Los Gatos-based Custom-home builder Mehus Construction Continues Legacy of Honesty, Integrity and Craftsmanship

LOS GATOS — Since 1975, Mehus Construction has set a standard of quality that is unmatched among Bay Area custom home builders.

Los Gatos, CA, September 29, 2019 — Since 1975, Mehus Construction has set a standard of quality that is unmatched among Bay Area custom home builders.

It began with a clear vision from founder Paul Mehus, who believed in building strong relationships with clients and running his business like a family. That collaborative approach has led to a stunning, visual résumé of custom homes across the Bay Area landscape.

Paul Mehus passed away in May of 2019, but his legacy of honesty, integrity and craftsmanship never wavered following his retirement in 2011.

Aaron Ewing became president of the company that year, furthering Mehus’ proven business model — building impeccable custom homes with integrity and transparency, while creating lasting relationships along the way.

Ewing literally learned the business from the ground up, starting at Mehus on the demolition crew in 1991. Ewing quickly transitioned into other roles, including carpentry, painting, project estimating and, ultimately project management. During these transitions, his field skills were enhanced by construction management studies at San Jose State University.

Ewing’s advancement to company president also brought current VP Fernando DaCosta into the fold. He joined the team in 2011 as a project manager, developing strong relationships with subcontractors and homeowners. The son of a real estate developer, DaCosta grew up in Southern California helping his father flip homes as part of the demo crew. “My dad taught me to work through challenges and do things right,” DaCosta notes.

A former member of a U.S. Navy search-and-rescue team and later “hot shot” helicopter crew member for the U.S. Forest Service, DaCosta embraces the importance of teamwork and family. His role as VP and business partner involves business development, quality control and “connecting with people.”

Together, Ewing and DaCosta have assembled and nurtured a team of professionals that maintain a strict standard of quality and craftsmanship. It involves a relentless pursuit of perfection, a healthy respect for communication and a vow to earn and preserve every client’s trust.

The Mehus way.

Find out more at www.mehus.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.mehus.com

From Films and Lectures to Hands-on activities, PG Museum of Natural History rounds out 2019

As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

Pacific Grove, CA, September 25, 2019 – As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

This mission reshapes the typical museum experience, while creating a busy calendar to pique anyone’s interest.

The following schedule completes the 2019 calendar:

What: Science Saturday — The Sounds of Science

When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

From rabbit ears to bat echolocation, from owls in flight to dolphin sonar, the sense of hearing and the power of sound plays an important role in the natural world and how we study it. This free event allows participants to learn, make cool crafts and play fun games all about the science of sounds.

What: Junior Naturalist — Raptors

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 9-10 a.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Visit the newly renovated Museum Bird Gallery and join Antonio Balesteri of Sky Patrol for an hour of feathery fun learning about the birds of prey of Monterey County.

What: Museum’s Annual Gala

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us in celebrating the Wonder of the Museum at the annual gala, featuring local wineries (McIntyre Vineyards, Flywheel Wines, Morgan Winery, Blair Wines, Twisted Roots), breweries (Carmel Craft Brewing Company & Martha’s Hopyard) and restaurants (Beach House at Lovers Point, Lugano Swiss Bistro, La Balena, il grillo, TusCA Hyatt Regency Monterey, California Market at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, and Parker Lusseau), a silent auction, drawings and music from DJ Steb Montez.

What: How to Create a Butterfly Nectar Garden

When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

During Butterfly Days, join the museum and gardener Katie to learn how to create the type of nectar gardens that will attract monarchs near an overwintering site like the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. We’ll build a nectar garden together while we learn about the best types of native nectar plants to use in your own personal garden, and about the monarchs that could visit it.

What: Master Gardeners Demonstration Series

When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

Join the Monterey Bay Chapter of the University of California Master Gardeners as we launch a new monthly demonstration series. These events kick off with Master Gardeners demonstrating the science of pruning. Guests will learn best practices and walk away with a new skill set to keep their own personal gardens thriving.

What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Sea Otters: A Parasite’s New Host

When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The southern sea otter population faces increasing challenges to survival. One of the largest obstacles otters face is a disease caused by the thorny-headed worm, a parasite known by scientists as an acanthocephalan. This talk features Richard Grewelle, PhD candidate at Hopkins Marine Station, who will discuss his current research.

