San Lorenzo Valley Water District Survey Finds Customers Overwhelmingly Satisfied With District’s Services

A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

Boulder Creek, CA, June 10, 2020 — A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

In an online survey of more than 1,000 customers in April, almost 80% said they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the District’s service: 47% said they were satisfied, while 32% said they were very satisfied.

The survey went live on surveylegend.com in early April and asked the taker to rank the District’s services; “how well the District is doing in various areas; how one would like to receive information about the District; what source one derives their information; how much you trust the District when it comes to finding a responsible solution to water supply issues in the area, and more”. Respondents could also take the survey by phone or email.

In addition to the services, 87% of respondents said they would benefit from regular communications via E-blasts and/or Enewsletters by email and social media, with a smaller number wanting both online and intermittent (quarterly) mailed newsletters.

Customers also stated they received District news/updates through local news media and through speaking engagements and participation in community events.

In addition the survey revealed that:

• 98% of survey respondents are SLVWD residential customers.
• 96% live in a single-family house and 93% own their homes.
• 52% of all customers feel the amount they pay for water is “about right.”
• An overwhelming number of respondents (788) were 50 and older.
• 60% of customers would prefer to receive communications via email.
• 27% of customers want to receive communications via both email and regular mail.

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets Part of Innovative Partnership With Healthcare Providers to Provide Healthy Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Patients’ Overall Health

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets, in partnership with local healthcare providers, through the Fresh Rx program, has distributed $94,000 in healthy, local fruits and vegetables “prescriptions” to 150 families in need in our community in 2019.

Marina, CA, June 09, 2020 — Remember when your parents told you to “eat your vegetables?” Well, now under an innovative partnership between healthcare providers and farmers’ markets, doctors can “prescribe” fresh fruits and vegetables to young overweight patients and direct them to the farmers’ markets where they can receive $25 worth of fresh produce weekly.

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets, in partnership with local healthcare providers, through the Fresh Rx program, has distributed $94,000 in healthy, local fruits and vegetables “prescriptions” to 150 families in need in our community in 2019.

Results tracked by doctors show healthy decreases in the majority of participants’ overall body mass index, weight, and waist circumference, and other healthy lifestyle changes, including an increase in meals prepared as a family at home. To date, more than 350 families have benefited from Everyone’s Harvest’s Fresh Rx program, and Everyone’s Harvest has redeemed $300,000 in fresh produce “prescriptions.”

"One challenge to healthy nutrition, especially among low-income individuals, is access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Karen Gomez, who was recently named market program manager for Everyone’s Harvest. “For this reason, I strongly believe in the Fresh Rx Program. Not just because it addresses the problem, but because it motivates people to live a healthier lifestyle for themselves, and for their families.”

The Fresh Rx program isn’t just about better access to fruits and vegetables. The program brings food into healthcare and equips healthcare providers with tools to address healthy eating and food insecurity. Participating clinics and hospitals teach classes about healthy eating, cooking, and the connection between food and health. Healthcare providers and healthcare staffs are becoming healthy food ambassadors, connecting patients with healthy resources in their communities.

Doctors involved in the program are reporting that it has helped strengthened the doctor-patient relationship, opened up more dialogue around healthy nutrition and contributed to their patients building new healthy habits. And they are reporting that they are issuing higher-priced prescriptions to fewer patients, deepening the impact and simplifying the implementation by participating doctors and clinics.

At this time, Everyone’s Harvest has three markets open, Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) markets. The other Everyone’s Harvest certified farmers’ markets in Salinas, one at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., and the other at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., will open on June 16 and June 17, respectively. Both markets will be smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, in Salinas. All are operating as essential businesses in the community and to ensure that fresh food is available to local residents.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone's Harvest will adhere to guidelines described in their Social Distancing Plan, created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with the Monterey County Health Department, local governments, and our healthcare partners to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Everyone's Harvest Social Distancing Plan and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

•Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with Monterey County Health Department guidelines for farmers’ markets operating as essential businesses during shelter in place.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

The market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.
About Karen Gomez

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips. She can be reached at karen@everyonesharvest.org.

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Now Open, Two More in Salinas Slated to Open in Mid-June

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

Marina, CA, June 5, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

The other Everyone’s Harvest certified farmers’ markets in Salinas, one at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., and the other at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., will open on June 16 and June 17, respectively. Both markets will be smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, in Salinas. All are operating as essential businesses in the community and to ensure that fresh food is available to local residents.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Soerke Peters of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar in Pacific Grove, offering select pastas and sauces from the restaurant’s Retail Pasta menu.

