GBA’s November ‘Ganas’ guests include Stanford star Haley Jones, who led Cardinal to NCAA championship

 Podcast Episodes Available on Apple. 

Salinas, CA, October 20, 2021 — A rising superstar in our midst, Haley Jones has enjoyed quite a career on the basketball court. And she’s only beginning. The Santa Cruz native who led Stanford to the NCAA championship earlier this year will be the featured guest on “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for November. 

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”) is recorded live from the family garage of Jose Gil and Eva Silva, co-founders of Gil Basketball Academy that promotes the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA builds confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17. 

The “Ganas” podcast officially launched on Sept. 14, 2020, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at www.gilbasketballacademy.com. 

On Nov. 1, the podcast welcomes Jones, a highly recruited talent who starred for Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. The Santa Cruz native was rated the No. 1 player in the country according to both ESPN HoopGurlz and Prospects Nation, and ended up leading the Cardinal to glory as the Final Four MVP. 

On Nov. 15 the guest is former NBA player Tony Farmer, who played professionally in the U.S., France, Italy, Russia and Puerto Rico, and is now a noted entrepreneur and inspirational speaker. 

Finally, the month rounds out on Nov. 29 with guest Jesse Pruitt, the Stanford men’s basketball team assistant coach who this year begins his sixth season on The Farm. 

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with and inspire his GBA kids during the pandemic. 

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.” 

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio. 

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Contact:

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

Gil Basketball Academy to Celebrate ‘Court Heroes’ at Awards Banquet Set for March 19, 2022

 Sponsorships Now Available to Support Gala Event and Its Cause. 

Salinas, CA, October 18, 2021 — Gil Basketball Academy (GBA) will present its Court Heroes 12th Anniversary Awards Banquet on March 19, 2022, in Salinas. Sponsorships are now available to support this gala event and its cause. 

The Court Heroes Award is given to someone who is heroic, exceptional, respectful and outstanding and in the community. This event includes a live band and DJ, no-host bar, dinner, dancing and silent auction, with prizes ranging from a paint night with Coach Jose Gil to getaway trips, tickets to Disneyland, and much more. 

The awards banquet will be held from 5:30 - 11 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Salinas PAL Center, 100 Howard St., Salinas. Tickets, $65 general and $55 for GBA parents, are available at https://gbacelebratingourheros2022.eventbrite.com . For further information, please contact Coach Gil at 831-710-1499. 

Sponsorship packages are available at a variety of levels, starting with the Presenting Sponsor at $10,000;  $5,000 Gold Sponsor, $2,500 Silver Sponsor, $2,000 Bronze Sponsor;  $1,000 Donor and $500 Sponsor. 

All sponsorship levels includes seating for you and your guests, ad in the event program and other amenities, depending on the level of sponsorship. For example, the Presenting Sponsor will receive three tables of 10/VIP seating, special recognition at event and sign on table with company name, full-page (8.5-inch-by-11-inch) ad in event program, signage throughout the event
and recognition in all printed materials and advertising. The basic level, $500, receives a table for four
and a half-page ad in the event program. 

Ads are also available separately in the event program, starting at $500 for a half-page ad (8.5-inch-by-5-inch). For more information on advertising, contact Marci Bracco Cain at marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com  by Jan. 4, 2022, so that your company can be included in the materials as soon as possible. 

About Gil Basketball Academy

The Gil Basketball Academy was formed to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas, as well as the overall development of local student-athletes desiring to compete at the highest athletic levels of competition. GBA offers camps, clinics, and individual sessions teaching athletes the skills and techniques of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense. The athletes will be coached by Jose Gil and other qualified and experienced coaches. GBA is about teaching not only basketball, but this academy will build confidence and character in all GBA members while having fun. 

The vision of the Gil Basketball Academy was born 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. As such, GBA’s mission is to support the youth of Salinas “Shoot for and Reach” their positive goals by participating in organized basketball camps, clinics, college tours, motivational speaker forums, field trips and trips beyond Salinas. 

GBA’s objective is to target boys and girls as young as 4 all the way to 17 years of age. GBA aims to “hook” kids beginning at a young age and sustain them throughout their schooling years. We also hope to combat obesity and diabetes by providing organized physical activities and promoting healthy eating habits.  At the present time, there are over 450 kids in our academy! 

Using Project Cornerstone’s research-based developmental assets approach as a guiding framework, we also hope to help our youth build the developmental internal and external assets they need in order to grow up to be caring, competent, responsible, and resilient.  The educational component of GBA is what our youth needs at this present time of turmoil.  We truly believe that this year’s homicides in Salinas could have been prevented if a program like ours was in their lives and someone showed them that the community cares about them. 

One of the primary goals is indeed to teach youth about every facet of the game of basketball. The larger goal of GBA is to teach our youth how to become healthy, productive, and contributing citizens of their community by exposing them to life beyond Salinas by offering our World Tours. 

Gil Basketball Academy1522

 Constitution Blvd., Suite 213,

Salinas, CA

(831) 710-1499

www.gilbasketballacademy.com

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

Truitt & White Partnership was Forged 75 Years Ago Between Two U.S. Navy Buddies — Anniversary Celebration Kicks Off in October

Even before they co-founded Truitt & White in 1946, George Truitt and Robert White had forged a partnership as buddies in the U.S. Navy just after World War II. 

