Monday, July 31, 2017

Goodwill Central Coast Moves from Santa Cruz to Expanded New Headquarters in Salinas to Better Fulfill its Mission to Communities it Serves

Goodwill Central Coast has completed a more than a year long process of planning, renovating, and moving their headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas.

Salinas, CA, July 31, 2017 — Goodwill Central Coast has completed a more than a year long process of planning, renovating, and moving their headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas. The move will increase its operating space, improve efficiency and better fulfill its mission to help people find employment.

Since Goodwill Central Coast covers Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, moving to Salinas centralizes its headquarters and with a bigger, more modern facility, will boost its efforts to train people in new careers and find them employment.

“It was a big decision on our part,” said Ed Durkee, Goodwill Central Coast President and CEO. “But this new facility was needed to meet the demands of our environmentally conscious community. The building is more modern, safer, more efficient, more centralized, bigger and can take more donations.”

The new facility, located at 1566 Moffett St. in Salinas, is more than double the size of the Santa Cruz location, and will house administrative offices, e-commerce, a salvage center, a donation center, a processing area and an outlet store.

The new headquarters will encompass 140 jobs. All employees who worked at the Santa Cruz headquarters have been offered jobs in Salinas or at other sites in Santa Cruz County. The relocation will also provide a chance to increase Goodwill's employee base in a more centralized location and to better help the local community.

A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony with Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held at the new headquarters from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on September 20th. The Mayor of Salinas will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

Goodwill Central Coast, which covers Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, is one of the region’s largest social enterprise and operates three career centers, five donation processing centers, 25 attended donation stations, 16 stores, and a vocational school. It also employs about 600 in three counties.

For many people, the barriers to employment are too high to overcome alone. Barriers like homelessness, military service, single parenting, incarceration, addiction, and job displacement can define a person’s identity, even when they have so much more to offer.

“Goodwill's goal is to ensure all of their community members know their worth and gain the skills and confidence to land a job that could turn their life around.” Anne Guthrie, VP of Workforce Services.

Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers to 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.

Some of the ways Goodwill helps people find employment include programs on culinary arts, catering services, free tax preparation and subsidized job placement.

Success stories
Jeremy is one of those employment success stories. Jeremy had problems getting a job because of mental health issues and a criminal background. After attending and graduating from the Culinary Training Academy, with assistance from Goodwill, he is now a prep cook at Jeninni’s Kitchen + Bar in Pacific Grove and is working his way up to sauté cook.

Gloria Organista came to Goodwill’s Career Centers after an unsuccessful job search. She enrolled in our workforce development workshops to brush up on her business and computer skills and after completion enrolled on Goodwill’s Organizational Work Program, OWP. She was placed in the Goodwill Career Center and received on-the-job training in administrative duties and was quickly hired as a HR Assistant. She continued her HR training and is now Goodwill’s HR Supervisor.

Another success story is Eduardo, a painter who lost his job during the rainy season due to lack of work. Eduardo went through Goodwill's OWP program in Monterey, trained in the store and worked with a trainer and employment specialist to find the right job for him. With the help of Goodwill staff, he was able to get a job with CSU Monterey Bay's maintenance department as a full-time painter. He now has a stable job with benefits, which allows his wife to stay at home and take care of their two young children.

A new way to shop
The Bargain Barn outlet center, one of two (the other is in San Luis Obispo), will also move to the Salinas location after more than four decades in Santa Cruz. Unlike Goodwill stores, outlet centers exist to move merchandise quickly, selling everything (except furniture) by the pound. The Salinas outlet center will sell its merchandise for $1.79 a pound.

“It has been very popular in Santa Cruz,” said Jim Burke VP of Retail and Operations. “You can potentially get a new outfit for $1.79, including shoes and accessories. The upcycling people like it too because they can get a dresser for $3 to $5. And it's good for the environment, otherwise it ends up in a landfill.”

Merchandise stays in stores for three weeks, then goes to the outlet centers. It's put out on the floor each morning, then merchandise is rotated throughout the day, a couple times each hour. And since items rotate constantly, each rotation brings a new treasure trove for bargain shoppers. “Shoppers are always introduced to new merchandise this way,” says Burke.

If still there by the end of the day, merchandise goes to a salvage operator, who will repurpose it for other uses. For example, clothing and other fabrics can be repurposed for insulation.

Furniture and other bulky items will still have price tags, but will also be clearance-priced in order for it to sell quickly.

About Goodwill Central Coast
The Goodwill Central Coast chapter, 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 employs over 600 people in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo County, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators.

Goodwill believes that everyone deserves the chance to join their team, which is why Goodwill Central Coast is an equal opportunity employer and an advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To deliver their services, Goodwill relies on partnerships with federal and state workforce development agencies, as well as strong relationships with the local businesses that provide employment opportunities.

Goodwill Central Coast
566 Moffett St., Salinas
(831) 423-8611
http://www.ccgoodwill.org

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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

The 2017 Monterey County Fair Opens with a Bang on Thursday, Aug. 31

The 81st annual Monterey County Fair kicks off with a bang Thursday. Aug. 31, with the great Oakland funk ‘n’ soul band Tower of Power.

Monterey, CA, July 28, 2017 — The 81st annual Monterey County Fair kicks off with a bang Thursday. Aug. 31, with the great Oakland funk ‘n’ soul band Tower of Power.

Having the band open for this year’s fair is appropriate too, since the theme this year is “Fair Fun in the Summer of Love,” a 50th anniversary tribute to 1967’s Summer of Love. The band was formed just a year later in 1968 in Oakland, when tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka. Both are still in the band.

In addition to Tower of Power, Grammy-nominated country artist John Michael Montgomery and Beatles tribute band Paperback Writer will perform on the Garden Stage during the five-day run of the fair. All performances are free with paid admission to the fair.

Tower of Power will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31; John Michael Montgomery performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1; and Paperback Writer — The Beatles Experience plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2.

The Fair promises no shortage of fun for the entire family, including thrilling carnival rides for kids of all ages, 4-H livestock competitions and auction, great food, an all-star line-up of musical entertainment, and countless other fair exhibits.

The Fair also includes a wide variety of exhibits and displays, both livestock and non-livestock (from agricultural sciences and horticulture to agriculture mechanics and food preservation) from Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

Advance adult (ages 13-61) is only $8, $2 off the regular admission price. Advance child’s (6-12) admission is $4, also $2 off regular admission, and advance senior admission is $8, $1 off the regular admission. Advance Carnival Fun Pack Coupon for unlimited rides on any one day, are $25 in advance (Fair admission is not included, but is required), which is $5 off the regular price. Advance Fair tickets can also be purchased at the Salinas and Sand City Costco stores.

Ride Monterey-Salinas Transit FREE from any stop. Just show your online ticket or park for $10 at the Monterey Pines Golf Course Thursday-Saturday and $5 to park at Monterey Peninsula College Saturday-Monday with a FREE shuttle to the Fair provided by MST.

The 2017 Monterey County Fair takes place Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

Visit www.montereycountyfair.com for Fair and presale discount ticket information.

Contact:
Marci Br
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

10 G Suite Security Features to Protect Users Data

There is a reason for G Suite’s growing popularity among business owners. The answer is the security that Google provides for its users.

San Jose, CA, July 26, 2017 - There is a reason for G Suite’s growing popularity among business owners. The answer is the security that Google provides for its users. In this modern age full of advanced technology with constant news of information leaking, Google stays ahead of the curve due to the highly secure, reliable, and compliant environment that it is able to offer. This blog aims to introduce the ten important security benefits that G Suite, a package of cloud-based services for businesses, provides.


1. Password Protection
G Suite provides 2-step verification, a tool that greatly reduced the risk of unauthorized access by asking users for additional proof of identity when signing in. This offers another layer of security for user login by requiring a physical key. They key sends an encrypted signature and works only with the sites that it’s supposed to, which in turn helps to guard against phishing. Additionally, G Suite administrators can easily deploy, monitor, and manage the security keys from within the administrator console without needing to download any software.

