Humbled: How California’s Monterey Bay Escaped Industrial Ruin

  Readers can learn more about Humbled in a series of online book talks hosted by the Monterey County Historical Society. 

Nonfiction, 348 pages, 47 photos and illustrations

Vista Verde Publishing, September 2020, $28.00

ISBN 9781735109206

(eBook planned for release in the near future)

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Readers can learn more about Humbled in a series of online book talks hosted by the Monterey County Historical Society. Church and McKenzie will discuss the book, their research, and why they wrote it on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., and on other dates yet to be determined. During these talks, the authors will donate to MCHS 25 percent of the proceeds from every book ordered from vista-verde-publishing.com. To be included in the Zoom event, email mchs@redshift.com.

For author interviews: gwchurch@gmail.com or (831) 722-0819

Review copies of the book available on request; to read Chapter 1, go to

vista-verde-publishing.com 

About the book

Today, Monterey Bay is a place of beauty and natural splendor, and is protected by federal law as a national marine sanctuary. It’s hard to believe that in the 1960s, plans called for a major industrial complex to be developed at the midpoint of the bay, starting with a refinery that Humble Oil intended as a linchpin of its West Coast operations.

The building permit sought by the powerful company became the focus of a bitter and protracted conflict that divided the region. Most people in Monterey County wanted the jobs and economic stability that big industry would bring. But a vocal minority fought back hard against the industrialization of the bay. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the permit, but ultimately Humble would never start construction.

The controversy was one of the first major battles of the modern environmental movement, and garnered state and national attention, including coverage in the New York Times. It was a critical turning point for the Monterey Bay, home to hundreds of species of sea life, marine mammals and birds.

This slice of Central Coast history is examined in detail in the new nonfiction book Humbled: How California’s Monterey Bay Escaped Industrial Ruin, by Glenn Church and Kathryn McKenzie (Vista Verde Publishing, 2020).

Church and McKenzie chronicle the Humble affair, starting with plans in the 1950s designating the tiny fishing village of Moss Landing as an industrial center, through the events of 1965-1966 when Humble applied for a permit to build a refinery. The project was turned aside through a concerted effort by environmentalists, farmers, and other residents who felt a refinery would irreparably damage the region’s air and water quality. It also documents the political wiliness of local politicians who simply outfoxed Humble, one of the world’s biggest corporations. Just how this was accomplished makes a fascinating read that is like a textbook for environmental activism.

The book recalls some of the personalities who wrangled over the issue, such as Monterey County Supervisor Tom Hudson, known for his flamboyant antics and love of back-room deals; State Senator Fred Farr, who rose above personal tragedy to fight for the bay that he loved; and famed photographer Ansel Adams, who became a public and outspoken opponent of Humble Oil.

The book began when Church and McKenzie began reading through notes and papers of the late Warren Church, a former Monterey County Supervisor and Glenn’s father, who played a prominent role in the controversy. That led to more than a year of research that revealed the entire picture of exactly what made Humble turn away from Moss Landing.

Humbled can be ordered from vista-verde-publishing.com, at local bookstores, and from major online booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Authors’ bios

Glenn Church and Kathryn McKenzie both grew up in the Monterey Bay area and have a deep love and appreciation for the land and the environment. Church, a farmer and businessman, has written extensively about politics and has been active in environmental and international human rights issues. McKenzie, a Monterey Bay area journalist and environmental writer, has been working for newspapers and magazines for more than 35 years, most recently Voices of Monterey Bay, Health Matters and Edible Monterey Bay.

They have been married since 2017, and make their home in North Monterey County on California’s Central Coast. This is their first book. 

Advance praise for Humbled

 The Humble Oil incident was the most consequential political battle in our area’s modern history, and people need to know how these events saved local agriculture and preserved the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay for generations to come.

                       —  Congressman Sam Farr (Retired)

 A sweeping epic chronicling circumstances and events that would have ruined the ecology of our region, were it not for the concern and vigilance of those who cared.

