Family-owned Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula Expands with New location: Salinas Valley Kitchen & Bath

Late last year, Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula, Inc. purchased Salinas Valley Kitchen & Bath (SVKB) on South Main Street in Salinas.

Salinas, CA, February 05, 2020 - Late last year, Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula, Inc. purchased Salinas Valley Kitchen & Bath (SVKB) on South Main Street in Salinas. SVKB opened its doors right away, anxious to serve clientele, and will celebrate its grand re-opening and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

“We really felt Salinas was a market that was under serviced in many ways,” says new owner Jillian Clark. SVKB is led by Jillian’s sister, Laura Diaz, who has more than three decades of industry experience. Laura moved back to California from Tennessee, to help fuel SVKB’s success.

Clark says “her family and extended family of loyal team members, are thrilled to offer forward thinking design, all product sales, and remodel services, now from the salad bowl to the sea. We have talented people in place, and lots of resources to offer support when needed. It’s really exciting to meet new people, especially in Salinas; everyone is so friendly and the people are so genuine. So far, we’re seeing a lot of younger, first-time homebuyers, excited to improve their living spaces.”

SVKB boasts a showroom of many choices and styles, and focuses on the needs and wants of the person living in their home, fulfilling any vision; and welcomes architects, builders and designers too!

Clark says it will be “business as usual” in Salinas. “One thing is for sure, we will deliver on what we promise, and honor my dad’s golden rule: It’s important to always have integrity and treat everyone with respect and equality.”

Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula (KSMP) has spent the last 35 years transforming homes into personal havens. In 1985, Jillian’s parents, Chris and Carmen Humphrey opened the business and set the bar high, with quality products, design, craftsmanship and unmatched customer service. Jillian and her husband John, have carried on the family-owned operation for the last 20 years in Seaside, and will bring that same level of attention to detail and service to Salinas.

Salinas Valley Kitchen & Bath is at 1368 S. Main St. C, in the Nob Hill shopping center. Phone: (831) 422-9900.

Adam Joseph
Showroom Manager

Kitchen Studio Monterey
www.ksmonterey.com
Seaside: 831.899.3303

Cabinets & Such
www.cabinetsandsuch.com
Seaside: 831.899.3303

Salinas Valley Kitchen & Bath
www.svkb.design
Salinas: 831.422.9900

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

Decluttering can actually Make us Happier People, but Donating Unwanted items to Goodwill Helps Create Jobs — and that’s the best Feeling of all

How can cleaning your house possibly make you feel good? Well, studies show that taking the time to thoroughly clean and maintain a tidy home makes people happier.

Salinas, CA, February 05, 2020 - How can cleaning your house possibly make you feel good? Well, studies show that taking the time to thoroughly clean and maintain a tidy home makes people happier.

The act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction, which in turn can put you in a good mood, and being more organized reduces stress. Beyond that, if you declutter and donate unwanted or unused items to Goodwill of the Central Coast, a real sense of satisfaction takes place, because your stuff fuels job training programs, making a positive difference in your community.

Here is a step-by-step guide to donate to Goodwill:

Find stuff to donate. A good place to start is your closet, basement or garage. In addition to clothing, small appliances and home decor, some Goodwill locations accept computer equipment and even vehicles.

Gather items in one place. Look them over one last time. Take a deep breath and learn to let go. If donating electrical equipment or battery-operated items, it is helpful to test them out first. Also, we appreciate it if all clothes are washed or dry cleaned.

Locate a Goodwill store near you. Use our locator to find the nearest career center (for help finding a job), retail store, donation site, or outlet store (which sells items in bulk), operated by our network of 157 independent, community-based Goodwills. Go to goodwill.org and use your zip or postal code. If you aren't sure if your local Goodwill accepts something you wish to donate, just give them a call.

Donate your items. Remember, when you donate to Goodwill, you are making a real difference in people’s lives. After you drop off your clothes, blankets, electronics, and other items, Goodwill sells them in stores or online at shopgoodwill.com. When someone buys your item, local Goodwill organizations use that money to provide job training and other services for people in your community.

Get a receipt so you can claim a tax deduction later. Your gift just keeps on giving!

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

20 Images to Inspire a 2020 Visit to Cinnamon Shore

We don’t need to tell you why to vacation at Cinnamon Shore! Let us show you!

Port Aransas, TX, January 29, 2020 - We don’t need to tell you why to vacation at Cinnamon Shore! Let us show you! Take a look at all the reasons you should book now for 2020 at the Texas Gulf Coast’s premiere master-planned community.

Here are 20 inspirational images to help you imagine what it’s like to spend time at Cinnamon Shore from January through December! Visit cinnamonshore.com to learn more.

