Renowned Baker’s Bacon Offering Father’s Day Dinner and Breakfast Boxes Available by Drive-Through on June 16 & 19

A variety of boxes of Baker’s Bacon, chicken, steaks, ribs, cheese and pasta available at Drive-Through in Marina

Marina, CA, June 19, 2020 — If a box of ribeye steaks, St. Louis-style pork ribs, tomahawk pork chops, chicken or dry-cured double-smoked Baker’s Bacon seems perfect for a Father’s Day treat, you’re in luck.

Baker’s Bacon (“Bacon the Way It’s Supposed to Be!”) from celebrated chef Tony Baker, is hosting a Father’s Day Family Box Drive-Through on Tuesday, June 16, and Friday, June 19, 2020, at its Marina location at 445 Reservation Road. Pre-order your box from several options, then pick it up without leaving your car on that day.

If your dad is a meat lover, there are two big steak boxes from Del Monte Meat to choose from: four bone-in ribeye steaks, each 16-18 ounces, dry aged a minimum of 30 days in a Himalayan salt room; and the C.A.B. Steak Box with 10 steaks total, four 8-oz. Niman Ranch flat-iron steaks, four 10-oz. New York steaks, and two 12-oz. ribeye steaks. Both boxes are $89 each.

If your dad is into kitchen tools and outdoor grilling, then opt for the Father’s Day Gift Box ($49), that includes Tony Baker’s famous Ove Glove (“As Seen on TV!”) grilling glove, a BBQ cooking tray, 16-inch chef tongs, spice jars from Chef’s Palette, 2 ounces of porcini espresso rub and 2.1 ounces of “Alda” Love You Need, two packages of 12-oz. thick-sliced Baker’s Bacon, a Baker’s Bacon lanyard, Sharpie and recipe card.

Grilling dads will also love the Coleman Natural St. Louis-style pork ribs ($59), four racks 10-11 pounds, including Chef’s Palette spices or the Cheshire Pork Tomahawk Chop Box with six 12-14-oz. individually packaged chops.

There’s also a Father’s Day Breakfast Box for $49, and includes two each of 12-oz. thick-sliced Baker’s Bacon, a dozen local free-range eggs, Rise and Roam loaf bread, 1 pound of organic butter, an 8-oz. container of Lisa’s strawberry-rhubarb jam, 16 ounces of organic strawberries, and 6-oz. containers each of raspberries and organic blueberries.

Also available at the drive-through on Friday will be various boxes of Baker’s Bacon (six 12-oz. packs of Baker’s dry-cured, double-smoked thick-cut bacon for $35); Del Monte Meat chicken box; and a Spring Hill Cheese Box, with four different kinds of cheese.

There’s also the Bigoli Amatriciana Pasta Box ($32) that serves six and features 2 lbs. of Bigoli-style pasta, 32 ounces of pasta sauce, 8 ounces of stewed onions, 4 ounces of Parmesan cheese, container of chili flakes, 12 ounces of Baker’s Bacon, and a recipe card.

To pre-order your box for drive-through pickup on June 16 or 19, call (831) 250-0606, ext. 2, or order by email at Allison@bakersbacon.com. Quantities are limited.

About Baker’s Bacon
Unable to find bacon that met his high standards for freshness and ingredients, Chef Tony Baker, longtime chef at Montrio Bistro in Monterey, founded his own brand in 2011. Baker’s Bacon began with a partnership between longtime smoke master and bacon expert Steve Sacks at Prime Smoked Meats in Oakland, California. Baker and Sacks worked together for over a year experimenting with cures until they settled on the recipe that is still in use today. The goal was and is to make real bacon — “Bacon The Way It’s Supposed To Be!”

Baker’s Bacon is made in California, dry cured and slowly smoked using real applewood chips. Baker’s Bacon uses only the highest quality, sustainable-raised heritage breed pork. There are no antibiotics or hormones, no gestation or farrowing crates, and it all 100% vegetarian-fed, U.S. family farm-grown pork. It is slowly dry cured and double-smoked using real applewood. It is offered in whole slab, sous vide, or sliced.

Baker’s Bacon
445 Reservation Road, Marina
(831) 250-0606
Email: Allison@bakersbacon.com
Website: bakersbacon.com

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

Road Trip to Luxury to Cinnamon Shore on the Texas Coast

With global travel on hold or cancelled, Texans are looking for vacation destinations closer to home.