2. Spam Detection
G Suite also provides spam detection, adding another layer of security for G Suite users. Gmail achieved 99.9% accuracy in spam detection and block phishing messages due to the advances in machine learning. Less than 0.1% of email in the average Gmail inbox is spam.

3. Malware Detection
Another similar function to spam detection is malware detection. To prevent malware, Google automatically scans every attachment for viruses prior to a user downloading it. In fact, even Gmail checks for viruses in attachments queued for dispatch, which protects Gmail users and the spread of viruses.

4. DKIM/DMARC
Likewise, DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is another method that verifies the content of messages are trustworthy, meaning that they were not altered from the moment the message left the initial mail server. An important security component is the phishing prevention that follows DMARC standard by utilizing machine learning. Furthermore, by following the DMARC standard, domain owners can decide how Gmail and other participating email providers handle unauthenticated emails coming from the domain, which protect users’ and organization’s reputation.

5. Single Sign On
G Suite offers a security feature called SSO, or single sign-on, which enables unified access to other enterprise cloud applications. Google’s identity and access management services allows administrators to conveniently manage all user credentials and cloud applications access in one place.

6. Mobile Security
In addition, Google provides mobile device management, another security feature, that continuously monitors systems and alerts users to suspicious device activity. Administrators can enforce mobile policies, encrypt data on devices, lock lost or stolen mobile devices, and remotely wipe devices.

7. Google Vault
Google Vault supports organization's needs by allowing users to retain, hold, search, and export data. Vault also supports Email messages, Google Hangout, Google Groups, and files in Google Drive and Team Drives. Some usages of Vault include archiving to control how long data is retained before being removed from user’s accounts, legal holds, and searching domain’s data.

8. Advanced Drive Auditing
Advanced Drive auditing and reports is another security feature provided by G Suite. G suite allows administrators to track user actions across multiple spans of Admin Console, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Groups, mobile, and third-party application authorization. For example, if a file containing the word “confidential” is downloaded or shared outside the organization, administrators can be notified.

9. Data Loss Prevention
There is a critical function of G Suite called DLP (data loss prevention) to protect sensitive information within Gmail and Drive. In addition, the setup for DLP is easy due to the provided predefined content detectors. Once the DLP policy is created, Gmail can automatically check all outgoing email for sensitive information and take action to prevent data leakage. Also, DLP for Drive makes it easy for administrators to audit files containing sensitive content and create rules that warn and prevent users from sharing confidential information with external parties.

10. Email Encryption
At last, the tenth security benefit is the Email encryption (S/MIME) function. Google encrypts content as it moves between multiple servers and those of other companies and prevents retroactive decryption of HTTPS sessions by an adversary. Furthermore, every single sent email that the client sends or receives is encrypted while moving between Google’s data centers. By doing this, the messages are safe not only when they move between Google’s servers, but also as they move internally within Google. To further protect users’ privacy, Google doubled its RSA encryption key length to 2048 bits and started changing them every few weeks.

To find out more and to customize app with Google APIs, contact Netkiller, a partner of G Suite that will provide more information and services, at https://www.netkiller.com/

Contact:
Harry Jung
Netkiller Inc.
4320 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste 211
San Jose, CA 95129, USA
(408) 641-0114
info@netkiller.com
http://www.netkiller.com

Monday, July 24, 2017

Renowned African Stone Sculptor Moses Nyanhongo, Carmel Sculptors Terrie Bennett and Steven Whyte Will be doing Live Sculpture Demonstrations and Displaying their New Works at Devendorf Park and their respective Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea Sunday, August 27th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, Gallery Sur Supports the all-volunteer Sahwira Fund, to build classrooms at the Maulana School for Orphans in Epworth, Zimbabwe. Now Through August 31st 100% of Proceeds from their ART FOR EDUCATION COLLECTION at http://gallerysur.com/collections/63114/ Will Help 800-plus Orphans.

Carmel, CA, July 24, 2017 — Renowned African Stone Sculptor Moses Nyanhongo, Carmel Sculptors Terrie Bennett and Steven Whyte Will be doing Live Sculpture Demonstrations and Displaying their New Works at Devendorf Park and their respective Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea Sunday, August 27th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m

Nyanhongo is a renowned fine art stone sculptor of Zimbabawe's Shona Sculpture Movement, which has captivated art lovers and collectors the world over. Bennett is a second-generation sculptor who has been sculpting professionally for more than 30 years and exhibits at Bennett Sculpture Carmel. Whyte is an internationally renowned sculptor who specializes in massive monuments, including national memorial monuments to Bob Hope, Martin Luther King, Jr., and John Steinbeck.

To celebrate the opening of “Life in Stone,” an exhibition of over 40 new stone sculptures at Gallery Sur in Carmel, the internationally celebrated Nyanhongo will demonstrate his stone-sculpting talents at the free event in Devendorf Park in downtown Carmel. Joining him that day will be Bennett, who will also conduct a live sculpting demonstration in the park.

Just a few blocks away, at his gallery on Dolores between 5th and 6th, Whyte will also be holding a live sculpting demo. Organizers of the event are encouraging people to visit all three demonstrations to see different techniques in use by each artist.

All live demos take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, and are all free and open to the public.

Moses, part of the well-known Nyanhongo family of stone sculptors, will show the various techniques used in their distinctive sculpting process and will share the deep cultural and spiritual traditions expressed in the stone.

Gallery Sur in Carmel is a North American leader in offering original, one-of-a-kind Zimbabwean stone sculpture. The new “Life in Stone” exhibition, opening Aug. 27 at Gallery Sur, includes Shona sculpture ranging from important traditional works by older, revered artists to contemporary, purely abstract works from younger, internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean artists.

“For the past 23 years, I’ve had the pleasure of representing a handful of world-class stone sculptors from Zimbabwe,” says Braden Coolidge, artist representative and curator of the show. “Each year I hand-pick a selection that focuses on the very finest quality by a select few artists. This year’s collection is truly stunning. Clearly the most diverse and dynamic body of work I have ever seen, and in 23 years I’ve seen a lot!”

Shona artists often draw inspiration intuitively from their traditional culture: the mythology, folklore, rituals and beliefs in ancestral spirits that remain strong influences in contemporary Zimbabwean life. The integral roles of women in society are also a significant source of inspiration, often expressing the importance of the mother and child relationship and the respect for the elder’s wisdom. Both the physical and spiritual relationship with nature is another important theme, reflecting the country’s deep rural roots.

Utilizing beautiful stones in various colors, unearthed by the artists from remote mines and quarries, their distinctive sculptures are hand-carved using timeworn techniques, without power tools, maintaining a close relationship to the stone.

The Shona Sculpture Movement, which first began in the 1950s, is named after the largest tribe engaged in stone sculpting in Zimbabwe. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning “house of stone.” In the late 1960s, the new art movement born in Africa was celebrated at the famed Musee Rodin in Paris and Shona sculptors caught the attention of the art world.

Bernard Matemera, one of the founders of the Shona movement described the process of working with stone like this:

“The spirits are everywhere in the air, in the rocks. A rock is like a fruit — like an orange or a banana. You don’t eat them without peeling them first. It needs to be opened to be eaten. I open the rocks. The fruit is inside.”

Support the Sahwira Fund at Gallery Sur:

Gallery Sur also supports the all-volunteer Sahwira Fund, to build classrooms at the Maulana School for Orphans in Epworth, Zimbabwe. Supported by 10% of the proceeds of all sculpture sales, eight classrooms have been built and are now sheltering many of the 800-plus students at the school. Six more classrooms are planned to meet the demand.

