Sheraton Palo Alto Offering ‘Summer Drive to Outside Fun Package’ Road Trip to Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Charming Palo Alto

Beautiful Palo Alto is in the heart of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area, within short driving distance from many areas of California and filled with outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to golfing and biking.

Palo Alto, CA, July 10, 2020 — Beautiful Palo Alto is in the heart of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area, within short driving distance from many areas of California and filled with outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to golfing and biking.

With that in mind, the Sheraton Palo Alto is launching a “Summer Drive to Outside Fun Package,” a road trip with the Sheraton as your base of operations from where you can enjoy the charming attributes of Palo Alto.

The Sheraton is just 2.5 miles from The Stanford Dish, a popular hiking area that offers hikers and walkers with stunning panoramic views of Silicon Valley, with the striking 150-foot diameter dish, a radiotelescope that is still in use, as its centerpiece. The sprawling Stanford University campus also provides a nice setting for a shaded walk, jog, or bike ride.

The Sheraton is just 8 miles from Shoreline Park in Mountain View, which offers golf, bike, kayak and paddle boat rentals — a beautiful setting to enjoy the outdoors.

The area also boasts two golf courses, the Shoreline Golf Links, an 18-hole championship course that offers golfers equal parts beauty and challenge; and the Baylands Golf Links, which features 55 acres of native Baylands vegetation and wetlands areas.

You could play a few sets of tennis at Mitchell Park Tennis Courts or stroll the gorgeous garden at Filoli Historic House & Garden, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in nearby Woodside.

End your day with a stroll to downtown Palo Alto for outdoor dining or window shopping.

The area is packed with outdoor activities and Sheraton’s concierge can help you find the perfect activity for your outdoor adventure in Palo Alto. Seize the day, your way!

To book this package, go to: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjcsi-sheraton-palo-alto-hotel/. The “Summer Drive to Outside Fun Package” includes complimentary parking and HSIA.

About the Sheraton Palo Alto
The Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel is the perfect location for business or leisure travel, bay area weddings or banquets in Silicon Valley. Located at the entrance to Stanford University, the hotel is within walking distance to downtown Palo Alto with its charming boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife.

Just one block away you will find the nationally recognized Stanford Shopping Center, Stanford Stadium, Stanford Medical Center, Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Town & Country Village. The hotel is one block from the CalTrain Station, which provides easy access into San Francisco and San Jose.

The Sheraton’s resort-like setting provides 346 spacious guestrooms with many of the rooms featuring a patio or balcony that overlooks the koi ponds, water and flower garden or the sparkling pool.

Taste the freshness of California cuisine at the Poolside Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with al fresco dining.

The Bay Area Silicon Valley Hotel offers event facilities for banquet and wedding receptions.

Sheraton Palo Alto
625 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-328-2800
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjcsi-sheraton-palo-alto-hotel/

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjcsi-sheraton-palo-alto-hotel/

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Continue to Provide Safe Access to Healthy Food

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

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.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

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

>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, Kirk Williams 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.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, 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 Salinas 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 are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are 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, Pacific Grove and Salinas 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/

Cinnamon Shore Announces Rare, Newly Renovated Gulf-Front Home Hitting the Market This Week

Buyers looking for Gulf-Front property within driving distance of major Texas cities should know about this opportunity to get the coastal lifestyle from homeowners who perfected it.

Port Aransas, Texas, July 10, 2020 - Those who know Cinnamon Shore―the upscale, New Urbanist development on the outskirts of Port Aransas, Texas―know there is only one row of fewer than 20 homes that have direct Gulf views. Owners rarely put these Gulf-front tier homes on the market, but this week, a stunning, recently renovated, 4-story masterpiece will be listed.

Nestled behind protective dunes, 186 Seaside Drive offers almost 5,000 square feet of living space, with five bedrooms, three main living areas, and a top-floor tower and bunk area; an additional 1,600 square feet of porches and decks; and 550 square feet of garage and storage space. Furthermore, the seller will give the buyer the opportunity to complete the coastal lifestyle with first rights to purchase a 35-foot Boston whaler, boat slip, and airplane/boat hangar nearby.

“This is an incredible opportunity to have the Gulf-front lifestyle of your dreams—in an instant,” said Jodi Peters, broker at Cinnamon Shore Realty. “These types of homes rarely make it to the market, and we anticipate high interest.”

Listed at $2.7 million, the residence is built atop Gulf-front property that’s in very short supply in Texas, and the home has value that goes beyond its incredible architecture, interiors and Gulf-front views. “People purchase these types of homes because they want to give their families a place to gather and memories for a lifetime,” Peters said.