Salinas, CA, June 19. 2020 - With global travel on hold or cancelled, Texans are looking for vacation destinations closer to home. And they do not have to look far or settle for less. Consider a feature on “Road Trips to Luxury” about easy-to-drive-to destinations right here in Texas—with Cinnamon Shore as the obvious choice for the coastal destination!

“Road Trip to Luxury”
There’s an idyllic community on the Texas Coast that combines all the resort amenities a family could want—a broad and breezy beach, luxury accommodations, gorgeous pools, great dining options, family-friendly activities—all without the slog of a drive to Florida or boarding a plane.

New-found luxury on the Texas Coast
Luxury hasn’t always been synonymous with the Texas Coast. But that changed when Cinnamon Shore was established in 2008 on the outskirts of Port Aransas, Texas. The master-planned community nestled behind protective dunes on the Gulf Coast now boasts almost 300 high-end beach residences that serve as second homes and vacation rentals, drawing discriminating, yet down-to-earth families who enjoy beachside luxury when they vacation.

What Sets Cinnamon Shore Apart
The epitome of the New Urbanist architectural movement, Cinnamon Shore is a walkable village that offers the charm of small-town America. Front porches lined with rockers recall the best of Southern architectural traditions, while paver sidewalks and pocket parks promote a neighborly feel. Cottage-style details reminiscent of the grand, old East Coast beach homes that line the Atlantic Coast, help the new community feel rooted to the past. And great dining options, fitness classes, and a roster of activities and events year-round keep guests entertained when they’re not enjoying the beachfront.

Resort highlights include:
Easy beach access over three, visually striking dune crossovers.
Three community pools: The Dune Pool, which hosts paddleboard yoga in a palm-lined setting; Kiera’s Pool, with an infinity edge looking to scenic Lake Gavin; and Stillwater Pool, heated year-round.
Great on-site dining options: upscale Mediterranean-style Lisabella’s Bistro; family-friendly Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, way more than a pizza parlor; and Coffee Waves, with a premium selection of java, smoothies, and breakfast fare.
Entertainment and activities: Live Music concerts on an outdoor stage; Movies Under the Stars on grassy Town Center; Yoga on the Beach; Paddleboard Yoga at The Dune Pools; Pilates on the Deck around Kiera’s Pool; Beach Bonfire Set-up; Bike Rentals; Fishing Gear rentals; and more.
Two community lakes: Lake Colby, fully stocked with a fishing pier for everyone to use, and Lake Gavin.
Fitness Center, a stand-alone facility with plenty of equipment accessible to all guests.
In-car Check-In and On-Site Property Management for quick solutions to any maintenance needs during a stay.

Help your readers discover an upscale vacation experience right here on the Texas Coast!
Drive times from Dallas/Fort Worth (6.5 hours), Houston (3.75 hours), Austin (3.5 hours) and San Antonio (2.5 hours) beat the 13- to 16-hour drive over to Florida beach resort towns. Instead, Texans can have the same kind of accommodations and beach access right here in Texas.

Make Cinnamon Shore part of your Travel Coverage!

If you are planning any features on drivable destinations, consider featuring Cinnamon Shore as the go-to coastal vacation spot for luxury. Nearly built-out and thriving, the development has started a quickly rising sister community just about one mile away. Cinnamon Shore South is making the Cinnamon Shore lifestyle available to even more Texans. Work on its incredible pool complex is under way and first homes have finished in time for summer rentals. Guests at Cinnamon Shore South have full access to all the amenities at Cinnamon Shore, nearby. In the meantime, Cinnamon Shore is a bustling, festive place for coastal getaways year-round—and we are following CDC guidance on sanitizing and social distancing.

Cinnamon Shore. Tradition Starts Here.

For more information, visit cinnamonshore.com or contact Chatterbox PR, Marci Bracco, 831-747-7455, marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com.

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

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Creates Wedding Packages for Couples Seeking Smaller, Romantic Ceremonies

Book Now and Get a Free Night With Breakfast Added to Your Package

Carmel, CA, June 17, 2020 — While the pandemic has sadly halted many wedding plans for couples dreaming of a traditional ceremony, Hyatt Carmel Highlands is excited to show that you can’t cancel love! The famed inn, perched above the Pacific with spectacular views, has created two great packages to fit the needs of couples who simply don’t want to wait any longer to make their love official.

