Month-Long Vacation Rentals Offer Many Advantages to the Discerning Traveler

Anyone who has stayed in a short-term vacation rental is well aware of the advantages of staying in a private home rather than traditional traveler lodging — better price, more flexibility, more space, more choices, and so forth.

Monterey, CA, October 20, 2019 — Anyone who has stayed in a short-term vacation rental is well aware of the advantages of staying in a private home rather than traditional traveler lodging — better price, more flexibility, more space, more choices, and so forth.

Those advantages are still applicable when one opts for a longer-term vacation rental, such as a one-month rental. Thirty days may seem a like a long time, but when you vacation in an area such as the Monterey Peninsula, a few days is certainly not enough to see and experience all the area has to offer.

The vacation rental professionals at Monterey-based Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, which was founded more than 11 years ago and represents more than 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, specializes in both short-term and longer-term rentals and have surveyed both renters and owners about the advantages and disadvantages of both.

“Renting for 30 days creates a mutually beneficial situation,” said Annee Martin, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, Owner/President/Design Team/Realtor. “Homeowners gain security by renting for large chunks of time. And renters can really live the life of a local, not a tourist, exploring every corner of this beautiful region while enjoying all the comforts of a true home away from home.”

Here are seven reasons to rent a one-month vacation rental:

1. You have a home base. It’s your home away from home. You can sleep in, go on an outing, shopping, sightseeing or whatever it is that you would want to do. There are no check-out times. You will not be woken up by housekeeping knocking on the door. If you’re not feeling well, you can stay in for a day and rest and recuperate and not feel that you’re missing out.

2. You only need to unpack and pack once. You can unpack everything you brought with you without having to worry about packing up in a day or two, giving you more leisure time. And you’re not living out of your suitcase.

3. You have more room and more time to use it. Vacation rentals have much more space than the average hotel room. There’s more room to stretch out, relax and use areas of the home you may not use if you’re only there for a day or two. Plus, there are usually more bathrooms and areas where you can get away from everyone else and have some quiet alone time.

4. You can choose the type of property with the amenities and comforts you want. Unlike many hotels, you can pick a home that has a hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pool or one that comes furnished with fire pits and gas barbecue grills. Some homes even come equipped with beach toys, bicycles, and other recreational equipment.

5. You can save money. By grocery shopping and cooking some meals “at home,” you can save money and use it on excursions and sightseeing instead of eating out every night. And if you want to eat out, you still have that option too. You can also split the costs with your friends and family and use it on weekends and still be ahead.

6. You have more flexibility. You can plan longer excursions or short trips or do them in stages, knowing you have more than a day or two to experience them all. You can invite family and friends to visit on weekends or for a couple of days.

7. Finally, you can do all of the above in the location of your dreams. Vacation rentals give you more options than a hotel room, whether it’s a quaint Carmel cottage or a multi-room Pebble Beach mansion with an expansive view, you’ll be able to find something that fits your dream perfectly.

For more information on one-month vacation rentals and all the options available to you, go to https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com or call Sanctuary toll-free at (800) 614-6706.

About Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
Founded in 2008 by Annee Martin, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals boasts a team of 20 professionals and represents almost 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel proper, Carmel Highlands, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Carmel Valley and the Highway 68 corridor near the airport and Laguna Seca.

Sanctuary’s roster of homes includes everything from cozy two-bedroom cottages in Carmel and Pacific Grove to larger four- to six-bedroom homes that can accommodate up to 12 people and luxurious Pebble Beach homes with ocean views. Many of the homes are within walking distance to the area’s beaches, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions.

Sanctuary homes all invoke a sense of peace and harmony, allowing guests to relax, revitalize their lives, reconnect with one another, and above all, have fun. Sanctuary’s goal is to provide guests with a sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its vision is to inspire and nurture the hearts and souls of guests with the beauty and magic of the Monterey Peninsula while staying in one of its vacation homes.

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
888 Munras Ave., Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 233-6340
Toll-Free: (800) 614-6706
https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

Monterey County Fair Announces Dates, Theme and Poster for 2020 Fair Featuring Artwork by Renowned Artist Jo Mora

A mural by renowned California artist Jo Mora has been selected for the official poster of the 2020 Monterey County Fair and inspired its theme, “Fiesta.”

Monterey, CA, October 18, 2019 — A mural by renowned California artist Jo Mora has been selected for the official poster of the 2020 Monterey County Fair and inspired its theme, “Fiesta.”

The 84th Annual Monterey County Fair will be held from Thursday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey. The Fair is also celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city of Monterey in 2020.

Trotter Galleries in Carmel acquired the complete Jo Mora “Fable” mural collection in 2015 and one of the murals was used as the official poster for the 80th anniversary of the Fair in 2016.

The famed seven-mural suite was originally commissioned in 1936, during the middle of the Great Depression, to enliven the walls of what would be named The Fable Restaurant, located in the former Drake-Wiltshire Hotel in San Francisco. Mora, a Monterey Peninsula artist who was known throughout California for his multi-talented and imaginative abilities of expression, was selected for this important commission.

“The artist’s gift as both a humorist and storyteller is brilliantly conveyed in these murals through colorful anthropomorphic imagery, captivating an audience of any age or background, and are still as relevant today as when he first created them in his local studio 84 years ago,” said Paula Trotter of Trotter Galleries.

Mora (1876-1947) was an artist-historian, sculptor, painter, photographer, illustrator, muralist and author who has been called the "Renaissance Man of the West." Born in Uruguay, Mora and his family moved to Carmel in 1921, where he created the monumental bronze and travertine sarcophagus and altar for Father Junípero Serra that was placed in the Carmel Mission Basilica. A prolific artist, Mora’s sculptures, illustrations, watercolors and etchings were frequently exhibited across the United States. Starting in 1937, Mora wrote and illustrated a number of children's books about the West.

“Somewhere Jo Mora must have been smiling when four years ago one of his Fable murals was selected to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Monterey County Fair,” said Trotter. “Once again, as Jo always intended, we are all smiling as another of his Fable murals was selected and specially titled ‘Fiesta’ for this year’s theme for the 2020 Monterey County Fair.”

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or go to www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Santa Cruz Author’s Visually Stunning yet Practical ‘Posy Book’ the Perfect Holiday Stocking Stuffer

Gifting flowers conveys emotions and messages that can’t always be articulated in words.

Santa Cruz, CA, October 17, 2019 - Gifting flowers conveys emotions and messages that can’t always be articulated in words. Santa Cruz author Teresa Sabankaya helps translate those feelings for us in “The Posy Book: Garden-Inspired Bouquets that Tell a Story.”

Just in time for the holidays, this inspiring book — a perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer — shows readers how to communicate exactly the right sentiment with exactly the right flower.

Inspired by the Victorian-era language of flowers, a posy is a small circular gathering of flowers, plants and herbs chosen to communicate a particular emotion or sentiment.

Sabankaya provides detailed recipes for posies for a variety of sentiments. Thanks to her step-by-step instructions, you’ll have the confidence to make your own personalized arrangement. Make someone feel like a queen for a day with a posy made with calla lily and gardenias (which convey magnificent beauty and feminine charm). Or let that certain bestie know that you’ll be friends to the end with oak-leaf geraniums and mint. The sentiments are endless.

In the book’s foreword, New York Times best-selling author Amy Stewart writes: “Teresa has woven her wisdom, spirit, and artistry into this beautiful book. In these pages you’ll see that anyone can make a posy. Like a favorite recipe, it’s meant to be savored and shared.”

Purchase the book directly through the author’s website at www.teresasabankaya.com, or find it at local bookstores or online through Amazon.

