Gil Basketball Academy Samuel Gil-Silva

When your parents sacrifice everything to start a basketball academy with the goal of teaching local youth how to become healthy, productive and contributing members of the community, you play ball. No questions asked.

Salinas, CA, May 29, 2020 - When your parents sacrifice everything to start a basketball academy with the goal of teaching local youth how to become healthy, productive and contributing members of the community, you play ball. No questions asked.

Samuel Gil-Silva was handed a basketball at age 4. It’s a family tradition — cemented after Jose Gil and Eva Silva launched Gil Basketball Academy more than a decade ago.

“It is normal for me for everyone to play ball because we have grown up around it,” said Samuel, now a 14-year-old freshman at Alisal High School, where his father Jose Gil serves as varsity head coach.

Samuel took to the game quite naturally. The 5-foot-7 shooting guard/small forward played in the prestigious Central Coast All-Star Game the past two years. His first year on the high school team he won the Coach’s Award as his Trojans finished the season unbeaten at 24-0.

“Being a part of the game, in general, has helped me become a greater person,” he said. “It also helps with collaboration skills as well as patience. Basketball showed me the possibilities that I would have if I put time and effort into it.”

Samuel has seen first-hand how participation in sports has helped the youth of Salinas. “Basketball has helped me not get into trouble inside and outside of school growing up,” he said. Being a member of GBA is also “a way for people to go places and explore the world.”

Through GBA, Samuel has traveled to Mexico, Italy, Las Vegas, Reno, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, and even New Zealand. “I have met many people that live in those countries and I saw how fortunate I was to have what I have,” he said. “If I never played basketball I would have never been exposed to the outside world.”

Samuel was exposed to Gil Basketball Academy from the beginning, and realized early on that it was about more than the game of basketball. The larger goal of GBA is to empower local youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic and world view while exposing them to life beyond Salinas.

“It opens doors for everyone,” he said.

After high school, Samuel plans to pursue an education at a four-year university to study acting or film production.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Profile Jordan Montero

Playing basketball has taught Jordan Montero many life lessons, but the one that really resonates involves character

Salinas, CA, May 28, 2020 - Playing basketball has taught Jordan Montero many life lessons, but the one that really resonates involves character: “Anyone can be good at sports, but not everyone is a good sport.”

The 5-foot, 3-inch power forward/shooting guard plays for Everett Alvarez High School and on a select team for Gil Basketball Academy. She has participated in tournaments all over the Bay Area and as far away as Las Vegas.

“Basketball is one of the greatest things that has happened to me,” said Montero, 16. “Basketball, and especially being part of GBA, has really shaped who I am. It’s not only about basketball drills, they also teach character.”

Just being a member of a team has shown Jordan the values of listening, discipline and compromise.

“Volunteering with GBA at camps and on Monday night Academy Nights have really pushed the lesson of giving back,” she said. “I could share the knowledge they so readily gave me with the future generations of kids. Without GBA, I couldn’t imagine where I’d be, but let alone what kind of person I’d be. I don’t think I’d be nearly as thoughtful or considerate of others without basketball to begin with.”

The 10th grader lives in Salinas, the oldest of six kids.

“Life is never boring or dull,” she said. “My immediate future plans are simple, all I want to do is go to a good college.”

GBA has also taught Jordan the importance of education.

“It has extreme value to me,” she said. “I dream of the day I get to go off to college knowing that everything will be OK.”

Jordan will be the first person in her family to attend college, a fact that has really motivated her.

“I plan on working really hard in high school right now so I can go to the best college possible for me,” she said.

Montero credits GBA with opening a variety of doors in her life.

“I never knew some were possible for me,” she said, “from free basketball camps at Stanford, to more educational opportunities like a STEM program for women in science. GBA has introduced me to people willing to help me in basketball and with education. And for that I am truly grateful.”

Jordan also credits basketball with helping her overcome serious issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem.

“It took so long to even make progress to be where I am today,” she said. “And I’m still working on it, but things always get better. And they’re getting better one day at a time.”

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

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay Offers Free Retesting For Every Positive COVID-19 Antibody Test

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, which had been conducting almost 100 COVID-19 antibody tests daily at its Monterey facilities, is now offering free confirmation testing to anyone who receives a positive lab-based antibody test starting May 28th.

Monterey, CA, May 29, 2020 — ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, which had been conducting almost 100 COVID-19 antibody tests daily at its Monterey facilities, is now offering free confirmation testing to anyone who receives a positive lab-based antibody test starting May 28th.

With FDA authorized antibody testing increasing in availability and accuracy, more tests are being performed every day. As testing advances and matures however, best practices are also emerging to ensure that individuals, physicians, and employers get results that they can understand and rely upon.

Follow up testing serves as both confirmation to verify the accuracy of the original positive result, as well as a second data point to follow the progress of an individual’s immune response. By offering this follow-up testing to all antibody positive clients at no additional charge, ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is continuing to expand access and pioneer best practices for COVID-19 exposure testing for residents and employers in Monterey County.

If you have had a positive antibody test from ARCpoint Labs and want to be retested for free, contact ARCpoint at (831) 324-0772 or at www.labtestmonterey.com.

