Held continuously since 1959, Artichoke Festival cancels event for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns

Festival board announces June 5-6 as dates for 2021 event

Salinas, CA, May 14, 2020 - In light of the current crisis surrounding COVID-19, and in the interest of public health and safety, the Artichoke Festival has cancelled its annual summer celebration, scheduled for Aug. 8-9, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

Held continuously since 1959, the festival has made this difficult decision following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local health agencies.

“It was decided due to the uncertainty of the times and our concerns for the health of our attendees,” said Linda Scherer, executive director. “We are excited to announce June 5-6 as the dates for 2021.”

The Artichoke Festival will refund all pre-purchased tickets by patrons for the 2020 event.

The festival celebrates the harvest of California’s state vegetable and the region that has become known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” Over the years, it has become a primary source of funding for local nonprofits that depend upon a successful event for their viability.

To continue helping these important nonprofits, the festival has added Donate Now buttons to its website at (www.artichokefestival.org), with 100 percent of all donations given to the following charity partners: Food Bank for Monterey County; Manzanita Youth Playground; Monterey County PAL; Meals on Wheels — Salinas; Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc.

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

Important Water Quality Information: Consumer Confidence Report

The 2019 San Lorenzo Valley Water District Consumer Confidence Report is now available online at https://www.slvwd.com/sites/sanlorenzocawater/files/uploads/2019-annual-water-quality-report.pdf

Boulder Creek, CA, May 12, 2020 - The goal of our Annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is to inform our customers about the quality of our drinking water, the sources of our water, any monitored contaminants found in drinking water, and whether our system meets state an, d federal drinking water standards. The San Lorenzo Valley Water District safeguards its water supplies and provides surface water treatment to ensure that customers receive the highest quality drinking water possible. In 2019, as in the years past, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District is pleased to report that our water provided to our customers met or surpassed all State of California and US EPA drinking water health standards.

San Lorenzo Valley Water District operates two (2) independent water distribution systems. The two water systems are the SLVWD System and the SLVWD-Felton System. You can determine which system provides your water service by reviewing your individual Route No. located on your water bill.

Route Numbers 23-29 denotes the SLVWD-Felton System

Route Numbers 11-22 and 30-97 denotes the SLVWD System

For example; Route 32 receives water service from the SLVWD System, while Route number 26 receives water service from the SLVWD-Felton System.

Printed reports are available at the San Lorenzo Valley Water District administrative office, 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, and can be mailed on request by calling 831-338-2153.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua para beber. Favor de comunicarse San Lorenzo Valley Water District a 13060 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek CA 95006, (831)338-2153 para asistirlo en español.

For additional information regarding water quality, please contact the Water Treatment & System Supervisor, Nate Gillespie, at (831) 216-9019 or e-mail to ngillespie@slvwd.com

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

Gil Basketball Academy Student Spotlight Roberto Mendoza

A freshman at Alisal High School, Roberto Mendoza has already mapped out his future.

Salinas, CA, May 10, 2020 - A freshman at Alisal High School, Roberto Mendoza has already mapped out his future. He has selected a particular path that requires hard work and discipline — not the easy one that often leads to a deadend.

He’s learned such wisdom on the court as a member of Gil Basketball Academy that provides structure and a sense of belonging.

“There are people who don’t believe in me, trying to lure me into problems such as drugs,” he said. “These problems helped me to be myself, and not try to fit in with others. It has taught me to not be scared to be different.”

The 5-foot-4 point guard has been a member of GBA for nine years. In both 7th and 8th grade he was part of the Monterey County All Star Team, earning the Hustle Award one season. His first year at AHS he won Most Outstanding Award, as the team finished with a 24-0 record.

“Basketball has not only helped me become physically stronger, but also mentally,” he said. “It taught me to be a leader, and to be able to collaborate with others well. Basketball has helped me to stay off the streets, and to motivate myself to become better at everything I do.”

Mendoza calls GBA “a safe spot, and a family for me,” with coaches and parents who care about him as a person, not just a player.

“It has taught me to help others, and to become a leader, and not follow in the wrong footsteps,” he said.

GBA has opened lifelong friendships that Mendoza treats as family. “The people in this academy support me, and always motivate me and help me stay on track with sports, and also education,” he said.

Mendoza’s future plans after high school include attending a four-year college, and continuing to play the sport he loves. “I want to earn a scholarship to play basketball, and help me pay for college,” he said.