                      — James Perry, Monterey County Historical Society executive director

 It’s hard to imagine what the Monterey Bay — now a national marine sanctuary — would look like today if locals hadn’t taken a stand against Humble Oil in the 1960s. It was a time before “environmental activism” was a term, but the until-now unsung heroes in this story were prescient enough to see disaster looming if they didn’t take action. Humbled shows how a few determined souls changed the course of history, and it should inspire all of us to keep fighting for environmental justice today.

                      — Julia Reynolds, author of Blood in the Fields: Ten Years Inside California’s Nuestra Familia Gang

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

New book ‘The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law’ Explores Emotion-packed Family dynamics of Age-Old Relationship

 Not quite family but rarely ever friends, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship has tension built into it from the start. 

Monterey, CA, October 06, 2020 — Not quite family but rarely ever friends, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship has tension built into it from the start. In her book “The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law,” Monterey author Kenis Dunne offers funny, quirky, real-world accounts from this age-old battleground. 

Detailing a collection of stories ranging from dastardly and outlandish to humorous and loving, Dunne covers the mother-in-law journey from engagement and wedding to the pitter-patter of grandchildren. 

Described by one reviewer as “a must-read for mothers and daughters-in-law who wish to learn the value of communication, respect and seeing things from one another’s perspective,” the book blends real life lessons with guest commentary. The book’s themes touch on generational communication, taming the need to control, and pitfalls to avoid. 

Purchase the book directly through the author’s website at www.kenisdunne.com, online through Amazon or through select local bookstores. 

Media Interviews Available : Books Available for Review

Contact Marci Bracco Cain Marci@ChatterboxPublicRelations.com or call (831) 747-7455 

About the author

Kenis Dunne has spent her career working with words, starting as a journalist writing for community newspapers and then moving into various forms of communication for Bay Area high-tech companies, including Cisco and Micron Technology. Along the way, she and her husband raised three children in Los Gatos. She is a mother-in-law twice over, and a grandmother of three. Kenis and her husband Rob now live in Monterey. 

MIL Book Testimonies

"Have you ever wondered if you are the only daughter-in-law with mother-in-law issues? This funny, quirky book is a must read. Daughter-in-law commentators hold nothing back in Mirror Mirror, Mother-In-Law. You will laugh and grimace, and discover you are not alone." —Moryt Milo, former editor of the Silicon Valley Business Journal 

“Solidly entertaining and poignantly sweet, this book had me gasping at the bad mothers-in-law, laughing with the insightful daughters-in-law, and reminiscing about my own late mother-in-law with warmth and affection.” —Cady McCowin, experienced daughter-in-law 

“I loved this book. It is a combination of lessons, humor, and the best and worst mother-in-law examples. The Wisdom from a MIL Virtuoso story reminded me to forgive, forget and lead with love and maybe sometimes you just have to get out of the way.” —Cindy Small, mother-in-law and grandmother of three 

“This is a book that reminds us to communicate, told in straightforward voices. The grandparenting part particularly resonated with me. I don’t know a new grandparent who wouldn’t benefit from reading this, myself included.  What a great wedding shower or new grandparent gift this would make!!” —Maxine Granadino, mother-in-law and grandmother of three 

“These stories range from downright shocking to surprisingly heartwarming. I was sad to see each chapter end. A must-read for mothers and daughters-in-law who wish to learn the value of communication, respect, and seeing things from one another’s perspective.” —Amanda P., daughter-in-law and mother 

“This book is such a fun read!  I most appreciate the “life lessons” after each story.  They suggest a how-to for each scenario which I found to be quite helpful.” —Jennie B., wife, teacher and mother of one 

“An excellent read, filled with fun ah-ha moments for anyone navigating the trials and joys of marriage, family, becoming a DIL or MIL, and all that it entails.” —Kris Penner, mother-in-law and grandmother of six. 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.kenisdunne.com/

 

 

Mee Memorial Healthcare System to Hold Flu Clinics in King City and Greenfield

 There’s never been a more important time to get a flu shot, so King City’s Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is hosting free, drive-through flu vaccinations for the community as well as by-appointment (fees may apply) in clinics located in King City and Greenfield. 