ARCpoint is currently offering two versions of the lab-based COVID-19 antibody test: a single antibody test which detects only the long-term antibody IgG; and a triple antibody test which looks for IgM, IgG, and IgA to get the most complete and reliable information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Marci Bracco Cain, (831) 747-7455

Media note: ARCpoint Co-Owner and Labs Lab Director Spenser Smith is available for media interviews. Please contact Marci Bracco Cain at (831) 747-7455 to set up an interview.

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

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro Opens in Carmel Plaza

The owners behind Monterey’s Alvarado Street Brewery have decided to rebrand their third location, Yeast of Eden (located in the Carmel Plaza) to Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro.

Carmel, CA, May 28, 2020 - The owners behind Monterey’s Alvarado Street Brewery have decided to rebrand their third location, Yeast of Eden (located in the Carmel Plaza) to Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro. This comes at a time when restaurants are preparing to reopen for dine-in service for the first time since March, and many small business owners have reformulated their approach to surviving in a post Covid-19 world.

Deeply rooted in the Monterey Peninsula, the Alvarado Street brand has expanded into a globally recognized, world class brewery achieving prestigious national and international awards, helping put the Monterey Peninsula on the map for craft beer fans. The initial brewpub in Monterey was founded in 2014 and was followed by the establishment of a production brewery and taproom in Salinas in 2016. Yeast of Eden, the name of Alvarado Street’s barrel aged sour beer project, was chosen as the name of the owners’ third location, which opened in December of 2018 in Carmel Plaza. According to Co-Owner and Brewmaster J.C. Hill, “the Yeast of Eden brand will continue producing wild & sour beers at our Salinas location, while the focus of the Carmel brewpub will be mainly hoppy beers; IPAs and the like, as well as lagers and progressive R&D batches that we can scale up into cans at our Salinas location. We will be pouring everything we make at our Monterey & Salinas locations as well and will be offering cans of beer to go. We routinely come out with 3-4 different beers in cans each week, so it’ll be nice for Carmel locals & visitors alike to be able to access these fresh, fun beers.”

Executive Chef Steven Patlan’s Carmel menu will blend California coastal cuisine with a regional twist, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. A variety of mouth-watering burgers & sandwiches can be expected along with daily specials that are designed to pair with fresh beer made on-site. His roots

growing up in the Central Valley gave him a knack for smoked barbeque, which will be the main special every Saturday and includes low & slow cooked baby back ribs, tri tip, hot links & chopped pork shoulder. Sunday will feature a seafood boil with choices of local Dungeness crab, Mexican white prawns, and Louisiana crawfish (flown in fresh the day before) served with sweet corn, fingerling potatoes & smoked andouille sausage.

Final details of food offerings are still being developed as Monterey county restauranteurs await guidelines from local officials to reopen for dine-in service, but regardless, Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro will open for curbside takeout of food and beer starting Wednesday, June 3rd. Hours of operation will be 3 to 8 pm, Wednesday & Thursday, and 12 to 8 pm Friday through Sunday. Mondays & Tuesdays will be closed, but the owners hope to resume operation on those days once normal occupancy levels are permitted in restaurants, later in the reopening process.

Alvarado Street’s newly branded location in Carmel-by-the-Sea is uniquely positioned for outdoor dining, with an expansive patio in the Plaza’s courtyard that will see tables safely distanced at a minimum of six feet away from one another. The restaurant’s owners and management are working diligently to take all precautionary measures from the state and CDC guidelines to ensure a safe dining environment for patrons and employees alike.

Carmel Plaza Suite 112 May 27, 2020
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Contact: Wendy Walker, 925-286-8661
wendy@alvaradostreetbrewery.com

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro is located on the courtyard level of Carmel Plaza, on the Northeast corner of Mission Street and 7th Ave. in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Curbside pickup is accessed through the entrance on Mission Street, and an online ordering platform with menu offerings can be found at www.asbcarmel.com. Call in orders can be placed at 831-293-8621. You can follow Alvarado Street’s Bistro location on Instagram and Facebook at @asbcarmel. Call in orders can be placed at 831-293-8621. For more information please contact Wendy Walker at wendy@alvaradostreetbrewery.com

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

The Clement Palo Alto Opens June 1

Unparalleled Service in All-Inclusive Luxury. Visit Our Website (http://www.theclementpaloalto.com/)

Palo Alto, CA, May 28, 2020 - Experience all-inclusive luxury including breakfast, lunch & dinner delivered to your door.

Enjoy your one bedroom suite with Matouk linens, Frette towels & robes, bath amenities by ODE from McEvoy Ranch, 65' Samsung IPTVs, Nespresso Vertuoline Coffee machines, stocked in-room refrigerators, bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate shower.

The following protocols are in place to ensure that your Clement Palo Alto experience can be enjoyed with piece of mind, knowing that your health and safety are our top priority.

GUEST PROTECTION

We ask that all Guests please follow all CDC Covid-19 guidelines.
Masks should be worn while in public areas, The Clement Palo Alto has a limited supply of disposable masks available, so Guests are encouraged to bring their own masks with them.
Hands should be washed frequently.
Personal hand sanitizer will be provided thru sanitizer stations which will be placed throughout the property for Guest use.
Social distancing should be followed; please keep a minimum of six feet distance.

EMPLOYEE PROTECTION

All Employees are trained in and are following all CDC Covid-19 guidelines.
Employees will wear masks and gloves when working with Guests.