What: Science Saturday — Bats, Spiders and Snakes

When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us at this free event as we slither into the magical world of bats, spiders and snakes. Learn about these amazing (and important) animals as you visit fun and educational stations throughout the museum.

What: Junior Naturalist — Migratory Birds

When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: Point Pinos, Pacific Grove

Each winter thousands of birds migrate south along the California Coast, and the Monterey Audubon Society’s SeaWatch initiative works to catalog the number and species that travel past our beautiful bay. Paul Fenwick of SeaWatch will join us as we discover more about some of the amazing species that will fill our skies this holiday season.

Saturday, November 9, 2019 Member Event

A Passion for Jade

11am-1pm

Donna Wobber, Monterey Bay Jade Festival board member and wife of the late artist Don Wobber, takes us on his journey through Jade Cove and his incredible art with this alluring stone. Members are invited to join this presentation, where we ‘dive’ into Wobber’s legacy of influencing the jade culture, and explain the incredible 2,400 pound jade art piece that resides in our Native Plant Garden. Museum membership required, with 25 spots available.

What: Science Saturday — Magnificent Monarchs

When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

View live butterflies up close, migrate like a monarch, and learn how to garden with butterflies in mind. Participants at this free event can help our visiting monarchs by taking home their very own native wildflower pot.

What: Santa at the Museum

When: Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8 p.m.

Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Following Pacific Grove’s Tree Lighting Ceremony held at Jewell Park, walk the family over to the museum for a photo opportunity with Santa. Hosted by Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce.

What: Junior Naturalist — Tide Pool Exploration

When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-6 p.m.

Where: 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove

Bring your rubber boots or water shoes as we get into the intertidal with our very own LiMPETS program coordinator Hannah Sarver. We will explore this ecosystem and the fantastic creatures that inhabit it as we learn about sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs and more.

Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. For more information, call 648-5716, or visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.pgmuseum.org

Monterey Estate Planning and Financial Expert to Speak Nov. 5, 2019, at VNA Speakers Series Event in Monterey

Monterey financial expert Liza D. Horvath will be the speaker for Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) speaker series Nov. 5, 2019 at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey.

Monterey, CA, September 24, 2019 — Monterey financial expert Liza D. Horvath will be the speaker for Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) speaker series Nov. 5, 2019 at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey.

Horvath, President, Monterey Trust Management, Private Client Services and an expert in estate planning and trusts, will discuss the topic, “Begin With the End In Mind: Understanding Estate Planning.”

The complimentary event, which includes lunch, will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Tarpy’s Sierra Vintner Rooms, 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Monterey

For more information on the event, contact Tina Del Piero at (831) 648-3734. For more information on Horvath, go to montereytrust.com.

About VNA & Hospice

Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to the community. Well known as community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on-site flu and vaccine services.

As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education.

Our organization provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, connections, diabetic, orthopedic, and palliative care. These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise.

VNA Hospice is a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. A key component to our team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups. Info: ccvna.com or (831) 372-6668.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccvna.com

Monterey County-Based Balance Physical Therapy Joins Sneaker Drive to Help Create Business Opportunities in Developing Countries

Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

Monterey, CA, September 23, 2019 — Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

The sneaker drive is being held in conjunction with Tri-State Physical Therapy Conference, PT Day of Service (Oct. 12) and Be the Rippl, an organization that collects new and used shoes to create sustainable job opportunities, creating inventory for family businesses and merchants in developing countries to improve and build sustainable business opportunities and help impoverished, underserved, and third world communities prosper.

Shoes can be dropped off at both Balance PT locations, 2260 N. Fremont St., in Monterey, and 143 John St., in Salinas. These include:

>Tennis shoes, athletic shoes, including cleats.

​>Converse brand (only type of canvas that works as a “sneaker”).

​>Men’s, women’s and children sizes.

>Gently worn, no holes or tears.

>No dress shoes, canvas shoes, boots, or flip flops.

Rippl collects these shoes in partnership with Soles4Souls, which processes the shoes for partners such as the Haitian American Caucus. These partners distribute them for wholesale to merchants in developing areas. Shoes are sold locally in open-air markets. The business empowers others and stimulate the local economy. Then comes the so-called “Rippl Effect,” which lifts communities out of poverty by creating sustainable opportunities.

PT Day of Service, Oct. 12, is an annual event that is geared toward having PTs, PTAs, and students across the world engage in outreach and connect with their communities.