Yet the home’s design represents thoughtful consideration of how to enjoy every aspect of beachfront living, and the renovations and additions completed in 2015, before Hurricane Harvey, and after 2018, post Harvey, make it an even more incredible value. The home has undergone extensive cosmetic updates, including new exterior paint, interior paint refreshes, the addition of a Sub-Zero refrigerator to the already incredible kitchen, and refinished and newly stained hardwoods. It also has upgrades that increase its longevity in coastal conditions, including:

New systems, such as the air conditioning system with three units and a whole house dehumidifier
New Marvin windows and door
New foam insulation in attic and walls
New exterior siding with “air barrier” membrane
New Trex composite patio and steps
Newly done work on the metal roof
Cinnamon Shore Realty can share other recent renovations, including details on new landscaping and new window treatments.

Throughout the home, handsome woodwork and trim, coffered ceilings, and other details convey sophistication in a still-relaxed coastal scheme. With a main living space on the ground floor for easy access, Gulf views from all top-floor bedrooms, and extras such as a “man-cave” with its own mini-fridge and freezer, this house meets multi-generational vacation needs and represents a standard of luxury not often found on the Texas Gulf Coast.

To learn more about 186 Seaside Drive, contact Cinnamon Shore Realty at 361-749-185, email jodi@cinnamonshore.com, or view the listing [link to come]. For more about the community, visit cinnamonshore.com.

About Cinnamon Shore
Cinnamon Shore is a pedestrian-friendly planned community nestled behind the protective dunes on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is the first new urbanism development for Sea Oats Group, which is fulfilling its vision of a traditional seaside village with a wide array of amenities and recreational facilities intertwined with beach cottages, luxury villas and vibrant town centers. Now comprised of two communities – the original, Cinnamon Shore North, and its new, 150-acre, Gulf-side expansion, Cinnamon Shore South – every detail of the master plan for both is designed to embrace the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.CinnamonShore.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@CinnamonShore).

About Sea Oats Group
Port Aransas-based Sea Oats Group is one of the most successful developers of coastal properties in any market nationwide, including the Texas Gulf Coast, where the value of its beachfront portfolio is unequalled. The firm is dedicated to creating traditional neighborhood developments that provide residents with the highest possible quality of life, while preserving the integrity of the resort landscapes they occupy. By combining living spaces with retail areas in a walkable, connected plan, Sea Oats Group weaves together beautiful places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.SeaOatsGroup.com.

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

Buyers looking for Gulf-Front property within driving distance of major Texas cities should know about this opportunity to get the coastal lifestyle from homeowners who perfected it.

Port Aransas, Texas, July 10, 2020 - Those who know Cinnamon Shore―the upscale, New Urbanist development on the outskirts of Port Aransas, Texas―know there is only one row of fewer than 20 homes that have direct Gulf views. Owners rarely put these Gulf-front tier homes on the market, but this week, a stunning, recently renovated, 4-story masterpiece will be listed.

Nestled behind protective dunes, 186 Seaside Drive offers almost 5,000 square feet of living space, with five bedrooms, three main living areas, and a top-floor tower and bunk area; an additional 1,600 square feet of porches and decks; and 550 square feet of garage and storage space. Furthermore, the seller will give the buyer the opportunity to complete the coastal lifestyle with first rights to purchase a 35-foot Boston whaler, boat slip, and airplane/boat hangar nearby.

“This is an incredible opportunity to have the Gulf-front lifestyle of your dreams—in an instant,” said Jodi Peters, broker at Cinnamon Shore Realty. “These types of homes rarely make it to the market, and we anticipate high interest.”

Listed at $2.7 million, the residence is built atop Gulf-front property that’s in very short supply in Texas, and the home has value that goes beyond its incredible architecture, interiors and Gulf-front views. “People purchase these types of homes because they want to give their families a place to gather and memories for a lifetime,” Peters said.

Yet the home’s design represents thoughtful consideration of how to enjoy every aspect of beachfront living, and the renovations and additions completed in 2015, before Hurricane Harvey, and after 2018, post Harvey, make it an even more incredible value. The home has undergone extensive cosmetic updates, including new exterior paint, interior paint refreshes, the addition of a Sub-Zero refrigerator to the already incredible kitchen, and refinished and newly stained hardwoods. It also has upgrades that increase its longevity in coastal conditions, including:

New systems, such as the air conditioning system with three units and a whole house dehumidifier
New Marvin windows and door
New foam insulation in attic and walls
New exterior siding with “air barrier” membrane
New Trex composite patio and steps
Newly done work on the metal roof
Cinnamon Shore Realty can share other recent renovations, including details on new landscaping and new window treatments.