Just announced. Gallery Sur’s “ART FOR EDUCATION" web page at http://gallerysur.com/collections/63114/, is currently offering one-off discounted fine art photographs and sculptures, of which 100% of the purchase of these selected artworks will be donated to the Sahwira Fund through Aug. 31 .

For more information on any of these works, please contact Gallery Sur at (831) 626-2615.

News Media:
Moses Nyanhongo is available for in-person and phone interviews from Aug. 9 through Aug. 19. Please set up your interview by contacting Marci Bracco at (831) 747-7455 or by email at marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com.

Gallery Sur
Sixth between Dolores and Lincoln, Carmel, CA
(831) 626.2615
www.gallerysur.com
info@gllerysur.com

About Steven Whyte
Whyte studied at the prestigious Sir Henry Doulton School of Sculpture, which served as a catalyst for a remarkable career in portrait sculpture. The sculptor’s accomplishments in the field were recognized when he was elected Vice President of the Society of Portrait Sculptor.

Whyte’s accomplishments as a portrait sculptor have made him sought-after for public memorials and installations both in England and throughout the United States with subjects ranging from local miners, to soldiers and fire fighters.

He is credited with more than 40 life-size and large bronze figures in Britain and the United States including The Silverdale Mining Memorial; The Lance Sergeant Jack Baskeyfield VC Tribute; The Spirit of 1948; the Dr. John Roberts Monument; the sixteen figure-multi-million dollar National Military Tribute to Bob Hope for San Diego; two over life-size monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King, and a twice-life size portrait figure of 1957 Heisman Trophy Winner John David Crow for Texas A&M at College Station.

In May 2011, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department unveiled Whyte’s four-figure tribute to the fallen deputies of the sheriff's department. The year 2014 saw the unveiling of nine 110% life-size bronze figures for the Cannery Row Monument, in Monterey, a life size (11-foot) Jumbo the Elephant for Tufts University in Massachussetts, and in 2014, installed the largest single bronze sculpture for any college or university anywhere, the $1.7 million Aggie War Hymn Monument for Texas A&M University.

Whyte was awarded the Sports Artist of the Year in 2016 by The United States Academy of Sports and The American Sport Art Museum & Archives. Also in 2016, The Smithsonian Institute chose his portrait bust of U.S. Congressman John Conyers for National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection.

Whyte’s edition work features the drama and evocativeness of his monuments combined with a more personal point of view.

Whyte works in an open studio gallery in the historic artist community of Carmel, California.

Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio and Gallery
Dolores Street at Sixth Avenue in Carmel
(831) 620-1917
http://www.stevenwhytesculptor.com/

About Terrie Bennett
Terrie Bennett is a second-generation sculptor who has been sculpting professional for over 30 years. She first started working in the bronze foundry business with world-renowned sculptors, father Tom Bennett and uncle Bob Bennett.

Terrie was one of the first sculptors to focus on marine mammals in the early 1980s, quickly establishing herself as one of the top marine artists in Hawaii and the Western United States. Over the years she has shown in fine art galleries in California, Hawaii and New Mexico.

Terrie has a passion to teach sculpting to others. She believes in the raw natural creative talent in everyone and especially enjoys sharing the extraordinary sculpting techniques inherited from her uncle and father. She has felt honored to help promote and support talented artists as well as connecting with art enthusiasts from around the world.

Today, her artistic focus is on composing sculptural creations that evoke a sense of connection to the divine nature of our lives as well as imbuing a sense of expanding consciousness. Through meditation and her devotional practice she is guided to create uplifting sculptures that embrace hope, peace and a deep reverence for the Earth and all of its inhabitants. She is currently exhibiting at the Bennett Sculpture Carmel Gallery.

Bennett Sculpture Carmel
San Carlos between 5th and 6th
P.O. Box 2423, Carmel, Ca. 93923
(831) 626-3054
www.BennettSculptureCarmel.com

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

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Concludes Extensive Renovations with Centennial Anniversary

Hyatt Carmel Highlands, the acclaimed northern California hotel overlooking the Big Sur Coast with just 48 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, announced the completion of one of the most exciting transformations in its 100-year history.

Carmel Highlands, CA, July 24, 2017 — Hyatt Carmel Highlands, the acclaimed northern California hotel overlooking the Big Sur Coast with just 48 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, announced the completion of one of the most exciting transformations in its 100-year history. Originally opened as the Highlands Inn, the hotel now features a remodeled lobby and redesigned guest rooms, restaurant and lounge. The hotel will host a celebration in late July to commemorate the historic property’s centennial anniversary.

Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s rich history and Carmel’s vibrant artistic, social and literary landscape, renovations include:

• Newly redesigned guestrooms, inclusive of 10 suites, with updated furnishings, décor, color schemes, new heating and the addition of air conditioning. The refreshed look draws upon the hotel’s upscale coastal ambience.

• The hotel’s gourmet restaurant California Market at Pacific’s Edge offers an expanded 40-seat, 1,200-square-foot patio and an exciting new menu. The addition of a glass-railed outdoor dining deck amplifies the venue’s awe-inspiring vistas. New seating arrangements include a large communal table made of a fallen Monterey cypress tree trunk and high-top tables in select areas to ensure patrons enjoy unencumbered views. The space is tailored, yet comfortable, for that casual breakfast or lunch, as well as the relaxing celebratory dinner overlooking a spectacular sunset.

• The popular Sunset Lounge has been reconfigured to provide guests with panoramic vistas of the stunning coastline. New bar menus offer delectable tapas and creative hand-crafted cocktails, while local musicians play live jazz and soul music each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

• The hotel’s lobby area features new furnishings and living room-style components, inviting private parties of more than 100 guests to now enjoy the refreshed area.

“We are excited to announce the completion of this renovation, just in time to celebrate the centennial of the hotel,” said James Cooper, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ general manager/managing director. “These upgrades offer a fresh new look, fusing modern touches with the authentic ambiance that this iconic property is known for worldwide.”

On Friday, July 28, Hyatt Carmel Highlands will kick off its centennial festivities with the exclusive Local Legends event that celebrates Monterey County's acclaimed wines and winemakers and the renowned chefs who have made the area a foodie's paradise. Limited seating will be available. For more information on this event and other winemaker dinners at the hotel, click here.

Historic, Coastal Design
The hotel’s redesigned restaurant and Sunset Lounge reflect a nod to the rugged local coastline. As guests arrive, they are greeted by sculptural elements of flying coastal birds, framing a breathtaking view of the Big Sur coast. Timber frames and metal strappings that were once used to hold back the coastal cliff sides are also represented throughout the design. Blown-glass pendant lights hang above the bar, and sleek marble countertops create a perfect nook to share crafted artisanal cocktails, award-winning wines, and great conversation.

Conscious California Cuisine at California Market at Pacific’s Edge
As part of the restaurant’s transformation, chef de cuisine Francisco Castellon has devised a tantalizing menu of American classics with a twist, including popular dishes from previous menus and a number of new selections.

A sampling of menu items includes:

Breakfast: Dungeness crab & avocado eggs benedict; maple walnut granola with Oxnard strawberries, Strauss Creamery yogurt and local honey.

Lunch: Baja fish tacos featuring fresh locally caught fish topped with shaved cabbage and chipotle aioli; chicken sofrito empanadas with Santa Barbara green olives, capers and smoked paprika aioli; and sandwich of vine ripened tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, local arugula, and California aged white cheddar.

Dinner: Appetizer of heirloom tomatoes, burrata mozzarella, opal basil blossoms and sherry vinegar; signature entrees, such as merlot-glazed short ribs with roasted baby heirloom carrots, kale and buttermilk potato puree and hook and line-caught sea bass with almond gazpacho, grapes, basil oil, and sun choke chips.

Seasonal rates at Hyatt Carmel Highlights start from $529 per night. The Bed and Breakfast package starts at $540 per night. For more information and reservations, visit www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com.