King City, CA, October 02, 2020 — There’s never been a more important time to get a flu shot, so King City’s Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is hosting free, drive-through flu vaccinations for the community as well as by-appointment (fees may apply) in clinics located in King City and Greenfield. 

DRIVE THRU FLU SHOTS

KING CITY 

Mee Memorial Hospital 

Sunday, Oct 18, 300 Canal Street, Main parking lot, King City 

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

GREENFIELD 

Thursday, Oct 29 - Location and time to be announced soon. 

In - clinic flu vaccinations are available by appointment from 2-5 p.m., Fridays, Oct. 2, 16 and 30, as well as Friday, Nov. 13. The King City Clinic is located at 210 Canal St. (831-385-7100). The Albert & Donna Oliveira Greenfield Clinic is at 467 El Camino Real (831-674-0112). Fees may apply. 

It’s likely that flu viruses and the coronavirus will both spread this fall and winter as people begin to move indoors. A flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but there are many important benefits, such as: 

• Reducing the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and more 

• Saving precious healthcare resources for patients with COVID-19 

Of highest priority for the Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is keeping our community healthy. This includes offering an extensive array of medical and preventative services with a commitment to the highest possible standards, the best available technology, and the care of skilled professionals.  

The Mee network includes a hospital in King City including emergency services, 25 acute care beds and 48 skilled nursing beds, and three comprehensive outpatient clinics; two adjacent to the hospital (Adult Medicine and the King City Clinic, for Internal, Pain and Family Medicine) and the Albert and Donna Oliveira Clinic, a full service, primary care facility in the City of Greenfield. 

MMHS is the primary healthcare organization serving the rural communities of Southern Monterey County. Overall, our healthcare professionals serve a population of nearly 80,000 within an area spanning over 55 miles between the agricultural communities of Soledad to Bradley. 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.meememorial.com/

 

'From Farms to Incubators' Exhibition honors Women who merge AG and Tech to Solve Modern Problems

 Multimedia exhibition premiers Nov. 12 at National Steinbeck Center 

Salinas, CA, October 01, 2020 - The modern intersection of agriculture and technology has brought to the forefront a diverse generation of women working to overcome rising challenges through new perspectives and solutions. 

A new special exhibition at the Steinbeck Center in Salinas lifts up stories of these innovators to help inspire and encourage young women to consider careers in agtech. 

"From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech" uses multimedia and digital storytelling - including video, documentary and still photography - to honor these groundbreaking pioneers. The exhibition is the brainchild of Amy Wu an award-winning journalist for women’s ag and agtech movement and the creator of “From Farms to Incubators.” 

“My passion to unearth underreported stories and amplify new voices is what led me to highlight the stories of emerging communities in agriculture,” says Wu. “Ultimately, I hope the exhibition, film series and book serves as vehicles to inspire youth – especially those from rural or underserved communities - to consider that agriculture extends far beyond tractors and overalls and it is a sector that offers an amazing range of opportunities that involve innovation.” 

Michele Speich the Executive Director National Steinbeck Center says: 

“Women for centuries have played a vital role in farm operations across the country and globally. We are thrilled that Amy Wu has chosen to tell the stories of minority women entrepreneurs in Agtech in the Salinas Valley and beyond in a book and in an exhibition at the National Steinbeck Center,” says Speich. 

Presented by the group From Farms to Incubators, the exhibition kicks off Thursday, Nov. 12 with a virtual opening event from 4-6 p.m. PACIFIC TIME, with viewing available through Jan. 12. 

The virtual opening will include special speakers including California Senator Anna Caballero, Dennis Donohue the head of Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology and Karen Caplan the president and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, a panel discussion led by leading women innovators in ag and agtech, and a sneak preview of the exhibition and films. 

Attendees have the opportunity to win prizes, including a copy of the forthcoming book "From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech," telling the stories of women entrepreneurs who use technology to help solve problems ranging from climate change and limited water to uncertainties in immigration policy.  The book will be published in April 2021 under Linden Publishing's Craven Street Books division, specializing in titles on California and the history of the western United States. 