Throughout the home, handsome woodwork and trim, coffered ceilings, and other details convey sophistication in a still-relaxed coastal scheme. With a main living space on the ground floor for easy access, Gulf views from all top-floor bedrooms, and extras such as a “man-cave” with its own mini-fridge and freezer, this house meets multi-generational vacation needs and represents a standard of luxury not often found on the Texas Gulf Coast.

To learn more about 186 Seaside Drive, contact Cinnamon Shore Realty at 361-749-185, email jodi@cinnamonshore.com, or view the listing [link to come]. For more about the community, visit cinnamonshore.com.

About Cinnamon Shore
Cinnamon Shore is a pedestrian-friendly planned community nestled behind the protective dunes on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is the first new urbanism development for Sea Oats Group, which is fulfilling its vision of a traditional seaside village with a wide array of amenities and recreational facilities intertwined with beach cottages, luxury villas and vibrant town centers. Now comprised of two communities – the original, Cinnamon Shore North, and its new, 150-acre, Gulf-side expansion, Cinnamon Shore South – every detail of the master plan for both is designed to embrace the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.CinnamonShore.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@CinnamonShore).

About Sea Oats Group
Port Aransas-based Sea Oats Group is one of the most successful developers of coastal properties in any market nationwide, including the Texas Gulf Coast, where the value of its beachfront portfolio is unequalled. The firm is dedicated to creating traditional neighborhood developments that provide residents with the highest possible quality of life, while preserving the integrity of the resort landscapes they occupy. By combining living spaces with retail areas in a walkable, connected plan, Sea Oats Group weaves together beautiful places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.SeaOatsGroup.com.

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

VNA Hospice’s Innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center Van to Visit Three Locations in South County in July

The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at three South County locations in July — one in Chualar and two in King City.

King City, CA, July 08, 2020 — The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at three South County locations in July — one in Chualar and two in King City.

The van, which was launched in November 2019, continues its mission to deliver information and resources about end-of-life decisions and care to the local Spanish-speaking communities of Monterey County.

The van, which is a part of Hospice Giving Foundation’s Juntos con Esperanza partnership, will be at the following locations:

> 12-3 p.m. Thursday, July 9: 2020 Needs assessment survey distribution, Alma’s Bakery and Deli, 25482 Payson St., Chualar.

>8-10 a.m. Thursday, July 16: VNA bringing resources to the community of King City at St. John Catholic Church, 504 N. 3rd St., King City.

> 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, July 23: VNA bringing resources and needs assessment survey distribution, Leo Meyer Center, 415 Queen St., King City.

This program was funded (in part) by the Hospice Giving Foundation.

Since 1951, the nonprofit VNA Hospice has used an integrated, team-oriented approach to helping those facing a life-limiting illness, along with their families and caregivers.

For more information visit www.ccvna.com, or call (831) 372-6668.

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

Kindness Monterey Campaign to Help Restaurants and Those In Need Due to COVID-19 Emergency Will Be Launching New Website

Kindness Monterey, a campaign initiated to help individuals in need and restaurants that have been challenged as the result of the coronavirus emergency, will soon be launching its website to keep the campaign going.

Monterey, CA, July 07, 2020 — Kindness Monterey, a campaign initiated to help individuals in need and restaurants that have been challenged as the result of the coronavirus emergency, will soon be launching its website to keep the campaign going.

The campaign was created by local businesswomen Annee Martin and Maren Elwood, and the website, www.kindnessmonterey.com launches Thursday, July 8, 2020, was built by Carmel’s Tracy Hopper of Hopperopolis, a Monterey Peninsula-based marketing communications company (http://hopperopolis.com/)

The pay-it-forward gift card campaign to help Monterey Peninsula restaurants encourages generosity from the community by purchasing these gift cards to give to family, friends, neighbors, musicians, service providers, small business owners, field workers, frontline medical personnel and first responders. Martin believes that not only are you helping restaurants stay alive and letting them know they are loved and supported by their community, but by paying it forward, you are lifting the spirits and hopes of our entire community.

Restaurants will be able to sign up on the website or can sign up now by calling 831-235-7662 or by email at info@kindnessmonterey.com.

In addition to the website, Martin connected with Kiki Whitman of Kiki Wow Events (https://www.kikiwow.net/), who joined forces with Kindness Monterey to create an online music concert “Monterey Care-A-Thon,” to share the healing power of music by local musicians in an effort to raise donations for local restaurants, support local musicians and feed those in need with the common goal to benefit the community.