For more information on Rippl and its shoe drive, go to betherippl.com.

About PT Day of Service

In February of 2012 while serving as a health volunteer in Peru, PT Day of Service (PTDOS) Co-Founder, Efosa Guobadia, had this bold and inspirational idea “What if, on the same day, clinicians, students and associated staff of the Physical Therapy profession volunteered in different communities around the world?” Efosa then sought out his colleague, Josh D’Angelo (PTDOS Co-Founder), who describes his immediate response to this initiative. “I had a visceral response, one that told me this is something we not only should do, but something we need to do; a chance for the profession to show what we can do when we all work together.”

Since its inception PTDOS has grown exponential with service projects occurring each year in countries all over the world, and in all 50 states across the United States. To our knowledge, PTDOS is the first global Day of Service coordinated by a whole profession. It gives us the chance to lead and serve at the same time.

Alongside the growth of PTDOS has been the development our parent non-profit organization, Move Together. Move Together’s mission is to increase access to quality rehabilitation medicine around the corner and around the world. Move Together aims to achieve this by increasing the quality and quantity of physical therapy clinics worldwide, empowering clinicians, and catalyzing servant leaders. PT Day of Service directly contributes to Move Togethers goals by empowering leaders with a platform to serve, providing mentorship to those interested in creating sustainable service projects in their area, and providing the opportunity to financially contribute through sponsorships. ptdayofservice.com.

ABOUT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY®

Founded in June 2002, by Dr. John Farahmand, who grew up in the Salinas Valley and attended local schools, Balance Physical Therapy® and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy® achieves that goal by the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise, and patient education, forming a team with its patients that is committed to returning them to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Farahmand graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

In addition to Dr. Farahmand, there are 12 physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy®, all tops in their field. All of the physical therapists are committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

In order to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, all of the physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community.

Balance Physical Therapy now has two locations, in Monterey and in Salinas, to better serve the community’s needs.

Balance Physical Therapy Monterey

2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940

831-372-4782

monica@balancept.com

https://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Salinas

143 John St., Salinas, CA 93901

831-422-4782

jessica@balancept.com

https://www.balancept.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.balancept.com

Monterey Symphony Announces Four Finalists for Conductor Search

With the departure of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman at the end of the 2019-2020 OVATION season, the Monterey Symphony’s search for a replacement has yielded four strong candidates with impressive credentials.

Monterey, CA, September 20, 2019 — With the departure of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman at the end of the 2019-2020 OVATION season, the Monterey Symphony’s search for a replacement has yielded four strong candidates with impressive credentials.

The finalists include Donato Cabrera, the Music Director of the California Symphony and the Las Vegas Philharmonic; Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cape Symphony; Jayce Ogren, who has conducted many of the world’s most prominent orchestras, including the Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and the Dallas and San Francisco Symphonies; and Peter Bay, the primary conductor for the Austin Symphony and Ballet Austin who has appeared with 75 different orchestras from Chicago and St. Louis to Germany and Austria. (For more detailed bios, see below.)

“A Music Director search gives an organization time to reflect on its roots, and where it would like to go artistically. We have a fabulous search committee with a shared philosophy. Now that we have named the finalists, we can devote all our attention to celebrating Max and his tremendous legacy,” said Nicola Reilly, the Symphony’s Executive Director.

Bragado-Darman announced in 2018 that he would leave his position as the music director and conductor in May 2020 to give time for the Symphony to find his successor. He was hired as the symphony’s full-time music director in July 2004, after appearing with the orchestra as a frequent guest conductor in the 1990s.

“I am humbled and honored to have served the Monterey Symphony for so many years,” he told the Monterey Herald in 2018 when announcing his departure. “Both Mary and I feel that Monterey is like a second home to us. I am deeply proud of this orchestra and consider it an absolute gem. The next two seasons, which are already planned, will be joyous for the organization.”

Support for the Music Director search was provided by the Buffett Fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

Finalist bios:

Donato Cabrera – OCTOBER 2020

Donato Cabrera is the Music Director of the California Symphony and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and served as the Resident Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony and the Wattis Foundation Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2009-2016.