PUBLIC SPACES

Will all be frequently cleaned and sanitized per the AHLA Stay Safe protocols and CDC guidance.
Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the property.
Social distancing guidelines are in place for Guests and Employees

LODGING

Guest suites are cleaned and sanitized prior to your visit using ALHA Stay Safe protocols.
Housekeeping Service Options:
Housekeeping Limited Service: Room is cleaned upon request when guest is out of room.
Housekeeping Daily Drop Service: Requested items will be dropped at the Guest's door.

DINING

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are Room Service only.

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

Back-to-Work COVID-19 Testing Packages Available at ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay for Local Businesses and Companies

All COVID-19 testing performed at ARCpoint Labs is FDA-authorized by the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and is performed in credentialed Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratories.

Monterey, CA, May 26, 2020 — ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, the foremost lab doing COVID-19 testing in Monterey County, is now offering local companies and businesses COVID-19 testing so they can be prepared for phased-in back-to-work orders from the state.

ARCpoint now has back-to-work packages to help businesses open safely, implement preventative measures and instill confidence in employees that they will be safe when they go to work and that consumers will be safe when they go to these businesses. All COVID-19 testing performed at ARCpoint Labs is FDA-authorized by the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and is performed in credentialed Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratories.

Testing packages, which can be different depending on the type of business and number of employees, can include:

>Three types of testing for COVID-19, one PCR (swab test) that tests for virus itself and two lab-based antibody tests.
>Forms to document the testing.
>Results of tests and explanation of results.
>Sample letter to use for businesses to announce employee testing.
>How to follow up to employees after test results come in.
>Discussion of any follow-up testing that may be necessary.

>On-site and on-call mobile units to perform testing for hiring events, back-to-work testing, or emergency response.

>Expedited turnaround times available.

ARCpoint can also consult with businesses through Zoom video conferencing to go over what's available to them.

The tests administered by ARCpoint are the most accurate and reliable on the market today, according to ARCpoint Lab Director Spenser Smith. Businesses and their employees do not have to have symptoms of the virus or to be referred by a doctor to get the tests. Smith does recommend, however, that business owners and employees consult with their primary care physicians before testing.

"We're not competing with other companies who are preparing businesses to open by offering plans for safe practices, we're coming from the lab perspective, because every reopening needs a testing component," said Smith. "There are not a lot of facilities in Monterey County doing lab tests. Anybody can get a test from us, so working with a lab directly makes it easier and more affordable to include testing in a safe and responsible back-to-work strategy.”

Smith said his lab will not only relay results to employers and their employees, they will explain what different results mean, and offer best practices on how to use results to make fact-based decisions to enhance employee and customer safety.

"It's a delicate balancing act between giving results and offering advice," Smith said.

Any questions or concerns about such things as preventative measures, contact tracing and quarantining should be directed to the Monterey County Health Department, he added.

Smith said that ARCpoint can also do the testing at a company's place of work, which is convenient for businesses and companies with a large number of employees.

For more information on the Back-to-Work package, call ARCpoint at (831) 324-0772. To make an appointment to be tested, go to: labtestmonterey.com.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is located at 24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103, in Monterey. ARCpoint Labs is an independently owned ARCpoint Labs business, part of a Greenville, South Carolina-based franchise.

Smith said ARCpoint is now offering two versions of the lab-based COVID-19 antibody test: a single antibody test which detects only the long-term antibody IgG; and a triple antibody test which looks for IgM, IgG, and IgA to get the most complete and reliable information.

(Note: Antibodies are produced by the immune system to fight antigen like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. IgM refers to those antibodies that are produced immediately after an exposure to the disease, while IgG refers to a later response. IgG generally confers protection to a patient so far as a particular virus is concerned. IgA is an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes, such as the lungs, sinuses, stomach, and intestines. The amount of IgA produced in association with mucosal membranes is greater than all other types of antibody combined.)

ARCpoint is also offering the so-called RT-PCR tests (also known as a rRT-PCR test), which involves a nasal swab to test for the coronavirus itself.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, which Smith started with his family in 2018, is one of more than 100 diagnostic testing lab franchises across the U.S. It has partnerships with leading medical labs around the country, allowing it to offer cutting-edge testing solutions from many labs for any need, including the latest and most reliable COVID-19 testing available.

Some of the antibody tests that have been rushed to the market have experienced unreliable results, but Smith said he is confident that the newest COVID-19 antibody tests offered by the lab, which have achieved FDA authorization, are of high quality.

"Independent scientific studies performed around the country continue to show that, while antibody testing is not perfect, it does provide valuable information for individuals as well as for leaders and public health officials to make decisions," Smith said. "The latest FDA-authorized tests authored by such companies as Abbott and Roche have been showing accuracy characteristics that truly take antibody testing to the next level of reliability and usefulness."

Turnaround time for the results of the tests remains 3-5 days, but may be expedited, Smith said. The new lab-based COVID-19 antibody tests could change the way people and businesses are reacting to the pandemic, providing a path toward normalcy for Americans.

Media note: ARCpoint Co-Owner and Labs Lab Director Spenser Smith is available for media interviews. Please contact Marci Bracco Cain at (831) 747-7455 to set up an interview.