Many of those portrayed are women of color who come from diverse backgrounds, the first in their families to complete higher education. What drew them into the nascent but fast-growing sector of agtech? What caused them to uproot themselves to pursue a start-up dream in an industry that continues to be dominated by men? How are they getting their innovation into the hands of growers? 

The exhibition and the book attempt to answer these questions and create awareness of women leaders and entrepreneurs. 

The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, Calif., is dedicated to Steinbeck's creative legacy: to participate, to inspire, to educate, and to understand one another. Find out more at www.steinbeck.org. 

“From Farms to Incubators” is a multimedia platform that uses digital storytelling to increase awareness of women leaders and entrepreneurs and their contribution using technology through the agriculture sector, and encourage women to pursue careers in agtech. Find out more at www.farmstoincubators.com 

For more information email Amy Wu at amy@farmstoincubators.com  or call 914-771-1275.

 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.farmstoincubators.com

 

Hartnell College District 3 Trustee Candidate Kari Valdés to Hold Virtual Fundraiser on Sept. 30

   Sip. Savor. Support. Featured Guests: Wine Maker Denis Hoey of Odonata Wines, and Ellie Almond of Zio Brand 

Salinas, CA, September 30, 2020 — Kari Valdés, who is running for Trustee of Hartnell College District 3, will hold a Virtual video conferencing fundraiser Sept. 30, complete with wine, cheese and meats and a guided flavor tours by the winemaker and owner of the meat company. 

The event will be held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, Virtually, with a goal of 50 tickets sold. Cost is a $99 donation, which includes time with Valdés and her guests Denis Hoey of Odonata Wines, and Ellie Almond of Zio Brand.

 In addition, ticket purchasers will receive two bottles of wine from Odonata Wines (Odonata Stainless Steel Chardonnay and Odonata Sangiovese), salami from Zio Brand Meats & Sausages, and cheese pairing.

 To buy tickets to the fundraiser, go to https://secure.anedot.com/valdes-for-hartnell-trustee-3-2020/sip-savor-support-valdes-9-30-2020-c9a09270c6aae65abbdb7. 

Package pickup will be arranged for the week of the event in Salinas. Delivery arrangements can also be made as needed.  Contact info@karivaldes.com, or call (831) 240-5521. For more information, go to karivaldes.com. 

Valdés will provide an overview of her campaign platform and entertain questions, as well as discussions on  economical impact of COVID, and wine industry impacts based on local grower regions and harvesting schedules. 

Valdés, who has served as Hartnell trustee for three years, and was elected board president by her peer board members, has a long history of active involvement in the partnership between Hartnell and the agriculture industry and is a strong proponent of increased access to education, and has a laser focus on student success through engagement and support. She is experienced in what Hartnell needs today: selecting a permanent President/Superintendent, overseeing fiscal management, contract negotiations, and supporting the growth and expansion of programs and centers. 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://karivaldes.com/

Kiki Wow Presents...Kindness Monterey Campaign Second Stream of Live Care-A-Thon Online Concerts on Sunday, October 25th at 6-7pm, On Facebook & Youtube

 Campaign Helps Restaurants and Those In Need Due to COVID-19 and the Fire Emergencies 

Monterey, CA, September 29, 2020 — Kindness Monterey, a campaign initiated to help individuals in need and restaurants that have been challenged as the result of the coronavirus and fire emergencies, will present its second online Care-A-Thon live concerts on Sunday, October 25 from 6-7pm on Kindness Monterey Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG661XSU4En6yb0ULDJ57_g 

The first online Care-A-Thon concert produced by musician and promoter Kiki Wow successfully raised $5,000 and funds were immediately used to purchase gift cards for fire evacuees. Due to an overwhelming need  a second fundraiser will be held from 6-7 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2020. The concert will feature local musicians, short video interviews with local restaurant owners, and a call-out to donate to the gofundme campaign. The link to the concert will be available on the website after its initial streaming. 

Musicians confirmed include: Linda Arceo, Dave “Nomad” Miller, Reija Massey, Brad Wilson Trio, Kiki & The Wowettes, Dan & Laurel and the Latin Jazz Collective. 

