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/

Key for a Cure Foundation Joins With the Fourth Annual Chasing Dreams and Finding Cures for Tri Tip Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital to Help Find Cure for Pediatric Cancer

 Monterey County-based Key for a Cure Foundation is joining with Chasing Dreams and Finding Cures, to host a tri tip barbecue takeout fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, on Nov. 7, 2020, to help find a cure for childhood cancers. 

Carmel, CA, September 28, 2020 — Monterey County-based Key for a Cure Foundation is joining with Chasing Dreams and Finding Cures, to host a tri tip barbecue takeout fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, on Nov. 7, 2020, to help find a cure for childhood cancers. 

The tri tip barbecue for takeout dining and curbside pickup includes beans and salad, for $65 for four people or $35 for two people and will be prepared by licensed caterer Cinni O'Conner. Barbecue orders can be picked up curbside from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St., in King City. Deadline for ordering is Oct. 30. 

To order https://chasingbarreldreams_tritipdinner.eventbrite.com .  

For more information or to become an event sponsor, call (831) 524-0324 or email jewelofthecounty@icloud.com, or go to https://www.facebook.com/Chasing-Dreams-Finding-Cures-A-St-Jude-Fundraiser-233953423808184/ . 

Each year about 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, but less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is dedicated to childhood cancer research, 

The primary focus of the Monterey County-based Key for a Cure Foundation, which was founded in 2015, is to advocate and raise funds for pediatric cancer research initiatives that lead to less toxic forms of cancer treatment and a cure for cancer. 

Pediatric cancer research can save lives and innovative treatments can significantly improve the quality of life for survivors. 

About Key For A Cure Foundation

Key for a Cure Foundation was formed in 2015 to support pediatric cancer research. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds to directly support innovative pediatric cancer research that will lead to more effective treatments for children with cancer. 

Key for a Cure Foundation is committed to fighting pediatric cancer.  The foundation is currently working to raise funds for T cell based Immunotherapy research being conducted at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The foundation raised $700,000.00 in the first year after the non-profit was established and donated the funds to this innovative research protocol. 

Key for a Cure is operated by volunteers. Our board is dedicated to making a significant difference with a commitment that all funds raised by Key for a Cure go directly into supporting our mission. 

Key for a Cure also has a low operating expense of 4%, we do not spend donated money on flights, hotel stays, bonuses, and dinners for board members. This enable us to qualify for grants that are specific to non-profits with low operating expenses. 

The Key for a Cure board requires 100% financial participation and every board member purchases tickets to our events because we too are financially invested in finding a cure for cancer. 

Key For A Cure Foundation

Raising Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research to Save Lives

820 Park Row #588

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 206-1357

info@keyforacure.org

 Contact:

Marci Bracco

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

831 747 7455

marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

http://www.keyforacure.org

 

Everyone’s Harvest to Fill Key position in support of its Mission to increase access to Fresh food

  Founded in 2002 by an idealistic California State Monterey Bay student, Everyone’s Harvest has grown into a robust, values-driven nonprofit that provides the community with easy and affordable access to fruits and vegetables. 

Marina, CA, September 25, 2020 - Founded in 2002 by an idealistic California State Monterey Bay student, Everyone’s Harvest has grown into a robust, values-driven nonprofit that provides the community with easy and affordable access to fruits and vegetables.

 Everyone’s Harvest continues to move forward in its mission, and has a job opening for a key new member of its growing team. The Assistant Office and Program Manager is the key management assistant for EH administrative work supporting its five Certified Farmers’ Markets, Community Food Programs, and fundraising work. 

This person will assist the executive director to lead, manage, and hold accountable market and program staff to ensure programs and farmers’ markets achieve mission impact. The position also ensures that office operations run smoothly and successfully including grant and program reporting oversight, accounting and bookkeeping, and paying bills and invoicing. At times the AOM will directly support programs and farmers’ market activities. 

Hours for this full time position will vary depending on business/seasonal needs, but generally it’s 30-40 hours per week. 

Some of the required qualifications include: 

·        Responsible, reliable and detail-oriented.

·        Excellent organizational skills.

·        Proficiency in the use of computers for: word processing, simple accounting, databases, spreadsheets, e-mail and the internet.

·        Excellent communication skills and experience working with diverse populations.

·        Outgoing, positive professional customer-service skills.

·        Knowledge of and passion for farmers’ markets, sustainable food systems, food justice, and the assets and needs of the communities served by EH. 

Those with experience in nonprofit finances, bookkeeping and accounting, knowledge of nonprofit management, university degrees in a related field and bilingual candidates will be given careful consideration.

 Candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to info@everyonesharvest.org. 

Contact:

Marci Bracco

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

831 747 7455

marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

http://www.everyonesharvest.org

 

Montrio Bistro Launches Locals Night Discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Through Oct. 31

  Just show a local Monterey County ID to receive your 25% Local’s Night discount. The discount is available on the whole menu. This special promotion runs through Oct. 31. 

