grand lobby and mezzanine, one thousand plush velvet seats, state-of-the-art sound, and the indefinable magic of a truly historic setting. B.B. King, Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Yes, Patti Smith, Bob Weir and The Smothers Brothers — these are just some of the names that have graced the stage, contributing to the Theatre's new legacy since its renovation and exciting revival. The community is invited to attend a world-class concert or musical at the Golden State Theatre, or host their own special event here, and become part of its new chapter of history.

The Golden State Theatre is operated by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, along with a team of industry professionals from across the country. They are also co-owners of the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, also built by the Reid Brothers in 1929, where they hold nearly 200 events per year. Through their work with the Fox Theatre and the community, they have helped to revitalize downtown Redwood City. For more information, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com or call (831) 649-1070.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com

The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management Awarded Grant to Support Veterans Mediation

The Mandell Gisnet Center (MGC) has announced that it recently received a grant from the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM)

Seaside, CA, December 06, 2014 - The Mandell Gisnet Center (MGC) has announced that it recently received a grant from the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) and the JAMS Foundation to support Veterans Mediation in Monterey County and the surrounding tri-County area to reach veterans across San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.

“Over the past 30 years, mediation programs and services have proven to offer constructive and effective approaches to resolve differences and conflicts between individuals, groups and organizations, including veterans,” explains Isabel Bjork, Executive Director and Associate Dean, Mandell Gisnet Center. “We are honored to be one of only six organizations nationally to be recognized with a grant from The JAMS Foundation and the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) to support Veterans Mediation. We believe there is a strong need in our community and look forward to helping veterans with some important challenges they face in their lives.”

The Veterans Mediation program was founded with the recognition that veterans have distinct values and experiences that shape their lives. The MGC staff works with veterans and their families to resolve conflicts about housing, family life, benefits and work through mediation in a safe environment. They also provide training by veterans for veterans and their families on communication, conflict resolution and mediation techniques. Fees are based on a sliding scale. For appointments or more information, email veterans@mandellgisnetcenter.org or call (831) 582-5234.

The program is coordinated by Jack Signorella, a veteran of the Vietnam War and a dedicated mediator and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professional. Jack serves as the Veterans Mediation Liaison and a volunteer mediator. Jack was the recipient of a Community Service Award from the United Way of Monterey County in 2014. Following a successful career in medical education and public service, Jack has directed his time and talents to mediation, with a particular passion for veterans’ issues. Jack completed the mediation skills training course at MGC in 2012. Since then, he has been mediating in MGC’s court mediation program and NEIGHBOR Project, volunteering in over 100 cases.Jack has furthered his mediation skills with advanced mediation courses at Pepperdine Law School and Community Boards.

About The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management:
The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management (MGC), the non-profit alternative dispute resolution education and service arm of the Monterey College of Law, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is committed to providing mediation and training services.

The Mandell Gisnet Center, housed in remodeled LEED Platinum Ford Ord buildings in Monterey County, California, was founded with the vision that conflicts can be resolved in a peaceful, amicable manner and without expensive, protracted, and damaging legal battles. In 2005, Maurice Mandell and Rebekah Gisnet left a bequest to the Monterey College of Law as a result of their personal challenges related to the legal system. Their bequest was used to form MGC. Though they lived in a beautiful area and had significant resources at their disposal, Maurice and Rebekah spent the last years of their lives involved in a bitter legal battle over a property dispute with their neighbors. They spent many years fighting in court, but neither party ever found a satisfactory resolution. At the end of their lives, as they looked back on the wasted time, energy, and money spent on that dispute, they concluded that there had to be a better way. They resolved that a large portion of their estate would be given as a bequest for the creation and promotion of mediation and training services through Monterey College of Law. MGC has fulfilled this vision by offering a variety of ADR education and services, including mediation. The mission of the MGC is to:

- Promote and apply a mediative, empathetic, problem-solving approach to reduce and resolve conflict

- Train Monterey County and tri-county residents to resolve disputes in their homes, workplaces and community

- Offer a variety mediation services to Monterey County residents regardless of their ability to pay

- Promote mediation as an alternative to hostility, court battles, and violence

- Educate law students and attorneys in mediation, and engage them in community service to resolve disputes

One popular MGC program involves their NEIGHBOR Project mediation services, a dispute resolution process in which an impartial panel of mediators facilitates a conversation in a safe and respectful environment. The mediators do not make decisions about the outcome and the participants themselves work towards a solution with which they are comfortable.

To donate, volunteer, access mediation services, sign up for mediation trainings or for more information about our programs, go to www.mandellgisnetcenter.org or call (831) 582-5234.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.mandellgisnetcenter.org

Crab Season Started in November! Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association Continues "Wharf Walks - Walking Tours at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf" with a focus on "More About Crabbing on the Monterey Bay" on Saturday, December 6th, 2014

Recreational Dungeness Crab Season begins on November 1st and Commercial Crab Season began November 15th and goes through June 30th.

Monterey, CA, December 06, 2014 - Recreational Dungeness Crab Season begins on November 1st and Commercial Crab Season began November 15th and goes through June 30th. Delicious crabs will continue to inspire the theme of Wharf Walks! The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association continues to team up with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas, who is offering monthly "Wharf Walks -Walking Tours at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf" (www.montereywharf.com) on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM - Noon.

Wharf Walk will be held on Saturday, December 6th focusing on "More About Crabbing on the Monterey Bay." Tours meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com.

The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group Rates are also available. Future Wharf Walk will be held on December 6th, continuing on the first Saturday of every month in 2015.

After taking the Wharf Walk, participants are invited to enjoy a complimentary appetizer of delicious calamari (squid) - either traditional style or pesto calamari - with a purchased entrée, at Paluca Trattoria located at the head of the Wharf.

About Wharf Walks
For thousands of years people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, everything was fished and utilized and the Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing sardines in the "dark of the moon." This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront will take us back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People--Monterey's first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry. Discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey's colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman's Wharf and those who worked and walked there. Learn more about the sardine and squid industry, too.

About Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of "The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter," "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" and co-author of "Monterey's Waterfront."

About Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf:
Visitors to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf will want to plan their visit to include lunch or dinner at one of the many Wharf restaurants. Many restaurants will be featuring special Columbus Day Weekend small bites during the upcoming Everything Italian! Columbus Day Weekend Celebration on October 11 and 12, 2014.

By going to www.montereywharf.com , visitors to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf can also access the "Wonders of the Wharf" free VIP Card promotion with 25 special offers (coupons) easily accessible on the website that can be shown on a smart phone or iPad. For more information, email info@montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Press Release Distributed by Straight Line PR service

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.montereywharf.com