Carmel Jewish Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Award-Winning Movies, Speakers, Receptions

Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions.

Salinas, CA, January 27, 2020 - March 7 – 22, 2020, Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions. Film, program, venue information, dates, and times can be found on the CJFF website (www.carmeljff.org). Tickets will be available either through the website or by calling (800) 838-3006.

Festival highlights include:

OPENING NIGHT (MARCH 7)

“Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles”
When "Fiddler on the Roof" opened on Broadway in 1964, it explored themes of tradition, religion, and anti-Semitism against a modern backdrop of radical social change that addressed gender roles, sexuality, and race. Rare archival footage and interviews with musical luminaries explore the legacy of this long-running, award-winning musical. Broadway actor Michael Bernardi will answer questions entertain following the film. Michael is the youngest actor to play Tevye on Broadway and is the son of actor Herschel Bernardi.

“VIOLINS OF HOPE” (MARCH 8)
Marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Violins of Hope will visit Northern California and make an appearance at the Carmel Jewish Film Festival. Some of these violins were played in concentration camps to entertain Nazis and lift the spirits of fellow prisoners; others were played in ghettos and labor camps to earn money for food. These instruments were restored in Israel and are a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. The CJFF is partnering with the Monterey County Symphony and Chamber Music Monterey for this event.

Following a film about the Violins of Hope, renowned violinist Cookie Segelstein of Berkeley, CA, will play some the actual instruments, tell their stories, and talk about the cultural significance of music in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. This program is part of Violins of Hope San Francisco Bay Area, presented in association with Music at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, CA. A reception will precede the film.

“BUDAPEST NOIR” (March 14)
The CJFF will host a Q&A with award-winning filmmaker Éva Gardos following this thriller set in Budapest in the politically fraught autumn of 1936. The film follows a scrappy reporter as he probes the murder of a femme fatale, leading him into the dark crime underworld. Francis Ford Coppola gave Gardos, born in Hungary, her first job in film, working as a production assistant on Coppola’s epic “Apocalypse Now”. She went on to establish a career as a film editor (“Valley Girl”, “Mask”, “Bastard Out of Carolina”), working with distinguished directors such as Barbet Schroeder, Peter Bogdanovich, and Anjelica Huston.

Éva’s screenwriting and feature film directorial debut, the award-winning “An American Rhapsody”, starred a young Scarlett Johansson. The film is based on the true life events of Éva’s family escaping from Hungary in the 1950s.

“THE ACCOUNTANT OF AUSCHWITZ” (March 15)
Partnering with the Catholic Diocese and the Unitarian Universalist Church Of Monterey, the CJFF will screen a Canadian film “The Accountant of Auschwitz”. In 2015, 94-year-old former German SS officer Oskar Groning admitted his guilt and went on trial. But bringing war criminals to justice asks fundamental moral questions with few simple answers. From Nuremberg to the new alt-right, this documentary is a stark reminder to “never forget”. A panel with Rabbi Jeff Schulman, Father Jerry Maher, and Reverend Elaine Gehrmann will follow the film.

NIGHT OF SHORTS (March 19)
Tiffany Shlain, ,TED speaker, author and founder of the Webby Awards, Ken Goldberg, artist, inventor, and roboticist at UC Berkeley, and Michael Horwitz – all award-winning filmmakers will be participating in a Q & A following the screening of some of their films. Tiffany and Ken will be signing their book, 24/6: The Power of Unplugging Once a Week.

CLOSING NIGHT (MARCH 22)
The CJFF also will partner with the local Muslim community for the Closing Night selection Abe, a Brazilian film centered on a teen curious about his family’s Middle Eastern culinary heritage. A reception with Israeli and Arab dishes will precede the film. A talkback with Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum and Abdel Seck, President of the local Islamic community, will follow the film.

As the only Jewish film festival in Monterey County, we serve all residents with our efforts to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation through education using the medium of film. While informed by a uniquely Jewish sensibility, our films communicate themes and messages with universal appeal to a wide audience drawn from the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. Our festival’s accompanying programs further engage mind and heart through discussion and social interaction. We hope that our festival will help bridge cultural and religious differences and contribute to community solidarity and peace.

Additional information about all films and events, including ticket prices, can be found on the Carmel Jewish Film Festival website (www.carmeljff.org).

Contact
Susan Greenbaum
831-277-3211
greenbaumcarmel@sbcglobal.net

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Hosts Annual Wildflower Show on April 17-19, Showcasing More than 600 Species and Varieties of Wildflowers

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History continues the colorful, springtime tradition of the 59th annual Wildflower Show

Pacific Grove, CA, January 24, 2020 - The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History continues the colorful, springtime tradition of the 59th annual Wildflower Show, the most comprehensive and spectacular array of wildflowers in the Northern and Western Hemispheres.

Joining forces with the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), the museum hosts this cherished event on April 17-19, showcasing more than 600 species and varieties of wildflowers.

Held each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Wildflower Show is the largest and longest-running event of its kind — one that has captivated generations of families.

More than 30 members of the Native Plant Society spent many days scouring Monterey County and beyond to collect the finest specimens of wildflowers blooming that spring. Botanists, garden enthusiasts, and people just looking for flowers for their gardens will all appreciate this collection.

Tickets to the Wildflower Show may be purchased at the museum on the days of the show.

· $8.95 for all adults

· $5.95 for youths ages 4-18, students with ID, military from outside of Monterey County and Seniors

· Free for 3 years old and under

· Free for museum members and CNPS members with membership cards

For more information, call (831) 648-5716, email admin@pgmuseum.org or go to the website at www.pgmuseum.org.

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

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

Watsonville YMCA to Host Open House on Jan, 25, 2020

Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

Salinas, CA, January 23, 2020 — Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

The open house will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25, 2020, at the Watsonville YMCA Family Center, 27 Sudden Street, Watsonville.

There will be free fitness assessments and orientations during the open house, as well as family arts and crafts, and demo fitness classes from 11:30 am-1 p.m. Demo classes will include Spin, Kidfit, Bootcamp, Kid Zumba, and Zumba classes. Healthy lifestyle information will also be available.