No. 1 Beach Bonfires! We do all the set-up—just sit back and be mesmerized. Learn More. (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/essentials-and-extras/bonfire-on-the-beach)

No. 2 Romantic Dinners. Don’t miss cozy Lisabella’s Bistro & Bar, offering
Dinner for 2 on Valentine’s Day! Make Reservations! (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/events/valentines-dinner-for-2lisabellas-bistro-bar/335)

No. 3 Spring Break Smiles! One of three community pools, Kiera’s Pool overlooks Lake Gavin. Learn More. (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/free-activities/pool-time)

No. 4 Family Time at the Shore! Enjoy the broad, firm beaches of Mustang Island. Photo: Shannon Lafayette

No. 5 S’more Nights. Great Lawn or on the Beach! Learn More (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/free-activities/smores-night)

No. 6 The Views! Vacation rental homes overlook Lake Colby, Lake Gavin and the Gulf. Check availability. (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/rentals)

No. 7 Spacious Gathering Spaces! Hang out here. See what’s available.(https://www.cinnamonshore.com/rentals)

No. 8 Easter Egg Hunt! It’s on the Town Center green with 10,000 eggs!

No. 9 Live Music! We book great acts all year long. Check our calendar! (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/events)

No. 10 Improve Sandcastle Skills. Texas SandFest is in April, and we offer Sandcastle Building Lessons! Photo: Shannon Lafayette (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/free-activities/sandcastle-lessons)

No. 11 Wake-Up to This! Talk about rooms with a view! Find a beachy bedroom.(https://www.cinnamonshore.com/rentals)

No. 12 Father’s Day Fun. We make the weekend special for dad.

No. 13 Walls of Windows. Don’t you love this window-wrapped dining nook?

No. 14 Sunsets! Gorgeous skies over Lake Gavin and the Gulf.

No. 15 Easy Access. Sturdy dune crossovers take you directly to the beach. Photo: Shannon Lafayette

No. 16 Paddleboard Yoga. Seasonal sessions at our Dune Pool. Learn More. Photo: Shannon Lafayette (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/free-activities/yoga-on-the-beach)

No. 17 The Pizza! Popular Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria opened last summer! Learn More.(https://www.cinnamonshore.com/things-to-do/dining/dylans-coal-oven-pizzeria)

No. 18 4th of July. Great patriotic, family fun!

No. 19 Bunk Rooms. Kids love the fun, built-in style many rentals offer. Find a your bunk room (https://www.cinnamonshore.com/rentals)

No. 20 Coastal Christmas. We’re decked out from Thanksgiving through New Year’s!

Known for its welcoming, cottage charm and resort-like amenities, Cinnamon Shore represents the best of coastal architecture and quality construction on the Texas Coast. For more on the community, visit https://www.cinnamonshore.com/. For more about real estate, visit http://www.cinnamonshorerealty.com/ or call 361-749-1851.

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 – the master plan embraces the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more, 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

Carmel Jewish Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Award-Winning Movies, Speakers, Receptions

Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions.

Salinas, CA, January 27, 2020 - March 7 – 22, 2020, Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), featuring 10 films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions. Film, program, venue information, dates, and times can be found on the CJFF website (www.carmeljff.org). Tickets will be available either through the website or by calling (800) 838-3006.

Festival highlights include:

OPENING NIGHT (MARCH 7)

“Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles”
When "Fiddler on the Roof" opened on Broadway in 1964, it explored themes of tradition, religion, and anti-Semitism against a modern backdrop of radical social change that addressed gender roles, sexuality, and race. Rare archival footage and interviews with musical luminaries explore the legacy of this long-running, award-winning musical. Broadway actor Michael Bernardi will answer questions entertain following the film. Michael is the youngest actor to play Tevye on Broadway and is the son of actor Herschel Bernardi.

“VIOLINS OF HOPE” (MARCH 8)
Marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Violins of Hope will visit Northern California and make an appearance at the Carmel Jewish Film Festival. Some of these violins were played in concentration camps to entertain Nazis and lift the spirits of fellow prisoners; others were played in ghettos and labor camps to earn money for food. These instruments were restored in Israel and are a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. The CJFF is partnering with the Monterey County Symphony and Chamber Music Monterey for this event.

Following a film about the Violins of Hope, renowned violinist Cookie Segelstein of Berkeley, CA, will play some the actual instruments, tell their stories, and talk about the cultural significance of music in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. This program is part of Violins of Hope San Francisco Bay Area, presented in association with Music at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, CA. A reception will precede the film.