Berkeley, CA, October 12, 2021 — Even before they co-founded Truitt & White in 1946, George Truitt and Robert White had forged a partnership as buddies in the U.S. Navy just after World War II.

White called his long partnership with Truitt, who was his commanding officer at the Oakland Naval Supply Center, as "one of the finest partnership arrangements you could ever imagine.” 

Now the company the two men founded is not only celebrating its 75th anniversary in October 2021, but it has become the foremost supplier of building materials, hardware and doors and windows in Northern California. 

Truitt & White boasts more than 70,000 square feet of lumberyard, hardware store, warehouse, and showroom areas, but also something Truitt and White wanted to establish from day one: unmatched customer service. 

The two veterans carefully developed a customer service standard, added staff and quickly established a reputation for quality products, friendly, helpful service, and a professional approach in serving the building professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

In fact, to help its customers get better service, Truitt & White has been well ahead of the retail-technology curve for many years, developing a computer system that would help customers access stock levels and pricing levels in 1988, well before the Internet made it quick and easy for businesses to provide access to information. 

Truitt & White was also early to recognize the potential of a computerized point-of-sale system, which it installed in 1982, well before most bigger retailers. Rather than buying packaged software, Truitt & White hired a developer and created its own from scratch to handle everything from checkout to inventory tracking to handling payroll and billing. 

From its earliest days, Truitt and White showed an unusual resourcefulness when it came to serving its customers.

 The first inventory they gathered for their fledgling lumberyard was military-surplus fencing and tools that White bought at an auction in Stockton. He wasn’t quite sure what they were going to do with two boxcars full of snow fencing, but as luck would have it, there was a huge demand for building supplies after the war and the fencing and other goods they gathered sold quickly in Berkeley. 

Meanwhile Truitt, who had owned three lumberyards in Texas before the war, was able to use his connections in the lumber industry to secure more supplies for the duo’s lumberyard. 

Truitt was also able to obtain a truck, saws, desks and file cabinets, and along with White’s wife Rose, who was an accountant, was able to set up a rudimentary office in a prefabricated fishing cabin they built at Second and Hearst. 

The site is now the location for Truitt & White Window & Door Showroom, although the cabin is long gone! 

From those humble beginnings the company continued to grow and prosper with a combination of innovation and customer service. For example, even before anyone recognized the value of double-pane insulated windows, Truitt & White was already stocking them. Over the years, this steady quality of being one step ahead of the competition allowed its customers to rely on the company to provide the latest and highest-quality products. 

Staying true to its roots, Truitt & White is now a third-generation family-run business with a fourth generation pitching in. Customer families have been coming to Truitt & White for three generations, and nothing means more to the Truitt & White family than loyalty like that. 

Continuing the legacy the two Navy buddies first established 75 years ago is paramount to the Truitt & White family. 

“As a third generation family-owned and operated business, our strong desire to continually improve while retaining the tried and true elements that make us Truitt & White, is still alive today and a source of pride for all of us,” said Warren White. “Just like in our first days as a company, our staff is committed to providing the best quality products and customer service for today’s professional builders.” 

About Truitt & White

Since 1946, Truitt & White has been the Bay Area’s go-to source for high quality building materials, valuable information, and unmatched customer service. With over 70,000 square feet of lumberyard, hardware store, warehouse, and showroom areas, our knowledgeable staff specializes in serving the needs of professional builders and homeowners alike. 

Truitt & White Lumber & Hardware

642 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710

Phone: (510) 841-0511

Website: truittandwhite.com

 

Hours:

Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

 

Truitt & White Window and Door Showroom

1831 Second St., Berkeley, CA 94710

Phone: (510) 649-4400

Website: truittandwhite.com

 

Hours:

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
831-747-7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
http://www.truittandwhite.com

Cinnamon Shore Opens New Phase & Makes Limited Homesites Available on Oct. 9, 2021

 Registered Buyers Get Early Pricing Details, Personalized Assistance & First Choice of Prime Coastal Property

Port Aransas, Texas, September 29, 2021 —Continued interest in Cinnamon Shore’s newest village has prompted this Gulf Coast community’s upcoming property release, with 40 homesites available for the first time on Sat., Oct. 9, 2021. During “Come Home to Cinnamon Shore” Weekend, buyers will have first choice of prime sites in Cinnamon Shore South’s  brand-new phase, which offers new amenities and spectacular locations along a future lake, parks, and scenic, palm-lined  streets. Plus, several new, Gulf-front sites and two sites along a future pond will be available.

See a map of the homesites that will be available HERE.

Buyers must register HERE by Wed., Oct. 6, 2021, to participate, but they do not have to be present to make a site selection. They can work with Cinnamon Shore Realty in advance, receiving pricing, Design Code details, and personalized assistance as they move toward a property decision. Then, on Sat., Oct. 9, 2021, they can simply text or call with their top choice.

“This is a huge opportunity for buyers looking to build on the Texas Coast and for real estate investors,” says Jeff Lamkin, developer of Cinnamon Shore. “This group of homesites has proximity to some exciting, new community features, and it’s one of the last chances for buyers to build in this Gulf-side village.”