Also, join the YMCA that day and the Y will waive the enrollment fee and give you $50 of Y-Bucks, for a total savings of $100. Present the Y Bucks card for discounts on exercise classes, sports, after-school programs, personal training and more (some restrictions apply). This special offer expires Jan. 31, 2020. Y-Bucks are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

For more information, call (831) 728-9622, email Stephany Soto, Senior Membership and Wellness Director, at ssoto@ymcacentralcoast.org, or go to the Central Coast YMCA website at: centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Western Food Safety Summit Announces ‘Extremely Strategic’ Speaker Lineup for May 6-7 Event

The 2020 Annual Western Food Safety Summit in Salinas, Calif., has confirmed an expert lineup of industry and research experts as speakers for its May 6-7 event at Hartnell College – each focused on a theme of “Creating a Sustainable Food Safety Culture.”

Salinas, CA, January 23, 2020 - The 2020 Annual Western Food Safety Summit in Salinas, Calif., has confirmed an expert lineup of industry and research experts as speakers for its May 6-7 event at Hartnell College – each focused on a theme of “Creating a Sustainable Food Safety Culture.”

Kicking off the first day as keynote speaker will be Tim York, president of Markon Cooperative Inc., which maintains a field-to-fork 5-Star Food Safety program. A former Produce Marketing Association director and chair, he is a founding member of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops.

The second day’s morning keynote will be delivered by Dennis Donohue, director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, a premier agtech startup incubator based in Salinas. He also is a former longtime produce industry executive.

The two full days of presentations at the Center for Performing Arts on Hartnell’s main campus will feature 12 additional speakers, covering safety issues in equipment, communication, soil, FDA programs and a variety of water-related issues, including sampling and treatment of irrigated water.

A barbecue mixed-grill lunch will be served both days, along with a Networking and Sponsors’ Table, and Day One will conclude with a VIP reception from 4-5:30 p.m., hosted by Scheid Family Wines.

“This year’s summit program is extremely strategic, and that’s because this is an increasingly critical moment for food safety in the fresh fruits and vegetables industry,” said Western Food Safety Summit Chair Jess Hogg, who is quality assurance manager for Scheid Vineyards, based in Salinas.

“Our attendees will receive an enormous amount of timely, actionable information. They’ll be hearing from very thoughtful, knowledgeable individuals on subjects that will be right in their wheelhouse.”

The following is the full lineup of speakers for the 15th annual summit, in addition to the keynotes:

Wednesday, May 6
• “Sanitary Design of Packing Equipment,” Kim Snyder, director of food safety at Monterey Mushrooms Inc.
• “Technologies Available in Today’s Market and How to Increase Communication through Technology,” Bryan Banks, founder and COO of KipTraq.
• “Industry Ag Water Priorities and How the PMA is Involved,” Trever Suslow, vice president of food safety, Produce Marketing Association.
• “Ag Water – Ongoing Research at Arizona State University” (first of two parts), Channah Rock, associate professor of soil, water and environmental services and water quality specialist with University of Arizona Cooperative.
• “A Simplified Guide to Irrigation Water Sampling,” Greg Komar, technical director, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.
• “Procedures and Alternatives to Ensure Type B Water Can Become Type A,” Jim Byron, CEO, Xgenex.
• “Steps in Developing a Comprehensive Water Treatment Program,” Bob Mills, director of food safety, quality assurance and technical services at the Harbinger Group LLC.
• Panel discussion: Trevor Suslow, Channah Rock, Greg Komar, Jim Bryon, Bob Bills and Barry Eisenberg, food safety director for Miles Chemical Co.

Thursday, May 7
• “Organic Matter, Chlorine and Soil Microflora,” Jim Byron, CEO, Xgenex.
• “FDA Sampling Policy and Procedures,” Sonia Salas, assistant vice president for food safety and science at Western Grower.
• “Ag Water – Ongoing Research at Arizona State University” (second of two parts), Channah Rock, associate professor of soil, water and environmental services and water quality specialist with University of Arizona Cooperative.
• “Harvest Equipment Sanitation,” Justin Kerr, owner/manager of Factor IV Solutions LLC.
• “Food Safety Considerations of Pelletized Products,” Mike Menes, vice president of food safety and technology at True Organics Products.
• “Requirements for Better Food Safety,” Kari Valdes, director of food safety and quality assurance at Taylor Farms.

Registration for the summit is available online. The fee is $295 and can be paid with VISA or MasterCard.

For media inquiries:
Scott Faust
Director of Comm. & Marketing
(831) 755-6858
Cell (831) 206-9422
sfaust@hartnell.edu

Sponsorship opportunities area available for a partner donation of $1,000. The sponsorship package includes significant exposure to Salinas Valley agricultural businesses on location throughout the event, a company logo on summit materials, one free registration to the summit and one sponsor’s booth in the common area. Exhibition times are 8-9 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Learn more on the event webpage.

For sponsorship or registration questions, please call (831) 755-6810.

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

Twisted Roots Winery Celebrates Love with a Bouquet of Events and Promotions during February

It may still be cold outside, but Twisted Roots Winery in Carmel Valley plans special events and promotions during February that are guaranteed to warm your heart.

Carmel Valley, CA, January 22, 2020 — It may still be cold outside, but Twisted Roots Winery in Carmel Valley plans special events and promotions during February that are guaranteed to warm your heart.

Visit the tasting room during the month of love and receive a love note from winery owners Josh and Julie Ruiz. Tasting room customers and wine club members can bring back their sealed envelopes during February to reveal a special deal, such as free swag or even a $50 gift card.

The month isn’t all about Feb. 14. Twisted Roots plans a special happy hour the day BEFORE Valentine’s Day. It’s called Galentine’s Day, popularized by TV’s “Parks and Recreation.”

The concept is simple: Celebrate female friendships the day before the world becomes obsessed with lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, Feb. 13, Twisted Roots will celebrate with live music, wine specials and a yummy cheese tray. The event is free, but reservations are appreciated through the website www.twistedrootsvineyard.com.

The following day will not be ignored, of course. Bring your someone special to the tasting room on Feb. 14 and find special pricing that everyone will love — 20 percent off bottles.

Don’t forget Open that Bottle Day on Feb. 29. This unofficial but gloriously vinous holiday (invented by former Wall Street Journal wine columnists in 1999) encourages wine drinkers to open a special bottle — because wine is made to be enjoyed! Perhaps it’s our “1918” Old Vine Zinfandel, made from family-owned vines more than 100 years old. Or track down your Valentine’s favorite Twisted Roots wine of all time — and gift an entire case.