“BUDAPEST NOIR” (March 14)
The CJFF will host a Q&A with award-winning filmmaker Éva Gardos following this thriller set in Budapest in the politically fraught autumn of 1936. The film follows a scrappy reporter as he probes the murder of a femme fatale, leading him into the dark crime underworld. Francis Ford Coppola gave Gardos, born in Hungary, her first job in film, working as a production assistant on Coppola’s epic “Apocalypse Now”. She went on to establish a career as a film editor (“Valley Girl”, “Mask”, “Bastard Out of Carolina”), working with distinguished directors such as Barbet Schroeder, Peter Bogdanovich, and Anjelica Huston.

Éva’s screenwriting and feature film directorial debut, the award-winning “An American Rhapsody”, starred a young Scarlett Johansson. The film is based on the true life events of Éva’s family escaping from Hungary in the 1950s.

“THE ACCOUNTANT OF AUSCHWITZ” (March 15)
Partnering with the Catholic Diocese and the Unitarian Universalist Church Of Monterey, the CJFF will screen a Canadian film “The Accountant of Auschwitz”. In 2015, 94-year-old former German SS officer Oskar Groning admitted his guilt and went on trial. But bringing war criminals to justice asks fundamental moral questions with few simple answers. From Nuremberg to the new alt-right, this documentary is a stark reminder to “never forget”. A panel with Rabbi Jeff Schulman, Father Jerry Maher, and Reverend Elaine Gehrmann will follow the film.

NIGHT OF SHORTS (March 19)
Tiffany Shlain, ,TED speaker, author and founder of the Webby Awards, Ken Goldberg, artist, inventor, and roboticist at UC Berkeley, and Michael Horwitz – all award-winning filmmakers will be participating in a Q & A following the screening of some of their films. Tiffany and Ken will be signing their book, 24/6: The Power of Unplugging Once a Week.

CLOSING NIGHT (MARCH 22)
The CJFF also will partner with the local Muslim community for the Closing Night selection Abe, a Brazilian film centered on a teen curious about his family’s Middle Eastern culinary heritage. A reception with Israeli and Arab dishes will precede the film. A talkback with Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum and Abdel Seck, President of the local Islamic community, will follow the film.

As the only Jewish film festival in Monterey County, we serve all residents with our efforts to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation through education using the medium of film. While informed by a uniquely Jewish sensibility, our films communicate themes and messages with universal appeal to a wide audience drawn from the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. Our festival’s accompanying programs further engage mind and heart through discussion and social interaction. We hope that our festival will help bridge cultural and religious differences and contribute to community solidarity and peace.

Additional information about all films and events, including ticket prices, can be found on the Carmel Jewish Film Festival website (www.carmeljff.org).

Contact
Susan Greenbaum
831-277-3211
greenbaumcarmel@sbcglobal.net

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Hosts Annual Wildflower Show on April 17-19, Showcasing More than 600 Species and Varieties of Wildflowers

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History continues the colorful, springtime tradition of the 59th annual Wildflower Show

Pacific Grove, CA, January 24, 2020 - The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History continues the colorful, springtime tradition of the 59th annual Wildflower Show, the most comprehensive and spectacular array of wildflowers in the Northern and Western Hemispheres.

Joining forces with the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), the museum hosts this cherished event on April 17-19, showcasing more than 600 species and varieties of wildflowers.

Held each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Wildflower Show is the largest and longest-running event of its kind — one that has captivated generations of families.

More than 30 members of the Native Plant Society spent many days scouring Monterey County and beyond to collect the finest specimens of wildflowers blooming that spring. Botanists, garden enthusiasts, and people just looking for flowers for their gardens will all appreciate this collection.

Tickets to the Wildflower Show may be purchased at the museum on the days of the show.

· $8.95 for all adults

· $5.95 for youths ages 4-18, students with ID, military from outside of Monterey County and Seniors

· Free for 3 years old and under

· Free for museum members and CNPS members with membership cards

For more information, call (831) 648-5716, email admin@pgmuseum.org or go to the website at www.pgmuseum.org.

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

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

Watsonville YMCA to Host Open House on Jan, 25, 2020

Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

Salinas, CA, January 23, 2020 — Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

The open house will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25, 2020, at the Watsonville YMCA Family Center, 27 Sudden Street, Watsonville.

There will be free fitness assessments and orientations during the open house, as well as family arts and crafts, and demo fitness classes from 11:30 am-1 p.m. Demo classes will include Spin, Kidfit, Bootcamp, Kid Zumba, and Zumba classes. Healthy lifestyle information will also be available.