This new phase offers sites near these enviable amenities:

·        A 4-acre lake with fishing pavilions and community firepit

·        The largest, resort-style pool in Cinnamon Shore, with renderings unveiled soon

·        Athletic courts for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball

·        A new dune crossover for easy beach access

·        Paver-lined Sundown Court, a gathering place lined with park benches, perfect for visiting and strolling

·        An allée of palms, creating a grand promenade leading to the beachfront

The advantageous homesites offer buyers the chance to lock in low interest rates ahead of construction. Once they reserve their site on Oct. 9, they can start designing home plans and interiors right away, secure financing for a construction loan, interview builders, and be ready to start building as soon as the plat is final. “Beginning the process now means buyers can get into their new beach homes in the fastest timeframe possible,” says Jodi Peters, managing broker of Cinnamon Shore Realty. “Our agents can walk buyers through every step and introduce them top designers, architects, and lenders. We can help them create a great team for their journey to joining the Cinnamon Shore family.” View the Cinnamon Shore “Designer and Architects” flipbook HERE.

When buyers register to participate, they commit to joining the Preferred Buyers List by putting down a refundable  $5,000 fee that they can put toward the purchase of a site on Oct. 9 or keep in escrow toward a future Cinnamon Shore property purchase. Preferred Buyers receive exclusive news on future property releases, priority pricing details, resale listing previews, customized help from knowledgeable agents, and the first opportunity to make property selections at all property releases.

For more, call Cinnamon Shore Realty at 361-749-1851 or visit cinnamonshore.com/real-estate.

About Cinnamon Shore

Cinnamon Shore is a pedestrian-friendly planned community nestled behind the protective dunes on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is the first new urbanism development for Sea Oats Group, which is fulfilling its vision of a traditional seaside village with a wide array of amenities and recreational facilities intertwined with beach cottages, luxury villas and vibrant town centers. Now comprised of two communities – the original, Cinnamon Shore North, and its new, 150-acre, Gulf-side expansion, Cinnamon Shore South – every detail of the master plan for both is designed to embrace the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.CinnamonShore.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@CinnamonShore). 

About Sea Oats Group

Port Aransas-based Sea Oats Group is one of the most successful developers of coastal properties in any market nationwide, including the Texas Gulf Coast, where the value of its beachfront portfolio is unequalled. The firm is dedicated to creating traditional neighborhood developments that provide residents with the highest possible quality of life, while preserving the integrity of the resort landscapes they occupy. By combining living spaces with retail areas in a walkable, connected plan, Sea Oats Group weaves together beautiful places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.SeaOatsGroup.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain 

The Buzz PR LLC 

Salinas, CA 

831-747-7455 

marci@thebuzzpr.net 

http://www.CinnamonShore.com

Love Letter to Carmel Opening Night SOLD OUT Limited Tickets Available for Oct. 6 Full Program and Sponsors Announced

 Tickets are sold out for the Tuesday evening performance of MSO’s outdoor pops concert Love Letter to Carmel at the Forest Theater in Carmel. 

Carmel, CA, September 15, 2021 – Tickets are sold out for the Tuesday evening performance of MSO’s outdoor pops concert Love Letter to Carmel at the Forest Theater in Carmel. Limited seats are available for the Wednesday, October 6, 2021 7:00 PM show. Local singer and actress Malinda DeRouen will delight crowds with her Doris Day tribute, backed up by the full Monterey Symphony orchestra under the baton of Bay Area guest conductor Brad Hogarth. 

MSO would like to thank the sponsors for this event: Carmel Gives, Monterey Private Wealth, Monterey Touring Vehicles, Compass Realty - Oldham Group, Lightspeed Testing, and Deja Vu Carmel. 

The full program is below: 

Alan Silvestri: Theme from The Avengers 

Alan Silvestri: Theme from Back to the Future 

Mark Mancina: Rhapsody in C Major from August Rush 

Bernard Hermann: Vertigo Suite: Prelude, The Nightmare, Scene d'amour 

Richard Adler & Jerry Ross: Overture to the Pajama Game 

Classic tunes and jazz standards from the American Songbook and Doris Day

featuring Malinda DeRouen 

Sentimental Journey

It's Been a Long Long Time

Misty

When I Fall in Love

Secret Love 

Ennio Morricone: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Suite

featuring Malinda DeRouen 

Tickets for Love Letter to Carmel are $40 for general admission and $10 for students, active military, and frontline workers. Tickets are available online at www.montereysymphony.org. 

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

For press inquires, contact: Nicola Reilly, Executive Director, nreilly@montereysymphony.org  or 831-645-1131 (Direct). 

Contact:
Marci Bracco
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
831 747 7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Artichoke Festival’s ‘Welcome to Your Nightmare’ 2nd Annual Haunted House to be Held Through October

 Ghouls and goblins age 12 and up will enjoy the bone-chilling, skin-crawling thrills of their worst Halloween nightmares at the Artichoke Festival’s 2nd Annual “Welcome to Your Nightmare” Haunted House every Friday and Saturday night, and Halloween Sunday, in October, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey. 

Monterey, CA, September 10, 2021 — Ghouls and goblins age 12 and up will enjoy the bone-chilling, skin-crawling thrills of their worst Halloween nightmares at the Artichoke Festival’s 2nd Annual “Welcome to Your Nightmare” Haunted House every Friday and Saturday night, and Halloween Sunday, in October, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey. 