Visit our website here and order the perfect bottle for this special day.

Because it’s the month of love, Twisted Roots also offers ideas to help keep things romantic. For example, why not create an at-home Wine ’n’ Love Evening? Choose your love’s favorite Twisted Roots wine, and create (or have catered) the perfect meal to pair with it. Then, have a romantic wine-themed video ready to go, such as the romantic comedy “French Kiss” or the screwball romantic flick “Sideways.” Julie Ruiz loves the Sandra Bullock classic “Hope Floats” for Valentine’s Day (because she loves to drink Twisted Roots bubbles along with it). Josh Ruiz loves to pair Petite Sirah with the movie “Bottle Shock,” while Twisted Roots team member Whitney prefers “How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”

Twisted Roots tasting room is at 12 Del Fino Pl., Carmel Valley. Phone: 831-594-8282.

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

Watsonville Business Owner Ricardo Rocha Honored with Statewide Entrepreneurship award, Gives Thanks to El Pájaro CDC for Helping him Overcome Barriers

As a child growing up in Mexico, Ricardo Rocha always dreamed of owning his own business and speaking a second language.

Watsonville, CA, January 21, 2020 - As a child growing up in Mexico, Ricardo Rocha always dreamed of owning his own business and speaking a second language.

Years later he immigrated to California, finding work picking berries and landscaping. Not willing to sacrifice his dream and settle for less, Rocha enrolled in night classes at Cabrillo College while continuing to work in the fields.

There he found his calling.

“I fell in love with computers and what they could do,” he said.

Rocha eventually opened a small computer sales and service office in downtown Watsonville. But his business knowledge was limited, and he ran into multiple barriers.

Then he found El Pájaro Community Development Corporation’s Business Incubator Program at Plaza Vigil in Watsonville. El Pájaro provided him with business coaching, technical assistance and paths to funding.

Today, Rocha operates RVS Technology Group, employing 12 full-time staff with a bimonthly payroll of more than $30,000.

In recognition of his success story, CAMEO (a statewide micro enterprise association) bestowed on Rocha one of only two Faces of Entrepreneurship awards given each year.

Rocha did more than succeed in business, he created an entire industry that was previously nonexistent in Watsonville. Through it all RVS became the city’s first-ever company to start from ground zero through the efforts of an immigrant.

Rocha is immensely proud of that, and does his best to give back. RVS employs young people who are just starting their careers in tech, providing them with good-paying jobs, highly sought-after skills, and growth opportunities.

“It’s an industry that is local, provides jobs for local kids, and gives them growth opportunities,” he said. “It’s great to see these kids come forward and succeed in life, and I’m happy to be a little bridge.”

Rocha pays it forward because he knows he found a helping hand in El Pájaro CDC.

“I was very, very naive about all the aspects needed to run a business,” he said. “I was very blessed to find El Pájaro. They have the foundation to help anyone start a business. They give you a basic understanding of finances, teach you how to read a profit-and-loss statement, and what it all means.”

Another challenge Rocha faced surrounded funding. Whether it was his language limitations or lack of a credit history, banks refused to give him a second look. But with the help of El Pájaro, Rocha was able to secure a loan through the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.

“I had no credibility, I had no history,” Rocha said.

Ricardo’s determination and unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity put him where he is today. But he also knows he couldn’t have done it without help from others.

El Pájaro CDC celebrates 40 years of transforming people’s lives through entrepreneurship by taking the confusion, guesswork and complexity out of starting small businesses. By offering technical, legal, financial and managerial assistance, El Pájaro has helped launch and nurture countless small businesses while bolstering economic development within the community.

“If you give someone an opportunity it can change lives, and lead to generations of success,” said Carmel Hererra, 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.”

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

Teresa Sabankaya Will Hold A Posy Pop-Up Boutique at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting Shop in Santa Cruz, Feb. 10-14, 2020

Renowned florist and floral designer Teresa Sabankaya will hold her first pop-up flower boutique of 2020 in February at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting in Santa Cruz.

Bonny Doon, CA, January 17, 2020 — Renowned florist and floral designer Teresa Sabankaya will hold her first pop-up flower boutique of 2020 in February at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting in Santa Cruz.

The Posy Pop-Up by Bonny Doon Garden Company will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, Feb. 10 –14, 2020, at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting, 1411 Pacific Ave., in Santa Cruz. The pop-up will feature a full Valentine’s Day gift boutique, with candles, language of flowers luxe home and body care products, books, and flowers, making it a one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day gifts.

For many years, several businesses in Santa Cruz have invited Teresa to create pop-up flower boutiques for special occasions and especially holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. So, she is working on Posy Pop-ups for whimsical and truly unique flower and botanical gift experiences.

Teresa’s creations are timeless, not trendy, and with a classic garden romance aesthetic. She has been involved with flowers for more than 20 years, is a pioneer of the Slow Flowers™ movement, is an Advanced Certified Green Gardener, and is regarded as one of the most innovative florists in Northern California.

Teresa’s creative, innovative floral arrangements can be purchased with the click of a button at the Bonny Doon Garden Company’s website at https://bonnydoongardenco.bloomnation.com/.

Shop online for local deliveries of flower arrangements throughout Santa Cruz County. Teresa partners with independently owned artisan flower shops through a fine flower network of independent florists, so that flowers can be ordered and delivered by fine florists nationwide, from small and wrapped, to grand and glorious.

Check out her website for new special Valentine’s Day arrangements, including such posy specials as:

>My Valentine Posy – classy and modern, this posy conveys passion, romance, and beauty for the love of your life, $68 plus shipping.

>Sweetheart Posy — Perfect for Valentine’s Day; mother and daughter; new loves, and more, $68 plus shipping.

>Simplement l’Amour — the most popular of the Valentine Posies makes a voluptuous statement in pink and red. This one is a hot and heavy romance posy that elicits fidelity, passion, and timeless eternal love for the love of your life, $68 plus shipping.

Sabankaya recommends pairing a posy arrangement with her new hardcover, signed book, “The Posy Book: Garden-Inspired Bouquets That Tell a Story,” available at https://teresasabankaya.com/products/the-posy-book.

Gifting flowers conveys emotions and messages that can’t always be articulated in words. Sabankaya helps translate those feelings for us in “The Posy Book.”