The concert will be streamed on the Kindness Monterey Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG661XSU4En6yb0ULDJ57_g 

Kindness Monterey, which was launched on July 8, 2020, has expanded its campaign to include a gofundme page, new partners working to get sponsors and donations, and assistance to restaurants wanting to set up gift cards on their websites. 

Kindness Monterey is encouraging local restaurants to join their campaign. KM is making a concerted effort to reach out to all restaurants by in-person visits, email, mail, phone to have them sign on so that they can be listed on the website. Many restaurants that provide gift cards do not have the ability to order them online as a digital gift card, which makes it difficult for the person wanting to send a friend or co-worker a gift card, which is the message of the campaign — to buy a gift card and send it to someone who needs a lift. Sign up at:  http://www.kindnessmonterey.com/sign-up and read about the benefits of being on the kindnessmonterey  website and offering digital cards. 

We are excited to announce a partnership with SeeFood. Roberto Guerrero, founder, has created a mobile website that helps the customer see pictures of food on a menu, instead of just reading about it, showcasing both menus and unique dishes. See food before ordering! Like Kindness Monterey, SeeFood's goal is helping restaurants get more business to survive and one day thrive again during these uncertain times. 

Roberto has spent the last few months visiting many  of the restaurants, interviewing and filming owners to produce 1 to 2-minute videos highlighting their restaurants and allowing them to post to social media or websites. 

SeeFood has partnered with nearly all restaurants in downtown Salinas, some in downtown Monterey and a few on the Wharf, and is now assisting Kindness Monterey in signing up those restaurants on the Peninsula that do not have digital gift card capacity. Roberto has agreed to list participants on his app as well as produce a 2 minute video at no cost to the restaurant owner. Click here to see an example of a video produced for Michael's Grill and Taqueria in downtown Salinas! 

If you are interested in signing up or even if you already have in-house gift card capability, it is important that you are able to offer cards online. We want to support you and our community! For more information please call/contact Roberto Guerrero 831-682-4586, or Annee Martin 831-236-5618. 

Get Virtual (link) 

Now that the students are back in school Kindness Monterey hopes to start soon 

with a CSUMB initiative called GetVirtual.org. GetVirtual gives local businesses affected by COVID-19 the tools to adapt to the virtual landscape and extend their businesses online. Their program pairs local businesses such as restaurants, who need help with online tools like gift cards, with college students who are tech-savvy and want business experience. It's a win-win. Restaurants get help for free and the students get college credit. Kindness Monterey hopes to work with GetVirtual Students to help restaurants develop on line ordering, updating websites and offering digital gift cards 

Collaboration with All-In- Monterey

Kindness Monterey  collaborated with All-in-Monterey a wonderful grass roots organization  who hosts a drive every Wednesday at Seaside High School for hospitality workers who've lost jobs or had hours significantly reduced as well as  fire evacuees. Kindness Monterey  distributed  over 150 gift cards in the past month. Kindness Monterey  plans to work with All- in- Monterey this fall  to do a Holiday drive to raise funds to   offer families in need  a delicious, bountiful holiday dinner from local restaurants. More information to follow. 

Kindness Monterey has teamed up with The American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF), Monterey Bay Chapter (https://www.aiwfmb.org/ ), which has agreed to be the campaign’s 501(c)3 non-profit fiscal sponsor. Kindness Monterey can now accept donations of $250 or more from corporate sponsors or individuals through their fiscal sponsor — AIWF-Monterey Bay Chapter, and those donating at that level or higher will then be able to get a tax write off. Chef/caterer and cookbook author Mary Chamberlin, Emeritus Chapter Chair/National Vice Chair of AIWF – Monterey Bay Chapter, was instrumental in making this happen. 

Kindness Monterey has also set up a GoFundMe page at: https://www.Gofundme.com/manage/kindness-monterey . You can also access the page with the “Donate” button on the Kindness Monterey website (kindnessmonterey.com http://kindnessmonterey.com/ ) or Facebook page (facebook.com/kindnessmonterey http://facebook.com/kindnessmonterey ). 