The safe, walk-through “Welcome to Your Nightmare” Haunted House will be held from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, plus Sunday, Oct. 31, with special themed discount nights: Wear a themed costume for $5-off entry fees, first and second Saturdays only — Saturday, Oct. 2 is Zombie Night; Saturday, Oct. 9 is Witches & Warlocks Night, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, adjacent to the Cardinale & Wright Pumpkin Patch; enter at Gate 7. 

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for active military and seniors 62-plus. A $30 VIP Speed Pass allows guests to skip to the front of the line. Tickets are on sale at artichokefestival.org. Tickets will also be on sale at the event with cash, credit or debit card. 

All guests will be required to follow Monterey County guidance for current COVID-19 safety protocols, with masked ghouls, contactless scares, touchless ticketing options, and a frighteningly large number of hand-sanitizing stations. The Haunted House is not recommended for children under 12, but the Pumpkin Patch welcomes all ages. Parents of children 12 years and under will be required to sign a waiver. No refunds. 

The Haunted House was designed by the Artichoke Festival Committee and Escape Room 831 and hosted by Cardinale & Wright Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees, a one-stop shop for all types of pumpkins, gourds, and other harvest-time decor. On select nights, there will be harvest-themed snacks, and arts & crafts activities for families. Sponsors include Bianchi, Kasavan & Pope, LLC; Aladin Properties, LP; Cardinale Moving & Storage; Escape Room 831; iHeart Radio: KDON, KTOM, KOCN, KPRC, and KION PowerTalk; KSBW, ABC, Estrella TV, Mag One Media, and Sturdy Oil. 

About the Artichoke Festival

Throughout the years, the Artichoke Festival has become a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups that depend upon a successful event for their viability. Today, the Artichoke Festival is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that continues the tradition of raising money to give back to the surrounding communities of Castroville, California in a wonderful celebration of the artichoke. Proceeds of this Haunted House fundraising event will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community. For more information, go to artichokefestival.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
831 747 7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Best Time of Year at the Beach: Autumn at Cinnamon Shore

 Great Weather, Great Activities, Great Fall Rates 

Port Aransas, Texas, September 08, 2021 - At Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas, Texas, the beach-going season extends long after Labor Day. And this year, special fall festivals highlight the season, while vacationers can snag some of the Gulf-side resort village’s best rental rates of the year. 

“There’s not a nicer time of year in our little beach town,” says Celeste Edwards, general manager at Cinnamon Shore Vacation Rentals. “It’s cooler with less humidity, but days are warm enough to enjoy our resort pools and the beach, which is less crowded this time of year. Plus, there’s still so much to do for families who stay with us.” 

Cinnamon Shore just released its new fall schedule of activities, including: 

Fitness Classes: Sign up for Yoga on the Beach and Beach Body Burn.

Movies Under the Stars: Watch family-friendly flicks cast to a jumbo screen on the Town Center lawn.

Live Music: Favorite Texas singers and bands perform every weekend in September and October.

Paint & Sip: Popular this summer, this open-air art class held at Town Center continues into the fall.

Cinnamon Shore is a Tarpon Sponsor of Port Aranses’ 2021 Texas SandFest, the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the U.S. Set for Oct. 15-17 on the beach near downtown Port Aransas, the festival features renowned master sand sculptors, amateur sandcastle building, music, vendors, food, and other fun. “We’re proud to support the city’s signature event, which has an international draw,” Edwards says. “Cinnamon Shore guests love SandFest festivities, but they also enjoy coming back to our village for downtime away from the crowds. It makes for the perfect fall beach weekend!” CHECK RENTAL AVAILABILITY. 

Other special fall weekends attracting vacationers this fall include Port A Live Music Fest, Sept. 17-19, with music at venues all over town, including Cinnamon Shore. SEE CINNAMON  SHORE MUSIC LINEUP and the family-friendly Wooden Boat Festival, Oct. 30-31, which coincides with Halloween Fest at Cinnamon Shore on Oct. 30. 

Vacationers can take advantage of great fall rates through Nov. 18, 2021. 

Stay 3 nights, Enjoy Complimentary 4th Night | Code: FALL2021

Enjoy 10% Off a 3-Night Stay | CODE: SAVE 10

Beyond that, Thanksgiving attracts families to Cinnamon Shore. On-site favorite Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria will offer a full, Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings for pre-order and pick-up on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Then, to kick off the Christmas season, guests can meet St. Nick at Santa’s First Stop, Fri, Nov. 26, on the beach at Cinnamon Shore. “It’s Santa’s last chance to vacation before his busy season,” says Mary Jo Cox, lifestyle director at Cinnamon Shore. 

For more about fall vacations at Cinnamon Shore, see cinnamonshore.com. 

About Cinnamon Shore

Cinnamon Shore is a pedestrian-friendly planned community nestled behind the protective dunes on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is the first new urbanism development for Sea Oats Group, which is fulfilling its vision of a traditional seaside village with a wide array of amenities and recreational facilities intertwined with beach cottages, luxury villas and vibrant town centers. Now comprised of two communities – the original, Cinnamon Shore North, and its new, 150-acre, Gulf-side expansion, Cinnamon Shore South – every detail of the master plan for both is designed to embrace the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.CinnamonShore.com , and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@CinnamonShore). 