Adjacent to the property is the Hyatt Residence Club Carmel, Highlands Inn, which includes 94 one- and two-bedroom units each with wood-burning fireplace, private balcony, and ocean or garden view. For more information, visit www.hyattresidenceclub.com.

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917 as the Highland Inn, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels.

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

Friday, July 21, 2017

Monterey Symphony's Fabulous Season 72, a Six-concert series that Begins Oct. 14-15, and Runs through May 19-20

Tickets Go On Sale August 15th

Salinas, CA, July 21, 2017 - An exceptional lineup of celebrated pianists will perform iconic works by Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein, Prokofiev, Saint-Saens, Mozart, de Falla and Liszt during the Monterey Symphony's fabulous Season 72, a six-concert series that begins Oct. 14-15, and runs through May 19-20. Tickets go on sale August 15th.

The season, entitled "Concert Grand," is under the direction of Maestro Max Bragado-Darman, whose guest pianists will Orion Weiss, David Jae-Weon Huh, Josu de Solaun, Juan Perez Floristan, Phillipe Bianconi, and one more to be selected by guest conductor Conner Gray Covington, who will preside over the March 17-18 program.


The symphony also will be performing pieces by Dvorak, Beethoven, Schumann, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, de Falla and Tchaikovsky.

All programs will be performed at the Sunset Center (Ninth Avenue, between San Carlos and Mission streets) in Carmel at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Special youth concerts, also at the Sunset Center, have been scheduled Oct. 16, March 19 and April 23, with performances at 9:30 and 11 a.m. on each date.

The Monterey Symphony's chamber players will present a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at All Saints Church (Ninth Avenue, between San Carlos and Monte Verde streets in Carmel).

For ticket information, call 831-646-8511, visit the website at www.montereysymphony.org, or send an email to info@montereysymphony.org.

Here's an in-depth look at the upcoming season:

Program 1: Oct. 14 and 15 (with youth concert on Oct. 16)
Pianist Orion Weiss, a favorite of Monterey Symphony fans, will lend his virtuosic skills to Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23 (originally composed for the historically acclaimed Nikolai Rubinstein) in the season opener, during which the orchestra will perform Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," Op. 95.

Weiss has performed with the major American orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and New York Philharmonic. His deeply felt and exceptionally crafted performances go far beyond his technical mastery and have won him worldwide acclaim.

Program 2: Nov. 18-19
South Korean-born David Jae-Weon Huh, silver medalist at the 2015 Santander Piano Competition, will lend his talents to Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26, in this powerful program, which also will include the Symphony's interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 ("Pastoral.)

Recognized for his sense of poetry and technical brilliance, Huh has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the United States, and has appeared in numerous festivals, including recitals at Animato den Paris, San Francisco Music Festival, and Leipzig Euro Music Festival, among many others.

This will be his first appearance with the Monterey Symphony.

Program 3: Feb. 17-18
Josu de Solaun, first-prize winner at the 2014 Enescu Piano Competition, will join the Symphony to perform Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 103 in a concert that also will include Symphony renditions of Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80, and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Op. 61.

de Solaun's teachers, mentors, and musical influences have Nina Svetlanova, Horacio Gutierrez, Ricardo Roca, Ana Guijarro, Maria Teresa Naranjo, Albert and Miyoko Lotto, Joaquin Achucarro, Matti Raekallio, Edna Golandsky, and Jerome Lowenthal.

Symphony audiences will remember de Solaun for his previous solo recital, featuring Mussogorky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Program 4: March 17-18 (with youth concert on March 19)
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend with the Monterey Symphony and wall-to-wall Mozart, a program that will include the overture from his beloved opera, Don Giovanni.

This concert will be performed under the baton of guest conductor Connor Gray Covington (recently appointed Assistant Conductor of the Utah Symphony) and will include Mozart's Symphony No. 1, KV 16, and Symphony No. 41, KV 551 ("Jupiter").

Covington is currently completing his tenure as the Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he is being mentored by Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. He recently made his debut with the Curtis Symphony at Carnegie Hall, sharing the podium with Ludovic Morlot.

A special guest pianist, to be selected by Covington, also will be part of this spectacular program.

Program 5: April 21-22 (with youth concert on April 23)
Guest pianist Juan Perez Floristan, winner at the 2015 Santander Piano Competition, will showcase his talents with a performance of Johannes Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 83, in a program that also will include the Symphony's rendition of Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 ("Italian") -- a piece Mendelssohn, himself, declared to be the "jolliest" he ever composed.

Regarded as a beacon among new generations of Spanish and European musicians, Perez has performed with the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, Malmo Symphony, Radio Television Espanola, Seville Royal Symphony, Gran Canaria Philharmonic, Malaga and Cordoba Symphonies, and the Andres Segovia and Spanish National Youth Orchestras.

Program 6: May 19-20
The incomparable Phillipe Bianconi will be at the piano for the Monterey Symphony's final program of the season, performing Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Liszt perfected the art of thematic transformation and took it to an extreme level with this impassioned concerto.

French pianist Bianconi has been described as an artist whose playing is “always close to the soul of the music, filling the space with poetry and life” (Washington Post), “an extraordinary exhibition of musicianship, technical control and good taste which lent the music a freshness, immediacy and conviction one all too seldom encounters” (The London Times). After winning the Silver Medal in the Seventh Van Cliburn International Competition, Bianconi made an acclaimed recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1987 and, since then, has enthralled audiences and critics throughout the world.

Also featured will be Manuel de Falla's lovely Noches en los Jardines de Espana, his most impressionist-style work, which details three gardens in a setting for piano and orchestra.

Chamber Program: Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church)
The Monterey Symphony is pleased to offer a special holiday chamber music treat, featuring concertmaster Christina Mok, with selections that include Piazzolla, Beethoven, Mozart, and the Hampton String Quartet's "What if Mozart wrote 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!"
Come have fun and enjoy holiday music in a classical style with the Monterey Symphony chamber players.

The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides double performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater, as well as youth education programs that include in-class visits and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for school children.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Monterey Symphony, and through grants from The Arts Council of Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Buffet Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, Frisone Family Foundation, The Harden Foundation, The Todd Lueders Fund for the Arts of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Monterey County Weekly Community Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Music Performance Trust Fund, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, Samson Foundation, Warren and Katharine Schlinger Foundation, Alexander F. Victor Foundation, and many other generous foundations and individual donors.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Monterey Symphony, and through grants from The Arts Council of Monterey County, California Arts Council, The Berkshire Foundation, The Buffet Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, Frisone Family Foundation, The Harden Foundation, The Todd Lueders Fund for the Arts of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Monterey County Weekly Community Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Music Performance Trust Fund, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, Samson Foundation, Warren and Katharine Schlinger Foundation, Alexander F. Victor Foundation, and many other generous foundations and individual donors.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit our web site: www.montereysymphony.org.

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

Thursday, July 20, 2017

A Brief Guide to Auction Finance

Buying a property at auction is very different from doing so via conventional channels.

Leicestershire, UK, July 20, 2017 - Buying a property at auction is very different from doing so via conventional channels. Property auctions can be great for capitalising on unmissable investment opportunities. But at the same time, you’ll need to make sure you have the required capital available to complete the purchase.

Which is where auction finance comes into the equation. Similar in many respects to a bridging loanauction finance provides the buyer with a short-term loan to cover the purchase of the property.

How It Works
If you plan to purchase a property at auction, you’ll first need to ensure you have the required 10% deposit to pay on the day. This secures the property when the winning bid has been determined, after which you’ll usually have 28 days to pay the rest of the balance.

For obvious reasons, a standard mortgage is entirely out of the question. So too is a typical personal loan, which along with being insufficient in value may take far too long to arrange. Auction property purchases move at a pace standard banks and lenders simply cannot keep up with. For this reason, an intelligent alternative solution is required.