The GoFundMe page was set up primarily for individuals to give smaller donations to help fund the campaign as well as for Kindness Monterey to buy gift cards for the hospitality workers affected by loss of job or hours. It will enable the Kindness Monterey team to spread the word about this important program that benefits so many local community members through print advertising and social media. The advertising will urge everyone in the community to go to the KindnessMonterey.com  website https://www.kindnessmonterey.com/  and purchase restaurant gift cards. Please note that any donation under $250 is not tax-deductible. 

For individuals or businesses who do not have a specific person in mind and would still like to make a donation to the Kindness Monterey program, these GoFundMe funds will be used to purchase gift cards for the Food Bank For Monterey County, The Hospitality workers  and other worthy local community members in need. 

Kindness Monterey has also teamed up with marketing and PR professional, Wendy Brickman (https://www.brickmanmarketing.com ), who will reach out to local businesses and individuals to secure sponsorships to help fund the campaign. The campaign needs the support to be able to continue and every donation makes it possible to bring the community together to support our restaurants. 

Sponsorships will allow Kindness Monterey to accomplish five important goals: 

1. Fund its campaign enabling Kindness Monterey to do widespread marketing through social media, print advertising, Constant Contact and various Chamber of Commerce email blasts. 

2. Allow Kindness Monterey to buy restaurant gift cards and distribute them to organizations such as the Food Bank For Monterey County, Chambers of Commerce, small business owners whose companies are being challenged by COVID-19, fire victims, firefighters, first responders, musicians, displaced hospitality workers, including those working in the restaurants, field workers, etc. 

3. Provide matching funds to offer 2-for-1 deals to generate additional sales for gift card promotions. 

4. Allow Kindness Monterey to donate six grab-and-go weekend meals to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County for every $1,000 raised through sponsorships and GoFundMe.  

5. Fund the two online Care-A-Thon concerts as well as other fundraising events.

The Kindness Monterey campaign was created by local businesswomen Annee Martin and Maren Elwood, and the website, http://www.kindnessmonterey.com  was launched on July 8, 2020. 

The pay-it-forward gift card campaign to help Monterey Peninsula restaurants encourages generosity from the community by purchasing these gift cards to give to family, friends, neighbors, musicians, service providers, small business owners, field workers, frontline medical personnel and first responders. Martin believes that not only are you helping restaurants stay alive and letting them know they are loved and supported by their community, but by paying it forward, you are lifting the spirits and hopes of our entire community. 

Kindness Monterey will continue to provide as long as there is a need in our community. For more information, go to: info@kindnessmonterey.com  , like Kindness Monterey on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/kindnessmonterey , or call Annee Martin at 831-236-5618 or Kiki Wow at 831-235-7662. Or, go to the website at: kindnessmonterey.com . 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.kindnessmonterey.com/

Gil Basketball Academy continues podcast series ‘Ganas — Leading from the Heart’ with new guests Podcast Available on Apple

  Interviewing the city of Salinas’ most dynamic soccer player and a doctor on the front lines of immigrant healthcare in Los Angeles, Gil Basketball Academy offers two exciting new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for October. 

Salinas, CA, September 28, 2020 — Interviewing the city of Salinas’ most dynamic soccer player and a doctor on the front lines of immigrant healthcare in Los Angeles, Gil Basketball Academy offers two exciting new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for October. 

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 the 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, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com. 

On Oct. 5, Episode 4 features professional soccer player David Estrada, who made his mark at Alisal High School before playing at UCLA and eventually the professional ranks of the MLS. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Estrada was raised in Salinas. Drafted in 2010 by the Seattle Sounders of the MLS, Estrada excelled both on the field and off, winning Humanitarian of the Year while playing with New Mexico United in 2019. 

On Oct. 19, “Ganas” welcomes Dr. Gloria Sanchez, the daughter of a Mexican migrant laborer who now works toward breaking the cultural divide in medicine at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. A member of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, Sanchez published a study revealing that while the Latino population has increased dramatically in the United States, the number of Latino physicians in relation to that population has declined. Her goal is to help improve that ratio as a key step to improving overall care. 

 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

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.gilbasketballacademy.com/