About the author
A pioneer of the slow flower movement, Teresa Sabankaya runs the Bonny Doon Garden Company in Santa Cruz. She was featured in Michael Pollan’s PBS documentary “The Botany of Desire,” and has appeared on CBS News Sunday Morning. Her work has been featured in Elle magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and many bridal magazines.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.teresasabankaya.com

Carmel’s Yeast of Eden Wins Bronze Medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival®

Saison Apotheca recognized for brewing excellence at world’s largest commercial beer competition

Boulder, CO, October 16, 2019 - Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Yeast of Eden was awarded a medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, the world’s largest commercial beer competition. The GABF, presented by the Brewers Association, recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded on October 5 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, in 107 beer categories covering 174 different beer styles (including all subcategories), establishing the best examples of each style in the country.

L-R Co-owners J.C. & Melanie Hill, Party Wave Dave, & GABF Founder Charlie Papazian.

Yeast of Eden was recognized with a bronze medal in the highly competitive Belgian-style Sour category among 91 other entries beer-style category for Saison Apotheca, a farmhouse-style ale brewed with California-grown malts, a blend of Belgian yeast, and a touch of native microflora to create acidity and highlight the terroir of

Monterey county. Considered a “mixed fermentation” beer, Yeast of Eden also brews ales and lagers of many styles, including IPA & Pilsner, but also curates rotating guest beers from some of California’s best.

Yeast of Eden’s sister brewery Alvarado Street in Monterey also received some hardware at this year’s GABF, taking Gold in Imperial IPA for Double Cone, and Bronze in Contemporary American Pilsner for Citraveza.

“What a weekend for our three breweries,” said Co-owner J.C. Hill. “This type of recognition you can only dream about, and it shows how hard our team works to execute these beers. Hats off to our pub brewers, Salinas production team, and the brew staff at Yeast of Eden. Big day for beers crafted right here in Monterey county!”

In the 33rd edition of the GABF competition, 9,497 entries were submitted to the general competition, along with 113 Pro-Am and 70 Collaboration entries. The beer was made by 2,295 breweries from across the nation, with entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Judging took place over the course of three days, with an international panel of 322 judges from 18 countries.

“This year’s GABF competition was the largest and most competitive to date,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “The beers and talent were as impressive as ever, and I’m thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners for their achievements in brewing.”

For more GABF competition information, including the 2019 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com

Alvarado Street Brewery Wins Multiple Medals at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival®

Double Cone & Citraveza recognized for brewing excellence at world’s largest commercial beer competition

Boulder, CO, October 16, 2019 - Alvarado Street Brewery was awarded gold & bronze medals at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, the world’s largest commercial beer competition. The GABF, presented by the Brewers Association, recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded on October 5 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, in 107 beer categories covering 174 different beer styles (including all subcategories), establishing the best examples of each style in the country.

Alvarado Street was recognized with a Gold Medal in the highly competitive Imperial IPA category among 173 other entries beer-style category for Double Cone, a Double IPA that the team has been brewing since 2014. Named after Double Cone peak in Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness, the name also relates to copious amounts of hop cones used throughout the brewing process, which include Mosaic, Citra & Strata varieties. Double Cone also took top honors at a side competition in Denver called the Alpha King Challenge, which has been running for over 20 years and matches up the industry’s top double India Pale Ales. Double Cone was awarded first place out of 160 entries to earn Alvarado Street the title of the 2019 Alpha King Champion.

Additionally, Alvarado was awarded a Bronze Medal in the Contemporary American-style Pilsner category for “Citraveza”, a Citra-hopped West Coast-style lager. Citraveza was a homebrew recipe of Co-owner J.C. Hill that dated back to 2011, and was even brewed for his wedding in 2013. Having his wife, Melanie, up on stage this year at GABF to collect the award was a special experience, said Hill.

Alvarado Street’s sister brewery Yeast of Eden in Carmel-by-the-Sea also received some hardware at this year’s GABF, taking Bronze in the Belgian-style Sour category for Saison Apotheca.

L-R Co-owners J.C. & Melanie Hill, Party Wave Dave, & GABF Founder Charlie Papazian.

“What a weekend for our three breweries,” said Co-owner J.C. Hill. “This type of recognition you can only dream about, and it shows how hard our team works to execute these beers. Hats off to our pub brewers, Salinas production team, and the brew staff at Yeast of Eden. Big day for beers crafted right here in Monterey county!”

In the 33rd edition of the GABF competition, 9,497 entries were submitted to the general competition, along with 113 Pro-Am and 70 Collaboration entries. The beer was made by 2,295 breweries from across the nation, with entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Judging took place over the course of three days, with an international panel of 322 judges from 18 countries.

“This year’s GABF competition was the largest and most competitive to date,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “The beers and talent were as impressive as ever, and I’m thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners for their achievements in brewing.”

For more GABF competition information, including the 2019 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com

Enjoy the splendors of the Rhine and Moselle wine regions during an epic cruise with De Tierra Vineyards

Book 7-day European trip by Oct. 31 and get $750/per person savings

Carmel, CA, October 15, 2019 — Dan McDonnal and Alix Bosch share a love for wine, adventure and travel, and want to enjoy all three with like-minded friends during an epic river cruise next April.

Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys with the owners of De Tierra Vineyards, a boutique winery in Monterey County.

Book your cabin before Oct. 31, and receive an exclusive $750 per person savings.

The seven-day cruise aboard AMAWaterways sets sail from Luxembourg on April 2, 2020, stopping in the winemaking villages in the wine-growing region of Bernkastel, where you’ll learn about legendary Bernkasteler Doctor and Rüdesheim vineyards. Then it’s off to Cologne, Germany, for a taste of the city’s famous Kölsch beer. Complete your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s canals.

Reservations made through MillenniuM Travel ensure participation in all De Tierra Vineyards’ events aboard — and ensure $750 in savings.

The cruise includes 7-night luxury accommodation (April 2-9) in an outside stateroom, with on-demand entertainment, free high-speed internet, music library and television and mini-fridge.

An array of ship amenities include: Wellness host leading various exercise classes and relaxation techniques;

personalized service from a highly trained cruise manager during both cruise and land programs; sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track; fitness room, massage services and hair salon; main lounge with panoramic views and bar; and daily entertainment.

Dan and Alix will prove to be perfect hosts for such an adventure, each having logged countless miles visiting various countries and experiencing new cultures. Alix has lived in both Germany and France and is fluent in both languages. Through their various journeys, they’ve developed a love of wine and especially enjoy finding small boutique wineries and rare or unusual varietals from around the world.

To make a reservation, contact MillenniuM Travel at (831) 659-0151 or email cruises@MmMmTravel.com.

About De Tierra Vineyards
De Tierra Vineyards began in 1998 as an organic grape-growing operation on The Russell Vineyard in the area John Steinbeck wrote about in his book “Pastures of Heaven,” and today thrives as an artisanal brand with distribution in more than 20 states. De Tierra produces nine single varietals and three red blends. The Russell Vineyard grows five varietals — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Cabernet Franc. De Tierra also sources additional varietals from other high-quality vineyards in Monterey County and beyond. De Tierra’s mission is to make handcrafted, premium wines using the best fruit. Visit De Tierra’s tasting room at Mission and Fifth in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Information: 622.9704, www.detierra.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.detierra.com

Cinq Mondes Spa in Carmel Will Host a ‘No-Tox & Bubbles’ Party Nov. 7, 2019, to Get Ready for the Holidays

Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel, the French cosmetic company's flagship location in the U.S., will get ready for the holidays by hosting a No-Tox & Bubbles Party on November 7, 2019, at the spa in Carmel.

Carmel, CA, October 15, 2019 — Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel, the French cosmetic company's flagship location in the U.S., will get ready for the holidays by hosting a No-Tox & Bubbles Party on November 7, 2019, at the spa in Carmel.

The festive event, from 5:30–7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, will feature non-toxic skin treatments by homeopathic doctor Dr. Rozlynn Trotter, HD, as well as Prosecco, light hors d'oeuvres and makeup applications by Nicole.

Dr. Trotter is a leader in women’s health, drawing on many years of experience in integrative and functional medicine, nutrition, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Vega biofeedback. As a Homeopathic doctor, Dr. Trotter brings both insight and compassion to individuals seeking vitality and optimum health.

