Third annual Concours at Pasadera Honors Porsche; prized autos in six classes; Hot Wheels Exhibition

 More than juried 100 cars, motorcycles at August 6 event 

Monterey, CA, March 19, 2021 — Prized automobiles in six classes. Motorcycles of outstanding vintage and contemporary design. A juried selection of alumni vehicles. Rare and unique collections of Hot Wheels. Awards designed by Tiffany and Co. Exceptional food, refreshments and hospitality. 

The third annual Concours at Pasadera promises all this and much more at a spectacular gathering of friends, club members and enthusiasts on Friday, Aug. 6. 

Set against the backdrop of a luxurious private country club and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature golf course, Pasadera provides an unequaled atmosphere of casual elegance. 

Event snapshot

 Presented by The Club at Pasadera, this eclectic auto show features up-close-and-personal experiences with more than 100 beautiful cars and motorcycles in three categories and six award classes. 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s back-to-back 24-hour endurance wins at Le Mans and Daytona, the event will feature six juried classes: Modern Classics, Modified, Domestic, International, Vintage, Commercial. The featured marque is Porsche. 

Monterey Motorsports owner Rick Barnett will serve as master of ceremonies. Guests will vote for the People’s Choice Award from the Modern Classic category and returning exhibitors will exhibit a juried selection of Alumni vehicles from the 2019 Concours. 

VIP tickets: Invited guests may obtain admission to the event by visiting pasaderaconcours.com/tickets. 

Children 9 and under are complimentary with a ticket bearing adult. 

Schedule of events 

Thursday, Aug. 5, 6-8 p.m. 

Press Party (limited to sponsors, exhibitors and media), Tribute to LeMans, The Decade of Champions. Scenes from movie “Ford vs. Ferrari” and “Le Mans.” Note: Exhibitors are encouraged to arrive at 5 p.m. with their Concours vehicle (parking in the main courtyard). 

Friday, Aug. 6, Concours Day 

11 a.m. — Exhibitors gather at Ryan Ranch for the Kick Off (continental Breakfast served)

Noon — Drive through South Boundary Road, enter Pasadera from rear gate

12:30 p.m. — Placement onto Exhibition Area

1 p.m. — Exhibitor Champagne welcome

2 p.m.—  Event opens to club members

3 p.m. — Event opens to ticket holders

6 p.m. — Event concludes

6 p.m. — Club 100 dinner party (exhibitors, sponsors and guests), by invitation only 

Exhibitor information 

Applications available at www.pasaderaconcours.com/entry. 

Exhibition Fee: $250 (includes 2 entry tickets, Tiffany Exhibitor Award, vehicle bio, photo shoot). Additional entries (if accepted) are priced at $200 each. Note: To guarantee review of entry by jury, exhibitor must apply by July 6.

Alumni Exhibitors: $250 (includes 2 entry tickets, Sterling Silver Tiffany 2019 Alumni Pin, vehicle bio, and photo). Note: To guarantee review of entry by jury, exhibitor must apply by July 6.

Elite Exhibitor: $350 (Includes Alumni and Exhibitor entries, 2 event tickets, and both Exhibitor and Alumni Awards). To guarantee review of entry by jury, Alumni exhibitor must apply by July 1. 

Rare and unique Hot Wheels 

This year’s event includes inspired collections of Hot Wheels by Mattel. Aficionados of all ages can exhibit, with five classes available to present their collection. Proceeds from the program will benefit CASA of Monterey County. 

Among the participants is Bruce Pascal, who owns one of the most valuable collections in the world. Pascal will show off his prized item, a pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb prototype valued at $175,000. 

Exhibitors of all ages and exhibition categories welcome. For an application and additional details visit here. 

Concours Poster 

The 2020 Concours at Pasadera official poster (Ford vs. Ferrari, 18x24) by artist Simon Bull will be available the day of the event at $45, signed for $75. Or available online at www.pasaderaconcours.com/2020poster . It is a limited edition with 500 pieces.The 2021 poster will be unveiled and sold at the event. 

Additional information

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Rick Barnett at rick@montereymotorsports.com. 

The Club at Pasadera is at 100 Pasadera Drive in Monterey, between Monterey and Salinas off Highway 68. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pasaderaconcours.com

With schools now resuming Athletic Competition, Balance PT can help Heal and Prevent injuries

 As restrictions loosen and more people become vaccinated, the California Department of Public Health recently announced updated guidelines for organized sports.