The key difference with auction finance is that depending on who you work with, it can usually be arranged in no more than a few days. Attend the auction Monday and you could receive the money you require before the end of the working week. In most instances, a maximum of 75% of the total price of the property will be offered in the form of auction finance. Though there are instances where 90% or even higher may be offered – all determined on a case-by-case basis.

Qualification Criteria
In terms of qualification, there are essentially two means by which a borrower can qualify for auction finance.

The first of which being that they secure the loan on the property being purchased. In which case, the lender will take into accounts various considerations, including the nature of the property, its location, conditions, potential resale value and so on. Should the sum borrowed not be repaid as agreed, the lender takes ownership of the property. For these kinds of loans, it is usually necessary to have a strong credit score.

Alternatively, the loan may be secured on existing property. If the borrower already has a property valued at £200,000 for example, chances are they’ll find it easy to obtain a secured loan to the value of £100,000 to buy a property at auction. In which case, credit scores don’t come into the equation.

Repayment
Lastly, auction finance is also similar to a bridging loan when it comes to repayment periods. Specifically, auction finance is typically repaid over a much shorter period than a conventional loan – usually between six months and two years. In addition, the sum is usually paid back in one lump sum, rather than monthly instalments.

Though with much lower interest rates than a typical loan or mortgage, auction finance often represents outstanding value for money.

Before considering an auction property purchase of any kind, speak to an independent financial broker to explore all available options in full.

About Us
UK Property Finance is a Whole Of Market, financial broker established since 2003. We are fully regulated by the FCA #667602.

Address: 2 Nursery Court, Unit 2C, Kibworth Business Park, Harborough Road, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, LE80EX. Telephone: 0116 402 7982 Email: info@bridgingloans.co.uk Website: https://www.bridgingloans.co.uk

Contact:
Bridgingloans.co.uk
2 Nursery Court, Unit 2C
Kibworth Business Park
Kibworth Harcourt
Leicestershire LE80EX
0116 402 7982
info@bridgingloans.co.uk
https://www.bridgingloans.co.uk

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Monterey Museum of Art Appoints Stuart A. Chase Executive Director

The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart A. Chase as its Executive Director. Chase officially assumed the role on April 24, 2017.

Monterey, CA, July 19, 2017 - The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart A. Chase as its Executive Director. Chase officially assumed the role on April 24, 2017.

"The Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Stuart to the Monterey Museum of Art,” said Kim Negri, MMA Board President. “With over 30 years of museum experience, Stuart is an accomplished, creative, community-minded leader and has the vision and knowledge to carry MMA into the future.”


As President and CEO of HistoryMiami Museum from 2013-2017, Chase led development of programs and exhibitions for expanded facilities to serve the public, including 135% growth of additional museum space.

As Executive Director of the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from 2005 to 2011, Chase focused on community partnerships by engaging area cultural organizations, and led a $10.3 million capital campaign for physical improvements to the art museum.

“I will be focused on engaging audiences with the visual arts of California and in particular the Monterey Peninsula. The Monterey Museum of Art holds a fine reputation in the museum field,” says Chase. “I am delighted to lead MMA into the next phase of growth, and showcase this unique American art community. The Peninsula is a beautiful region, with a strong local identity — a heritage of creative people located far enough from urban centers, but close enough to nature for lively intellectual exchange.”

Originally from Palmer, Massachusetts, Chase graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. His first position in the arts was as Assistant Director at Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas.

A lover of the outdoors, Chase and his wife Julie are excited to land in an area of such natural beauty.

“I love the outdoors and the natural world and this area is stunningly beautiful,” Chase says. “I'm a nature buff. I love gardening, kayaking and skiing. We also love the ocean and beaches. And I actually prefer the cooler weather.”

Chase and his wife found a home in New Monterey, which allows them to walk to the Rec Trail, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and downtown to explore the community.

“It has a very comfortable community feel to it,” he says. “I can easily see why the Monterey area became an art colony.”

As for the “next phase of growth” for MMA, Chase said he wants to build the Museum's programs and exhibits and “reinvigorate the exhibition cycle.” But first he wants to take the pulse of the community.

“I'm a curious learner,” he says. “I want to know what the community wants and what it wants to happen with the Museum. I just want to be as open and accessible as possible."

At the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, New York, he managed a $10 million capital improvement campaign of the historic museum building, and led acquisitions of major American regional regional artworks.

Additionally, Chase has served with the Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay, New York; and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and was CEO of 1Berkshire.

In addition to his bachelor's degree, Chase participated and completed master's degree coursework in Arts Administration at Long Island University in Brookville, New York. He was a Bohlen Scholar at Attingham Summer School in England, and attended the Summer Institute in Management of Non-Profit Institutions at New York University.

About the Monterey Museum of Art
The Monterey Museum of Art expands a passion for the visual arts and inspires appreciation of California Art — past, present, and future. The Museum recently hosted the exhibit “Edward Weston: Portrait of the Young Man as an Artist” as the opening venue, and debuted “Who Shot Monterey Pop! Photographs from the 1967 Music Festival” on June 2, 2017.

The Monterey Museum of Art connects art and community, with an emphasis on participatory experiences built around the Museum’s strong collection of California and regional art. Exhibitions and programs of the highest quality are designed to engage and inspire visitors.

The Museum was established in 1959, to uphold the artistic legacy of the region by collecting, preserving and presenting art of California and the Central Coast. Originally a chapter of the American Federation of the Arts, MMA remains the only nationally accredited museum between San Jose and Santa Barbara.

Visit montereyart.org for additional information on the Museum's exhibitions, programming and events.

Media Inquiries: pr@montereyart.org or 831.372.5477 x101

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

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Monterey Museum of Art Receives Highest National Recognition

Awarded re-accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

Salinas, CA, July 19, 2017 - The Monterey Museum of Art is proud to announce that it has once again been honored with the highest degree of national recognition from the American Alliance of Museums.

In a July 5, 2017 letter to museum director Stuart Chase, the Alliance announced that the Monterey Museum of Art has been granted re-accreditation -- recognition that the museum continues to meet National Standards and Best Practices for U.S. Museum.

"Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence," said Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO. "Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud."

“As the new leader of The Monterey Museum of Art, I’m very proud to work with our Board and staff to produce programs, exhibitions and build collections that meet national standards reflected by this re-accreditation,” said Stuart Chase, Executive Director Monterey Museum of Art. “We are truly one of the finest American regional art museums in the nation.”

Among an estimated 33,000 museums in the United States, only about 1,000 are currently accredited. The Monterey Museum of Art is the only accredited art museum between San Jose and Santa Barbara.

Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The Monterey Museum of Art initially received accreditation in 1976, but all museums must undergo a re-accreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

"The Board of Trustees is pleased to receive news of the Museum's re-accreditation from AAM," said Board President Kim Negri. "We look forward to continuing to guide the Museum and support our new Executive Director, Stuart Chase, in our mission of expanding a passion for the visual arts and inspiring appreciation of California art, past, present and future."

The Monterey Museum of Art is located at 559 Pacific Street, across from historic Colton Hall, and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, and Thursday through Sunday. The Museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The Museum also has a second venue, at 720 Via Mirada, for special exhibitions.

Admission is $10 per adult, with no admission charge for students (18 and younger) and active military with identification, and members.

Call 831-372-5477, visit the website online at montereyart.org, or send an email to info@montereyart.org for additional information.

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

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Netkiller is partnering with RingCentral for clients in the Bay Area

Netkiller, the company at the forefront of cloud services including cloud integration, data security, and document management, has recently announced its partnership with RingCentral for customers in the Bay Area.

San Jose, CA, July 16, 2017 - Netkiller, the company at the forefront of cloud services including cloud integration, data security, and document management, has recently announced its partnership with RingCentral for customers in the Bay Area. RingCentral, on the other hand, is an award-winning global provider of cloud unified communications and collaboration solutions.