Dr. Trotter is owner of Crossroads Health and Beauty in Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel, located at 118 Crossroad Blvd., The Crossroads, in Carmel. Dr. Trotter offers a number of services, including custom therapeutic injections (such as B12, energy and anti-aging boosters), cutting-edge facial rejuvenation, non-surgical face and neck lifts, décolleté and hands, exosomes (stem cells), microneedling, scar and stretch mark removal, detox, nutrition, homeopathy and emotional healing.

“Skin undergoes physiological changes as a consequence of the aging process.

There are two types of skin aging, intrinsic and extrinsic aging,” says Dr. Trotter. “Intrinsic aging is genetically determined, meaning it’s inevitable as time passes. Epigenetic changes and post-translational mechanisms are more important pathways of intrinsic aging rather than genetic influences. How the genes are expressed.

“Extrinsic aging occurs by external factors such as smoking, air pollution, unbalanced nutrition, UV exposure known as photo aging,” she adds. “Photo aging being the most visibly damaging to skin aging causing irregular pigmentation, dryness, sallowness, roughness, premalignant lesions and skin cancer. Intrinsic skin aging is characterized by a loss of elasticity and fine wrinkles rather than deep wrinkles due to photo aging.

“I am excited to tell you that you can now regenerate your skin naturally and non-surgically with exosomes,” says Dr. Trotter. “These powerful messengers derived from stem cells dramatically improve the quality and texture of all skin types. Formulated using dermal fibroblast exosomes, growth factors, micro RNA, proteins and peptides to restore both the youthful contour and shape of the face as well as improve skin quality, tightness, and color irregularities caused by the extrinsic and intrinsic aging.

“It works with topical application and/or intradermal injections of exosomes.

Tissue abrasion using micro-needling stimulates a wound-healing response. Delivering the exosomes in the micro-channels to the skin aid in the production of collagen, elastin, and regenerates the aging skin restoring the skin to a youthful appearance.

“Intradermal injections of exosomes are a natural alternative for Botox. Our future of aesthetics is stem cells. Plastics, fillers and toxic injections are being replaced with natural human dermal derived stem cells. Come and experience the future of skin care.”

For more information about the event, call (831) 625-4410.

About Dr. Rozlynn Trotter
Dr. Rozlynn Trotter, HD, is a leader in women’s health, drawing on many years of experience in integrative and functional medicine, nutrition, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Vega biofeedback. As a Homeopathic doctor, Rozlynn brings both insight and compassion to individuals seeking vitality and optimum health.

Dr. Trotter received a degree in Holistic Health and Asian Bodywork from the American University of Complimentary Medicine and is a licensed Doctor of Homeopathy registered by the Homeopathic Medical Council of Canada. And had a research position with the Thyroid and Adrenal Institute in Scottsdale, AZ.

While living in California, Dr. Trotter apprenticed with Dr. Michael Galitzer, MD, a nationally recognized expert in anti-aging medicine and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Galitzer is featured in Suzanne Somers’ books “Breakthrough” and “Knockout” and author of Outstanding Health. She then went on to take a post as a Homeopathic Practitioner at the renowned Hall Center in Santa Monica, California, working closely with founder Dr. Prudence Hall, MD. There, she developed a Department of Homeopathy which included thyroid testing and a dispensary.

After studying and working in the United States for 11 years, Dr. Trotter saw a need to bring her knowledge to Canada and returned to her hometown of Toronto, where she became the Founder and President of Thyroid Health Canada. She was also a member of the Board of Directors at the Toronto Western Hospital for the Artist Health Alliance.

Dr. Trotter opened Crossroads Health & Beauty in 2018, joining the team at Cinq Mondes Spa Carmel, where she administers custom therapeutic injections (such as B12, energy and anti-aging boosters). She practices homeopathy, nutrition, detox and performs the cutting-edge facial rejuvenation, exosomes (stem cells), microneedling, scar and stretch-mark removal.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.cinqmondesspacarmel.com/

Advanced planning required to Reserve Holiday party space at Landmark Beach House at Lovers Point

Many of us don’t want to even whisper the word “Christmas” until after we’ve carved the Thanksgiving turkey.

Pacific Grove, CA, October 14, 2019 - Many of us don’t want to even whisper the word “Christmas” until after we’ve carved the Thanksgiving turkey.

Understandable. But when it comes to planning a holiday party, booking early is the best present of all. Celebrating the holiday at The Beach House at Lovers Point requires some advanced planning.

This landmark restaurant, with a one-of-a-kind view perched above the sand in Pacific Grove, offers private and semi-private dining areas for groups of 16-35. For reservations call 375-2345.

Enjoy the casual California cuisine in a relaxed setting, featuring a full bar, heated outdoor patio and plenty of window seats.

Don’t forget to make your holiday season “brew-tiful” by visiting Lovers Point Beach Cafe, where you can find rich Italian espresso, Belgian waffles, panini and more. The cafe is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And for those foodies searching for a unique local gift, why not consider one of our special coffee mugs? Or better yet, visit www.beachhousepg.com and purchase an electronic gift card (eGift) to send to any recipient via email or text message. You choose the value and the recipient can use that value to make purchases at The Beach House.

The Beach House is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day to allow its employees to share these special holidays with their families.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.beachhousepg.com

Book a table at Big Fish Grill on the Wharf today to Enjoy some Sea-swept Holiday Spirit Later

Is it too early for tinsel-strewn trees and Christmas carols? Of course it is, but when it comes to holiday parties, it’s prime time to begin planning.

Monterey, CA, October 14, 2019 - Is it too early for tinsel-strewn trees and Christmas carols? Of course it is, but when it comes to holiday parties, it’s prime time to begin planning.

Big Fish Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf encourages those with party plans to get preparations underway sooner rather than later.

Located at the tip of the pier and offering unmatched panoramic views of Monterey Bay, Big Fish Grill offers the freshest seafood served in a casual-California ambiance. Book your table today to enjoy some sea-swept holiday spirit later.

When it comes to gift-giving, Big Fish Grill has you covered with its unique electronic gift card (eGift) system. Go to www.bigfishgrillmonterey.com and send an eGift to any recipient via email or text message. You choose the value and the recipient can use that value to make purchases at Big Fish Grill.

During the holiday season, Big Fish Grill is open for Thanksgiving, but closed on Christmas Day to allow its employees to share it with their families.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigfishgrillmonterey.com

Avoid the nightmare before Christmas and book holiday parties early at The Whaling Station

For many, the nightmare before Christmas surrounds the early run-up to the holiday.

Monterey, CA, October 13, 2019 — For many, the nightmare before Christmas surrounds the early run-up to the holiday. But The Whaling Station on Cannery Row believes the real nightmare is waiting too long to secure space for your holiday party.

Plan your holiday soiree early, and get the best seat in the house at Monterey County’s No. 1 steakhouse for more than 40 years. The Whaling Station offers private and semi-private dining areas for groups of 8 to 50. For reservations call 373-3778.

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, the fallback is always a gift card, and The Whaling Station has you covered with its unique electronic gift card (eGift) system. Go to www.thewhalingstation.com and send an eGift to any favorite foodie via email or text message. You choose the value and the recipient can use that value to make purchases at Monterey’s iconic steakhouse.

During the holiday season, The Whaling Station is open for Thanksgiving, but closed on Christmas Day to allow its employees to enjoy the festivities with their families.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.thewhalingstation.com

Abalonetti Bar & Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf the Perfect place for Holiday parties and Gift finds

It's a debate that rages every year when summer ends and the leaves begin to fall: When are we allowed to start thinking about Christmas?

Monterey, CA, October 12, 2019 — It's a debate that rages every year when summer ends and the leaves begin to fall: When are we allowed to start thinking about Christmas?

Abalonetti Bar & Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf believes it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit, especially when it comes to party planning.

Whether some of us are ready to accept it or not, December is right around the corner. Plan your holiday parties early, and get the best seat in the house at Monterey’s favorite seafood restaurant since 1951.