 Monterey, CA, March 19, 2021 - The news looks promising. Many schools plan to reopen for in-person learning and resume athletic participation. In fact, the relaxed measures affect organized youth sports and recreation — including community-sponsored programs, privately-organized clubs and leagues and adult recreational sports. 

Because so many people are now heading to fields, courts and trails in pursuit of exercise after much time off, Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center would like to remind athletes to take it slow and steady at first. 

Physical therapy has been an important part of treating athletic injuries for decades. But increasingly, athletes of all levels consider the specialized form of PT known as sports therapy to be invaluable. It not only helps people recover from tears, sprains and breaks, but can also condition the body to perform better, and prevent future injury. 

BPT is a result-oriented rehabilitation facility with locations in Monterey (2260 N. Fremont St.), Salinas (143 John St.) and Prunedale (17760 Moro Road, Suite #120). 

For more information, visit www.balancept.com. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Monterey Symphony Announces Next Virtual Performance: 35 Years of Music Making in a 135 Year Old Library

The Monterey Symphony is broadcasting its next virtual performance from the newly renovated Pacific Grove Library on Saturday, March 27th at 4 PM (PT). 

Carmel/Pacific Grove/Monterey, CA – The Monterey Symphony is broadcasting its next virtual performance from the newly renovated Pacific Grove Library on Saturday, March 27^th at 4 PM (PT). This Balcony Session features MSO’s principal flautist Dawn Walker and cellist Mark Walker with a special guest appearance by MSO Executive Director and violinist Nicola Reilly. The Pacific Grove Library was established 135 years ago in 1886. The library moved to its present location in 1908 and was enlarged in 1926, 1938, 1950, and 1978-1981 with the new steep gable roof incorporating all. Construction for the current renewal and remodel started in October 2019 and was completed in June 2020 giving the library a lustrous melding of the past, present and future.

Pacific Grove Library Manager Diana Godwin says “The light and warmth of the library is a beautiful backdrop for a classical music concert and library staff are looking forward to hosting the Monterey Symphony in March. We are also pleased to be able to provide a peek into the library that is not yet open to the public.” 

Music originally written for flute and cello is seldom found. Dawn Walker says “Traditionally we perform music for violin and cello (especially from the Baroque Era) and the cello plays the continuo part. After 35 years of playing music together we have expanded our repertoire to include pieces we have arranged from all eras and styles of music borrowing from other instruments.” Works of Piazolla, Villa Lobos, Doppler are juxtaposed alongside more traditional Vivaldi, Corelli and Haydn. 

Full program details and artist’s bios can be found at the Symphony’s website: www.montereysymphony.org 

The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and incorporated in 1947. The Symphony’s mission is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereysymphony.org

An Alchemy of Art and Science

 What Damien Georis understands about residential construction, he learned by making wine 

Carmel, CA, March 16, 2021 - Damien Georis grew up in a Belgian farmhouse built in 1750, maintained for generations, and ultimately remodeled by his father, a process that ignited his own interest in residential renovation and design. Today, he makes his home in a very different landscape on the Monterey Peninsula, running the pre-construction and design process for Lewis Builders residential design-build firm. Although it’s not something he imagined, he realizes it absolutely makes sense. 

Georis has a reputable name in this region, and he does know a little something about wine. Although, the Belgian-born vintner, who was making wine at Chateau Olivier—a Grand Cru classé of the Graves region in Bordeaux—was unaware of the legendary Georis dynasty, who has long been crafting fine art, fine food, and fine wine on the Monterey Peninsula. Nor did he know that the Georis family hails from the same tiny town as his father’s family. 

Even more surprising, perhaps, was that Georis, who had left Belgium in 1998 to pursue winemaking in France, ultimately moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 2005 to make wine, at the behest of Walter Georis. 

What Damien Georis couldn’t have anticipated is that he would find his way to Lewis Builders and quickly work his way up from design assistant to his new role as Vice President of Pre-construction and Design. 

“I recall being 9 or 10 years old and drawing floor plans,” he said. “As a teen, every summer in Belgium, I would work with my cousin, a contractor, till the time I moved to Bordeaux, and I was inspired. It was very typical to build your own home, which always held interest for me. Yet, when I caught the wine bug, I put that off to the side.” 

Georis had studied in Belgium, earning a degree in agricultural engineering, a condition of entering an enology school in Bordeaux, where he achieved a national degree of enology. For five years, he worked in the wineries of Bordeaux, until he made the difficult decision to come to California. 