Also, join the YMCA that day and the Y will waive the enrollment fee and give you $50 of Y-Bucks, for a total savings of $100. Present the Y Bucks card for discounts on exercise classes, sports, after-school programs, personal training and more (some restrictions apply). This special offer expires Jan. 31, 2020. Y-Bucks are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

For more information, call (831) 728-9622, email Stephany Soto, Senior Membership and Wellness Director, at ssoto@ymcacentralcoast.org, or go to the Central Coast YMCA website at: centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Western Food Safety Summit Announces ‘Extremely Strategic’ Speaker Lineup for May 6-7 Event

The 2020 Annual Western Food Safety Summit in Salinas, Calif., has confirmed an expert lineup of industry and research experts as speakers for its May 6-7 event at Hartnell College – each focused on a theme of “Creating a Sustainable Food Safety Culture.”

Salinas, CA, January 23, 2020 - The 2020 Annual Western Food Safety Summit in Salinas, Calif., has confirmed an expert lineup of industry and research experts as speakers for its May 6-7 event at Hartnell College – each focused on a theme of “Creating a Sustainable Food Safety Culture.”

Kicking off the first day as keynote speaker will be Tim York, president of Markon Cooperative Inc., which maintains a field-to-fork 5-Star Food Safety program. A former Produce Marketing Association director and chair, he is a founding member of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops.

The second day’s morning keynote will be delivered by Dennis Donohue, director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, a premier agtech startup incubator based in Salinas. He also is a former longtime produce industry executive.

The two full days of presentations at the Center for Performing Arts on Hartnell’s main campus will feature 12 additional speakers, covering safety issues in equipment, communication, soil, FDA programs and a variety of water-related issues, including sampling and treatment of irrigated water.

A barbecue mixed-grill lunch will be served both days, along with a Networking and Sponsors’ Table, and Day One will conclude with a VIP reception from 4-5:30 p.m., hosted by Scheid Family Wines.

“This year’s summit program is extremely strategic, and that’s because this is an increasingly critical moment for food safety in the fresh fruits and vegetables industry,” said Western Food Safety Summit Chair Jess Hogg, who is quality assurance manager for Scheid Vineyards, based in Salinas.

“Our attendees will receive an enormous amount of timely, actionable information. They’ll be hearing from very thoughtful, knowledgeable individuals on subjects that will be right in their wheelhouse.”

The following is the full lineup of speakers for the 15th annual summit, in addition to the keynotes:

Wednesday, May 6
• “Sanitary Design of Packing Equipment,” Kim Snyder, director of food safety at Monterey Mushrooms Inc.
• “Technologies Available in Today’s Market and How to Increase Communication through Technology,” Bryan Banks, founder and COO of KipTraq.
• “Industry Ag Water Priorities and How the PMA is Involved,” Trever Suslow, vice president of food safety, Produce Marketing Association.
• “Ag Water – Ongoing Research at Arizona State University” (first of two parts), Channah Rock, associate professor of soil, water and environmental services and water quality specialist with University of Arizona Cooperative.
• “A Simplified Guide to Irrigation Water Sampling,” Greg Komar, technical director, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.
• “Procedures and Alternatives to Ensure Type B Water Can Become Type A,” Jim Byron, CEO, Xgenex.
• “Steps in Developing a Comprehensive Water Treatment Program,” Bob Mills, director of food safety, quality assurance and technical services at the Harbinger Group LLC.
• Panel discussion: Trevor Suslow, Channah Rock, Greg Komar, Jim Bryon, Bob Bills and Barry Eisenberg, food safety director for Miles Chemical Co.

Thursday, May 7
• “Organic Matter, Chlorine and Soil Microflora,” Jim Byron, CEO, Xgenex.
• “FDA Sampling Policy and Procedures,” Sonia Salas, assistant vice president for food safety and science at Western Grower.
• “Ag Water – Ongoing Research at Arizona State University” (second of two parts), Channah Rock, associate professor of soil, water and environmental services and water quality specialist with University of Arizona Cooperative.
• “Harvest Equipment Sanitation,” Justin Kerr, owner/manager of Factor IV Solutions LLC.
• “Food Safety Considerations of Pelletized Products,” Mike Menes, vice president of food safety and technology at True Organics Products.
• “Requirements for Better Food Safety,” Kari Valdes, director of food safety and quality assurance at Taylor Farms.

Registration for the summit is available online. The fee is $295 and can be paid with VISA or MasterCard.

For media inquiries:
Scott Faust
Director of Comm. & Marketing
(831) 755-6858
Cell (831) 206-9422
sfaust@hartnell.edu

Sponsorship opportunities area available for a partner donation of $1,000. The sponsorship package includes significant exposure to Salinas Valley agricultural businesses on location throughout the event, a company logo on summit materials, one free registration to the summit and one sponsor’s booth in the common area. Exhibition times are 8-9 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Learn more on the event webpage.

For sponsorship or registration questions, please call (831) 755-6810.

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