Mendoza sees education as his key to success in life.

“Education will help me obtain a better lifestyle as I grow into the person I will become,” he said. “It’s my main priority in life because it will lead my path to success.”

Mendoza doesn’t exactly know what his future holds, but he believes that he will lean on the lessons learned through GBA.

“They help you to not only learn important life skills, but to give back to our community,” he said. “It has taught me to be respectful and humble with others off and on the court.”

Basketball, truly, has changed his life.

“If I did not play basketball I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” he said. “I wouldn’t be as motivated to become a better person. It has also taught me to face the barriers, and to surpass them.”

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

VNA Immunization Clinic still serving patients during pandemic through convenient curbside service

While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

Monterey, CA, May 08, 2020 - While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

During the current pandemic, VNA Community Services continues to provide convenient curbside vaccinations with minimal contact.

This service is especially important to the following individuals:

Pregnant women who need a Tdap vaccine to protect the baby against whooping cough.
Employees who need Hepatitis A or B vaccine in order to work in a high-risk environment.
College-bound teens who need Meningococcal or HPV vaccines for the fall.
Older community members who need protection against Shingles and Pneumonia.
Curbside car service is available by appointment at the VNA’s Monterey office in Ryan Ranch.

Call (831) 648-3777 for more information.

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

Gil Basketball Academy MVP Spotlight Isaiah Regalado

Isaiah Regalado has developed astounding basketball skills as a member of Gil Basketball Academy, but the MVP is just as proud of the life skills he’s learned along the way.

Salinas, CA, May 07, 2020 - Isaiah Regalado has developed astounding basketball skills as a member of Gil Basketball Academy, but the MVP is just as proud of the life skills he’s learned along the way.

The Alisal High School freshman earned the MVP award this past season as a 6-foot shooting guard. He also earned a scholar athlete honor for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“Playing basketball has helped me a lot in life with being able to manage my time with school and homework,” Regalado said. “It has also helped me by becoming more responsible in making sure that I am at practice on time or have all my right gear for the games.”

Born in San Jose, Regalado moved to Salinas in the third grade, attending Spreckels Elementary and later Buena Vista Middle School.

One obstacle he’s overcome is the stress of choosing a high school. While all of his classmates and friends ended up at Salinas High School, Regalado decided to attend Alisal High instead. “This was a hard choice because I only knew a couple of people who would be going there, but wasn’t close to any of them,” he said. “However, I felt Alisal was the best fit for me.”

Regalado, 14, recognizes a built-in support system around him, including his uncles, aunt, grandparents and especially his mom.

His family, and also GBA, has helped Regalado learn the value of an education. “An education will help you grow in life and I prioritize it before anything else,” he said. “Having an education can increase the number of job opportunities you have once done.”

After high school, Regalado wants to attend a 4-year university and study law.

Beyond stressing education, Regalado said GBA has taught him how to become a better person in life and to be more responsible.

“They have taught me the importance of giving back to the community, by helping out at their academy, teaching kids how to play the game of basketball, which I’m so passionate about,” he said.

Regalado has been playing basketball since age 8 (competitively since the age of 11), and he also enjoys playing baseball and golf. But he’s learned there is life outside of sports.

“This academy has helped me meet a lot of new people and strive to be a better person. All of their coaches/mentors are so encouraging and sincerely want the best for each one of their athletes.”

His favorite GBA memory is attending a world tour to Mexico. “That was an awesome experience,” he said. “We learned a lot about the history of places we visited, and to play basketball there was an experience I will never forget.”

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

Cinnamon Shore Reopens, Welcomes Families Eager to Return to the Texas Coast

New protocols and procedures promote social distancing and create a haven for family fun after weeks of isolation.

Port Aransas, Texas, May 04, 2020 - Cinnamon Shore is now open to the public and for short-term vacation rentals, in line with the decision of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board to open the city for fun on May 1, 2020. As families eager to escape isolation head for wide open spaces like the broad beaches of Mustang Island, they will find a safe haven at Cinnamon Shore.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back to Cinnamon Shore, with the right changes in place to ensure everyone has a great time and remains socially distant in our little beachside town,” says Jeff Lamkin, CEO of Sea Oats Group, developer of Cinnamon Shore.