About Sea Oats Group

Port Aransas-based Sea Oats Group is one of the most successful developers of coastal properties in any market nationwide, including the Texas Gulf Coast, where the value of its beachfront portfolio is unequalled. The firm is dedicated to creating traditional neighborhood developments that provide residents with the highest possible quality of life, while preserving the integrity of the resort landscapes they occupy. By combining living spaces with retail areas in a walkable, connected plan, Sea Oats Group weaves together beautiful places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.SeaOatsGroup.com. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
831 747 7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
http://www.CinnamonShore.com

Mee Memorial Healthcare System to celebrate the power of rural’ on Nov. 18 for Rural Health Day

 There are many advantages to living in rural areas, among them less noise, more privacy, a close proximity to nature and a strong sense of community. 

King City, CA, September 01, 2021 — There are many advantages to living in rural areas, among them less noise, more privacy, a close proximity to nature and a strong sense of community. 

As the only comprehensive medical facility within 40 miles of its base in King City, Mee Memorial Healthcare System will celebrate National Rural Health Day with its neighbors on Nov. 18. Each year, the third Thursday in November is set aside to highlight rural communities as wonderful places to live and work, to increase awareness of rural health-related issues, and to promote the efforts of organizations that address these issues. 

This year the theme is “Celebrate the Power of Rural,” with plans to honor the community-minded spirit that prevails in the countryside of America. 

As part of those efforts, Mee Memorial has launched a poster contest that is open to all South Monterey County public and private students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Poster submissions should reflect the 2021 theme.

 Prizes will be awarded to individuals (as well as to classrooms) for first, second and third place. Winners and teachers will be announced and notified on Rural Health Day, Thursday, Nov. 18. 

Entries will be accepted through Friday, November 12th. Students must send a photo or a PDF via email to media@thebuzzpr.net or through the U.S. mail (postmarked on or before November 12th ) to: 1320-B Main St., #235 Salinas, CA 93901-2109. 

An estimated 57 million people — nearly 1 in 5 Americans — live in rural communities throughout the United States. 

Many of these rural communities face a variety of barriers that adversely affect their overall physical, social and mental health status. 

According to the National Rural Health Association, the following statistics help define healthcare challenges in rural areas across the country: 

·        Although 25 percent of Americans live in rural areas, only 10 percent of physicians practice in them.

·        Rural residents tend to have a per capita income that is $9,242 lower than residents in urban areas.

·        Approximately 1 out of 4 rural children live in poverty.

·        Over the past 25-years, more than 500 rural hospitals have closed.

·        Rural residents face greater problems with medical transportation than residents living in urban areas.

·        Approximately 20 percent of rural counties lack not only basic mental health services but any mental health services at all.

·        Approximately 54 percent of rural Americans lack access to high-speed internet. This can make it more difficult for them to access their health information from home.

·        Tobacco use is a significantly higher problem among rural youth than it is urban youth.

·        Rural communities have higher unemployment rates and more uninsured residents, which can result in limited access to healthcare.

·        Rates of diabetes and coronary heart disease are higher in rural areas than urban areas. 

More information:

Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation

300 Canal St., King City, CA 93930

Phone: 831-386-7327

Online: www.meememorial.com

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

 

MONTEREY SYMPHONY announces… Subscriptions on sale starting 9/1/21; New String{s} Theory concert in November 2021; and Love Letter to Carmel tickets are selling out!

Subscriptions are on sale starting September 1, 2021 for the Monterey Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season. 

Carmel, CA, August 30, 2021 – Subscriptions are on sale starting September 1, 2021 for the Monterey Symphony’s 75^th Anniversary Season. MSO is looking both back and forward by celebrating 75 years of music while finalizing the search for the new Music Director. The search and subscription season will resume beginning February of 2022. The four finalists listed below will conduct a weekend of concerts with the Symphony at Sunset Center in Carmel. Full bios and programs can be found on the MSO’s website.

The finalists will each be joined by a soloist.

DONATO CABRERA (February 19 and 20, 2022) featuring Julian Schwarz, cello

PETER BAY (March 19 and 20, 2022) featuring Simone Porter, violin

JUNG-HO PAK (April 16 and 17, 2022) featuring Rachel Barton Pine, violin

JAYCE OGREN (May 14 and 15, 2022) featuring Philippe Bianconi, piano

Subscriptions include all 4 concerts for either the Saturday evening performances, with a new start time of 7:30 PM, or the Sunday matinee performances at 3:00 PM. Prices range from $176 for Tier 3, $260 for Tier 2, and $340 for Tier 1 seats. More details can be found on MSO’s website under “Tickets/Subscriptions.” Single Tickets go on sale December 15, 2021. All tickets include a Digital Pass to view the concerts remotely from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

In November, MSO will present String{s} Theory, a string and percussion concert at Sunset Center in Carmel on both Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM. SF Bay area conductor Brad Hogarth will be returning to the stage following his October debut appearance with MSO at the Forest Theater for Love Letter to Carmel. The concert hall capacity will be reduced by 50% to accommodate social distancing. MSO’s health and safety protocols can be found on their website under “Your Visit.”

Tickets are almost sold out for MSO’s outdoor pops concert Love Letter to Carmel at the Forest Theater in Carmel on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 and Wednesday, October 6, 2021 both at 7:00 PM. The concert includes works from Back to the Future, Vertigo, Doris Day song selections, Clint Eastwood movie themes and many more! Local singer and actress Malinda DeRouen will delight crowds with her Doris Day tribute, backed up by the full Monterey Symphony orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Brad Hogarth.