ABOUT ARCPOINT LABS
ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national third-party provider and administrator of accurate, reliable, and confidential diagnostic testing for individuals, companies, and legal and healthcare professionals. ARCpoint Labs has been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over 18 years, and our staff has over 60 years of combined industry experience. ARCpoint Labs has over 100 locations across the country with an additional 18 locations slated to open within the next 12 months. For more information on ARCpoint Labs, visit www.arcpointlabs.com.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is an independently owned ARCpoint Labs business, part of a Greenville, South Carolina-based franchise. The Smith family of Monterey, brothers Spenser and Bryant and their parents Belle and Randy, established the company in 2018.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay
24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103 Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 324-0772
Email: monterey@arcpointlabs.com
Website: www.arcpointlabs.com
COVID-19 Appointments: labtestmonterey.com

> On-site and on-call mobile testing units for hiring events, routine testing, or incident response.

> Rapid turnaround times available.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Story Christian Soto

Just ask 16-year-old Cristian Soto, who realized early in life that obstacles provided him a chance to practice courage and perseverance.

Salinas, CA, May 25, 2020 - We can learn a lot from our obstacles. Just ask 16-year-old Cristian Soto, who realized early in life that obstacles provided him a chance to practice courage and perseverance.

Soto’s first big challenge happened in the third grade when he broke his ankle.

“It was tough because I was in a cast for three months and that prevented me from doing the things I loved to do,” he said. “My ankle was so weak that I never thought I’d be the same. But I kept building the strength back and came back stronger.”

Today, the 10th grader at Alisal High School is a 6-foot, 2-inch power forward, and a member of Gil Basketball Academy. Through the years he’s earned three MVP awards.

“Basketball really helped me in my life,” he said. “It helped me realize that your team is like another family. They have your back and help you get through tough times. And as the years go on, you build stronger relationships with all your teammates and coaches.”

Basketball helped Soto overcome another challenge — when his family moved from the bright lights of Las Vegas to Salinas five years ago.

“The transition from Vegas to Salinas was hard for me,” he said. “When we first moved here, I didn’t know anyone and had a hard time making friends. I’m kind of shy, too, so that made things harder for me. I wanted to move back but I couldn’t just leave. So what I did was be more open and try to fit in, and that helped me to make friends.”

Soon after moving to Salinas, Soto joined GBA, which made a profound difference in his life.

“Gil Basketball opens up a lot of stuff for you,” he said. “It gives you the opportunity to play the game while learning new things to enhance your game and become a better player. Once you join GBA, you become part of the family and your relationship never dies.”

Soto enjoys a big family at home, living with his parents and three sisters. After graduating from Alisal High School, he plans on attending a four-year university and pursuing a degree in the medical field.

“Preferably in sports medicine,” he said. “In my family, education is very important. Both my parents went to college and earned a degree. They want the same thing from me, so they always push me to get good grades.”

Looking back now, breaking his ankle taught Soto perseverance, dedication and positivity. Moving from Las Vegas to Salinas taught him that nothing is as bad as it seems initially. Opportunities can appear out of nowhere.

“Without basketball, I wouldn’t be at the same school and I wouldn’t have been able to build all the relationships that I have today,” he said.

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

Summer of Seclusion

Book A 30 Day Rental With Sanctuary Vacation Rentals Safe contact less check in; properties open and spacious!

Monterey, CA, May 22, 2020 - Book A 30 Day Rental With Sanctuary Vacation Rentals Safe contact less check in; properties open and spacious!

Plan Your Perfect Vacation
Travelers have more options with vacation rentals. With so many families working from home we know you probably have a desire for a ‘change of scenery’ and we don’t blame you. Enjoy all the family friendly amenities available with renting a vacation home such as backyard b-ques, movie night, and cooking together. With vacation rentals, guests can plan their ideal getaway by selecting a home that has everything in a location that suits them. You can even bring your furry friend as many homes are pet friendly. Most homes offer monthly rentals perfect for parents working remotely or secured as a flexible weekend getaway.

Don’t Sacrifice Privacy and Save Money
What’s your perfect vacation rental? Weather it is a short walk to a quiet beach, or a home so close you can fell the ocean breeze. Maybe your perfect rental is close to the town center and just steps to quaint shops and amazing restaurants or away from it all in a more secluded area. No matter your preference you are sure to find the perfect place for your family with Sanctuary Vacation Rentals.
Vacation rentals provide more privacy. Renting a home typically provides guests with their own bedroom, bathroom and seating area. So, when it’s time to unwind, they have a personal, dedicated space. Vacation homes are great for families because parents can put kids to bed, then watch a movie or spend time together, without worrying about disturbing children.

When compared to other types of accommodations vacation rentals provide much more value and flexibility in living spaces that allow families to remain connected safely.

Live Like a Local
Rental homes provide the comforts and luxuries of home because they are a HOME. Our vacation rentals come stocked with everything you need at no additional cost. We take great pride is setting up our homes for your comfort. Our motto is- All the amenities of a five-star hotel with the comforts of home. The kitchen and dining areas have cookware, utensils and dishes. Guests may also find board games, books and DVDs in their rental. They also have the freedom to bring their own entertainment to enjoy it at no charge. No more paying for movies or flipping channels trying to find something to watch.