The community is following the Texas governor’s executive order for reopening Texas. Under current guidelines, the development’s Dune Pool, Kiera’s Pool and Stillwater Pool remain closed, but when the governor’s order allows public pool usage in a later phase, Cinnamon Shore will have stringent sanitizing procedures and social distancing measures in place. On-site restaurants Lisabella’s Bistro and Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria are now open for to-go orders, and they’re offering special Mother’s Day menus on Sun., May 10.

Other new measures to ensure the safety of homeowners, guests, and employees include:
• In-car check-in/check-out procedures, with concierge service so guests never have to enter the vacation rental office.
• More frequent sanitizing of public areas, including elevators and stairwell railings, outdoor seating, and play areas.
• Signage around the property to remind guests of social distancing.
• Guest room cleaning with industry-leading sanitizing protocols, including attention to high-touch items such as remote controls, light switches, and the like.
• Discontinuation of indoor social activities, as well as select outdoor activities.

For a complete look at the procedures and processes that Cinnamon Shore is establishing during this phase, see “We’re Reopening! Welcome Back.”

Meeting pent-up demand
Many Cinnamon Shore homeowners weathered the stay-at-home orders inside the village, enjoying spacious living quarters, walking the wide-open beach, and enjoying life beside the scenic lakes, dunes, and parks. Now, Lamkin says, pent-up demand for easy-to-drive-to vacation destinations will cause families to reserve vacation rental spots quickly for the rest of May and the peak summer season. “People are looking for alternatives to air travel for vacation time with family, and they’re looking closer to home,” he says.

With a full roster of family-friendly activities for Mother’s Day Weekend, Memorial Day, and into the summer, Cinnamon Shore is readyfor more families to discover its charms. “We’ll see first-time guests and lots of longtime fans,” says Lamkin.“We can’t wait to welcome everyone heres.”

Cinnamon Shore is a New Urbanist community established in 2007. The master-planned community is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, front porch living, and resort-like amenities. Its expansion, Cinnamon Shore South, is in the early phase of development nearby on the Gulf side of Mustang Island.

For more about the community, visitcinnamonshore.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 Cain
Chatterbox PR89u
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.CinnamonShore.com

Max’s Helping Paws Finds New Meaning in "There’s No Place Like Home” As They Switch From Sparkling Gala to Online Fundraiser

Max's Helping Paws’ theme for their now-cancelled May 9th fundraising gala, “An Evening in the Emerald City,” was based on Dorothy’s famous last line from the beloved ‘Wizard of Oz” movie.

Salinas, CA, May 01, 2020 - Max's Helping Paws’ theme for their now-cancelled May 9th fundraising gala, “An Evening in the Emerald City,” was based on Dorothy’s famous last line from the beloved ‘Wizard of Oz” movie. Today, this phrase, "there’s no place like home" has taken on new meaning.

The non-profit has incorporated the people, stories and information that would have been shared during “An Evening in the Emerald City” into a “Fundraiser-In-Place” website MAXSPAWS.ORG.

The fundraiser will run May 1-31, 2020.

The site, including a welcome video by well-known local pet-lover Dina Ruiz Eastwood, features messages from founders Dyana Klein and Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, program details, as well as interviews with donors, partners and pet owners. “In this crazy time when there is so much uncertainty, Max’s Helping Paws gives hope and peace of mind to people who simply can’t afford to care for their furry family members. I’m so proud to be part of it!” said Ruiz Eastwood.

“We’re so grateful to our generous gala sponsors who have continued to support the event during the transition to Fundraiser-in-Place. It’s important they know their participation is an essential component of our success,” said Dyana Klein.

Event Sponsors Include:

Pet Specialists of Monterey
Weathertech
Fremont Bank
Dawg Gone It Dog Daycare
Victor Medical
Carmel Valley Vet
IDEXX
Chidlaw Marketing

Mag One Media

Max's Helping Paws’ donors have offered a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $35,000 raised through the MAXSPAWS.ORG website.

The Foundation has helped nearly 250 local families fund treatment for pets in crisis, providing more than $200,000 in financial assistance.

“In this crazy time when there is so much uncertainty, Max’s Helping Paws gives hope and peace of mind to people who simply can’t afford to care for their furry family members,” said Ruiz Eastwood. “I’m so proud to be part of it and hope you consider making a donation.”

For more information, please visit www.maxshelpingpaws.org.

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