With the two companies’ collaboration, Netkiller will become the largest Bay Area based Google and RingCentral channel partner to serve customers for cloud-based phone systems as well as PBX. With Netkiller’s over ten thousand clients, RingCentral aims to deepen its reach within the Bay Area market, where it was founded and has been headquartered since 1999.

While RingCentral’s channel continues to expand, its clients only get better quality service in return.

For example, G Suite customers can gain many benefits from integrating RingCentral with their business applications; one of the many includes the convenient phone system that RingCentral provides. Now you can integrate your business phone system into the cloud business applications you’re already using every day. RingCentral for Google provides advanced business communications capabilities that operate seamlessly across Google G Suite applications. Because G Suite users heavily rely on core services such as Gmail and Google Drive, RingCentral’s ability to integrate with a user’s Google account provides RingCentral an important edge that differentiates itself from others. Thanks to its high security, reliability, and quality of integrations with the Google Cloud ecosystem, RingCentral for Google is a trusted solution recommended for G Suite by Google Cloud.

Harry Jung, sales director of Netkiller said “Netkiller has been offering G suite from 2009 and is the preferred partner in the bay area. This partnership will synergize as I believe that RingCentral’s rich communication features will further enhance the G Suite user experience.

Due to its ability to integrate with Google, RingCentral enables users to call anyone directly within Gmail and see contacts within Gmail.This dramatically improves one’s work experience as it helps users save time and makes the calling process easier than ever.

Furthermore, not only can users make and receive calls but they can also administrate the entire phone system from anywhere, on any device. . Other benefits that RingCentral provides include how it can manage the users’ SMS conversations, allow users to listen to voicemail directly from Gmail, and view their complete communication history, including calls, texts, faxes, and voicemail. All of these great advantages can increase a G Suite user’s productivity by handling all tasks without leaving Google.

Leveraging Netkiller’s expertise in IT consulting and RingCentral’s market leading communications platform, the partnership between the two will bring value to customers seeking to improve the way they communicate, collaborate, and connect.

About Netkiller:
Netkiller is a Cloud Integration and Aggregator company providing SaaS applications on Cloud Platform and advisory services for world leading businesses. It provides services such as SSO, an easy-to-use cloud security, a business collaboration platform and barcode scanner that greatly increases workflow as well as cloud integrations. Additionally, it is a reseller of Google products such as G Suite, Chromebooks, and Chromebox for Meetings. With Netkiller, businesses are bound to be more accessible and simple, which in turn drives productivity and workflow.

Media contact:
Harry Jung
Netkiller Inc.
San Jose, CA 95129, USA
(408) 560-0556
info@netkiller.com
http://www.netkiller.com

The Clement Palo Alto Offers Unique Elopement Package, from Minister and Photography Services to Two-Night Stay and Romantic Dinner for Two

Just can't wait to get married? Want something classy, intimate and romantic, and don't want a quickie Las Vegas or city hall wedding? The luxury Clement Palo Alto may just have the perfect package for elopement-minded lovebirds.

Palo Alto, CA, July 16, 2017 — Just can't wait to get married? Want something classy, intimate and romantic, and don't want a quickie Las Vegas or city hall wedding? The luxury Clement Palo Alto may just have the perfect package for elopement-minded lovebirds.

The Clement Palo Alto, the area's first and only all-inclusive luxury hotel, is offering a special Elopement Package that will take care of all the little details so you can get married and start your new life as a happily married couple.

The Clement's package includes:

• Non-denominational minister service
• Ceremony at the hotel's rooftop pool area
• Couple’s bouquet and matching boutonniere
• Ceremony coordination services
• 1.5-hour photography service
• Two-night room accommodations for two
• Special turndown amenity
• La Belle Spa massages for two
• Romantic dinner on the rooftop for two
• All meals and drinks included


In addition, the wedding couple will be able to take advantage of all of the luxurious amenities at The Clement during their stay, including rooftop pool, whirlpool, private cabañas and fire pits, fitness center, personalized concierge services and dining at the hotel's Open Kitchen, Dining Room and 24-hour Guest Pantry.

Price starts at $10,000, reservations upon request and is based on availability. Call (650) 322-7111 to book this special package.

About The Clement Palo Alto
The Clement Palo Alto opened its doors March 2016 and is one of the most innovative, personalized and unique luxury hotels in the country.

With 23 spacious and richly appointed one-bedroom suites, The Clement Palo Alto sets a new standard for personalized luxury accommodations in a contemporary residential-style atmosphere.

While unparalleled service is key to any great luxury hotel, The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice.

All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.

In fact, The Clement Palo Alto is more than all-inclusive, it is all-exclusive, catering exclusively to the guest's personal tastes and desires.

The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.

Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.

The Clement Hotel
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
(650) 322-7111
www.theclementpaloalto.com

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

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Premium Indoor Cycling Studio CycleBar Westgate West Announces Hiring of New Studio Manager

CycleBar Westgate West, part of an emerging concept in premium indoor cycling, announced the hiring of Sarah Nashar as its new studio manager.

San Jose, CA, July 14, 2017 — CycleBar Westgate West, part of an emerging concept in premium indoor cycling, announced the hiring of Sarah Nashar as its new studio manager.

Nashar, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor with more than seven years of experience in the fitness industry, is co-lead CycleStar instructor at CycleBar Westgate West with Pegah Olfat. She is also TRX and Lagree Fitness certified.


“I have a passion for motivating others to become the best version of themselves through thoughtful classes and workouts,” says Nashar.

Originally from Michigan, Nashar moved to California from Ohio in Feb 2017. She has a marketing degree from Michigan State University.

“We are very excited to name Sarah as our new Studio Manager,” said Don Dasher, owner of CycleBar Westgate West. “Since she joined us, she has become a co-lead CycleStar instructor and has shown her leadership and dedication to CycleBar and to her riders. Come in and join us in congratulating Sarah on her new position and see what CycleBar Westgate West has to offer.”

About CycleBar Westgate West
CycleBar has quickly made a name for itself in the fitness community with its unique approach to indoor cycling. Instructors conduct classes in a theater-like setting, complete with music, visuals and lighting that combine to deliver a motivational, multisensory, communal experience as class participants dig deep to meet their workout goals.

CycleBar offers a variety of payment plans including pay per ride or monthly memberships and provides concierge amenities including free towels, shower facilities, lockers and shoes.

Classes take place in a state-of-the-art CycleTheatre, led by CycleStar instructors who motivate their class to reach performance goals. Each ride is added to the rider’s CycleStats, which measures and logs six key metrics to track the progress of their fitness journey. Each rider also receives the class playlist via CycleBeats.

CycleBar Westgate West is conveniently located in West San Jose, just minutes from Campbell, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale — within easy reach of people who live and work in these communities.

Riders 15 and above of any ability are welcome at CycleBar. For more information, email westgatewest@cyclebar.com, visit http://westgatewest.cyclebar.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://westgatewest.cyclebar.com/

BIG Sur, SMALL Crowds

Big Sur has become a virtual island because of a bridge collapse and a landslide that blocks a huge section of Highway 1.

Salinas, CA, July 13, 2017 - Big Sur has become a virtual island because of a bridge collapse and a landslide that blocks a huge section of Highway 1. With the closures, Big Sur has almost stepped back in time, with fewer visitors and cars, quieter and more peaceful.

But almost all businesses are open, from restaurants and lodging to galleries and gift shops, which offers the smart traveler a golden opportunity to experience the Big Sur of yesteryear.



Avoid airline and airport hassles and TSA lines and patdowns by taking a drive down the coast to Big Sur instead of flying elsewhere. From San Jose and the Bay Area, it only takes a few hours and a tank of gas to get to one of the most beautiful and serene places on earth.