Tickets for both String{s} Theory and Love Letter to Carmel are not part of the MSO Subscription Season that starts in February 2022. Single tickets are available now at $40 for general admission and $10 for students, active military, and frontline workers. At this time, students under the age of 12 will be not be allowed at the November concerts. Monterey Symphony will require a fully vaccinated audience for all indoor performances.

Tickets are available online at www.montereysymphony.org.

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

For press inquires, contact: Nicola Reilly, Executive Director, nreilly@montereysymphony.org  or 831-645-1131 (Direct)

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Monterey Symphony Releases Four More Episodes of Music to your Ears Education Series

 The Monterey Symphony is releasing four new episodes of Music To YOUR Ears on Monday August 9th in conjunction with the start of the new school year.

Carmel/Monterey, CA, August 04, 2021 - The Monterey Symphony is releasing four new episodes of Music To YOUR Ears on Monday August 9^th in conjunction with the start of the new school year. Music To YOUR Ears is an open-source virtual education series. The first four episodes were released in April 2021 and are still available. Each episode highlights one of the Symphony’s Balcony Sessions that were recorded this past year at the various shuttered venues throughout the peninsula.

Episode 5: Alone features the world-premiere of the award-winning performance of ‘Alone’ for Solo Violin, Live EFX, and Electronica by the Emmy-award winning MSO composer-in-residence John Christopher Wineglass. The piece is performed by MSO’s concertmaster Christina Mok and is filmed with the empty Sunset Center seats as a backdrop.
Episode 6: A “Suite” Musical Offering features MSO cellist Isaac Pastor-Chermak at the Winfield Art Gallery in Carmel. Pastor-Chermak plays a stunning Bach suite with the paintings and statues as his only audience members.

Episode 7: Making Music at Home features MSO’s Principal flautist Dawn Walker, cellist Mark Walker, and MSO’s executive Director Nicola Reilly in the gorgeous and newly renovated Pacific Grove Library.

Episode 8: Holiday Cheer celebrates local singer, songwriter, and actress Malinda DeRouen and her new Christmas song and music video Christmas This Year. 

In a regular season, the Monterey Symphony would host nearly 10,000 students at their Monday morning youth concerts at the Sunset Center in Carmel and Sherwood Hall in Salinas. With this type of field trip not being offered this year, the Symphony had to answer the challenging question of how to engage students in a safe and meaningful way. MSO hopes to reach even more students in the community this year by providing virtual content directly to educators and students. The Monterey Symphony is following through with their commitment to accessibility by offering all of the content free-of-charge as well as with language options in both Spanish and English.

Music To YOUR Ears combines the fun animation style of local artist Rory Glass, the artistic excellence of the MSO musicians, with the high quality filming and sound engineering of local documentary filmmaker Douglas Mueller. The videos are narrated by musicologist and MSO Assistant Principal horn player Dr. Alicia Mastromonaco.

Music To YOUR Ears is available online at https://www.montereysymphony.org/music-to-your-ears.htm

Episodes can be viewed online directly or downloaded and shared. All episodes are available with both English and Spanish closed captions. Each Episode includes three corresponding worksheets in both English and Spanish that are available to download and print from the website listed above. The Symphony office will also print and mail worksheets to teachers upon request. 

The Music To YOUR Ears program has been sponsored by Harden Foundation, PG and E, The Arts Council for Monterey County, Jo-Ann and Russell Hatch, and the Schuyler Family Foundation, with special thanks to MY Museum. 

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

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
https://www.montereysymphony.org

Monterey Symphony Announces TWO concerts at the Forest Theater “A Love Letter to Carmel” October 5 and 6, 2021 7 PM

 The Monterey Symphony will present two outdoor pops concerts at the Forest Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA on October 5th and 6th, 2021 both at 7 PM. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, August 04, 2021 – The Monterey Symphony will present two outdoor pops concerts at the Forest Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA on October 5th and 6th, 2021 both at 7 PM. The concert, entitled “Love Letter to Carmel,” will include works from Back to the Future, Vertigo, Doris Day song selections, Clint Eastwood movie themes and many more! Local singer and actress Malinda DeRouen will delight crowds as Doris Day, backed up by the full Monterey Symphony orchestra. 

These 60-minute performances will feature San Francisco based conductor Brad Hogarth and the Monterey Symphony. The concerts are family friendly and full of surprises. 

“We really want to thank the Carmel community for its support during this Pandemic year,” said Executive Director Nicola Reilly. “And what better way than an outdoor concert, an orchestra under the stars, performing music that is familiar and beloved.” 

Tickets are $40 general admission and $10 for students, active military, and frontline workers. Tickets are available online at www.montereysymphony.org. 

All county health guidelines will be followed on the days of the performances, and ticket buyers will receive a confirmation email seven days prior with all guidelines, as they exist at that point. 

More about the performers:

Brad Hogarth - Brad is a conductor, trumpeter, and educator based in the Bay Area. He is the Associate Professor of Conducting at San Francisco State University, the music director and conductor of both the Contra Costa Wind Symphony and the Art Haus Collective and maintains a busy performance schedule as a trumpeter. 