And for those foodies searching for the perfect gift, Abalonetti has you covered. Abalonetti specializes in Monterey Bay calamari — dressed in house daily and prepared in a dozen varieties, including its exclusive Buffalo Calamari. So how about one of the restaurant’s famous Got Squid? T-shirts?

Or perhaps consider buying someone special Abalonetti’s vintage The Joy of Cooking Squid poster, complete with diagrams and instructions on how to properly clean this famous, fast-swimming, elongated cephalopod with eight arms and two tentacles.

The holiday gift-giving fallback is always a gift card, and Abalonetti has you covered with its unique electronic gift card (eGift) system. Go to www.abalonetti.com and send an eGift to any recipient via email or text message. You choose the value and the recipient can use that value to make purchases at Abalonetti Bar and Grill.

During the holiday season, Abalonetti is open for Thanksgiving, but closed on Christmas Day to allow its employees to enjoy the festivities with their families.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.abalonetti.com

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa ranked Top 25 in Northern California by Condé Nast Traveler readers

Each year more than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the world rank their favorite experiences as part of the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine’s global Readers’ Choice Awards list.

Monterey, CA, October 10, 2019 - Each year more than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the world rank their favorite experiences as part of the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine’s global Readers’ Choice Awards list.

Results of the 2019 survey released Monday, Oct. 7, saw Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa ranked No. 21 in the category “Top 25 Hotels in Northern California.”

For the first time since its brand reorganization, Condé Nast Traveler combined the annual surveys in the United States and United Kingdom into one global list. The final rankings were announced globally online, and will also be highlighted in the November 2019 US and UK print editions of Condé Nast Traveler.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
Nestled within 22 acres of majestic Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course provides the most discerning traveler with the quintessential Monterey experience. The property features 550 guestrooms, including 27 suites with expanded living areas, a spa, fitness center, pools, tennis courts and access to Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-regency-monterey-hotel-and-spa-on-del-monte-golf-course/mrydm

Goodwill Central Coast Stores to Match Donations during Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Campaign

What if the cookie was not only delicious but part of a sweet fundraising campaign that aims to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer?

Salinas, CA, October 08, 2019 - How much would you pay for a cookie? What if the cookie was not only delicious but part of a sweet fundraising campaign that aims to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer?

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, all Goodwill Central Coast stores will be offering delicious treats from Pacific Cookie Company — with all proceeds supporting Cookies for Kids' Cancer. You can choose your donation amount for a cookie, and Goodwill will match it!

Tragically, cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in children by disease in the United States. There are 40,000 U.S. children actively battling cancer right now. With less than 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute's budget going to all childhood cancers combined, donations are critical in making a difference for these kids.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation online, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/Fundraiser/goodwillcentralcoast

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Yeast of Eden welcomes Autumn with Seasonal Brews, Cocktails and a new Food Menu Launching Oct. 11

Rarely is the end of summer celebrated, but Yeast of Eden in Carmel is brewing up excitement around the flavors of fall — making the shorter days and chillier air more tolerable.

Carmel, CA, October 08, 2019 - Rarely is the end of summer celebrated, but Yeast of Eden in Carmel is brewing up excitement around the flavors of fall — making the shorter days and chillier air more tolerable.

It begins in the barrel room with head brewer Andrew Rose, who named his latest creation Astral Seasons, a mixed-fermentation saison conditioned with local Blenheim apricots from B&R Farms in Hollister.

The beer’s dry, effervescent finish brings mango and earthy notes intertwined with bursts of apricot. In addition to the 18 Yeast of Eden beers currently on tap, Yeast of Eden offers a local wine list and full bar with a rotation of seasonal cocktails.

The latest libation, called Binding Arbitration, is a smooth and slightly bitter bourbon cocktail featuring Cynar (an Italian bitter liqueur), Yellow Chartreuse (an herbal liqueur first produced by French monks) and lemon, shaken and served up. The new Spiced Island Cream tastes like fall in a glass, featuring a combination of spiced rum, coconut milk, cinnamon and egg white, served up with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

While the Yeast of Eden bar finds inspiration in the changing seasons, chef Florencio Cruz is set to launch his new fall menu on Friday, Oct. 11. Seasonal dishes include: roasted butternut squash soup with crème fraiche, chives and toasted pepita seeds; and a refreshing fall salad with mixed greens, kale, quinoa, apples, butternut squash, goat cheese and an apple cider vinaigrette. Guests can make dishes even heartier by adding chicken or the fresh catch of the day atop any salad.

For dessert, the Yeast of Eden kitchen puts a vibrant twist on a classic chocolate mousse with the addition of ginger mascarpone and yuzu gelée.

About Yeast of Eden
Our brewery-restaurant opened in December 2018 in the south wing of the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. The brewpub features 120 seats inside and 40 seats in an outdoor courtyard patio, all in a hip, contemporary design aesthetic. The menu features global, street-food inspired cuisine to pair with the crisp, effervescent open-fermented beers made on-site. For more visit http://www.yoebeer.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.yoebeer.com

Big Sur Health Center Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary at Annual Big Sur Health Fair, Set for Oct. 8, 2019

The Big Sur Health Center’s Health Fair has been held for almost 20 years, but this year’s event, set for Oct. 8, takes on a little more significance.

Big Sur, CA, October 02, 2019 — The Big Sur Health Center’s Health Fair has been held for almost 20 years, but this year’s event, set for Oct. 8, takes on a little more significance.

In addition to free flu shots, counseling, a free barbecue, live music and more, the non-profit Health Center will be celebrating its 40th anniversary at the popular event, which is set for noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, on the grounds of the center at 46896 Highway 1, in Big Sur.

The fair will also offer free blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar screening through Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), free counseling services by BSHC medical providers and nutritionists from CHOMP who can answer questions about diet, lifestyle and weight. The cholesterol and blood sugar screenings are done through a simple finger-stick and results will be available instantaneously.

At 2 p.m., speakers from foundations that support the center (Community Foundation for Monterey County, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and the Harden Foundation), CHOMP President/CEO Dr. Steven Packer, and some of our elected officials will celebrate the 40th anniversary during a short program.

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself; it’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years. I wish I had kept a diary. There have been so many bumps in the road, but we’ve weathered them all,” said Sharen Carey, executive director of BSHC, who has been involved with the center in various capacities since 1985. “It’s been such a joy to see it grow from the early days to what it is now, being open five days a week and so busy it’s hard to keep up. We have a wonderful professional staff and the great support of our board of directors.”

The Health Fair had initially been founded to serve and inform the local workforce, but it has grown to be a cherished community event.

“We targeted local businesses because we want to keep our workforce healthy, but the health fair is open to everyone,” says Carey. “We’ve even had tourists who dropped by and were thrilled to participate. It’s always a wonderful way for community members to get together. It feels like a reunion and gives us time to visit with our neighbors and friends.”

There will be a free organic barbecue for lunch, music by Monterey Peninsula musician Rick Chelew, as well as a Children’s Corner with books, toys and games. It’s a fun and lively event, but the fair is all about early prevention of health problems.

“We’re all about prevention, that’s what the Health Fair is all about,” says Carey.

As the Health Center celebrates its 40th year, Carey says she’s encouraged about the future of the center.

“The Health Center, by all standards, should have gone out of business a long time ago,” she says. “The statistics say that you need 5,000 people for one health provider, and our community is 1,600, with about 300-400 who come from the Peninsula. So we’ve overcome those statistics through the generosity of our foundations and many donors.

“We used to have a receptionist who would say to me, when we would have a problem, ‘Sharen, it’s OK, the Health Center has a life of its own.’ It’s been my mantra ever since.”

For more information on the Health Fair, call (831) 667-2580.

About Big Sur Health Center
BSHC was founded in September 1979, through a local, grass-roots effort, to meet the needs of this rural community through its mission to provide quality comprehensive medical care to all in Big Sur regardless of ability to pay. In 1985, BSHC became a 501(c)(3) corporation with a volunteer Board of Directors. That same year BSHC relocated from the Big Sur Grange Hall to the grounds of the All Saints Episcopal Church of Carmel, 1/8 mile south of the Big Sur River Inn.