Most rental homes are also equipped with washers and dryers, so guests can clean laundry. This is especially helpful if you prefer to pack lightly or are relaxing with us for an entire month, or two. In some homes, guests also have private hot tubs, pools and outside seating areas, perfect for relaxing with loved ones. In a vacation rental, travelers feel more at home and also feel a sense of connection and local pride because they become part of the community during their stay.

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

Goodwill Central Coast’s e-Commerce Team Back in Action and Shipping New Items Daily While Feeding Into Nonprofit’s Mission Of Creating Jobs

Once again, there’s a buzz of activity on the top floor of the Goodwill Central Coast headquarters on Moffett Street in Salinas as Goodwill’s ecommerce team opens up operations again, listing and shipping new items daily.

Salinas, CA, May 22, 2020 — Once again, there’s a buzz of activity on the top floor of the Goodwill Central Coast headquarters on Moffett Street in Salinas as Goodwill’s ecommerce team opens up operations again, listing and shipping new items daily.

Monterey County officials gave Goodwill formal permission to open again on April 30, and, on May 4, the operation began with a manager, assistant manager and four department heads. Three days later, 12 other full-time associates who had been furloughed were recalled.

“We are working on new enhancements in our ecommerce operations daily and expect a larger and more convenient process for our customers soon,” said Alan C. Martinson, Goodwill Central Coast vice president of retail.

The e-commerce team sorts through the most coveted donated items to put up for sale at shopgoodwill.com. The website, which opened in July 2017, represents the first e-commerce auction platform created, owned and operated by a nonprofit. Goodwill designed the virtual marketplace to provide an engaging online shopping destination that would further the Goodwill mission.

“It fits our mission, reinvesting in jobs,” said Martinson. “It’s effectively a job creator within a job creator.”

Shoppers enjoy what Goodwill calls “guilt-free retail therapy,” knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping items out of landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources.

Martinson hand-picked the team, store associates with experience and a sharp eye who could cull specialty items from the tons of donations, separate them, tag them, photograph them, process them, upload them, and ship them — all in one facility.

The Salinas team shipped 400 to 500 items each day, from gold jewelry to clothing, musical instruments and more, before the pandemic forced operations to close. At its height, jewelry and books were the biggest sellers on the site.

Goodwill’s Mission

Goodwill Central Coast builds lives, families and communities by helping people with employment needs become successful, supported by innovative enterprises that preserve earth’s resources.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast
1566 Moffet Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 423-8611
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

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

Interim Inc.’s Supported Education and Employment Services (SEES) Program Earns Coveted CARF Three-Year Accreditation

Interim, Inc. has earned a three-year accreditation from an independent nonprofit organization that provides accreditation services worldwide, for its Supported Education and Employment Services (SEES).

Salinas, CA, May 19, 2020 — Interim, Inc. has earned a three-year accreditation from an independent nonprofit organization that provides accreditation services worldwide, for its Supported Education and Employment Services (SEES).

CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) awarded accreditation after a survey in March.

“SEES is surveyed by CARF every three years, it gives us the opportunity to improve our services and to ensure that we are meeting clients’ needs,” said SEES Program Director Idalia Matthews. “This year’s survey took place on March 5 and 6. Two surveyors from CARF participated. The preparation for the survey takes time and takes a village to make it happen!”

CARF International is an independent nonprofit organization that provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human services providers. Providers that meet their rigorous standards in the areas of rehabilitation of a disability, treatment for addiction and substances abuse, home and community services, or other health and human services have demonstrated that they are committed to be among the best available.

To achieve CARF accreditation, the program must demonstrate conformance to the applicable CARF standards as evidenced by observable practices, verifiable

results over time and comprehensive supporting documentation.

CARF noted in their accreditation decision that Interim “provides quality employment planning, job development and job coaching services to clients who report high levels of satisfaction with the services provided. Interim has strong, longstanding partnerships with Monterey County Behavioral Health Bureau and the California Department of Rehabilitation, which are the foundation for the collaborative approach to service provision. Interim provides a multitude of services to address both the immediate and long- term needs of clients and the community as a whole.”

Interim’s SEES program provides a wide range of opportunities for adults with mental illness who are seeking employment or who are interested in pursuing higher education. To help clients obtain work, SEES provides career, vocational, and educational counseling, job development and coaching. SEES also improves educational opportunities by helping clients access classes and training programs at local colleges.

Interim Inc.
P.O. Box 3222
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 649-4522
www.interiminc.org

About Interim, Inc.
Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that provides a unique combination of support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County. Services provided include affordable supportive housing, residential treatment, mental health and dual-recovery services, case coordination, therapeutic services, outreach and intensive support for homeless adults, supported education and employment, day treatment and peer support.

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

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Gets Information on Groundwater Levels and Goals for Future Groundwater Levels in Santa Cruz County at Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Meeting

With the rainy season behind us, the focus of San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now on future groundwater levels as we head into the drier summer months.

Boulder Creek, CA, May 19, 2020 — With the rainy season behind us, the focus of San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now on future groundwater levels as we head into the drier summer months.

For the District groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for residents from June through October when surface water flow is low during drier months. Rainfall is the main source of recharge to the basin and surface water flows. The groundwater basin is shared by users, including the District, Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD), and Mount Hermon Association, as well as local businesses and residents using private wells.

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) at its Board of Directors meeting in April held an informational session that centered on groundwater levels and the agency’s goals for future groundwater levels. The District is one of three member-agencies that make up the SMGWA, along with the SVWD and the County of Santa Cruz.