In addition to Teresa’s flowers, gift items such as, Language of Flower Posy Soaps and Language of Flowers Curated Gift Box, sentiment tags, and “The Posy Book,” can be ordered and shipped nationwide through https://teresasabankaya.com/collections

Last day of shipping for Valentine’s Day arrival must be ordered by Feb. 12 for nationwide shipping of Valentine’s Day posies and gifts.

Check out her website at www.teresasabankaya.com, and also www.bonnydoongardenco.com for more information and gift ideas. You can also talk about your flower order by calling (831) 421-0975.

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

Goodwill Central Coast Increases Community impact by Offering 46 new Job Opportunities for 2020

Through education, training and employment services, Goodwill Central Coast helps rebuild lives, families and communities by removing barriers to employment.

Salinas, CA, January 17, 2020 - Each year GCC assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. In addition, Goodwill also provides meaningful work within the nonprofit itself, increasing its community impact by increasing employment. Effectively, GCC has become a job creator within a job creator, employing more than 550 people.

Thanks to community support and generous donations, Goodwill Central Coast has announced 46 new job openings/career opportunities for the new year. These full-time and part-time benefitted positions are available throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties.

The available jobs span all sectors, including management, donation attendants, e-commerce assistants, career center coordinators, drivers, janitors and more. As always, there are great opportunities for advancement.

Job seekers can apply for positions through GCC’s career portal at www.ccgoodwill.org.

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 provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

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

Salinas YMCA Launches ‘New Year, New You’ Membership Campaign for 2020

The Salinas YMCA will help you reach your New Year’s goals with its “New Year, New You!” membership campaign to kick off 2020.

Salinas, CA, January 14, 2020 — The Salinas YMCA will help you reach your New Year’s goals with its “New Year, New You!” membership campaign to kick off 2020.

And if you join before Jan. 31, 2020, the YMCA will waive the joiner fee and give you $50 of Y-Bucks, for a total savings of up to $100. Present the Y Bucks card for discounts on exercise classes, sports, after school programs, personal training and more (some restrictions apply). This special offer expires Jan. 31, 2020. Y-Bucks are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

Become a member

Membership in the YMCA comes with great benefits:

>Join a friendly organization that values and supports everyone in your family.

>Focus on your overall health and well-being and find balance in your life.

>Make friends and discover a sense of community in over 50-plus group exercise classes offered each week.

>Grow closer to your loved ones and meet other families in a safe, positive environment.

>Take comfort knowing your child is cared for in our safe, supervised Kids' Zone while you workout.

>Give your children a fun place to play and learn life skills in our youth programs under the guidance of caring adults.

>Volunteer and give back to your community by joining the Y movement.

Nationwide membership is also available. With Nationwide Membership, members can visit any participating Y in the United States through membership at their home Y, at no additional cost. Nationwide Membership enables members to reach their health and wellness goals wherever they live, work, or travel and connect with the larger Y community in meaningful ways.

Please note that access to other Central Coast Y locations requires a Central Coast YMCA membership.

Call Member Services at (831) 758-3811 to schedule a tour today.

About the Central Coast YMCA
The Salinas YMCA’s mission is to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all who embrace our values.

Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Announces Hiring of New Development Director

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has announced that Susan Wolfe has joined the Museum as their Development Director.

Pacific Grove, CA, January 06, 2020 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has announced that Susan Wolfe has joined the Museum as their Development Director.

Wolfe has 25 years work experience in development and communications for nonprofits, governments, and education institutions on three different continents. She has lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 10 years and has worked for both the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and York School in their advancement offices.

Prior to moving to California, Wolfe worked in public relations and government relations for the Vienna International School, Sesame Workshop, the United States Agency for International Development, the Australian Agency for International Development, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Connecticut State Senate.

Wolfe will join the PG Museum team to work on the capital campaign, steward major donors, write grants, drive membership, and promote planned giving.

Wolfe lives in New Monterey with her husband and teenage son and enjoys hiking, sailing, and being outdoors.

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Agassiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for over 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(831) 648-5716
admin@pgmuseum.org
www.pgmuseum.org

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

Central Coast YMCA Program Can Help People Get Their High Blood Pressure Under Control

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country.

Salinas, CA, January 06, 2020 — According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country. Less than half have it under control. But with the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, those with high blood pressure will be able to control and manage their condition.

Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors for the duration of the four-month program.

During this time, participants will be encouraged to:

Self-measure their blood pressure at least two times per month
Attend two personalized consultations per month
Attend monthly nutrition education seminars

Participants will record their blood pressure readings using an easy-to-use, self- tracking tool.

The Y will provide options for participants who need a home blood pressure monitor.

Program goals include:
Reduction in blood pressure
Better blood pressure management
Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
Enhance knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

To qualify you must be:
At least 18 years of age
Be diagnosed with high blood pressure
Not have experienced a recent cardiac event
Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
Not be at risk for lymphedema

High blood pressure is a key, modifiable, risk factor for both heart disease and stroke,
which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States.

For more information on the program, or to see if you qualify for the program, contact Bill Proulx, Director, Healthy Living at (831) 757-4633 or email preventdiabetes@ymcacentralcoast.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Monterey Symphony’s 2019-2020 Season Returns with Two Massive Symphonic Works, Women’s Night Out

A night of golden indulgence and symphonies with a story welcome the Monterey Symphony back for the second half of its Ovation season.

Monterey, CA, December 31, 2019 — A night of golden indulgence and symphonies with a story welcome the Monterey Symphony back for the second half of its Ovation season.

The baton raises for the third concert of the Monterey Symphony’s six-concert 74th season on Feb. 15-16, 2020.

Before the performance on Saturday night, all ticketholders are welcome to Studio 105 at Sunset Center for the 3rd Annual Women’s Night Out. Desserts from Parker Lusseau, wines from Chalone Vineyard, music by David Holodiloff, tarot reading by Wendy Burch, decadent giveaways from Cos Bar and more await guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in sparkling style. Guests can receive tickets for only $30 with discount code GOLD.

Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations are comprised of 14 separate movements sketching a different friend or close acquaintance. Rather than depicting the person as a whole, a single element of their personality or relationship with Elgar is illustrated musically. The movement titles contain cryptograms or keys to the identity of the subject! Elgar started the work casually at the piano as an exercise to capture someone musically, and evolved it into a large and beloved symphonic work.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is based on the Arabian Nights. Replete with Russian folk melodies, many excerpts of this piece are used for Olympic figure skating – making it a well-known and recognized work. Rimsky-Korsakov worked tirelessly on this composition, along with his ornate Russian Easter Overture and the completion of Alexander Borodin’s opera Prince Igor. The work features stunning and virtuosic violin solos — not to be missed!

Performances on Saturdays are at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. One hour prior to every performance there will be a pre-concert lecture in the Hall of Sunset Center.

Single tickets range from $44-$85 and are now on sale at www.montereysymphony.org.

Subscriptions are available. Please contact the box office for availability at (831) 646-8511. For more information and pricing visit: https://www.montereysymphony.org/subscriptions.htm

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 students.

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 Barnet Segal Charitable Trust, The Berkshire Foundation, 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 William H. and Kristine M. Schuyler Charitable Foundation, Inc., The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment, Teichert Foundation, The Upjohn California Fund 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

Jubilee Ace Strongly Condemns False Baseless Accusations of the Company Using Trading Bots

It has come to the attention of Jubilee Ace that a recent article surfaced on a website called Crypto Monday making baseless accusations of the company

FRANKFURT, GERMANY, December 26, 2019 -- It has come to the attention of Jubilee Ace that a recent article surfaced on a website called Crypto Monday making baseless accusations of the company using trading bots to scam our clients. Jubilee Ace would like to strongly condemn this baseless accusation as written by the author of the article Mr Ilia Nikolaev as it is an intent to disrupt the stability in the cryptocurrency industry. The company would like to reiterate that the AQUA trading and arbitrage system developed by the company is genuine and authentic. The company prides itself on the safe, secure and reliable AQUA platform that provides our users with profitable arbitrage and trading opportunities.

A quick search on Google would reveal that Mr Ilia Nikolaev is of Russian or Eastern Europe ethnicity. This raises suspicion as he has no online presence and could very well be a fictitious persona whose name is attached to the article just to smear the name of Jubilee Ace. Additionally, Mr Nikolaev may have been hired by the competitors of Jubilee Ace to publish reports that discredit and defame the company’s reputation.

The company’s management team has confirmed that no prior attempt was made by any entity or person to understand more about the business model or the AQUAsystem. This goes to show that the author of the article has made baseless and fictitious accusations of the company without attempting to understand more about Jubilee Ace as a company. In certain jurisdictions, the actions of Mr Nikolaev are defamation and/or slender and this has a very detrimental effect on the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. The contents of Mr Nikolaev’s reports are also very questionable. In his lengthy article, Mr Nikolaev only mentions and explains concepts that he has brought up for discussion and has not been able to go in depth to elaborate and give insights on his accusations that Jubilee Ace is a scam. This is a strong tell-tale sign of a smear job.

Once again, Jubilee Ace would like to reassure our users and clients that the AQUA system is safe, reliable and authentic as the company is committed to serving our users to the best of our abilities.

Press Contact:
Mansion Greenwood
Jubilee Ace

An Increasing Number of Investors are Trusting Jubilee Ace’s AQUA Crypto Arbitrage System as Confidence

With the proliferation of cryptocurrencies, it is becoming increasingly apparent that more investors are turning to fiat currency alternatives.

NEW YORK CITY, NY, USA, December 23, 2019 - With the proliferation of cryptocurrencies, it is becoming increasingly apparent that more investors are turning to fiat currency alternatives.This comes after confidence in the conventional financial system is waning amid concerns that global events beyond control of an individual is eroding the value of their hard-earned savings. Recent global events like the Sino-US Trade War and unrests in Hong Kong all but reiterates the dangers of the conventional financial system as consumers fear that any movements in the stock market might wipe out the entire value of their savings.

Additionally, a recent bearish run in the US Stock Market only adds to fears of investors as the situation in the global market looks dull. Many investors have been quick to point their fingers at the Federal Reserve for this recent bearish run as the Federal Reserve decided tocut interest rates. However, it was a sustained period of exuberance in the stock market and a prediction of a recession that led to the recent bearish run and it will take the market some time to work off the excess optimism. Investor sentiment has played a crucial role in this bearish run and this is something that everyday investors do not have control over. This puts investors at a serious disadvantage as movements in the stock market will impact their finances.

According to Jubilee Ace’s Marketing Director, Mr Bobby Low, the increased usage of cryptocurrencies as a means of an alternative to fiat currency is a new trend. Subsequently, an increasing number of investors are now turning to Jubilee Ace where they provide multi-sector global arbitrage opportunities using their holistic arbitrage platform known as AQUA. Jubilee Ace founded in September 2018, is an advanced data analysis company that specialises in arbitrage trading.

Jubilee Ace has multiple real-time proof of concept technologies which provides novice and seasoned traders a fresh perspective and an avant-garde option with an opportunity to take advantage of profitable, low risk investments, across various sectors. This caters exactly to the needs of the masses as a diversified low risk investment option will ensure that the savings of investors are preserved while ensuring some growth in the value of savings.

Press contact:
Mr Mansion Greenwood
Jubilee Ace

Local Boys and Girls Ages 4-17 invited to Register for Gil Basketball Academy’s 2020 Season

While basketball promotes health and well-being, it’s also a vehicle for change in a community.

Salinas, CA, December 26, 2019 - While basketball promotes health and well-being, it’s also a vehicle for change in a community.

As the calendar turns to 2020, Gil Basketball Academy prepares for another year spent teaching local youth the fundamentals of the sport, along with life lessons surrounding teamwork, discipline and respect.

Online registration is now open for the East Salinas-based Gil Basketball Academy’s 2020 season for boys and girls ages 4-17.

Membership includes weekly evening practices, possible opportunities to travel and play in tournaments (with GBA’s Select Traveling Teams), international tours, campus visits to colleges and universities, field trips, participation in community events and learning the fundamentals of basketball from qualified and background-vetted volunteer coaches.

Registration is open to all local youth, no matter where they live. The academy is committed to making every member a well-rounded student-athlete who can compete at any level.

GBA offers camps, clinics, leagues, academy nights and more, teaching athletes the skills and techniques of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense. Athletes will be coached by GBA co-founder Jose Gil and other qualified and experienced coaches.

GBA will not only teach basketball fundamentals but will also build confidence and character in all GBA members while having fun.