And, for a limited time, if you book one of the two packages, the Hyatt will add a complimentary night in an Ocean View King Room with the option of upgrading to a suite (subject to availability) for $100 plus taxes per night. In addition to the room, breakfast at the award-winning California Market at Pacific’s Edge is also part of the package.

Highlands Elopement Package

This intimate package is designed for up to 10 people, (complying with Phase 2 limitations set forth by Monterey County). Couples will exchange their vows under the romantic Gazebo overlooking the Pacific Ocean and start their life together.

The Highlands Elopement Package includes the following:

Private Ceremony with an Officiant
A Sparkling Champagne Toast with Hors d’oeuvres service following the ceremony
Photography available: Please inquire for pricing
This package is for 1.5 hours and is available for $1,500 Monday through Thursdays. Weekend ceremonies are available within a 45-day booking and event fees are subject to premium rates Service charges and taxes are not included.

Oceanview Wedding Package

This custom package is designed for groups of 11-20 people, (complying with Monterey County’s Phase 3 requirements) and is a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage with a small group of family and friends.

The Oceanview Wedding Package includes the following:

Access to our exclusive Wedding Changing Room prior to your walk down the aisle
White guest chairs, a Sparkling Toast with Hors d’oeuvres service following the ceremony
Private Ceremony with Officiant
Photographer (limited to 2 hours) will capture all the special moments
Floral allowance up to $500 for beautiful bouquets and boutonnieres
9-inch (customized) wedding cake
Libation package during your event
Choice of coordinated colored napkins and floor length linens for the reception
Special menu prepared by renowned Hyatt Carmel Highlands Executive Chef Chris Vacca
Tables, Chairs, Flatware, Stemware, and Dishware
Individual menus published for each place setting

The Intimate Wedding Package costs $650 per person and includes up to 20 people for 2.5 hours Monday through Thursdays. Weekend ceremonies are available within a 45-day booking and event fees are subject to premium rates. Service charges and taxes are not included.

Virtual Tours are offered weekdays at 1 p.m. PT via Zoom. This meeting is password protected, please call to schedule your tour with our Events Department at 831-622-5461.

For any further questions or inquiries, please contact Jessica Schmidt, the Sales & Catering Manager at Office: +1 (831) 622-5461 Mobile: +1 (831) 250-3011

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, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms. The property also offers spectacular dining at the award-winning California Market at Pacific’s Edge with 4,800 square feet of meeting space, heated outdoor swimming pool, three spa tubs and a StayFit fitness facility. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for nearly 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. www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com.

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

El Pajaro Community Development Corporation Can Help Latino Businesses Navigate Application Process for Paycheck Protection Program

Recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have made it more useful than ever, according to the non-profit El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, which is encouraging Latino businesses to apply for funds before the end of the month.

Watsonville, CA, June 16, 2020 — Recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have made it more useful than ever, according to the non-profit El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, which is encouraging Latino businesses to apply for funds before the end of the month.

Small businesses, the self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are all eligible for forgivable loans through this Small Business Association (SBA) program. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020, and El Pajaro CDC can help Latino businesses navigate the application system.

“Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide a lifeline for small businesses during this public health and economic crisis in order to keep their workers on the payroll. Small businesses, the self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are all eligible for forgivable federal loans. I encourage small business owners on the Central Coast to take advantage of this program and apply for PPP before the June 30 deadline,” said Congressman Panetta.

If any local Latino business owner needs assistance, or a list of lenders, there are resources available to help them apply, including local Small Business Development Centers and El Pajaro CDC.

“We wanted to make sure that people don’t miss this opportunity of getting these PPP funds,” said El Pajaro CDC Executive Director Carmen Herrera Mansir. “People who have not applied may not have enough information or may believe that this program is not for them. After all the updates to the PPP, there is a lot more flexibility. For example, we have been doing a lot of successful applications for home childcare providers and other self-employed individuals.”

The Paycheck Protection Program, which resumed April 27, 2020, is an SBA loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad in Salinas Slated to Open June 17 Celebrate National Fruits and Vegetable Month at Natividad

Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

Salinas, CA, June 14, 2020 — Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

The market will open from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm with three vendors: Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo's Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

The market will be open every Wednesday, and more vendors and farmers will be added as the summer goes on. Natividad is located at 1441 Constitution Blvd. in Salinas.

Everyone's Harvest Farmers' Markets adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers' markets are "essential businesses."