The session examined the Santa Margarita Basin and its four primary aquifers: Santa Margarita aquifer, Monterey formation, Lompico aquifer and Butano aquifer. The session identified the unique characteristics of each aquifer and its particular set of users.

• The aquifer closest to the surface is the Santa Margarita. It is about 100 feet thick, on average, and is the most vulnerable to fluctuations in climate conditions. That means it recharges the fastest during periods of rainfall, but also depletes the most quickly during dry times or when lots of pumping occurs. The District and most private well owners draw water from this aquifer.

•The next aquifer down is the Monterey formation, which is not a true aquifer and a very few wells pump from it. It is a clay layer found in limited areas of the basin.

•The third layer down, the Lompico aquifer, is a main source of supply for local water districts. It is generally found around depths of 500-700 feet below the surface.

•Finally, the Butano aquifer is deepest and occurs at around 1,000 feet below the surface of the valley floor. Currently, only the Scotts Valley Water District extracts water from this aquifer.

The aquifers aren’t evenly deposited throughout the basin, according to Georgina King of Montgomery & Associates, who gave the presentation to the SMGWA. Rather, the underground bowl-shaped basin supports varying levels and depths of each aquifer in different areas. The deeper layers are exposed to the land surface in the upgradient of hillsides, which are the principal recharge zone for these aquifers.

Evaluating groundwater levels is one of the state-required elements of the Sustainable Management Criteria (SMC) in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). As a required element of the GSP, the SMGWA board must set minimum thresholds for groundwater levels in the basin as well as measurable objectives to ensure the basin’s sustainability. The board provided input on the significant and unreasonable conditions that will be used to develop a draft qualitative statement for board review.

The SMGWA’s board meeting was held April 23, included time for public comment and participation on each agenda item, and was conducted via all-remote, web- and phone-based access due to the Santa Cruz County Shelter-in-Place Order response to the coronavirus outbreak.

If you are interested in learning more about the SMGWA or the District’s involvement visit www.https://smgwa.org/. The next SMGWA Board of Directors meeting will be held on May 28th at 5:30 p.m. The meeting Agenda and any supplementary materials will be made available www.https://smgwa.org/ as they are generated by staff. Due to the circumstances regarding the ongoing shelter-in-place orders all Agency meetings will be held in an exclusively remote-access format until further notice.

About the San Lorenzo Valley Water 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

About the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) that was formed as a Joint Powers Authority in June 2017. It has three member-agencies: Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD), San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD), and the County of Santa Cruz (County) and is governed by the Board of Directors comprising of two representatives from each member agency, one representative from City of Scotts Valley, one from City of Santa Cruz, one from Mount Hermon Association (MHA) and two private well owner representatives. The Board of Directors holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The staffing support and funding for the agency is provided by the member agency.

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, overdrafted groundwater basins need to be sustainably managed by a GSA through the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSP must be completed by 2022, and the basin must reach sustainability by 2042.

The three agencies, SVWD, SLVWD, and Santa Cruz County, are committed to working with each other and engage other stakeholders in forming a GSA and developing a GSP after the state approves the boundary modification request.

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

Twenty-two Interim Inc. Clients Find Housing at Innovative New Moon Gate Plaza Apartment Complex in Salinas’ Chinatown

Moon Gate Plaza apartments in Chinatown in Salinas opened in January, benefitting 20 of Interim Inc.’s homeless clients.

Salinas, CA, May 19, 2020 — Moon Gate Plaza apartments in Chinatown in Salinas opened in January, benefitting 20 of Interim Inc.’s homeless clients.

The $40 million housing project, a collaboration between MidPen Housing and the Central California Alliance for Health, is a 90-unit mixed-use housing complex with a particular emphasis on low- and extremely low- income households and the homeless.

The complex connects housing and health services for the highest users of the healthcare system, with 20 supportive apartments set aside for that population and another 20 set aside for clients of Interim Inc., Monterey County’s leading provider of adult mental health services and support. The other 50 apartments will provide housing for other low-income residents of Monterey County.

Through a collaboration of local nonprofit organizations, the ground floor of Moon Gate provides a vibrant space that incorporates arts, health and wellness, culture, and educational programming to serve all Chinatown neighborhood residents.

The complex includes a community room with a kitchen, a courtyard with community gardens, bicycle storage, a library and a multi-purpose room. Interim has an agreement with MidPen Housing for 20 of the units to house homeless clients with mental illness. The tenants for the remaining 70 apartments were determined by a lottery of qualified applicants. Two other Interim clients were chosen for apartments in the lottery.

One of the first residents of Moon Gate was Interim client Junior Rangel, who moved in on March 16 from Interim’s Shelter Cove transitional housing. He says that his studio apartment on the third floor is safe and quiet. He is getting to know his neighbors.

“I like that I have an apartment where pets are allowed. I got a puppy. Her name is Diana and she’s a corgi/chihuahua mix,” said Rangel. “The building has a place where I can walk her and get exercise.”

Since many Moon Gate residents have a history of homelessness, some will need to relearn how to budget their income, how to cook healthy meals, and other skills to live successfully in the community. With an office space on the third floor, Interim counselors will provide individualized service plans, assessments, case management and care coordination for these residents.