Register online at: gilbasketballacademy.leagueapps.com/camps.

About Gil Basketball Academy
Jose Gil and Eva Silva co-founded GBA out of the belief that one of the most effective ways to strengthen a community is for its youth to be surrounded by positive adult role models, positive peer influences, and immersed in meaningful and constructive activities. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GBA currently has 420 members, boys and girls ages 4 to 17. Find out more at www.gilbasketballacademy.com.

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

From Yoga and Workshops to Hands-on activities, PG Museum of Natural History Plans busy 2020

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, December 23, 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 represents the first quarter for 2020:

What: California Native Plant Society Meeting
When: Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Ohlone and Chumash educator, artist and storyteller from Indian Canyon, will share botanical teachings from the Indigenous community and perspectives on sustainable harvesting. She will also discuss tensions between colonial and Indigenous practices, and issues of access to traditional land use and land acknowledgement. The Costanoan Ohlone-Mutsun California Native is active in the native community as an artist, author, activist, student and teacher. The daughter of Ann-Marie Sayers, she was raised in Indian Canyon, trust land of her family, one of the few spaces in Central California available for the Indigenous community for ceremony. Her art has been featured at the De Young Museum, and she is a consultant on Indigenous California. She recently formed an LLC called Kanyon Konsulting with the mission of bridging the gap between indigenous and contemporary value systems. All are welcome to these free presentations held on the second Thursday of every other month.

What: Member Event: Yoga at the Museum!
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Bring your mats and enjoy a yoga session inspired by the museum’s connections to the natural world. Rise and shine with Union Yoga instructor Marybeth Murray, who teaches an alignment based Vinyasa yoga, and is focused on helping to build strength, create openings, and connect to the body through safe, fun and creative movements. Finish with some wellness refreshments. Suitable for all experience levels. Members are encouraged to bring their own mat (limited mat supply available). Not a member yet? Join here: pgmuseum.org/membership. RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org.

What: LiMPETS Rocky Intertidal Teacher Workshop
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

LiMPETS (long-term monitoring program and experiential training for students) is a community science program, and this workshop is open to high school and college teachers who want to participate in LiMPETS with their classes. Contact Hannah Sarver, LiMPETS program coordinator, at (831) 648-5716 ext.11 or sarver@pgmuseum.org for registration and questions.

What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Masters of None: Why Being a Generalist is Advantageous in Changing Oceans
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Humpback whale populations have increased strongly in the Eastern North Pacific (and Monterey Bay) since the end of commercial whaling. This rebound in numbers is due in large part to their generalist foraging strategies. Join us as we explore the versatile foraging habits of humpback whales with Dr. David Cade. We will explore how whales can not only switch prey types — with whales in different environments feeding on many species of krill as well as anchovies, herring, sand lance, capelin and other forage fish — but can capture these different prey in a variety of ways that continue to surprise researchers. $5 members online • $10 non-members online • $15 at the door

What: Junior Naturalist — The Snowy Plover
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Monterey State Beach

Join us as state parks representative Dave Dixon guides us through the coastal dune ecosystem and reveals the hidden world of the federally threatened snowy plover. Come learn about the important role these birds play in our local ecosystems and how we can help preserve this incredible species for the future.

What: Natalie Arnoldi Show Opening
When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The museum is proud to host the work of artist Natalie Arnoldi's (b. 1990, California) in a special exhibition, “The Depths of Monterey Bay.” Her large-scale oil paintings explore the fine line between abstract and figurative painting and the psychological effects of ambiguous representation. Her work often includes an environmental narrative, as this show will focus on the fantastic ocean creatures that spend time off our shores.

Currently pursuing a PhD at Hopkins Marine Station, Arnoldi has pursued careers in both art and science for the past decade. She has found a synergy in painting and science: two endeavors that might appear counterintuitive. Instead, each has given her a unique and enriched perspective into the other. Arnoldi's work will show at the museum between January 23 and April 26, in conjunction with a Hardcore Natural History devoted to Monterey Bay.

What: Science Saturday — Amazing Migrations
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us for January’s Science Saturday as we investigate the world of long-distance animal travels. Whales, birds, insects, and more will be the focus of our deeper look at these natural phenomena. Learn about the many amazing migratory birds that visit Monterey County every year, and celebrate another birthday for Sandy the Whale with cake served at noon. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

What: Volunteer Orientation Classes
When: Wednesday nights, Feb. 5-March 11
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Are you interested in volunteering at the museum? From docenting to joining one of our community science programs, there are many routes one can take. Learn about the museum's mission, our area's natural history and our volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in being a class member, or want more information, contact maddenfulk@pgmuseum.org.

What: Volunteer Event: California King Tide
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Learn about the King Tides and document the high tide first hand as part of the California King Tides Project. Not only will we participate in community science, but we will hear from a speaker after our journey to the beach. Open to museum volunteers.

What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Conversation with the Artist
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us for a conversation with Natalie Arnoldi, whose artwork is featured in the museum’s Special Exhibit Gallery “Depths of Monterey Bay.” $5 members online • $10 non-members online • $15 at the door.

What: Science Saturday — Animal Athletes
When: Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

This highest jumping, fastest flying, strongest biting Science Saturday of the year focuses on the Olympians in the animal kingdom. From falcons to mountain lions, and beetles to beavers, every athlete has a story to tell. Join us for crafts, activities and science as we sprint, jump and dive into the world of Animal Athletes. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

What: Member Event: Birding by the Bay
When: Saturday, March 7, 8-10 a.m.
Where: Frog Pond Wetland Preserve, Del Rey Oaks

Members are invited to join us as we wake up with the birds for some spotting and identifying. Amanda Preece, board member of the Monterey Audubon Society and with California State Parks at Asilomar, will lead the walk as we peer through our binoculars to get a better look at those flighty friends that live all around us. Preece is no stranger to birds — making her living restoring native habitats and leading bird walks at Asilomar, pursuing a graduate degree in environmental science with her thesis related to songbird use of nest boxes, and spending her free time as a Black Oystercatcher monitor, among other volunteering pursuits. Binoculars available to share. RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org.