“Moving to Carmel Valley was a bit of a risk for my wine career,” said Georis, “but I found what I was looking for: farming and construction and winemaking. I was on a tractor in the morning, at the winery in the afternoon, and presenting wine to an audience at a winemaker’s dinner at night.” 

A Smooth Move

Damien Georis’ interest and ability in home design and construction resurfaced after he moved to the Monterey Peninsula, where he remodeled two homes. Georis began to apply his interests and aptitude for building design and construction after his friend, Kierstyn Bachmann Berlin asked if he would work with her on design projects for Lewis Builders. 

“As Lewis Builders was getting busier, and I was helping as a design assistant,” he said, “I realized that was not my area of expertise. But I also had to deal with permitting on various projects, which I really enjoyed doing, so I became that person in the company.” 

The building permitting process is a complicated world to navigate. But Georis has built his career on being resourceful and finding solutions. Perhaps more important to the process, he has proved to be a diplomatic, dependable man, who understands that both the business and this community are about building relationships and trust, says John Lewis, founder and CEO of Lewis Builders. 

“I’ve never met someone, who is not originally from this county or even this country, and for whom English isn’t even his first language,” said Lewis, “yet who is as well-known and as well-respected in the community. Damien is someone who came from a different industry, the winemaking world in France, yet has done an amazing job of learning the inner workings of getting building projects permitted.” 

Lewis, who has been involved in construction projects in many different counties throughout California, has never known a county to be as complicated as Monterey. But Georis, he says, gets it. 

The guy who was making wine, is now making construction decisions. He has taken a leadership role, not only in procuring permits, but also in studying conceptual designs and understanding what’s possible and what’s not, says Scott Julian, President of Lewis Builders. 

“Damien applies the mentality of winemaking methodology to the design-and-build business,” said Julian. “He intimately knows the complexities of making fine wine, and the challenges that arise if you miss a step, just like in the construction process. We knew he was a perfect fit for the complex planning and permitting we experience in almost every one of our projects.” 

After three years of managing permitting and design, Georis’ new role as Vice President of Pre-construction and Design brings estimating, that third leg of the process, into his purview. 

“From our first meeting with a client, we estimate cost. As we capture the wishes from the client,” said Georis, “we confirm the parameters of the project, refine the budget, and put it into our construction contract. Then, throughout the project, we make it work.” 

Renaissance Meets Reconstruction

Damien Georis is, in all things, an artist and a technician. Were he to make wine just by the numbers, he would yield a standard product, says Lewis, without much depth, flavor, or interest. That would be chemistry without creativity. Were he to make wine with an artistic approach and not respect the chemistry, it wouldn’t be stable enough to sustain. Damien understands the importance of a harmonious alchemy of artistic and technical skills. 

“Similarly, in construction,” said Lewis, “Damien has to understand the permitting, the zoning, the planning, the budgeting—the technical aspects—and marry that to the aesthetics of the design and the sensibilities of the client. We want both beautiful and sustainable.” 

That’s what Damien Georis brings to Lewis Builders projects. 

“I appreciate the art and the science of wine,” he said, “which are the same elements in construction. It’s all a grand human adventure.” 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
https://www.lewisbuilder.com/

Goodwill Central Coast expands e-commerce workforce, moves into larger facility in Salinas

 In July of 2017, Goodwill Central Coast opened its centralized e-commerce facility on Moffett Street in Salinas.

 Salinas, CA, March 04, 2021 — In July of 2017, Goodwill Central Coast opened its centralized e-commerce facility on Moffett Street in Salinas. In less than four years, the tri-county nonprofit’s online sector has grown from five employees to 26. 

These jobs involve varied work in photography, jewelry authentication, distribution/transportation, technology and management. And it’s not just the workforce that has expanded. The division has moved from its 11,000-square-foot facility to a new home with more than 18,000 square feet. This includes a state-of-the-art distribution center, new photography studio and a spacious new jewelry center. 

What’s more, its listing capacity has increased dramatically, as it currently adds nearly 1,000 new items online for donors and customers per day. Each day this team of specialists sorts through thousands of goods in an effort to gather and document coveted items to put up for sale at Shopgoodwill.com, Ebay.com and amazon.com. 

From a leadership standpoint, Goodwill Central Coast has appointed Amber Vick as Regional Director of Stores and E-commerce. Vick previously oversaw the retail store locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz. Vick joins the current e-commerce management team of Patrick Sagara (e-commerce manager), Dawn Lockwood and Jorge Huerta-Becerra (both assistant managers). 