Ultimately, through a community-wide fundraising and development effort by BSHC and volunteer members of the Big Sur community, along with financial support from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and other foundations, we opened a new 2,100 sq. ft. medical facility in November 2004 to replace an aging building that we had long-past outgrown.

The presence of BSHC is crucial to the welfare of the Big Sur Community. As the only medical facility between the Monterey Peninsula (30 miles to the north) and Cambria (70 miles to the south), BSHC plays a vital role in the local community, serving the health care needs of the population by providing local, culturally and linguistically appropriate, affordable, quality medical care.

The hazardous coastline of Big Sur, combined with extreme weather conditions, road closures and frequent large-scale fires, underscores the critical need for the local presence of BSHC. Our centrally located facility is easily accessible to residents and tourists with urgent care needs. During road closures and other community disasters, BSHC provides 24-hour-on-call service, home welfare visits, medication service (at times, via helicopter transport) and coordination with local emergency teams.

From the early days at the Grange Hall, providing basic first aid, BSHC has developed into a busy family practice with over 1,200 patient visits annually.

Big Sur Health Center
46896 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 , .m. & 2:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 831-667-2580
bigsurhealthcenter.org

About Sharen Carey, PA-C
Executive Director, Physician Assistant
Sharen started her career as a laboratory technician for Dr. Jonas Salk at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. She became a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist in 1969, working at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco for 2 years, followed by 7 years in immunology and cancer research at the University of California at San Diego. With a keen interest in medicine, Sharen returned to school at the University of Southern California where she completed her Family Practice training in 1981. She has been a Physician Assistant at the Big Sur Health Center since 1987. In 2005 Sharen received the Outstanding Service Award from the California Academy of Physician Assistants. In 2006, she was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Women of Monterey County. Sharen was Administrator of the Big Sur Health Center from 1990-1994 and 1998-2008. She became the center’s first Executive Director following a strategic plan update and reorganization in early 2008. Sharen is a member of the California Academy of Physician Assistants and she is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurhealthcenter.org

Monterey Symphony Opens 74th Season Ovation Oct. 19-20 2019, With Works By Berlioz, Dvořák and Featuring Violinist and Concertmaster Christina Mok

The Monterey Symphony opens its 74th season Ovation on Oct. 19 and 20, 2019, with a party and concert at Sunset Center in Carmel.

Monterey, CA, September 30, 2019 — The Monterey Symphony opens its 74th season Ovation on Oct. 19 and 20, 2019, with a party and concert at Sunset Center in Carmel.

Celebrate the start of the 74th season with a sparkling, celestial party on the lower Terrace of the Sunset Center Saturday evening. Get in the mood for a season of Ovation with aerial artistry by Erin Jane, decadent desserts by Parker Lusseau and delicious local wines from Chalone Vineyards. Opening Night Party admission is included with all Saturday night tickets.

The season opens with Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9 by Hector Berlioz, Antonín Dvořák's Romance, Op.11 for violin and orchestra, featuring Concertmaster Christina Mok, and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Romance, a delightful, single-movement work, was commissioned to serve as an annual musical tradition for the Provisional Theatre Orchestra in Prague. Based on a theme from the second movement of his fifth string quartet, Romance is a lovely interplay between the violinist and the orchestra. Other iterations of the melody were presented in his later works — it was an obvious favorite of Dvořák's!

Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, Op.14 takes the mercurial, and often tragic, life of an artist and sets it to music. The title underlines not only the fantastic musical fireworks that take place on stage, but also a fantasy Berlioz was demonstrating. Written as an homage to unrequited love—the result of too many unanswered love letters — Berlioz uses the voices of the instruments to explain his emotions. The work travels through the artist's life, culminating in his own funeral in the wildly intense final movement.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019.

There will be pre-concert lectures in the Hall of Sunset Center one hour prior to performances.

As part of the Symphony’s opening weekend, there will also be a Preview Luncheon Thursday, Oct. 17 at Los Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley, and the first Sunday Supper Club to celebrate the season opening, Sunday, Oct. 20, at Billy Quon's Sur Restaurant at the Barnyard in Carmel.

The October Preview Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 17, 2019, at Los Laureles Lodge, 313 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. Join the fellow Monterey Symphony fans for a Preview Luncheon at Los Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley. Support classical music, enjoy great food and company, and enjoy an exclusive concert preview with Max Bragado-Darman and violinist Christina Mok, from the season-opening October concerts. Welcome reception at 11:30, lunch at noon, program at 1 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. RSVP by October 1, 2019. Priority parking available to offer a shorter walk to the venue. Sponsored by Marion Klein, Sally Maggio, and Los Laureles Lodge.

The October Supper Club will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 2019, at SUR Restaurant, 3601 The Barnyard, Carmel. Join the Symphony for the first Sunday Supper Club and celebrate the season opening at Billy Quon's Sur Restaurant at the Barnyard. Cost is $75 per person. RSVP by Oct. 15, 2019

Please contact the box office for availability of season tickets at (831) 646-8511. For more information and pricing visit: http://www.montereysymphony.org/concerts-events/subscriptions

About the Monterey Symphony
The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides double performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater, as well as youth education programs that include in-class visits and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for school children.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported through various generous individuals and through grants and corporate gifts from The Arts Council of Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Barnet Segal Charitable Trust, California Arts Council, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Harden Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Music Performance Trust Fund, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment, Taylor Farms, The Yellow Brick Road Foundation and many others.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit the website: www.montereysymphony.org

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Los Gatos-based Custom-home builder Mehus Construction Continues Legacy of Honesty, Integrity and Craftsmanship

LOS GATOS — Since 1975, Mehus Construction has set a standard of quality that is unmatched among Bay Area custom home builders.

Los Gatos, CA, September 29, 2019 — Since 1975, Mehus Construction has set a standard of quality that is unmatched among Bay Area custom home builders.

It began with a clear vision from founder Paul Mehus, who believed in building strong relationships with clients and running his business like a family. That collaborative approach has led to a stunning, visual résumé of custom homes across the Bay Area landscape.

Paul Mehus passed away in May of 2019, but his legacy of honesty, integrity and craftsmanship never wavered following his retirement in 2011.

Aaron Ewing became president of the company that year, furthering Mehus’ proven business model — building impeccable custom homes with integrity and transparency, while creating lasting relationships along the way.

Ewing literally learned the business from the ground up, starting at Mehus on the demolition crew in 1991. Ewing quickly transitioned into other roles, including carpentry, painting, project estimating and, ultimately project management. During these transitions, his field skills were enhanced by construction management studies at San Jose State University.

Ewing’s advancement to company president also brought current VP Fernando DaCosta into the fold. He joined the team in 2011 as a project manager, developing strong relationships with subcontractors and homeowners. The son of a real estate developer, DaCosta grew up in Southern California helping his father flip homes as part of the demo crew. “My dad taught me to work through challenges and do things right,” DaCosta notes.

A former member of a U.S. Navy search-and-rescue team and later “hot shot” helicopter crew member for the U.S. Forest Service, DaCosta embraces the importance of teamwork and family. His role as VP and business partner involves business development, quality control and “connecting with people.”

Together, Ewing and DaCosta have assembled and nurtured a team of professionals that maintain a strict standard of quality and craftsmanship. It involves a relentless pursuit of perfection, a healthy respect for communication and a vow to earn and preserve every client’s trust.

The Mehus way.

Find out more at www.mehus.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.mehus.com

From Films and Lectures to Hands-on activities, PG Museum of Natural History rounds out 2019

As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

Pacific Grove, CA, September 25, 2019 - As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

This mission reshapes the typical museum experience, while creating a busy calendar to pique anyone’s interest.

The following schedule completes the 2019 calendar:

What: Science Saturday — The Sounds of Science
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

From rabbit ears to bat echolocation, from owls in flight to dolphin sonar, the sense of hearing and the power of sound plays an important role in the natural world and how we study it. This free event allows participants to learn, make cool crafts and play fun games all about the science of sounds.