Dip your feet into the flowing Big Sur River, grab an Adirondack chair for a front-row seat to the sights and sounds of nature, and relax by the fire on the patio of The Roadhouse or your cabin.

Have breakfast or lunch at the critically acclaimed Big Sur Roadhouse, or pick up food to go for a picnic along the Big Sur river, under the inspiring redwoods or at the beach.

Call us now for availability and enjoy the wonders of Big Sur as you have never experienced them before. Guests who call in July to reserve dates will be entered in a raffle to win 1 of 10 bottles of award winning Bernardus Wines. The focus of Bernardus Wines is to create wines that flatter the palate and stimulate the imagination.

A Special Treat From Us To You...

Enjoy a complimentary upgrade at check-in if available & enter our raffle for a complimentary bottle of Bernardus wine in room upon arrival. Simply put "Bernardus Promo" in the Notes field at time of booking when making reservations online, or please be sure to discuss it when making a phone reservation. Promotion excludes holidays and weekends. Valid for Redemption: July 11th, 2017 - October 30, 2017. Offer valid on the following days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun.

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

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

What are the Benefits of G Suite Enterprise

Although G Suite’s popularity has been growing among business owners, many are unaware of the Enterprise edition of G Suite.

San Jose, CA, July 12, 2017 - Although G Suite’s popularity has been growing among business owners, many are unaware of the Enterprise edition of G Suite. In the three G Suite editions Basic, Business, and Enterprise, Enterprise is the premium office suite of Google services. In addition to all of the features that G Suite Business provides, G Suite Enterprise offers advanced security, controls and customization.


To be specific, G Suite Enterprise contains the Messaging functions that include Gmail, Calendar, and contacts. The Enterprise edition also has access to Google Drive, Docs, Hangouts, Domain-wide mail and document search, as well as unified search and assist for content in various G Suite services.

Usage and support wise, G Suite Enterprise allows unlimited number of users to access G Suite and video conferencing. In addition, the users will also have unlimited email, document, and photo storage per user. Some other convenient support services include a 24/7 phone support and priority email support.

Another necessary function that all businesses need is a company brand email address that include custom email address for all users and a company address in Google Sites. Furthermore, G Suite Enterprise is able to provide an ad-free experience. In addition, the Enterprise edition provides migration services, is supported by various browsers, mobile friendly, and there is a convenient mailing lists that can be both admin and user controlled.

However, what truly marks G Suite Enterprise apart from the other editions is its security and business controls. Although both G Suite Business and Enterprise editions provide important functions such as 2-step verification, a security system, the Enterprise edition offers Drive data loss prevention and Gmail data loss prevention. With these functions, businesses can now define rules that protect privacy using Data Loss Prevention (DLP). Available sub-functions include sending an email to super administrators, sending an email to the user who created, edited, or uploaded a file with sensitive content, or blocking sharing of any file with sensitive content.

Another feature unique to G Suite Enterprise edition is Gmail log search in BigQuery. This feature allows businesses to analyze Gmail logs by using advanced custom queries, retain Gmail data for as long as needed, utilize various third-party tools to perform deep analysis, and create custom reporting and dashboards. Also, G Suite Enterprise can set up a third-party archiving solution to archive Gmail journal messages; this function can be extended to comply with email requirements, continue using a third-party archiving solution, and allow user access to archives.

Security key management is also only available in G Suite Enterprise. With this function, the administrator can view and manage the security settings for a particular user in the Google Admin console. Because the Enterprise edition focuses on security, S/MME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) encryption for email which adds a layer of security.

With these great, essential benefits that only G Suite Enterprise can provide, it can bring a business numerous advantages in terms of convenience of communication, workflow improvement, and security. If interested, contact Netkiller, a partner of G Suite, for additional assistance and benefits.

Contact:
Harry Jung
Netkiller Inc.
San Jose, CA 95129, USA
(408) 641-0114
info@netkiller.com
http://www.netkiller.com

Carmel Dog Tales™ Presents… America’s 1st Annual PAWlitzer Prize™ for Best Dogged LITTERature

In honor of the Pulitzer Prize celebrating 100 years of excellence in journalism and the arts, Carmel Dog Tales presents America’s 1st Annual PAWlitzer Prize™ for Best Dogged LITTERature.

Salinas, CA, July 09, 2017 - In honor of the Pulitzer Prize celebrating 100 years of excellence in journalism and the arts, Carmel Dog Tales presents America’s 1st Annual PAWlitzer Prize™ for Best Dogged LITTERature. And what better venue to host the Award Ceremony than Carmel, California – often named America’s Most Dog-friendly town -- where writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Robinson Jeffers and Mary Austin, lived and explored the good, the bad, and the ugly of the human comedy.


But what of the Canine comedy? What of the great real-life dog stories?

Have a Story to Tell About Your Beloved Pooch?

Carmel Dog Tales™ wants to read the most memorable adventure, romance, comedy, or tear-jerker tale you’ve had with your dog. It’s time to recognize and honor ordinary people with extraordinary stories to tell about their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever!)

The PAWlitzer Prize™ will be presented to winners in two non-fiction categories: Drama and Humor. The Awards Ceremony will take place in Carmel, Ca., October 14, 2017. Afternoon festivities will include:

Entertainment and treats for all blue bloods, mixed breeds and mutts – canine and human!

PAWlitzer Prize Winners will be invited to read their stories at the Awards Ceremony.

Featured entertainment will be a PAWetry Slam™ where finalists get to perform their pooch passionate doggerel. Canine and human audience response will determine the winner. PAWetry Slam contestants will submit YouTube videos to be invited to perform at the Awards Ceremony.

For eligibility rules and submission guidelines for the PAWlitzer Prize™ and the PAWetry Slam™, including information on prizes, Judges, entry fees & full event details, go to: www.CarmelDogTales.com

100% of all net proceeds from the PAWlitzer Prize event will benefit the SPCA for Monterey County and The Birchbark Foundation.

PAWlitzer Prize™ Partners & Sponsors include: Chatterbox PR, www.chatterboxpublicrelations.com , Diggidy Dog Boutique, www.diggidydog.com , Porta Bella Restaurant, www.portabellacarmel.com , Carmel Road Wines, www.carmelroad.com , Carmel Country Inn, www.carmelcountryinn.com , Tradewinds Carmel, www.Tradewindscarmel.com, Kerry Lee Jewelry, www.kerrylee.com , Suds ‘n Scissors Pet Spa, www.sudsandscissorscarmel.com , Say WOOF! Petography, www.saywoofpetography.com , A. Herman - Dog Therapist, www.ahermandogtherapist.com

ABOUT CARMEL DOG TALES:
Carmel Dog Tales™ was founded by Mark Oman, a best-selling golf humorist, longtime Carmel resident, and volunteer with the Monterey County SPCA and Carmel Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Barbara, have two rescue mutts from the SPCA, Winifred and Winston.
Carmel Dog Tales offers everything you and your pooch need to know to walk and wag your tails through Carmel-By-The-Sea. www.CarmelDogTales.com

ABOUT SPCA:
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. Online at www.SPCAmc.org.

ABOUT BIRCH BARKL
About Birchbark Foundation
By providing financial resources for those in need and educational resources to our community, BirchBark Foundation empowers people to make informed decisions in times of crisis and to be better advocates for their pets. BirchBark offers assistance grants to animal owners who are unable to cover some or all of the cost of their pet’s medical care. BirchBark currently offer grants only to financially qualified applicants in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The Foundation is reliant on the discounted services of Associate Member Hospitals. For more information please visit: www.birchbarkfoundation.org

Media Contact: Mark Oman (831) 624-4386 FAX: (831) 626-9357 Mark@markoman.com

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

Monday, July 10, 2017

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Launches Exciting New Wedding Packages, from Indian to LGBT Weddings

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has launched a number exciting new wedding packages available at the resort hotel, including Indian and Southeast Asian, LGBT and mid-week weddings, as well as a unique “Elopement Package.”