Whitman, upon hearing of Kindness Monterey’s vision, saw this as a way to support the community that she has been such an integral part of and will be reaching out to restaurants and sponsors to help get them on board for the campaign. Whitman is a musician herself as well as a producer of music events in the area.

They will create at least two online music events this summer/fall to help raise money to fund the campaign, purchase gift cards for those in need, as well as support struggling musicians who have found themselves unable to perform in public. The dates for these concerts are Sunday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020.

There is also a related campaign in place to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC): For every $1,000 raised, $50 will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs to provide weekend grab-and-go meals for 6 children. Martin and Elwood are hoping to find business supporters to help sponsor this campaign. Martin, who founded Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, also plans to purchase gift cards and place one in each of her rental homes for visitors and she is hoping to encourage others to do the same.

The campaign for Kindness Monterey began the way many worthy projects begin, with two good friends sharing an idea for a worthwhile cause. Friends Martin and Elwood were talking about how they missed going out to their favorite restaurants and how they could support them during the pandemic-induced closings and reduced operations. Martin and Elwood believe strongly that our small cafes, restaurants, bakeries, coffeehouses, wineries and food trucks are the anchor and fabric of our community and provide so much more than just food and drink. These are the places where we meet to celebrate, share our human connections and live life to its fullest.

Martin, founder of Sanctuary Vacation Rentals grew up in the restaurant business and was trained as a professional chef for 25 years, she felt the emotional and economic pain that the Covid-19 pandemic was having on restaurant owners, many of whom are friends. She was sad as she read some of the signs posted on closed restaurants and messages on their websites. She also noticed that everything that was being asked of restaurants to be able to serve customer was not sustainable.

Elwood who is a visual anthropologist and small business owner herself, also felt the pangs of her customers, many who also were being challenged financially and emotionally. She would leave small gifts of cheer, such as home-baked goods or flowers from her garden to help brighten their day. She saw that these small acts of kindness really made a difference.

Elwood studies cultures with her video camera. She has been busy during the COVID pandemic helping people with their technology and she will be in charge of working with the local restaurants to make sure people can easily buy gift cards to support these great eateries and people in need. Elwood’s website is: www.onsiteexpeditions.org.

Martin had learned from Executive Director Moe Ammar, that the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce had purchased 25 gift certificates from their restaurant members and delivered them to 25 chamber business members who were experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 health crises. He told Martin that it really lifted their spirits and that he was going to purchase another 25 the following week and deliver them.

Martin was so inspired that she decided to purchase gift cards on her own and gave them to her church to be distributed anonymously to members in need. She continued to purchase gift cards for friends and businesses that were in need of support and cheer. That small but meaningful action inspired Martin and Elwood to start a campaign to purchase gift cards from restaurants and distribute them to those most in need. In that way it would help both restaurants and the recipients of the gift cards, a win-win for everyone.

Martin decided to adopt one of her favorite restaurants, Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar in Pacific Grove, and began ordering takeout for her family and friends. She would leave love notes and words of encouragement for the owners Amy and Soerke Peters, but knew something more still needed to be done. Since tourists had not been able to visit the area, and with so many local people now on unemployment, she understood that ordering from a restaurant was something people felt they could no longer afford.

Martin mentioned to Elwood that in Santa Cruz County, similar campaigns have been established, some to help businesses that went beyond just restaurants to include small retail and service providers such as massage, nail and hair salons, clothing and gift stores and other small businesses. So they decided to take a hybrid approach so they could begin reaching out to Monterey County restaurants and the community at large to provide a central platform for gift card giving and information. Martin then reached out to Marci Bracco Cain of Chatterbox Public Relations for help in bringing together a team to develop a logo and website and use social media as a platform to spread the word and find sponsors.

Thus the creation of Kindness Monterey (www.kindnessmonterey.com), which continues to grow and expand. While still in its infancy, Kindness Monterey continues to grow and expand with the love and support of the community. Plans are underway to:

· Provide gift cards weekly to the Food Bank for Monterey to distribute them to those most in need.

· Start an Adopt-A-Restaurant campaign to help support customers’ favorite restaurants thru social media.

· Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC): For every $1,000 raised, $50 will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs to provide weekend grab-and-go meals for 6 children.

· Find individual and business supporters to help sponsor this campaign and to provide matching funds to drive gift card sales. Martin plans to purchase gift cards and place one in each of her rental homes for visitors and she is hoping to encourage others to do similar acts of kindness.

· Organize two online music events called Care-A-Thons scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 6, produced by Kiki Wow and showcasing local talent. The goal is to help musicians as well to raise money for the restaurant gift card campaign and provide an evening of wonderful music for our community.