What: Junior Naturalist — Raptors
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Visit the newly renovated Museum Bird Gallery and join Antonio Balesteri of Sky Patrol for an hour of feathery fun learning about the birds of prey of Monterey County.


What: Museum’s Annual Gala
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us in celebrating the Wonder of the Museum at the annual gala, featuring local wineries (McIntyre Vineyards, Flywheel Wines, Morgan Winery, Blair Wines, Twisted Roots), breweries (Carmel Craft Brewing Company & Martha’s Hopyard) and restaurants (Beach House at Lovers Point, Lugano Swiss Bistro, La Balena, il grillo, TusCA Hyatt Regency Monterey, California Market at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, and Parker Lusseau), a silent auction, drawings and music from DJ Steb Montez.


What: How to Create a Butterfly Nectar Garden
When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

During Butterfly Days, join the museum and gardener Katie to learn how to create the type of nectar gardens that will attract monarchs near an overwintering site like the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. We’ll build a nectar garden together while we learn about the best types of native nectar plants to use in your own personal garden, and about the monarchs that could visit it.


What: Master Gardeners Demonstration Series
When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

Join the Monterey Bay Chapter of the University of California Master Gardeners as we launch a new monthly demonstration series. These events kick off with Master Gardeners demonstrating the science of pruning. Guests will learn best practices and walk away with a new skill set to keep their own personal gardens thriving.


What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Sea Otters: A Parasite’s New Host
When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The southern sea otter population faces increasing challenges to survival. One of the largest obstacles otters face is a disease caused by the thorny-headed worm, a parasite known by scientists as an acanthocephalan. This talk features Richard Grewelle, PhD candidate at Hopkins Marine Station, who will discuss his current research.


What: Science Saturday — Bats, Spiders and Snakes
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us at this free event as we slither into the magical world of bats, spiders and snakes. Learn about these amazing (and important) animals as you visit fun and educational stations throughout the museum.


What: Junior Naturalist — Migratory Birds
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Point Pinos, Pacific Grove

Each winter thousands of birds migrate south along the California Coast, and the Monterey Audubon Society’s SeaWatch initiative works to catalog the number and species that travel past our beautiful bay. Paul Fenwick of SeaWatch will join us as we discover more about some of the amazing species that will fill our skies this holiday season.


Saturday, November 9, 2019 Member Event

A Passion for Jade

11am-1pm

Donna Wobber, Monterey Bay Jade Festival board member and wife of the late artist Don Wobber, takes us on his journey through Jade Cove and his incredible art with this alluring stone. Members are invited to join this presentation, where we ‘dive’ into Wobber's legacy of influencing the jade culture, and explain the incredible 2,400 pound jade art piece that resides in our Native Plant Garden. Museum membership required, with 25 spots available.


What: Science Saturday — Magnificent Monarchs
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

View live butterflies up close, migrate like a monarch, and learn how to garden with butterflies in mind. Participants at this free event can help our visiting monarchs by taking home their very own native wildflower pot.


What: Santa at the Museum
When: Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Following Pacific Grove’s Tree Lighting Ceremony held at Jewell Park, walk the family over to the museum for a photo opportunity with Santa. Hosted by Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce.


What: Junior Naturalist — Tide Pool Exploration
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-6 p.m.
Where: 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove

Bring your rubber boots or water shoes as we get into the intertidal with our very own LiMPETS program coordinator Hannah Sarver. We will explore this ecosystem and the fantastic creatures that inhabit it as we learn about sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs and more.

Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. For more information, call 648-5716, or visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

Monterey Estate Planning and Financial Expert to Speak Nov. 5, 2019, at VNA Speakers Series Event in Monterey

Monterey financial expert Liza D. Horvath will be the speaker for Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) speaker series Nov. 5, 2019 at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey.

Monterey, CA, September 24, 2019 — Monterey financial expert Liza D. Horvath will be the speaker for Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) speaker series Nov. 5, 2019 at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey.

Horvath, President, Monterey Trust Management, Private Client Services and an expert in estate planning and trusts, will discuss the topic, “Begin With the End In Mind: Understanding Estate Planning.”

The complimentary event, which includes lunch, will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Tarpy’s Sierra Vintner Rooms, 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Monterey

For more information on the event, contact Tina Del Piero at (831) 648-3734. For more information on Horvath, go to montereytrust.com.

About VNA & Hospice
Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to the community. Well known as community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on-site flu and vaccine services.

As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education.

Our organization provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, connections, diabetic, orthopedic, and palliative care. These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise.

VNA Hospice is a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. A key component to our team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups. Info: ccvna.com or (831) 372-6668.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

Monterey County-Based Balance Physical Therapy Joins Sneaker Drive to Help Create Business Opportunities in Developing Countries

Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

Monterey, CA, September 23, 2019 — Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

The sneaker drive is being held in conjunction with Tri-State Physical Therapy Conference, PT Day of Service (Oct. 12) and Be the Rippl, an organization that collects new and used shoes to create sustainable job opportunities, creating inventory for family businesses and merchants in developing countries to improve and build sustainable business opportunities and help impoverished, underserved, and third world communities prosper.

Shoes can be dropped off at both Balance PT locations, 2260 N. Fremont St., in Monterey, and 143 John St., in Salinas. These include:

>Tennis shoes, athletic shoes, including cleats.

​>Converse brand (only type of canvas that works as a "sneaker").

​>Men's, women's and children sizes.

>Gently worn, no holes or tears.

>No dress shoes, canvas shoes, boots, or flip flops.

Rippl collects these shoes in partnership with Soles4Souls, which processes the shoes for partners such as the Haitian American Caucus. These partners distribute them for wholesale to merchants in developing areas. Shoes are sold locally in open-air markets. The business empowers others and stimulate the local economy. Then comes the so-called “Rippl Effect,” which lifts communities out of poverty by creating sustainable opportunities.

PT Day of Service, Oct. 12, is an annual event that is geared toward having PTs, PTAs, and students across the world engage in outreach and connect with their communities.

For more information on Rippl and its shoe drive, go to betherippl.com.

About PT Day of Service
In February of 2012 while serving as a health volunteer in Peru, PT Day of Service (PTDOS) Co-Founder, Efosa Guobadia, had this bold and inspirational idea “What if, on the same day, clinicians, students and associated staff of the Physical Therapy profession volunteered in different communities around the world?” Efosa then sought out his colleague, Josh D’Angelo (PTDOS Co-Founder), who describes his immediate response to this initiative. “I had a visceral response, one that told me this is something we not only should do, but something we need to do; a chance for the profession to show what we can do when we all work together.”

Since its inception PTDOS has grown exponential with service projects occurring each year in countries all over the world, and in all 50 states across the United States. To our knowledge, PTDOS is the first global Day of Service coordinated by a whole profession. It gives us the chance to lead and serve at the same time.

Alongside the growth of PTDOS has been the development our parent non-profit organization, Move Together. Move Together’s mission is to increase access to quality rehabilitation medicine around the corner and around the world. Move Together aims to achieve this by increasing the quality and quantity of physical therapy clinics worldwide, empowering clinicians, and catalyzing servant leaders. PT Day of Service directly contributes to Move Togethers goals by empowering leaders with a platform to serve, providing mentorship to those interested in creating sustainable service projects in their area, and providing the opportunity to financially contribute through sponsorships. ptdayofservice.com.

ABOUT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY®
Founded in June 2002, by Dr. John Farahmand, who grew up in the Salinas Valley and attended local schools, Balance Physical Therapy® and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy® achieves that goal by the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise, and patient education, forming a team with its patients that is committed to returning them to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Farahmand graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

In addition to Dr. Farahmand, there are 12 physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy®, all tops in their field. All of the physical therapists are committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

In order to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, all of the physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community.

Balance Physical Therapy now has two locations, in Monterey and in Salinas, to better serve the community’s needs.