Malinda DeRouen - A lifelong performer of music and theatre, Malinda has performed as an actor and singer throughout the Monterey Peninsula and the Bay Area, gracing the stages of musical venues as well as theatrical playhouses. Locally, she recently played the title role in The Western Stage's production of Evita and Sebastian in Pacific Repertory's Theatre's production of The Little Mermaid at the Forest Theatre. Beyond the peninsula, Malinda was an understudy to multiple roles in Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco and has toured as a vocalist with Royal Caribbean Cruises. 

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

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Monterey County Fair is Back for 2021 on Sept. 3-6, at Monterey County Fair & Event Center

 Monterey County Fair is back for 2021 with the theme, “Fair Fun in 2021!” on Sept. 3-6, after cancelling the 2020 event because of the pandemic. 

Monterey, CA, July 07, 2021 — Monterey County Fair is back for 2021 with the theme, “Fair Fun in 2021!” on Sept. 3-6, after cancelling the 2020 event because of the pandemic. 

The 85th annual Fair will be held at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, but in a scaled-down version. 

 

“We are excited to have the Monterey County Fair back in 2021, with all the things people expect from the Fair — food, entertainment, live music, exhibits and a carnival with rides and games — although in a scaled-down way for health and safety reasons,” said Fair CEO Kelly Violini. “We have a ‘limited footprint’ with all carnival rides on the main lawn, which allows for parking on-site. All ticket sales are in advance in an effort to be cashless. Tickets are $10 for adults/seniors and $5 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are free.” 

Violini said tickets will be on sale in advance until sold out. If tickets don’t sell out, a ticket kiosk will be set up so people can buy them on a walk-up basis on the day they attend the Fair. 

While some details of the Fair are still being finalized, the live music lineup has been released: 

>Left of Center — 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 3, at the Payton Stage 

>Journey Revisted –  7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Payton Stage 

>Money Band — 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, at Payton Stage 

>Samz School of Rock — 2:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 at Payton Stage 

The annual Monterey County Fair Livestock Show, will now be held the weekend prior to the Fair, on Aug. 25-28, 2021. 

More information about this year’s Fair will be posted on the official website at: www.montereycountyfair.com. 

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. 

Monterey County Fair & Event Center
2004 Fairground Road, Monterey
Phone: (831) 372-5863
Email: events@montereycountyfair.com
Website: www.montereycountyfair.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
https://www.montereycountyfair.com

San Lorenzo Valley Water District reminds Residents that Preparation is the First line of Défense of Wildfires

     The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is not only the agency that supplies your water, but we are also committed to safeguarding our community against the threat of wildfire. 

Boulder Creek, CA, July 02, 2021 — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is not only the agency that supplies your water, but we are also committed to safeguarding our community against the threat of wildfire. SLVWD is engaged in work to strengthen fire resiliency and ensure facilities and infrastructure are secure in case of a wildfire emergency. These activities range from fuel reduction on 1,000 of acres, adding neighborhood fire hydrants, increasing backup generator systems in case of power outages and working with local and state agencies to pool resources. Another way SLVWD wants to assist its community, is by encouraging preparedness. 

During a wildfire, responding firefighters must evaluate where to prioritize their efforts to best protect a community. The decisions homeowners make now could very well determine whether or not their home and property make it through a wildfire unscathed. 

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District reminds its customers the importance of preparing themselves and their property. It is your first line of defense for when the threat of wildfire looms. 

Here are some steps to take now: 

• Proper signage: To help firefighters find your home, addresses must be clearly visible from the street

• Access: Is vegetation cleared back from the roads into your neighborhood? Can a car and a fire truck pass each other on your road? Are overhanging branches limbed up at least 20 feet? Is there a place for a large fire truck to turn around?

• Home Zone: Clean out the gutters, sweep off your roof. Screen your attic vents. Consider removing wooden shutters and lattice. Relocate anything stacked up against your home such as brooms, plastic garbage cans, straw welcome mats, and wood piles.

• Five-Foot Safety Zone: Look for things that can catch fire that are within 5 feet of your home or outbuildings. This can include shrubs, overhanging branches, patio furniture, propane-fired BBQs, dog houses, wooden privacy screens, wooden lattices, decks, gates, etc.

• Thirty-Foot Safety Zone: Is there a large enough zone around your house to make it safe for firefighters to defend it? Wildland fires can reach temperatures of almost 1,500 degrees. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire, and it protects your home from catching fire.

• Hundred-Foot Safety Zone: Look at the final 70-feet surrounding your structures. Remove all dead plants, keep grasses and weeds low and have wide spacing between living plants, keeping them limbed up 10 feet from the ground.

• Chipping Services: Chipping programs are currently offered by the following organizations and are funded through grants and private donations. Bonny Doon Fire Safe Council (Bonny Doon Area); South Skyline Fire Safe Council (Upper Summit Area — Covers North Santa Cruz County); Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (serves high-fire risk areas in Santa Cruz County not covered by other FSCs).  

It is also important to remember that during fire emergencies, outdoor water usage is restricted to ensure water is readily available for fire agencies. Customers should not run sprinklers (especially on roof tops), leave water running, or run outdoor hoses. 

Personal emergency water storage is also highly recommended as recovery of the water system after fire damage may take several days. SLVWD recommends that each home’s emergency supply include at least two gallons per person per day for seven days minimum — more if pets are involved. 

SLVWD suggests following these basic storage rules: 

• Follow container manufacturer instructions for storage and maintenance of your emergency water supply.