What: Night Owl: Prehistoric Party
When: Saturday, March 14, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Are you ready to party like it’s 19 million years ago? Join us as we put on a Night Owl fundraiser of epoch proportions. This will be an opportunity to get up close to fossils from our collection, while enjoying games, craft drinks, delicious bites and tromp-stomping music. Rediscover your sense of wonder while supporting the museum during this ancient after-hours event! Prehistoric costumes encouraged, with special prizes awarded. $29 members online, $39 non-members online, $49 at the door. Proceeds support museum education programs. Must be 21 and over.

What: Science Saturday — Bees, Wasps, Honey & Hives
When: Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Explore the sweet side of science as Science Saturday turns its attention to bees, wasps, honey and hives. Do all bees make honey? How do you tell a wasp from a bee? Do all bees sting? Find the answers to all of your buzzing questions as you complete a craft, and learn about some of our most important local pollinators. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

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

Alvarado Street Brewery Updates its Sunday Brunch Menu & Industry Night Food and Drink Specials

Exciting new things are on tap in downtown Monterey — Alvarado Street Brewery has introduced a new rotating Sunday brunch menu and Industry Night food and drink specials every Monday.

Monterey, CA, December 18, 2019 — Exciting new things are on tap in downtown Monterey — Alvarado Street Brewery has introduced a new rotating Sunday brunch menu and Industry Night food and drink specials every Monday.

The brunch menu will be served every Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and features food and drink specials, including chilaquiles ($11); and a house-made brunch waffle ($10). Drink specials include Biggie’s Brunch Bloody Beer Bonanza, a house-made Bloody Mary topped with Alvarado Street Brewery Citraveza; Ginger Spritz with ginger liqueur, grapefruit, ginger beer and sparkling wine; the Amelia Earhart with California gin, California pear brandy, Lillet, lemon, crème de violette, and butterfly pea syrup; plus classics such as a traditional Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Aperol Spritz.

Industry Night will be held every Monday night from 6 p.m. to close and will feature $4 draft beers, shot specials, and food specials for people working in the hospitality industry with proof of employment (such as a pay stub, business card, etc.).

For more details, call 831-655-BEER.

About Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Located in a historically registered building in Old Monterey, the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill serves locally sourced, gastropub-influenced fare built around its beers that are produced on-site. The Brewpub contains 140 seats, including a shaded sidewalk patio overlooking Alvarado Street, a 50-seat Beer Garden in the back, a full bar, and over 20 house beers on draft.

426 Alvarado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-655-BEER

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

Gil Basketball Academy invites Local Media to Observe Hoopin’ for Change Motto in action during Key dates

Gil Basketball Academy believes in its motto Hoopin’ for Change.

Salinas, CA, December 17, 2019 — Gil Basketball Academy believes in its motto Hoopin’ for Change. It has spent the last 10 years teaching local youth not only the principles of the sport, but the tenets of resiliency, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and family.

This summer GBA will give 300-plus kids a safe, healthy and educational experience — all built around fun. The media is invited to see first-hand how basketball and teamwork can help change the outlook of active adolescents.

Because as the late-great UCLA championship coach John Wooden once said: “What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player.”

GBA has put together a media schedule to better facilitate coverage for the next session (online registration begins Jan. 1). Academy nights are held on Mondays in the Alisal High School gym, with ages 4-12 practicing from 6-7:30 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 7:30-9 p.m.

Members of the media are invited to observe the activities on March 9, 17, 23 and 30, April 20 and 27, and May 4, 11 and 18.

Other key dates include: Salinas Slam Tournament (April 24-26); World Tour 2020 (June 21-July 3); Summer Basketball Camp (July 13-15); GBA Annual Gala Dinner/Dance (Oct. 10).

About Gil Basketball Academy
Jose Gil and Eva Silva co-founded GBA out of the belief that one of the most effective ways to strengthen a community is for its youth to be surrounded by positive adult role models, positive peer influences, and immersed in meaningful and constructive activities. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GBA currently has 420 members, boys and girls ages 4 to 17. Its mission is to help them all grow up to be healthy, caring, competent, responsible and resilient. Find out more at www.gilbasketballacademy.com.

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

Carmel Jewish Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Award-Winning Movies, Speakers, Receptions March 7 – 22, 2020

The 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions, will be held March 7-22, 2020.

Carmel, CA, December 17, 2019 - The 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions, will be held March 7-22, 2020. Film and venue information, dates, and times can be found on the CJFF website (www.carmeljff.org). Tickets will be available either through the website or by calling (800) 838-3006 starting at the beginning of January.

Media interviews will be available in late January or early February with three outstanding individuals who will appear at this year’s festival:

*Alexandra Silber: Born in Los Angeles, California, Grammy-nominated artist Alexandra Silber received her formal training at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating with a degree in Acting, and just days later, at the age of twenty-one, made her professional and West End debut as Laura Fairlie in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White.Alexandra's British stage work includes Hodel in the Sheffield Crucible’s 2007 production of Fiddler on the Roof, and its subsequent West End transfer, and Julie Jordan in Carousel at The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End (for which she received a TMA Award for Best Performance in a Musical). She also appeared at the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall with the John Wilson Orchestra. Alexandra made her American acting debut in a revival of her portrayal of Julie Jordan for Reprise Theater Company in Los Angeles, her New York theater debut portraying The Young Wife in the Transport Group’s Revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hello Again (Drama League Award), and later that year played opposite Tony-Award winner Tyne Daly in Terrence McNally’s Master Class at the Kennedy Center. She made her Broadway debut in the same production (called by Backstage one of the great theater performances of 2011), and played Sara Jane in the highly-acclaimed Arlington—a new one woman, tour-de-force musical at the Vineyard Theater (Outer Critics Circle Nomination for Best Solo Performance). Alexandra recently completed a run on Broadway as Tzeitel in the Tony-nominated revival of Fiddler of the Roof directed by Barlett Sher, and starring 6-time Tony Nominee Danny Burstein as Tevye.On screen she appeared in Stephen King's 1408 starring John Cusack, and has been a Guest Star on Elementary, The Mysteries of Laura and Law & Order. Alexandra was honored to be a part of Barbara Cook’s Spotlight Series at The Kennedy Center, and made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Nina in a concert performance of Song Of Norway with the Collegiate Chorale and American Symphony Orchestra. She was nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award for her portrayal of Maria (opposite Cheyenne Jackson as Tony) with the San Francisco Symphony in a concert presentation of West Side Story, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, and performed on the 57th Grammy Award broadcast with Cheyenne Jackson.

