Dynamic athletes, Local coach/Educator fill November ‘Ganas’ podcast schedule for Gil Basketball Academy

  Podcast Episodes Available on Apple 

Salinas, CA, October 27, 2020 — Interviewing two athletes from Stanford University who embrace issues of racial and social justice, along with a frontline coach and educator in Salinas, Gil Basketball Academy offers three new “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 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 www.gilbasketballacademy.com. 

On Nov. 2, Episode 6 features top national basketball recruit Isael “Isa” Silva, a dynamic point guard from Jesuit High School in Carmichael who committed to play at Stanford. Embracing his Latino heritage on and off the court, Silva is proud of his Latino heritage. The grandson of a bracero immigrant, he embraces the social media hashtag #wolfway, a nod to how wolves can positively impact the ecosystem around them. 

On Nov. 16, the “Ganas” team will interview track and field sensation Marcus Floyd, a sophomore at Stanford. Born and raised in Middleburg, Fla., Floyd was exposed to systemic racism at an early age. At Stanford he has participated in a number of causes to expose hatred and bigotry while enlightening people about the stark reality of being black in America. Floyd finished his first season as the No. 5 ranked freshman in Stanford history, while pursuing a degree in architectural engineering. 

On Nov. 30, the podcast crew welcomes local educator, coach and super volunteer Amparo Saldana. As a first generation immigrant born in Mexico to a family of 13, Saldana grew up learning daily about struggle and sacrifice. Arriving in the United States at age 8 with the goal of attending college, Amparo graduated from California State University-Fresno in 1999, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She has been an elementary school teacher, school trustee and a longtime coach and board member for Gil Basketball Academy in Salinas. 

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://gilbasketballacademy.com/

Nest Boutique in Pacific Grove Celebrates its 20th Anniversary with Special Shopping Events in November

Phyllis Davis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her women’s wear shop Nest Boutique in Pacific Grove and she says she owes it all to the love and support of her loyal customers.

Pacific Grove, CA, October 31, 2019 — Phyllis Davis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her women’s wear shop Nest Boutique in Pacific Grove and she says she owes it all to the love and support of her loyal customers.

“I’m just amazed and feeling very blessed,” says Davis, when asked about her thoughts on celebrating 20 years in business. “Somehow in this world of online shopping and big box stores, a little family boutique has survived. A lot of it is due to our wonderful customers. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. I love showing my clients designer fashions that are fashionable, flattering and fun!”

With that in mind, Davis and Nest are hosting two special events in November to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a one-night-only shopping event for VIP customers and a weekend event in which a percentage of proceeds from sales go to three local charities.

The event for VIP customers will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, where VIP customers will be treated to a night of shopping and mingling with bubbles and nibbles, a special 20th anniversary gift for all attendees and a drawing to win a $200 gift certificate — every shopper is eligible! The drawing will be held at 7:30 p.m. and you must be present to win the gift certificate.

In addition, for every $100 spent during the month of November, VIP customers will receive a $20 gift certificate to shop in December only. The certificate would be valid December 1 – December 31, 2019.

The community event supporting Nest’s 20th anniversary and its charity partners will be held all day Friday, November 15 through Sunday, November 17. Each charity partner will receive 20% of all sales for the day:

•Friday, November 15, I-Help, Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program •Saturday, November 16, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

•Sunday, November 17, Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP)

On Sunday, AFRP will have a table and adoptable animals in front of the shop from 12 – 2 p.m.

Customers will get a chance to meet someone from the charity, pick up some information on the organization, shop and support a good cause with their purchase.

To RSVP for any of the events, call/go to xxx.

“This celebration is to show our customers what their patronage has meant to us,” she says.

Nest started life in The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel in 1999, and moved to its current Grand Avenue location in Pacific Grove in January 2005. Davis and her husband Mitch and her mother and stepfather Bonnie and Milt became partners in the venture. In fact, Davis’ mother came up with the name for the boutique.

“My mom was all excited and she asked me, ‘Can we call it Nest?’, ” says Davis about starting the business venture. “I asked her, ‘What does that have to do with women’s fashions?’ ‘Well, we want it to be a warm and welcoming place don’t we? Like a nest.’”

Her mother loved clothes and had a background in retail, owning and running both The Attic on Cannery Row and The Cottage Collection in The Crossroads Shopping Center. She was very close to her mother, whom customers called “The Bulldog” for her dogged enthusiasm, and likening their relationship to Lucy and Ethel of the “I Love Lucy” TV show.

With her mom’s sales acumen, her stepdad’s knack for woodworking and cabinetry, her husband Mitch’s business mind and her jack-of-all-trades skills, Nest thrived, allowing her and Mitch to also pursue their other love: the theater.

“I started acting at age 14, my first show on the Monterey Peninsula was nine years later in 1978, and I met Mitch in a production of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ at the Outdoor Forest Theater,” she says. “Nest is my daytime passion, theater is my nighttime passion.”

While Nest started out as a women’s wear boutique, it has earned a reputation as the place to go for special occasion wear — weddings, formal events, and so forth.

“We have everyday casual wear, all the way to bridal wear and everything in between, that’s why our slogan is ‘From Blue Jeans to Bridal, Nest Has It All!’ ” she says. “Mitch calls it the ‘world’s smallest department store.’ ”

As for whether there are any plans in the future for expansion or other measures, Davis says they just want to keep serving the community as best they can.

“We’re happy, so we want to keep it simple and easy,” she says. “We don’t need a lot of drama, we’ll leave that to the stage!”

About Nest Boutique
For the best selection of women's clothing and formal wear, come to Nest Boutique! Opened in 1999 by Phyllis Davis, her husband Mitch, and her parents Bonnie and Milt, their shop is the perfect place for all your clothing needs. Phyllis was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She and her husband enjoy performing in many local theater productions. Phyllis runs the shop and enjoys helping customers or ordering new merchandise! Trust our friendly team to do whatever we can to make you happy!

Nest Boutique
229-B Grand Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
nestinpg.com
831-333-9184
phyllis@nestinpg.com

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

Hyatt Regency Monterey Launches November be Thankful Pinterest Contest

November is all about being thankful and giving back. We look forward to this time of year and love to find new ways to celebrate the season.

Monterey, CA, October 25, 2017- November is all about being thankful and giving back. We look forward to this time of year and love to find new ways to celebrate the season. Pinterest has wonderful ideas to inspire you- from thankful quotes to activities your family can enjoy together to learn about gratitude. Create your own board and enter to win a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey!  

To Enter The Contest Simply Pin It To Win It:

• ·         Follow us on Pinterest: pinterest.com/montereyhyatt
• ·         Create a board titled: In A Hyatt World
• ·         Add a minimum of 5 pins with your favorite thankful quotes, activities and crafts!
• ·         Make sure to use the hashtags #GiveThanks #InAHyattWorld
• ·         Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
• ·         One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey!
• ·         Winner will be announced December 5th.

·         *Contest runs from November 1st - November 30th. Does not include airfare.  The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html