“The partnership between Interim and MidPen has been fantastic for the referred residents,” said MidPen Leasing Director Daniel Fagan. “The timely action and follow-up by Interim led to the placement of 20 residents. The MidPen and Interim teams communicate and collaborate regularly to better serve the residents, which in turn will likely lead to stabilized housing for the residents and the community as a whole.”

Financing for the $40 million development was provided by the City of Salinas, the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, the Central California Alliance for Health, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and Bank of America Merill Lynch. Dahlin Group Architectural Planning was the architect and the contractor was Ausonio, Inc. MidPen Property Management Corp. will provide onsite professional property management.

About Interim, Inc.
Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that provides a unique combination of support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County. Services provided include affordable supportive housing, residential treatment, mental health and dual-recovery services, case coordination, therapeutic services, outreach and intensive support for homeless adults, supported education and employment, day treatment and peer support.

Interim Inc.
P.O. Box 3222
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 649-4522
www.interiminc.org

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

Gil Basketball Academy Natalie Cortes

When Natalie Cortes first picked up a basketball in the fifth grade, she found even the simple act of dribbling the ball extremely difficult.

Salinas, CA, May 19, 2020 - She almost gave up the sport that first day. But she refused to give up — a trait that became a huge part of the 14-year-old’s personality.

“After many years of practice and determination, not only did I learn how to dribble, but I also learned how to do many other skills, too,” she said.

Once she joined Gil Basketball Academy, she fell in love with the game, but at one point almost had to give it up entirely.

“My parents couldn’t afford me playing basketball in GBA Select because we had too many other things going on,” she said.

So Natalie took it upon herself to email her father’s boss to explain the situation. “Because of that I got sponsored so I was able to play again,” she said.

A freshman at Alisal High School, Natalie lives in Salinas with her parents, 12-year-old brother and two 6-year-old twin sisters.

A 5-foot, 2-inch point guard/shooting guard, Natalie has learned so much from basketball.

“It has helped me gain so much,” she said. “For example, being part of a team for all these years has shown me the value of teamwork, hardwork and determination, and paying attention to every detail. This has helped me in my life to become a better person mentally and physically.”

Through GBA, Natalie has learned the value of education, and her goal is to attend a university on scholarship. Her career choice? “I don't know what it is yet, but one thing I do know is that an education will get me places in the future.”

Natalie credits Gil Basketball Academy for helping her on and off the court.

“Overall, GBA has opened so many doors for me regarding basketball. Thanks to GBA, I was recruited by NCSA (Next College Student Athlete), which I unfortunately didn’t join for many reasons,” she said. “They helped me not only to gain more expertise in basketball, but to become a better person.”

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

El Pajaro Community Development Corporation Serves Up 38 Family Meals to 228 Farmworkers at First Family Dinner Initiative

Thanks to the community’s kindness and generosity, El Pajaro Community Development Corporation was able to offer 38 family meals to 228 people recently as part of its first Farmworker’s Family Dinner initiative.

Watsonville, CA, May 16, 2020 — Thanks to the community’s kindness and generosity, El Pajaro Community Development Corporation was able to offer 38 family meals to 228 people recently as part of its first Farmworker’s Family Dinner initiative.

“We started the Farmworker’s Family Dinner initiative to honor our communities’ farmworkers and to give each of them a ‘break’ from cooking dinner for one night,” said El Pajaro CDC Executive Director Carmen Herrera Mansir. “We figured that after a 12-plus-hour day of very hard work under the sun, having someone else make a warm and delicious meal for the whole family is a great treat.”

The first week’s dinner was made by Cuevas Express Food and RoguePye.

The program also helped increase sales for food entrepreneurs who have experienced a drastic drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the entrepreneurs are not eligible for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that Congress passed on March 27, 2020, or other relief programs. These are families that lost 75-100% of their income.

“Thanks to the success of this initiative, our team decided to make the Farmworker’s Family Dinner an ongoing program,” said Herrera Mansir. “Our goal is to provide 10 family dinners every night from Monday to Saturday. I hope the community will continue to support us. Please share this opportunity with your friends and network.”

Farmworkers and their families were ecstatic about the dinner:

“Our workers were very happy, they were in awe, they felt pampered!” said Javier Zamora, owner of JSM Organics farm. “Our H-2B Visa workers could not believe they were getting such a big and delicious meal. Everyone loved Esthela Cuevas’ food.”

Zamora loved the food so much that he is now planning to hire the Cuevas family (of Cuevas Express Food) to make meals for JSM farm workers.

“My wife is going to be sooo happy because she will NOT have to cook tonight,” said Gabino, a sole breadwinner and father of four who works at JSM.

El Pajaro farm-partners Zamora and Rogelio Ponce at Sun Valley Farms, both small local farmers, donate the delicious organic strawberries used to make El Pajaro’s house-branded strawberry jam. (Available online at: https://epcdc.square.site.)

In addition, Herrera Mansir expressed her gratitude to Cesario Ruiz, El Pajaro’s Kitchen Program Manager, and Izuyah Sanchez, kitchen assistant, for making this dinner “magic” happen.