Balance Physical Therapy Monterey
2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940
831-372-4782
monica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Salinas
143 John St., Salinas, CA 93901
831-422-4782
jessica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com

Monterey Symphony Announces Four Finalists for Conductor Search

With the departure of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman at the end of the 2019-2020 OVATION season, the Monterey Symphony’s search for a replacement has yielded four strong candidates with impressive credentials.

Monterey, CA, September 20, 2019 — With the departure of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman at the end of the 2019-2020 OVATION season, the Monterey Symphony’s search for a replacement has yielded four strong candidates with impressive credentials.

The finalists include Donato Cabrera, the Music Director of the California Symphony and the Las Vegas Philharmonic; Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cape Symphony; Jayce Ogren, who has conducted many of the world’s most prominent orchestras, including the Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and the Dallas and San Francisco Symphonies; and Peter Bay, the primary conductor for the Austin Symphony and Ballet Austin who has appeared with 75 different orchestras from Chicago and St. Louis to Germany and Austria. (For more detailed bios, see below.)

“A Music Director search gives an organization time to reflect on its roots, and where it would like to go artistically. We have a fabulous search committee with a shared philosophy. Now that we have named the finalists, we can devote all our attention to celebrating Max and his tremendous legacy,” said Nicola Reilly, the Symphony’s Executive Director.

Bragado-Darman announced in 2018 that he would leave his position as the music director and conductor in May 2020 to give time for the Symphony to find his successor. He was hired as the symphony's full-time music director in July 2004, after appearing with the orchestra as a frequent guest conductor in the 1990s.

"I am humbled and honored to have served the Monterey Symphony for so many years," he told the Monterey Herald in 2018 when announcing his departure. "Both Mary and I feel that Monterey is like a second home to us. I am deeply proud of this orchestra and consider it an absolute gem. The next two seasons, which are already planned, will be joyous for the organization."

Support for the Music Director search was provided by the Buffett Fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

Finalist bios:

Donato Cabrera - OCTOBER 2020

Donato Cabrera is the Music Director of the California Symphony and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and served as the Resident Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony and the Wattis Foundation Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2009-2016.

Since Cabrera's appointment as Music Director of the California Symphony in 2013, the organization has reached new artistic heights by implementing innovative programming that emphasizes welcoming newcomers and loyalists alike, building on its reputation for championing music by living composers, and committing to programming music by women and people of color. With a recently extended contract through the 2022-23 season, Cabrera continues to advise and oversee the Symphony’s music education programs and community engagement activities. Cabrera has also greatly changed the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s concert experience by expanding the scope and breadth of its orchestral concerts. Cabrera has also reenergized the Youth Concert Series by creating an engaging and interactive curriculum-based concert experience.

In recent seasons, Cabrera has made impressive debuts with the National Symphony’s KC Jukebox at the Kennedy Center, Louisville Orchestra, Hartford Symphony, Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco, New West Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony, and the Reno Philharmonic. In 2016, he led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in performances with Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs. Cabrera made his Carnegie Hall debut leading the world premiere of Mark Grey’s Atash Sorushan with soprano, Jessica Rivera.

Awards and fellowships include a Herbert von Karajan Conducting Fellowship at the Salzburg Festival and conducting the Nashville Symphony in the League of American Orchestra’s prestigious Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview. Donato Cabrera was recognized by the Consulate-General of Mexico in San Francisco as a Luminary of the Friends of Mexico Honorary Committee, for his contributions to promoting and developing the presence of the Mexican community in the Bay Area.

Jung-Ho Pak - NOVEMBER 2020

Described by the New York Times as a conductor who "radiates enthusiasm" and the Los Angeles Times as "a real grabber", Jung-Ho Pak is known for his unique vision of the role of classical music. Since 2007 he has been Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cape Symphony. From 2003-2013, he has been Director of Orchestras and Music Director of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. In 2012, Mr. Pak stepped down after six seasons as Artistic Director and Conductor of Orchestra Nova (San Diego), an orchestra recognized for its innovative programs and business model. Mr. Pak is also Music Director Emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. As Music Director of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (1997-2002), Mr. Pak led the orchestra from bankruptcy to an unprecedented financial success.

As a nationally recognized educator, he served as Music Director with the University of Southern California (USC) Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra. He has also served as Principal Conductor of the Emmy-nominated Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and as Music Director of the Debut Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra, NEXT Chamber Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Orchestra, and Diablo Ballet. Guest conducting has taken him to Europe, Russia, South America and Asia. Mr. Pak is also a frequent speaker on television and radio including TED Talks and NPR appearances, as well as a clinician and conductor at national music festivals.

Jayce Ogren - FEBRUARY 2021

Jayce Ogren has established himself as one of the most innovative and versatile conductors of his generation. From symphonic concerts to revolutionary community service programs to operatic world premieres.

Mr. Ogren is a leader in breaking down barriers between audiences and great music. Mr. Ogren began his career as Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra, a concurrent appointment he held from 2006-2009. In the years since, he has conducted many of the world’s most prominent orchestras, including the BBC Symphony, Boston Symphony, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, the Dallas and San Francisco Symphonies, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, in programs ranging from Mozart to Beethoven through Sibelius and Bernstein, to presenting U.S. and world premieres of works by Steve Mackey and Nico Muhly.

Among the numerous progressive projects Mr. Ogren has conducted are the New York premieres of Leonard Bernstein’s only opera, A Quiet Place, and puppeteer Basil Twist’s The Rite of Spring, both at Lincoln Center; the world premiere of David Lang’s symphony for a broken orchestra, bringing together 400 student, amateur and professional musicians in Philadelphia; and the world premiere of Jack Perla’s Shalimar the Clown at Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

A longtime collaborator of singer/songwriter/composer Rufus Wainwright, Mr. Ogren conducted the 2012 U.S. premiere of his opera Prima Donna at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and led its recording with the BBC Symphony on Deutsche Grammaphon in 2016. Mr. Ogren and Mr. Wainwright have since appeared together throughout the world, with ensembles such as the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, the Orchestre national d’Île-de-France in Paris and the Toronto Symphony.

A devoted educator, Mr. Ogren was invited by renowned poet Paul Muldoon to create an interdisciplinary studio class at Princeton University for the 2017-2018 academic year. He has worked with students at the Brevard Music Center, the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Music Academy of the West and Verbier Festival. In 2016, he presented a unique workshop in orchestral rehearsal techniques for music teachers at Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute and the Juilliard School Pre-College. For his own part, Mr. Ogren earned his Masters in conducting at the New England Conservatory and studied as a Fulbright Scholar with Jorma Panula.

A native of Hoquiam, Washington, Jayce Ogren lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Carly, an architect, and their son, Alistair. An avid athlete, he has run the Big Sur, Boston and New York City marathons, the JFK 50 Miler trail run, and the Ironman Lake Placid triathlon. As an individual member of 1% for the Planet, Mr. Ogren is proud to connect his artistic work with his deep love of nature and concern for the environment.

Peter Bay - MARCH 2021

Maestro Bay has appeared with seventy-five different orchestras including the National, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tucson, West Virginia, Colorado, Hawaii, Sarasota, Fort Worth, Bochum (Germany), Carinthian (Austria), Lithuanian National, and Ecuador National Symphonies, the Minnesota and Algarve (Portugal) Orchestras, the Louisiana, Buffalo, Rhode Island Philharmonics, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Eastman (Postcard from Morocco) and Aspen (The Ballad of Baby Doe) Opera Theaters, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center. Summer music festival appearances have included Aspen and Music in the Mountains (CO), Grant Park and Ravinia (IL), Round Top (TX), OK Mozart (OK) and Skaneateles (NY).

Peter is the primary conductor for Ballet Austin. For Austin Opera he has conducted A Streetcar Named Desire, La Traviata, Turandot, and The Marriage of Figaro.

Other positions held by Bay have included Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Breckenridge Music Festival (CO), Britt Festival Orchestra (OR), and posts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Richmond Symphony. Bay and the ASO with pianist Anton Nel released a critically acclaimed Bridge CD of Edward Burlingame Hill’s music. With the Richmond Symphony he recorded the US premiere of Britten’s The Sword in the Stone for Opus One Records, and with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Voices, featuring the percussion ensemble NEXUS.