“Together the updated management team brings a wealth of training, knowledge and experience to Goodwill Central Coast,” said Alan Martinson, vice president of retail. “This team is focused on career growth of their staff, and this is where we see the biggest benefits long term.” 

The expansion is aligned with Goodwill Central Coast’s mission to invest in technology and infrastructure to help create jobs of the future. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, retail e-commerce across the country reached $211.5 billion in the second quarter of 2020, up 31.8 percent from the first quarter, and 44.5 percent year-over-year. E-commerce also accounted for 16.1 percent of total retail sales in the second quarter, up from 11.8 percent in the first quarter. 

While much of this growth can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of e-commerce is one of strong, steady growth. 

“Goodwill Central Coast is focused on our mission of creating jobs and removing barriers to employment,” Martinson said. “The GCC e-commerce division is a shining star in the nonprofit world, providing opportunity to learn skills in the technology job segment and provide growth for those who would like to learn.” 

GCC’s Information Technology department has deployed the latest advancements to enhance operations. This not only makes Goodwill Central Coast more efficient, it provides vast training for individuals with the desire to learn about e-commerce, and the opportunities within the industry. 

“Yes, it helps support GCC by shopping online or in our store locations, however it is the generous donations from our community that make it possible,” Martinson said. 

GCC’s online items represent a treasure trove of items that were generously donated to support programs. The e-commerce team has developed a short list of items to donate that help the most: jewelry, musical instruments, electronics, artwork, trading or game cards, video games and systems. 

“Items are usually in good condition,” Martinson said. “These items are carefully expedited and auctioned off to the highest bidder. We appreciate all donations and continued support of our job programs.” 

Goodwill designed its virtual marketplace to provide an engaging online shopping destination. Consumers enjoy what Martinson likes to call “guilt-free retail therapy,” knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping items out of landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources. 

The Salinas team ships hundreds of items each day, from gold jewelry to clothing, musical instruments and more. The engaging site showcases new items and items leaving the gallery, it tracks a Hot 50, entices buyers with coupon codes and offers shipping deals as low as 1 cent. GCC has also resumed some customer pick-ups of online orders (with restrictions) at the facility, 1566 Moffett St., Salinas. 

Nationwide, Goodwill has generated more than $560 million in online sales since launching the site in 1999. Goodwill Central Coast’s e-commerce division sees roughly $2 million in annual revenue, but Martinson expects that to grow significantly next year. While the average price of an item in Goodwill’s brick-and-mortar stores is between $4-$5, the online platform sells items averaging in value between $30 and $40. 

All this added revenue helps fund a growing number of programs that have served tens of thousands of individuals facing barriers to employment. 

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org/

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Creates Special Proposal Package for Couples Desiring to Pop the Question in Gorgeous Setting

 Have you been holding off popping the question to your loved one because of pandemic restrictions at many venues? 

Carmel, CA, March 02, 2021 — Have you been holding off popping the question to your loved one because of pandemic restrictions at many venues? Well, now is the time to book a Proposal Package at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ picturesque Gazebo Deck.  

Perched high above the rocky cliffs of the Big Sur coast, and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, the Gazebo Deck is the perfect setting to pop the question. The spacious redwood deck is surrounded by lush gardens and cool ocean breezes. With this breathtaking spot, your soon-to-be fiancé(e) will be talking about the proposal for years to come. 

The Proposal Package includes: 

• Use of the Gazebo Deck in private for 1 hour 

• Bouquet of flowers and petals sprinkled on the Gazebo Deck 

• Photographer to capture the moments 

• Background music to set the mood 

The Proposal Package is $1,500 during the week, and $2,000 on the weekends. 

Service charge and tax are not included. The Proposal Package is available to book within 15 days of popping the question. 

Add ons: 

• Sunset Suite: $800 nightly rate 

• Rose petals in hotel suite: $50 per room 

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn takes great pride in handling the smallest details so you can spend time on what’s most important — creating memories in a magnificent and romantic environment. The Highlands Inn loves making every couple’s special day unique in its own way and we have partnered with the finest vendors to offer the best of service to help bring your dream to life. 

For any further questions or to book the proposal package, contact Jessica Schmidt, the Events & Catering Manager, at: (831) 622-5461 Mobile: (831) 250-3011, or by email at Jessica.Schmidt@vacationclub.com . Virtual and in-person tours are available by appointment only.  

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms.  The property also offers spectacular dining at the award-winning California Market at Pacific’s Edge with 4,800 square feet of meeting space, heated outdoor swimming pool, three spa tubs and a StayFit fitness facility. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for nearly a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels. www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com