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

About Natividad
Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing high-quality health care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 10,000 admissions and over 50,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivered more than 2,200 babies last year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies — some as small as one pound — the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Profile Nick Duque

When Nick Duque was 6 years old, his family moved to Salinas. Immediately he was the new kid, in a new school, with no one to talk to.

Salinas, CA, June 14, 2020 - “I had problems interacting with other kids and was bullied a lot,” he said.

Starting in the fourth grade, Nick would bring his own basketball to school and shoot hoop during recess and lunch — by himself.

Eventually he joined a team … and everything changed.

“Making friends and interacting with other kids my age became easier and the bullying stopped,” he said. “Going through this kind of stuff helped me become a better person and leader.”

Currently in 8th grade at La Paz Middle School in Salinas, the 5-foot-9 point guard is a scoring sensation, averaging 20 points per game last season. He was selected to the Reggie Stephens Foundation Monterey County All Star Team, and has been named scholar athlete the past two years.

His goal next year as a freshman is to make the JV or varsity team at Alisal High School.

“My immediate plan is to take advantage of this off season and improve my skills,” he said. “I feel that since there is a shelter-in-place order in our area, a lot of players my age are not working that hard to get better.”

Nick joined Gil Basketball Academy in the fifth grade, and credits GBA with instilling in him a work ethic. “GBA has taught me to keep working hard to achieve your goals not only in basketball but everyday life,” he said.

To achieve his basketball goals, Nick takes at least 500 shots a day, works on his ball handling drills, runs 3 miles per day wearing an elevation mask, and works out in his family’s home gym.

“Another goal of mine is to be a good big brother and to support my younger brother with anything he needs,” he said.

Nick’s 2-year-old brother was recently diagnosed with autism. “I hope I can make a difference no matter how big or how small,” he said.

Nick believes that playing basketball and being part of a team has helped him become a better person.

“With basketball you learn early on how to interact and work together with others,” he said. “It also gives me the incentive to get good grades.”

Nick’s goal is to attend a four-year university and play basketball. “My ultimate goal is to become a doctor,” he said.

He hopes the sport continues to open up doors for him.

“Without basketball I'm not sure what I would be doing,” he said. “I have met a lot of people and obtained the discipline to stay away from anyone that may be a bad influence.”

Nick credits GBA with instilling in him certain traits — among them, leadership, respect, courage and selflessness.

“Being part of the GBA family has taught me to keep working hard to achieve my goals, not only in basketball but everyday life,” he said.

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

Embracing its motto ‘less clutter … less stress,’ Salinas Self Storage completes expansion, launches ‘touchless’ move-ins and half-off deal for new customers

With its renovation and expansion project complete, Salinas Self Storage has created the most secure and comprehensive storage facility in Monterey County.

Salinas, CA, June 12, 2020 - During these unprecedented times, our family-owned facility off the new Sala Road exit along Highway 101 remains committed to the safety and well-being of its customers and staff. We offer modern, secure, clean storage, as well as top-level technology to assist customers and local businesses. We at Salinas Self Storage believe that our motto: “Less clutter … less stress” is even more relevant during this challenging time. We strive to offer our customers the best experience in a safe and secure environment. Customers can use our online leasing feature and take advantage of a completely “touchless” move-in option. The website is simple to use and offers storage tips and storage unit size guidelines. Customers may also pay their bills online at www.selfstoragesalinas.com. Our manager is always happy to assist customers with the rental process by phone as well at (831) 444-8080.

To acknowledge the hardships experienced by many of our neighbors, Salinas Self Storage will reduce the customer monthly rate by 50% for the first four months (valid for new rentals before August 25).

Serving the Salinas area, including Prunedale, Castroville, Gonzales, Royal Oaks, Marina and Monterey, Salinas Self Storage offers units that are individually alarmed, monitored and equipped with fire sprinklers. We provide a variety of sizes to fit the needs of residential and business users. Our expansion also includes new covered and uncovered RV and boat storage.

In light of the current pandemic, Salinas Self Storage has prioritized the safety and well-being of both customers and staff. Its hygiene program includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of places frequently touched, such as keypads, countertops, door handles and moving equipment. With adherence to a strict cleaning protocol, Salinas Self Storage continues to provide access to customers while limiting exposure to COVID-19. Social distancing guidelines also will be observed with the addition of plexiglass shields and signage in the office.

For more information, visit www.selfstoragesalinas.com.

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