• Use only BPA-free plastic. Single-use bottles are not designed for long-term storage and can leach plastic over time.

• Store in a cool, dark place or a temperature-controlled environment; inside your home is best.

• Replace emergency water every six months. 

About the District

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed. The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes. 

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

 
Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

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

Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with renewed focus on Local Food, Fun and Entertainment

 With a renewed focus on local food and entertainment, educational agricultural activities, and fun for all ages, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Monterey, CA, June 29, 2021 — With a renewed focus on local food and entertainment, educational agricultural activities, and fun for all ages, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Following a year of shelter-in-place restrictions and social distancing, the festival is eager to celebrate the region fondly known as “the Artichoke Center of the World.” 

With the 2021 theme promising fun for all ages while celebrating the famous thistle, the 61st annual event expects to host at least 8,000 visitors over two days. 

California residents are invited to join in the fun, confident that current safety and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance festival admission tickets will soon be available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free. Special early-bird ticket packages will be on sale until July 10.

 Back on the menu for 2021 are gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers. Artichokes will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and in unique forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream. 

There will be daily cooking demonstrations with local chefs, who will showcase the artichoke’s versatility and unique cooking techniques. 

The first three chefs confirmed so far for the daily Chef Demos include Chef Daniel Elinan, Executive Chef at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Eduardo Coronel, Executive Chef of Rio Grill in Carmel; and Chef Ivan, part of the Culinary Team at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey. 

This year’s Chef Demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, which has been providing transportation to medical care and family support services for children with life-threatening conditions living in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties since 2007. Partnership for Children’s transportation and financial assistance programs increase access to compassionate care for children on the Central Coast. For more about Partnership for Children visit their website at www.partnerforkids.org. 

The festival is also looking for chefs who would like to demonstrate their creative artichoke recipes at the Artichoke Festival Chef Demos. Interested chefs can call Jennifer Ramirez at 831-422-3002, or send her an email at Jennifer@partnerforkids.org. 

Families and festival-goers will enjoy the world-famous farmers’ market, sponsored by Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in the U.S. New this year are an ag education exhibit and a hot rod car show. Other popular features returning this year are arts and crafts vendors, the artichoke harvest and artichoke eating contests, an artichoke themed quilt competition, and more. 

The Artichoke Festival has plenty of fun for the whole family, including lots of artichoke dishes, chef demonstrations, entertainment, competitions, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. 

Fresh from the Fields

Visitors will enjoy a world-famous farmers’ market that offers fresh artichokes, along with other seasonal produce such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, peas, fennel, green onions, leeks, mixed lettuce, rapini, spinach and so many other fruits and vegetables, at prices that can’t be beat. 

Enjoy special delicious dishes from the Artichoke Food Court, made with artichokes harvested in Monterey County. From appetizers to dessert, this is how you do chokes: fried baby artichokes, grilled and steamed artichokes, barbecued artichoke sausage sandwiches, artichoke burritos, artichoke lumpia, artichoke soup, and artichoke cupcakes. 

Entertainment

The Central Coast hosts a wondrous array of local entertainment talent, and the Festival’s main stage will showcase some of the most popular from the area, such as “Lost and Found Band” and “Chicano All Stars.” Live music and family stage entertainment are free to all attendees. 

A local arts advocacy program will showcase the talents and works of community artists from throughout the area, featuring video, digital, and visual works of art. 

See hot street rides at the car show, both days of the Festival, along with specialty auto vendors and a gift basket raffle. Hosted by Gold Coast Rods, a car club for owners of pre-1985 American cars, viewing is free for general admission attendees. An awards ceremony for winning entrants will be held on Sunday afternoon. 

Arts and Crafts

A Quilt Competition will feature one-of-a-kind handmade quilts made especially for the Artichoke Festival, and will be on display on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. Festival attendees can vote their favorite for the People’s Choice Award, to be announced on Sunday. 

Local treasures abound! Arts & Crafts vendors will set up shop for guests to peruse everything from candy apples and artichoke hummus, to beautiful jewelry, soaps and lotions. You’ll find the fun, unique handmade items you can’t find in stores. 

Children’s Activities

Family members of all ages will have fun at the carnival, complete with rides and games, like the 100-foot Super Slide, a Ferris Wheel, and more to keep the excitement flowing. 

Kids of all ages love Arti the Artichoke – the official mascot of Ocean Mist Farms, voted the Salinas area fan favorite mascot. Arti will be present at the Festival for photo opportunities and awards ceremonies. 

Festival Traditions

Attendees can learn about what it takes to grow this unique vegetable. Get a crash course in artichoke husbandry by Castroville’s Artichoke growing experts at the “Talk to a Grower” exhibit in the Farmers Market, both days of the Festival. 

An artichoke-harvesting competition using the same authentic “canasta” baskets used in the artichoke harvesting process, is a race against fellow festival-goers. It’s not as easy as it looks! 

How many artichokes can you choke down? Find out, and win bragging rights at the Artichoke Eating Contest, both days at the Main Stage. 

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community. This year, onsite activities will directly benefit nonprofit partners, which include Partnership for Children and the Marina Lion’s Club. The festival gives back to nonprofit programs that include local senior centers, sports and parks and recreation activities in North Monterey County schools, and other community enrichment programs, to name a few. 

For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.artichokefestival.org. 

Contact:

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