In 1994, he was one of two conductors selected to participate in the Leonard Bernstein American Conductors Program. He was the first prize winner of the 1980 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Young Conductors Competition and a prize winner of the 1987 Leopold Stokowski Competition sponsored by the American Symphony Orchestra. In July 2012 he appeared in Solo Symphony, a choreographic work created for him by Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks.

Peter is married to soprano Mela Dailey and they have a son Colin.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.montereysymphony.org/

Wonderwall is a Perfect venue for Holiday Parties, Weddings and Events

Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo.

Sand City, CA, September 19, 2019 - Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo. Located in the Sand City Arts district, Wonderwall has elements of both glamour and industry and serves as a memorable backdrop for holiday parties, weddings, receptions or special gatherings and events. This elegant ambiance offers the perfect setting for photographs as it provides an intimate yet on-trend look and feel. A gathering space that is both spacious and comfortable, Wonderwall has both accessibility and convenient parking.

Facility rentals are available in 2-hour, 5-hour and full-day increments, with custom rental packages available upon request. Book your holiday party by October31st and receive 25% courtesy discount once space is scheduled and deposit is received.

Wonderwall only contracts with licensed caterers to ensure that your event runs smoothly. For questions and availability, please contact flourish@wonderwallhome.com or call (831) 241-4214.

Wonderwall
1714 Contra Costa St., Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 241-4214
Email: studio@www.wonderwall.life
Website: www.wonderwallhome.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
studio@www.wonderwall.life
http://www.wonderwallhome.com

El Pajaro CDC Celebrates 40th anniversary with Tacos & Tapas Fundraising party in Watsonville on Oct. 25

Sponsorships Now Available Event Expands to Three Food Trucks and 22 Food Partners

Watsonville, CA, September 10, 2019 - To celebrate 40 years of helping local entrepreneurs reach their small business dreams, El Pajaro Community Development Corporation is throwing its second Tacos & Tapas fundraising party on Oct. 25 in Watsonville.

The 40th anniversary celebration will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at El Pajaro CDC’s Kitchen Incubator located at 412 East Riverside Drive in Watsonville.

The food-and-drink party will feature 22 food purveyors, all Kitchen Incubator entrepreneurs, including for the first time three food trucks. Purveyors will serve a variety of different regional foods, including tacos, tamales, tapas, sushi, pizza, sausages, pies and tarts, and more. Margaritas and sangria will be offered, in addition to wine and beer.

“It’s a celebration of a very strong legacy of passion for helping the community by supporting entrepreneurship,” said Carmen Herrera-Mansir, executive director of El Pajaro CDC. “We’re grateful for everyone who has played a role in helping us grow during the past four decades.”

A recently updated list of food partners (along with their menus) include:

• Artisan Hand Foods. Handmade sausage (Cumberland sausage, classic and spicy) wrapped in puff pastry. Three pastry snacks — chicken leek, lamb curry and spinach, artichoke and mushroom.
• Borinken Goodies. Traditional Puerto Rican food: Tostones con cerdo (fried plantains topped with roasted pork, avocado aioli and fresh tomatoes); majado de viandas con bacalao (mashed root vegetables with codfish; coquito (traditional drink with coconut milk).
• Cuevas Express Foods. Tamales, chicken in green sauce, pork in red sauce and veggies with jalapeños and cheese, all topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa, and a side of veggie stew.
• Dos Hermanos Pupuseria (food truck). Pupusas: bean and cheese; bean, cheese and pork; and vegetarian (spinach, zucchini and cheese).
• Easypreps. Chicken Thai noodles with peanut sauce, carrots and black sesame seeds; ceviche cocktail, lemon juice, tomatoes, onions and cilantro, garnished with fresh cucumber.
• El Nopalito Produce. Caprese skewers with grilled nopales, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Fired up (food truck). Pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven — margherita, parzola, and chicken with chipotle pesto.
• Hakouya. Sushi roll with cucumber, avocado and imitation crab; tofu pockets stuffed with sushi rice, egg, snow peas and pickled ginger; each served with soy sauce and miso dressing.
• Hiccuping Dragon. Bite-sized, kid-friendly hot dogs: Cheesy Bavarian, Polish dog, all-beef hot dogs with toppings.
• Il Biscotto. Handmade Italian cannoli filled with sweet orange-ricotta cheese.
• Mary's Fruit Tarts. Fresh, homemade crust filled with cream cheese and fresh, seasonal fruit.
• My Mom's Mole. Tacos, handmade blue-corn tortillas with roasted veggies or chicken and mole sauce, verde or traditional.
• Percy's Pies. Gourmet Louisiana-style sweet potato pies — original, ginger snap, coffee liqueur and praline.
• Ronda Paella y Tapas. Offering the real flavor of Spain: Paella mixta (seafood, chicken, pork and Spanish chorizo), tortilla Española (Spanish omelette), fried tapas (ham croquettes, stuffed mussel shell) and Pisto (Spanish ratatouille).
• Rooster Ridge Farm. Locally grown, cured olives served with cheese.
• Splendid Blended. Wholesome ingredients mixed to create the perfect blend; dark chocolate spice and cinnamon banana flavors.
• Sunvalley Farm. Cactus and kale salad with tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro with a lemon juice vinaigrette.
• That Garlic Stuff. Beef meatballs with red sauce, Parmesan cheese, drizzled with “that garlic stuff.”
• The Ballesteros Catering Co. Tacos al pastor with chorizo and deep-fried, beer-battered mushrooms with the fixings.
• The Green Waffle. New grain-free, coconut-chia waffle, toasted and topped with fresh, local, seasonal berries. All other varieties available for sale during the event.
• Unique Sweets. Strawberry shortcake drizzled with chocolate-raspberry flavored balsamic vinegar.
• Yoli's Adobo. Beef and chicken tacos marinated on Yoli’s adobo sauce and vegetarian green pozole.

Sponsors of the event include: Santa Cruz County Bank, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, Salud Para La Gente,Union Bank, Bernardus, Scheid Vineyards, Apple City Cider, Kong's Burger & Café, Elkhorn Slough Brewery, Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank).

El Pajaro CDC is proud to welcome Edible Monterey Bay as its Media Sponsor.

Tickets are $65 per person through Sept. 30. Tickets will be the full price of $75 during October leading up to the event and, if available, at the door for $75. Sponsorship opportunities to help cover the cost of the event are also available.

Ticket price includes:

Admission plus 5 Tickets for food and or drinks.
Additional food/drink tickets can be acquired at the event.
Tickets are available at https://tacosandtapas2019.eventbrite.com

Stay tuned for details on our special auction! Details announced in October!

About Pajaro CDC
In 1979, El Pájaro CDC was formed following widespread community support of under-represented Latino and Spanish-speaking business owners in Watsonville. For 40 years El Pajaro has helped budding entrepreneurs throughout the Central Coast by offering technical, legal, financial and managerial assistance.

“If you give someone an opportunity it can change lives, and lead to generations of success,” said Carmen Hererra-Mansir, executive director of El Pajaro CDC. “To see a journey from farmworker to entrepreneur — many started that way when they came to us — is so rewarding.”

El Pájaro CDC offers a wide range of assistance, including low-cost and often free bilingual business education and training workshops to low-income entrepreneurs. Workshops cover business plan preparation, marketing and sales, customer service, bookkeeping, computer basics, business management, and financial literacy.

In 1997, El Pajaro Plaza Vigil a retail business incubator at 23 Beach St. in downtown Watsonville was created to assist low- to moderate-income, Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs with starting and operating a successful business.

Plaza Vigil houses dozens of businesses, with another 44 food purveyors using the separate Commercial Kitchen Incubator Program, a fully equipped, shared-use facility at 412 Riverside Drive.

Following a charter expansion in 2007, El Pájaro CDC serves Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Bilingual and bicultural services, business development services and training are available to anyone with plans to open or expand a small business in the region.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.elpajarocdc.org/