Monterey, CA, July 09, 2017 — The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has launched a number exciting new wedding packages available at the resort hotel, including Indian and Southeast Asian, LGBT and mid-week weddings, as well as a unique “Elopement Package.”

For example, an Indian wedding would include a perfect path for a baraat and ample space for Mendhi and post-wedding brunch in addition to such inducements as the largest ballroom in Monterey County, with capacity for up to 800 seated guests, the ability to bring in outside caterers, complimentary honeymoon suite for the newlyweds, a large garden terrace for your ceremony and cocktail reception, as well as 550 rooms, including 32 suites and a Villa, with group rates — making it perfect for multi-day long celebrations, all with complimentary parking.

The 2017 Elopement Package includes an intimate, romantic wedding for you and up to 10 guests. Hyatt's on-site wedding specialist has put together an affordable Elopement Package, including a Garden Courtyard Terrace ceremony with officiant, bride bouquet, cake for two, a bottle of sparkling wine, photography, and a wedding suite.

Contact our wedding specialist: hyattmontereycatering@hyatt.com, 831/657-6540

More detailed information can also be found at:
https://www.herecomestheguide.com/northern-california/wedding-venues/hyatt-regency-monterey-hotel-and-spa

Weddings at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
Walking past the fountain entryway into the Hyatt Regency Monterey's Fireplace Lounge, you instantly feel yourself relaxing amid the resort's sophisticated comforts, natural materials and soothing earth tones. Take it from us, the skylit Lounge is an inviting spot to while away a pleasant hour, quaffing a local vintage from their wine cellar along with tasty appetizers by their acclaimed farm-to-table bistro, TusCA Ristorante.

While the innovative food and drink are delicious, the resort boasts a bounty of recreational activities, like their full-service Racquet Club, 2000-square-foot Fitness Center and neighboring Del Monte Golf Course. Two sparkling pools surrounded by gardens beckon swimmers and sunbathers alike. Rent a bicycle to tour the scenic grounds, or take the trails that skirt the nearby bay up to historic Cannery Row. (The hotel's Les Clefs d'Or Concierge can arrange everything from Aquarium tickets to wine tasting.)

With so much to entice and entertain, you don't need an excuse to visit this resort. But if you've come to celebrate a special occasion, then you'll be delighted by the expert service and range of venue options.

The Regency Grand Ballroom, the largest in the county, can host a gala dinner for 600 and still have plenty of room for dancing. Soft teal blue-and-beige décor reflect Monterey's serene coastal palette; high ceilings with inset lighting bays and a bank of windows provide gentle illumination. The adjoining foyer opens to a terrace with a retractable awning, perfect for an indoor/outdoor social hour.

For a more intimate setting, the Monterey Ballroom still holds up to 400 guests but can be reduced to accommodate as few as 25. While the Regency takes its inspiration from the sea and sky, the Monterey recalls the region's mountains and meadows: Rustic hues are enlivened with a sunny yellow reminiscent of springtime daffodils. An adjacent patio increases your staging possibilities.

Open-air receptions are sometimes celebrated on the Garden Terrace, which can also be tented. The bridal party and guests may reserve the rooms overlooking this courtyard, which offers convenience to the ceremony and is close to the celebration.

Your nearest and dearest will thank you for their mini-vacation, which includes plush, contemporary accommodations. Newlyweds receive a complimentary suite for their wedding night, but for the ultimate indulgence splurge on a Villa, a four-bedroom oasis with its own private lanai and swimming pool! This secluded hideaway can host up to 50 guests for your rehearsal dinner or cocktail party in high style.

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
1 Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, CA 93940-4908
(831) 657-6540

From arrival straight on through to Farewell Brunch, your destination wedding weekend at this luxurious resort is an inspired way to savor a memorable Monterey experience.

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

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

The Nonprofit Monterey Symphony Selects Nicola Reilly as its New Executive Director

Nicola Reilly has been named Executive Director for the Monterey Symphony, the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur and San Benito County.

Monterey, CA, July 06, 2017 — Nicola Reilly has been named Executive Director for the Monterey Symphony, the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur and San Benito County.


Reilly was serving as Director of Institutional Advancement for the Symphony when she was tapped to be Executive Director by the Symphony Board of Directors.

“Nicola will be responsible for managing the staff of the Symphony and all aspects of its operations. She will continue to be in charge of the Symphony’s marketing and development activities, with the support of myself and the board of directors. We believe that this move will provide the ability for the Symphony to prosper as its presents its 72nd Season, Concert Grand, beginning in October," said Lee Rosen, Board President.

Prior to joining the Symphony, Reilly was the Director of Development for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at California State University Monterey Bay and previously served as the Director of Development and Marketing for the Carmel Bach Festival.

A Seattle native, Reilly held positions at Seattle Chamber Music Society, the Medieval Women’s Choir, The Column Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She currently sits on the board of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras as their membership chair.

A classically trained violinist, Reilly has toured, performed and recorded with Sky Cries Mary and Mastodon. On the Monterey Peninsula, she is a member of Tuxedo Boombox and occasionally plays with other ensembles.

Reilly holds an advanced degree in Arts Administration from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature and Music History from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

About the Monterey Symphony
The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite its community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

Under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, the Monterey Symphony provides triple performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater and Salinas’s Sherwood Hall, as well as youth education programs that include visits to classrooms by musicians and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for school children.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Monterey Symphony, and through grants.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit our website: www.montereysymphony.org.

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

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Celebrate Romance at the Hyatt Regency Monterey! Book your Wedding in August and Win Prizes!

Romance is an important part of any relationship, and being aware of romance and adding it to your relationship, even little things such as holding hands or a heartfelt note, goes a long way in keeping your relationship strong and exciting.

Salinas, CA, July 05, 2017 - Romance is an important part of any relationship, and being aware of romance and adding it to your relationship, even little things such as holding hands or a heartfelt note, goes a long way in keeping your relationship strong and exciting.

August is Romance Awareness Month and the Hyatt Regency Monterey wants to help you make your dream wedding come true with prizes and “Meet the Winemaker Experiences.” If you book your wedding from Aug. 1-Aug. 31, for your wedding date actualizing October 2017 through December 2018, you will be entered a drawing to win $500, $1,000 or $1,500 as a rebate to your final bill’s master wedding account at the Hyatt.

Each winner will also receive a “Meet the Winemaker Experience” with Josh and Julie Ruiz, owners of Twisted Roots Winery in Carmel Valley. The winemakers will attend your wedding's menu tasting and personally pair wines with your selected menu, limited to maximum of four (4) guests including Bride and/or Groom.

The winners will be picked Sept. 5.

To book your wedding and enter the drawing, contact our wedding planner at 831.657.6540 or by email at hyattmontereycatering@hyatt.com.

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

Book your Holiday Party Now, Relax the Rest of the Summer and Reap the Rewards! At the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Yes, it's the middle of summer, but it's never too early to book your holiday party at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa.

Salinas, CA, July 04, 2017 - Yes, it's the middle of summer, but it's never too early to book your holiday party at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. Not only that, if you book early, you can reap the rewards and relax the rest of the summer knowing your date is secured.

If you book a party from July 15-Sept. 30, we will enter you in a drawing for your choice of EITHER one free drink ticket per person in your party OR 50,000 World of Hyatt points for the person or your choosing, which can be used on free nights, room upgrades, dining, airline miles and more. Drawing will take place Monday, Oct. 2.

So far, weekend dates that are available include Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1, 2, 3; Sunday, Dec. 19; Friday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 17. But don't delay, these dates will go fast.

So book now, relax, and party later!

To book your holiday party, call the Hyatt at (831) 372-1234.

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