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Triple Delight Blueberries of Fresno and avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Everyone’s Harvest also announced it now has a new market program manager to help coordinate all markets, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and SVMHS by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets will adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina and Pacific Grove to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

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

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation earns $5,000 grant from Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation received a financial boost last week through a $5,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Monterey, CA, June 04, 2020 - Max’s Helping Paws Foundation received a financial boost last week through a $5,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and PURE Insurance Championship.

The financial gift will go a long way toward furthering Max’s mission of helping local families fund treatment for pets in crisis.

What began in 2016 as a way for Dyana Klein to honor the memory of her beloved dog Maximillian has grown into a critical source of funding for local families, especially during the current pandemic. In March the foundation reached an important milestone, helping more than 250 Monterey County pet owners by providing more than $220,000 in total assistance.

Through it all, the foundation has given Klein a way to help lessen the guilt and heartbreak of other pet owners who might have to allow their pets to suffer, or may need to euthanize or surrender them because of financial circumstances.

The donation is part of Monterey Peninsula Foundation’s ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life in Monterey County and surrounding areas through the strategic disbursement of charitable funds generated by hosting two golf tournaments, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the PURE Insurance Championship.

With close to 80 years of expertise in managing golf events and charitable giving, Monterey Peninsula Foundation focuses on creating positive community change across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. Find out more about the foundation at www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org.

For more information on Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, or to volunteer or donate to the cause, visit www.maxshelpingpaws.org

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Profile Eduardo Rodriguez

Eduardo Rodriguez is only 17, but has already learned one of life’s great lessons.

Salinas, CA, June 04, 2020 - Eduardo Rodriguez is only 17, but has already learned one of life’s great lessons.

“I don’t see failure as failure, but as lessons that will help me improve and grow,” he said.

He learned that by playing basketball, and by being accountable as a teammate. Any loss, or setback, became a learning experience, an opportunity to practice techniques and perfect performance.

“Without basketball I wouldn't be the person I am today,” said Eduardo, a senior at Alisal High School and 10-year member of Gil Basketball Academy.

One such setback occurred during his sophomore year when he tore a ligament in his left elbow during a football game. Fear and uncertainty followed.

“The anxiety increased when I learned that my tear required surgery,” he said.

Although the surgery was successful, he had to undergo physical therapy for 10-12 months in order to get his full range of motion back. “My will was tested when it came to healing,” he said. “I was in constant pain. I wore a cast, making it difficult to feel comfortable when learning or doing homework. School was also a challenge because it was difficult to open my locker and get my books, typing on my computer with only one arm.”

He also lost out on a season of sports.

“I fell into a depression because I felt that I had lost a part of my identity,” he said.

Surrounded by his family, his friends and his teammates, Eduardo learned about unconditional support.

“Because of this, I was able to succeed academically and athletically, resulting in a speedy recovery,” he said. “I learned to appreciate the simple tasks in life and I learned to develop mental toughness and grit. And I became a stronger athlete and an even better student.”

During his senior year, the 5-foot, 8-inch shooting guard was especially good behind the 3-point line. Eduardo started playing at age 5, winning numerous awards along the way, including earning a place in the Central Coast All-Star game and earning all-star status at Michael Jordan’s basketball camp in Santa Barbara.

Beyond all those achievements, Eduardo has built so many memories away from the court. Through GBA he’s traveled to far-flung places, from Las Vegas to New Zealand to Italy and more.

“Basketball has taught me many life lessons,” he said. “It has taught me how to work with people and have good communication, since you play with a team not just by yourself.”

GBA also stressed the importance of an education (it helped that Eduardo’s parents serve on the GBA board).

“My parents have always told me about the importance of an education because it’s what changed their lives for the better,” he said. “They have shown me that with a college degree I can achieve a better life with better job opportunities.”

Eduardo will attend UC Davis straight out of high school. He plans to study Cinema and Digital Media, with an eye toward a creative career in video editing and production.

When he leaves, he will feel good about helping others in his hometown of Salinas.