Alexandra Silber will entertain following the March 7 Opening Night film Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles and talk about her book, After Anatevka. A reception will precede the film.

*Cookie Segelstein, violin and viola, received her Masters degree in Viola from The Yale School of Music in 1984. Until moving to California in 2010, she was principal violist in Orchestra New England and assistant principal in The New Haven Symphony, and served on the music faculty at Southern Connecticut State University. She is the founder and director of Veretski Pass, a member of Budowitz, The Youngers of Zion with Henry Sapoznik, has performed with Kapelye, The Klezmatics, Frank London, Klezmer Fats and Swing with Pete Sokolow and the late Howie Leess, Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys, and The Klezmer Conservatory Band.

Cookie has presented lecture demonstrations and workshops on klezmer fiddling all over the world, including at Yale University, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Marshall University in Huntington, West VA, University of Virginia in Charlottesville, University of Oregon in Eugene, Pacific University, SUNY-Cortland, and at Klezmerwochen in Weimar, Germany.

She is a regular staff member at Living Traditions' Klez Kamp, Klezmerquerque, Klez Kanada, Klez California, Klezmer Festival Fürth, Klezfest London, and has been a performing artist at Centrum's Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Wash.

She was featured on the ABC documentary, “A Sacred Noise,” heard on HBO’s “Sex and the City,” appears in the Miramax film, “Everybody’s Fine” starring Robert De Niro, and heard on several recordings, including the Veretski Pass self-titled release, Trafik, and The Klezmer Shul, Budowitz Live, the Koch International label with Orchestra New England in The Orchestral Music of Charles Ives, Hazònes with Frank London, A Living Tradition with the late Moldovan clarinetist, German Goldenshteyn, Fleytmuzik with Adrianne Greenbaum, and Budowitz Live.

She is also the publisher of "The Music of..." series of klezmer transcriptions. Active as a Holocaust educator and curriculum advisor, she has been a frequent lecturer at the Women’s Correctional Facility in Niantic, CT. She is on the boards of both the North California Viola Society, and the American String Teacher Association, Bay Area chapter. Cookie is also an Apple Certified Support Professional, and owns and operates The Macmama. Cookie lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, Josh Horowitz, 2 cats, a dog and her occasionally visiting adult children.

Following the film Violins of Hope on Sunday, March 8, Cookie Segelstein will play some the actual instruments, tell their stories, and talk about the cultural significance of music in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. This program is part of Violins of Hope San Francisco Bay Area, presented in association with Music at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, CA. A reception will precede the film, and a private reception with Cookie Segelstein at a private home will follow the event.

* Éva Gárdos is an award-winning film director and editor born in Hungary. Francis Ford Coppola gave Gardos her first job in film, working as a production assistant on Coppola’s epic Apocalypse Now in the Philippines. “That was my film school.”

She went on to establish a career as a film editor (Valley Girl, Mask, Bastard Out of Carolina), working with distinguished directors such as Barbet Schroeder, Peter Bogdanovich, and Anjelica Huston.

Éva’s screenwriting and feature film directorial debut, An American Rhapsody, starred a young Scarlett Johansson. The film is based on the true life events of Éva’s family escaping from Hungary in the 1950’s and being forced to leave their infant child (Éva) behind. Éva spent six years in Hungary with foster parents before rejoining her biological parents in America. The film won many prizes on the Festival Circuit and was released by Paramount Classics.

After discovering the bestselling Hungarian novel, Budapest Noir, she returned to Hungary to develop and direct the film version, "After making Rhapsody, a very personal story, I was excited by the idea of making a genre film with suspense and action." Set in 1936, when Hungary was on the verge of embracing facism, the film resonates the politics of today. It premiered at the Chicago Film Festival, and has played at many other festivals such as Palm Springs, Denver, Shanghai. It will be released in the US by Menemsha Films mid 2019.

Amongst her current projects is Cindy in Iraq inspired by the true life events of a Cindy Morgan a truck driver from Arkansas having fallen on hard times, left her home and children to work as a contractor for KBR Halliburton during the height of the Iraqi war.

The CJFF will host a Q&A with award-winning filmmaker Éva Gardos following the film Budapest Noir on Saturday, March 14.

CONTACT
Susan Greenbaum
831-277-3211
greenbaumcarmel@sbcglobal.net

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

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Hosts Exclusive and Extraordinary New Year’s Eve Block Party on Dec. 31

Don't settle for just one New Year's Eve party — grab a ticket to the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Block Party and get exclusive access to an extraordinary celebration that features four venues to party hop between.

Monterey, CA, December 16, 2019 — Don't settle for just one New Year's Eve party — grab a ticket to the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Block Party and get exclusive access to an extraordinary celebration that features four venues to party hop between.

So grab your friends and prepare to choose from the fire pit and outdoor patio, Fireplace Lounge, TusCA Restaurant and Knuckles Sports Bar, or hop from venue to venue to your heart’s content.

Join us for house-smoked brisket, an old-fashioned BBQ, incredible desserts, a s’mores bar and more! Dance to live music and watch the ball drop from Times Square in New York City — Pacific Time!

Take advantage of awesome drink specials, including a Hot Toddy Bar, an Adult Hot Chocolate Bar, Specialty Themed Cocktails and a champagne toast at 9:00 p.m. — midnight New York time. With a lineup like this, you can't go wrong!

In addition to the food and drink specials, there will be a no-host cash bar available for beer, wine and cocktails.

Join us from 6–9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, for The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Block Party, the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience. Get your tickets ASAP. Each ticket comes with a $10 Lyft ticket for a ride home!

Purchase your tickets before Dec. 15 and pay $75 per person, which includes dinner, specialty drinks, hot toddy bar, adult hot chocolate bar and champagne toast.

Purchase your tickets after Dec. 15 and the cost is $100 per person, which includes dinner, specialty drinks, hot toddy bar, adult hot chocolate bar and champagne toast.

Kids ages 5-12 are $40, and kids 4 and under are free.

Stick around after 9 p.m. and enjoy live jazz in the Fireplace Lounge with the David Morwood Jazz and Dance Band featuring guitarist Mike Lent from the Barry Manilow Orchestra or watch sports on the large screen TVs at Knuckles Sports Bar.

For more information or to buy tickets, call (831) 372-1234.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Restaurant, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, Spa, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

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