To help support the Farmworker’s Family Dinner, go to: https://epcdc.square.site/product/farmworke-s-family-dinner/21?cs=true

For questions about the initiative, call El Pajaro Community Development Corporation at (831) 722-1224 or by email at info@elpajarocdc.org

About Pajaro CDC
In 1979, El Pájaro CDC was formed following widespread community support of under-represented Latino and Spanish-speaking business owners in Watsonville. For 40 years El Pajaro has helped budding entrepreneurs throughout the Central Coast by offering technical, legal, financial and managerial assistance.

“If you give someone an opportunity it can change lives, and lead to generations of success,” said Carmen Hererra-Mansir, executive director of El Pajaro CDC. “To see a journey from farmworker to entrepreneur — many started that way when they came to us — is so rewarding.”

El Pájaro CDC offers a wide range of assistance, including low-cost and often free bilingual business education and training workshops to low-income entrepreneurs. Workshops cover business plan preparation, marketing and sales, customer service, bookkeeping, computer basics, business management, and financial literacy.

In 1997, El Pajaro Plaza Vigil a retail business incubator at 23 Beach St. in downtown Watsonville was created to assist low- to moderate-income, Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs with starting and operating a successful business.

Plaza Vigil houses dozens of businesses, with another 44 food purveyors using the separate Commercial Kitchen Incubator Program, a fully equipped, shared-use facility at 412 Riverside Drive.

Following a charter expansion in 2007, El Pájaro CDC serves Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Bilingual and bicultural services businesses development services and trainings are available to anyone with plans to open or expand a small business in the region.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Profile Isabella Gonzalez

In many ways Isabella Gonzalez has two families.

Salinas, CA, May 16, 2020 - The 13-year-old lives with her two loving parents, two older brothers and her nana in North Salinas. Away from home Isabella experiences another close-knit environment as a member of Gil Basketball Academy.

“Because of GBA, I have another family,” she said. “It has helped me become a team player, and taught me to always work hard and to never give up. I love playing basketball and I think, without it, I wouldn’t be as motivated in life.”

The 5-foot, 1-inch shooting guard started playing basketball at the Rec Center at age 6, and joined the GBA Select Team two years later. This past season she averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

But it’s what happened off the court that affected her so profoundly. Sports have a way of creating a sense of uni­ty, and that showed when Isabella’s mother Susie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was in kindergarten, and as a 5 year old I was frightened that I was going to lose my mom,” she said. “It was so difficult to see her after her treatment and especially seeing her in the hospital. I would cry myself to sleep every night and also used to cry at school.”

Even now, every time her mom leaves to see her doctor at Stanford for a checkup, Isabella feels anxious and afraid that the cancer will return.

“It’s making me a strong person like my mom,” she said.

During her mom’s treatments, when she was really sick, “my GBA family made me feel like there was hope,” she said. “Some of the parents used to give me and my brothers rides to Stanford Hospital so we can see our mom. They would even bring food and let us stay at their houses, or took us places so my mom could rest.”

GBA also allowed Isabella to experience other cultures in different parts of the world.

“I’ve been to all the world tours that GBA has gone to,” she said. “I’ve been to New Zealand, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Italy and Mexico.”

In many of those countries, Isabella interacted with kids experiencing profound, daily life challenges, and that provided her a life lesson.

“Being in a foreign country, I have seen kids that aren’t as fortunate as I am, so my GBA family and I decided to give out some of our shoes and other things to them.”

The seventh grader attends Bolsa Knolls Middle School, and one day plans to attend a 4-year university to study in a medical field — and hopefully continue to play basketball.

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

Max's Helping Paws Expands Access to Financial Assistance to Better Meet Needs of Pet Owners

During these extraordinary times, Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has continued its mission to help fund treatment for pets in crisis, saying yes to nearly 250 pets through 23 veterinary partner practices.

Carmel, CA, May 15, 2020 - Historically, treatment had to be through one of these partner practices. Increased needs surrounding the COVID-19 , pandemic has led the nonprofit to announce that effective Friday, May 15, 2020, pet owners will be able to apply indefinitely for Max's financial assistance programs through any Monterey County veterinary practice that would like to sponsor a client.

“Organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit, must pivot to the needs of this county as best they can right now,” said Dyana Klein, who founded Max’s Helping Paws in 2016, following the death of her Miniature Pinscher Max. “Our first initiative was the launch of Chestnut's Crisis Fund, specifically designed to help pet owners financially impacted by the pandemic.”

Knowing that the ripple effects from the pandemic will be felt for a long time, the nonprofit needed to evolve to an open model based on “inclusivity, accessibility and reciprocity.”

“We know that the need for financial assistance to help keep companion pets from suffering has multiplied,” said Klein. “We have to be where the needs are, and we can't achieve that if we restrict support to a subset of local practices.”

With this new model, pet families, already in difficult situations, will not be asked to go somewhere new in order to apply for support. Eligibility and process, consisting of a client application and treating veterinary practice form, will remain unchanged. No enrollment form or contract of any kind will be required in order for a treating veterinary practice to sponsor a client.

Max’s will also unveil a simple virtual training page for new veterinary practices. “We hope to build a reciprocal support model so we can continue to help more pets at more practices,” Klein said. Max’s will highlight and feature year-round those practices that are able to reciprocate through participation in fundraising activities.

Believing financial circumstances should never decide a companion pet’s fate, Max’s relies on the generosity of the community to fund its mission. General donations are accepted through the nonprofit’s website www.maxshelpingpaws.org.

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

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