“Another opportunity that GBA gave me was being able to be a mentor to the youth of GBA by being a coach,” he said. “Helping these young kids has taught me how to be more patient. Through GBA I learned the importance of giving back to your community in order to make it a better place.”

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

Balance Physical Therapy urges Monterey County residents to keep moving, reduce stress, stay safe

We’ve all spent much of springtime indoors, sheltering in place and often losing track of time.

Monterey, CA, May 03, 2020 - Balance Physical Therapy would like to remind us to take a peek outside. The days are getting longer and warmer — which means summer is right around the corner.

As sheltering restrictions relax, the timing couldn’t be better to plan outdoor activities and events with friends and family. It’s more important than ever to find a balance for summer fun, which means maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Get up and move

During the summer, the most important step you can take toward fitness is the first one out your front door.

“Learn to adapt. We are humans, which means that our superhuman strength is that we are adaptable, we're malleable, we can learn new things,” said BPT founder and CEO Dr. John Farahmand. “We can adapt to new environments and new circumstances. These are certainly new and uncertain times but if you look inside yourself, you'd realize you have a tremendous capacity within you to adapt to anything. And it all starts with the way that you think!"

Exercising comes with a lot of perks for your body, mind and mood. There are plenty of ways to stay physically active. Walking, gardening or biking all provide great opportunities for summertime fun in the sun. Not only do such activities improve physical health, but they also benefit brain health. Physical activity improves cognition, quality of life, reduced depression, reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

Outdoor exercise is also a convenient way to get a daily dose of natural vitamin D through sunlight. Studies show that getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.

Remember, the outdoors belongs to all of us, and there are no membership fees. You don’t need any special equipment. It’s available wherever you are — just outside your door.

Manage your stress

Stress comes in all forms, regardless of the time of year, but these extraordinary times have really heaped on extra anxiety.

Stress can directly affect your physical and emotional health. Too much stress can cause unhealthy lifestyle choices, depression and anxiety. Some stress management tips from Dr. Farahmand include:

Exercise: Any type of exercise (walk, run, bike, body weight exercises) will, and you don't need fancy equipment to get in a great workout!

Relaxation: Try disconnecting from the outside world periodically throughout the day by putting down your electronic devices for a bit.
Mediation or deep breathing exercises: Find a quiet place and take as little as 10 minutes to focus on your breathing (deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth)

Eating a balanced diet: Think about what you're eating and why you're eating it! Now is a great time to try some new recipes or ingredients you've never cooked.

Taking a break: Don't forget to take time in your day for yourself

Time management: With many of us working from home, our kids not in the classroom, and not seeing our friends as much, take time to have a balance between all three.

Stay hydrated

Up to 60 percent of your body weight is water. Every cell, organ and tissue uses water to function properly. Water helps get rid of waste, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates joints and protects tissues.

If the body does not have enough water, it can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness or dark colored urine. Water intake is especially important during the summer months when the temperatures are warmer.

Get enough sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? If not, you are missing out on an important way for the body to recover and repair tissues and organs. At least seven hours of sleep each night is recommended by sleep researchers. Sleep deficiency is common, especially in times of stress, and can lead to detrimental consequences. Lack of sleep can cause irritability and decreased motivation toward work, exercise and eating properly. Long-term effects raise the risk for chronic health problems including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

BPT is here for you

Everyone needs to stay moving to stay healthy. If you want expert-level physical therapy care without having to risk the safety of leaving your own home, Balance LIVE is here to help. In addition to our Life In Motion Executive Healthcare Service, our providers also offer E-visit appointments so you can keep moving and living your best life. To get started, visit the BPT website at www.balancept.com or give our team a call today at (831) 422-4782.

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

Everyone’s Harvest announces CSUMB grad Karen Gomez as new market program manager

Everyone’s Harvest serves more than 2,000 families each week through certified farmer’s markets in Salinas, Marina and Pacific Grove.

Marina, CA, May 30, 2020 - Everyone’s Harvest serves more than 2,000 families each week through certified farmer’s markets in Salinas, Marina and Pacific Grove. And now it has a new market program manager to help coordinate it all.

Karen Gomez is the newest team member at the nonprofit that serves diverse communities and low-income individuals.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips. She can be reached at karen@everyonesharvest.org.

The mission of Everyone’s Harvest is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is to ensure every community has access to a fair and sustainable food system. For more information on Everyone’s Harvest, visit www.everyonesharvest.org.

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