Monterey, CA, September 24, 2020 — Monterey’s popular Montrio Bistro is launching Montrio Local’s Night every Tuesday and Wednesday night starting Sept. 22, 2020, with a 25% discount on food and $11 specially themed cocktails, all on its 40-seat outdoor patio.

 

Just show a local Monterey County ID to receive your 25% Local’s Night discount. The discount is available on the whole menu. This special promotion runs through Oct. 31. 

Special themed cocktails by award-winning spiritsmith Anthony Vitacca, who has been creating cocktails for 17 years at Montrio, are specially priced on Montrio Locals Night. 

Montrio, located at 414 Calle Principal, in Monterey, is open daily from 4:30-9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and takeout, 5-9 p.m. For reservations, call (831) 648-8880. 

Montrio Bistro is at 414 Calle Principal, in Monterey. For more information and the full menu, go to www.montrio.com or call (831) 648-8880. 

About Montrio Bistro

Housed in the historic city’s first firehouse built in 1910, we opened our doors in 1995. Through the years we’ve gone on to win numerous national and regional awards for excellence (from the likes of Wine Spectator, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast and the American Culinary Federation). Most notably Montrio has been voted “Best Restaurant in Monterey County” for 10 years and designated a Sustainable Seafood Watch Ambassador.

 

Contact:

Marci Bracco

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

831 747 7455

marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

https://www.montrio.com/menu/

Cinnamon Shore for the Holidays: Your Holiday Home Away from Home Awaits

  The Texas Coast’s popular, resort-style village helps families make memorable celebrations.

Port Aransas, Texas, September 22, 2020 - Holidays typically draw families home, but this year, many are looking to gather for celebrations elsewhere. After all, everyone has spent a lot of time at home in the pandemic era.

Now vacationers are choosing road trips to the Texas Coast—and to Cinnamon Shore. “We’re breaking records for fall bookings, but we still have availability for Thanksgiving week and into the Christmas season,” says Jeff Lamkin, developer of this New Urban development in Port Aransas, Texas.

Unconstrained by a school calendar or expectations to come to an office, families have freedom to learn and work from anywhere. People are seeking to be together in a place that feels special, but also private, safe, and secure—with wide open spaces and plenty of fresh air. That’s what Cinnamon Shore offers.

“With all the challenges and changes that 2020 has brought, it’s a great year to try something different around the holidays and to celebrate in a place where all you have to do is relax,” says Celeste Edwards, general manager of Cinnamon Shore Vacation Rentals. Those who book between Thanksgiving and New Year’s will appreciate all that this charming destination offers:

·       Large beach homes that can accommodate multiple families. Many Cinnamon Shore rentals boast two master suites, two living areas, multiple decks, designer kitchens, and plenty of seating for mealtimes.

·       Condos and cottages with master suites and bunks rooms. Smaller scale rentals also offer everything families need. And one-bedroom condos welcome couples or solo guests.

·       A fitness center overlooking the Dune Pool. Keep moving during holiday getaways with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and more. Our workout center keeps safety top of mind with limited capacity and stringent cleaning standards.

·       On-site restaurants. Guests can enjoy popular newcomers at Cinnamon Shore―Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and Coffee Waves, along with long-time favorite Lisabella’s Bistro.

·       Village retail. The Bottle Shoppe liquor store opened in 2020, along with The Market, which offers sundries, produce, cheeses, and Cinnamon Shore merchandise.

·       Easy beach access. Dune crossovers make it easy for guests of all ages to get to the beach via a stroll or golf cart ride.

·       Quiet season charms. The less-crowded beach is just as beautiful in cooler weather. 

Cinnamon Shore has grown into a full-fledged resort-style village with luxury accommodations, and its nearby expansion, Cinnamon Shore South, offers more beachside rentals with designer selections and style.

Special Dates During The Holidays

At Thanksgiving, get turkey and all the fixings on site at Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, offering a $45-per-person meal that includes sliced turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean almandine, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Order by Monday, Nov. 18; call 361.416-1844. For those who prefer to do it all themselves, Cinnamon Shore rentals have fully equipped kitchens. The Market at Cinnamon Shore will have beer and wine available for purchase.

The Christmas season kicks off at Cinnamon Shore with a visit from Santa and his reindeer on Sat., Nov. 28, when families can take photos in the Town Center. Port Aransas hosts its Golf Cart Parade and Lighted Boat Parade on Sat., Dec. 5—another great time to book at Cinnamon Shore.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a quiet season favorite, and on New Year’s Eve, chef-run Lisabella’s Bistro will offer a prix fixe menu.

As days cool, guests can enjoy Cinnamon Shore’s heated Stillwater Pool or bundle up for beach walks. Many rentals have fireplaces for cozy holiday nights.

“We hope many guests make spending time at the beach a new holiday tradition,” says Edwards.

Check vacation rental availability at 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

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

831 747 7455

marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

https://www.cinnamonshore.com/