The gift cards purchased through Kindness Monterey not only help the individual restaurants, they help those in need of a meal.

Kindness Monterey will continue to provide as long as there is a need in our community. For more information, go to: info@kindnessmonterey.com, like Kindness Monterey on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/kindnessmonterey, or call Annee Martin at 831-236-5618; Maren Elwood at 831-238-5503; or Kiki Wow at 831-235-7662. Or, go to the website at: kindnessmonterey.com.

Kindness Monterey Partners

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to these individuals and businesses

that have helped us build our site, spent numerous hours on research, reached out

to the restaurants and helped get the campaign launched,” said Martin. “We would also like to say thank you “ahead of time” to anyone who is able to help us with the ongoing funding needed to keep the ongoing campaign alive, including the online Care-A-Thon Music Concert Series to help raise monies for our Boys and Girls Club program, Food Bank gift card drive, and support our matching programs.”

For more information about how to offer gift cards and to get assistance setting it up, please contact Maren Elwood at 831-238-5503 or info@kindnessmontery.com

You may also contact Kiki Wow at 831-236-7662 info@kindnessmontery.com.

How to sign up to be listed on the www.kindnessmontery.com website:

If you already have a gift card program in place, Kindness Monterey will initially use the gift card link on your website along with a photo or logo of your restaurant to do the launch July 8, 2020.

However, in order to make the gift card program work easier for the purchaser and to give you the best chance for success, Kindness Monterey highly recommend that you sign up for the Square gift card (https://squareup.com/us/en/l/egift-cards) so that the purchaser and recipient will be able to receive the gift card electronically and instantly with no waiting period.

Kindness Monterey recognizes that there may be some instances in which an actual physical gift card is desired and Kindness Monterey will provide instructions on how best to acquire them from the restaurant either in person, online or through the restaurant’s website. Square does offer physical gift cards for purchase as well.

Kindness Monterey is not in any way affiliated with Square, it's just the quickest and easiest solution at this moment.

Here are the advantages to offering gift cards through Square:

Track where the gift cards originate from.
Participate in promotions, for example, to be able to offer a $75 gift card for $60 or 20% off.
Offer discounts.
Instant delivery: Send to a friend or organization electronically.
Uniform platform for the website.
Allows the most flexibility.
No additional work needed to mail cards.

For more information about the Square program and to get assistance setting it up, please contact Maren Elwood at 831-238-5503 or info@kindnessmontery.com

You may also contact Kiki Wow at 831-236-7662 info@kindnessmontery.com.

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

Monterey Symphony Postpones 75th Anniversary Season, Announces Artistic Content Plans

The Monterey Symphony announced its plans to postpone the 75th Anniversary Season which was slated to open at Sunset Center in October of 2020.

Carmel/Monterey, CA, July 07, 2020 – The Monterey Symphony announced its plans to postpone the 75th Anniversary Season which was slated to open at Sunset Center in October of 2020. This upcoming season focused on selecting the next Music Director of the Monterey Symphony, along with concerts in celebration of the orchestra’s 75 years.

Four finalists were announced in September of 2019: Donato Cabrera, Jung-Ho Pak, Jayce Ogren, and Peter Bay. Bios and information can be found about all four on the Symphony’s website. The Symphony remains committed to the search and intends to proceed in October of 2021. Also on the program, a new work by John Wineglass in honor of the historic Anniversary, featuring violinist Edwin Huizinga; a collaboration with Antioch Chamber Ensemble and the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus; and a concert featuring the cinematic works of Mark Mancina.

With live performances falling into Phase 4 of the reopening and the current resurgence of cases and the current closure of Sunset Center, postponing the season was a unanimous decision by the board. Programming for the next twelve months includes releasing of archival recordings, musical postcards from the Symphony’s principal players and Balcony Sessions – solo performances from the Symphony’s new offices in Carmel at the corner of 7th and San Carlos.

The Symphony’s full offerings will be available on its website: www.montereysymphony.org and the complete line-up will be announced August 15, 2020.

Will Baker, Principal Bass Trombone
Photo credit: Manny Espinoza, Crema Creative Media

Nicola Reilly
Executive Director, Monterey Symphony
Direct: 831-645-1131/Office: 831-646-8511
We've moved!
7th & San Carlos, Hampton Ct. Suite 7 (upstairs)
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

PO Box 7130
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
www.montereysymphony.org

For media inquiries please contact:
Nicola Reilly Executive Director, Monterey Symphony
831-645-1131 or nreilly@montereysymphony.org

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