Since Cabrera’s appointment as Music Director of the California Symphony in 2013, the organization has reached new artistic heights by implementing innovative programming that emphasizes welcoming newcomers and loyalists alike, building on its reputation for championing music by living composers, and committing to programming music by women and people of color. With a recently extended contract through the 2022-23 season, Cabrera continues to advise and oversee the Symphony’s music education programs and community engagement activities. Cabrera has also greatly changed the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s concert experience by expanding the scope and breadth of its orchestral concerts. Cabrera has also reenergized the Youth Concert Series by creating an engaging and interactive curriculum-based concert experience.

In recent seasons, Cabrera has made impressive debuts with the National Symphony’s KC Jukebox at the Kennedy Center, Louisville Orchestra, Hartford Symphony, Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco, New West Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony, and the Reno Philharmonic. In 2016, he led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in performances with Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs. Cabrera made his Carnegie Hall debut leading the world premiere of Mark Grey’s Atash Sorushan with soprano, Jessica Rivera.

Awards and fellowships include a Herbert von Karajan Conducting Fellowship at the Salzburg Festival and conducting the Nashville Symphony in the League of American Orchestra’s prestigious Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview. Donato Cabrera was recognized by the Consulate-General of Mexico in San Francisco as a Luminary of the Friends of Mexico Honorary Committee, for his contributions to promoting and developing the presence of the Mexican community in the Bay Area.

Jung-Ho Pak – NOVEMBER 2020

Described by the New York Times as a conductor who “radiates enthusiasm” and the Los Angeles Times as “a real grabber”, Jung-Ho Pak is known for his unique vision of the role of classical music. Since 2007 he has been Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cape Symphony. From 2003-2013, he has been Director of Orchestras and Music Director of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. In 2012, Mr. Pak stepped down after six seasons as Artistic Director and Conductor of Orchestra Nova (San Diego), an orchestra recognized for its innovative programs and business model. Mr. Pak is also Music Director Emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. As Music Director of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (1997-2002), Mr. Pak led the orchestra from bankruptcy to an unprecedented financial success.

As a nationally recognized educator, he served as Music Director with the University of Southern California (USC) Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra. He has also served as Principal Conductor of the Emmy-nominated Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and as Music Director of the Debut Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra, NEXT Chamber Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Orchestra, and Diablo Ballet. Guest conducting has taken him to Europe, Russia, South America and Asia. Mr. Pak is also a frequent speaker on television and radio including TED Talks and NPR appearances, as well as a clinician and conductor at national music festivals.

Jayce Ogren – FEBRUARY 2021

Jayce Ogren has established himself as one of the most innovative and versatile conductors of his generation. From symphonic concerts to revolutionary community service programs to operatic world premieres.

Mr. Ogren is a leader in breaking down barriers between audiences and great music. Mr. Ogren began his career as Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra, a concurrent appointment he held from 2006-2009. In the years since, he has conducted many of the world’s most prominent orchestras, including the BBC Symphony, Boston Symphony, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, the Dallas and San Francisco Symphonies, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, in programs ranging from Mozart to Beethoven through Sibelius and Bernstein, to presenting U.S. and world premieres of works by Steve Mackey and Nico Muhly.

Among the numerous progressive projects Mr. Ogren has conducted are the New York premieres of Leonard Bernstein’s only opera, A Quiet Place, and puppeteer Basil Twist’s The Rite of Spring, both at Lincoln Center; the world premiere of David Lang’s symphony for a broken orchestra, bringing together 400 student, amateur and professional musicians in Philadelphia; and the world premiere of Jack Perla’s Shalimar the Clown at Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

A longtime collaborator of singer/songwriter/composer Rufus Wainwright, Mr. Ogren conducted the 2012 U.S. premiere of his opera Prima Donna at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and led its recording with the BBC Symphony on Deutsche Grammaphon in 2016. Mr. Ogren and Mr. Wainwright have since appeared together throughout the world, with ensembles such as the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, the Orchestre national d’Île-de-France in Paris and the Toronto Symphony.

A devoted educator, Mr. Ogren was invited by renowned poet Paul Muldoon to create an interdisciplinary studio class at Princeton University for the 2017-2018 academic year. He has worked with students at the Brevard Music Center, the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Music Academy of the West and Verbier Festival. In 2016, he presented a unique workshop in orchestral rehearsal techniques for music teachers at Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute and the Juilliard School Pre-College. For his own part, Mr. Ogren earned his Masters in conducting at the New England Conservatory and studied as a Fulbright Scholar with Jorma Panula.

A native of Hoquiam, Washington, Jayce Ogren lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Carly, an architect, and their son, Alistair. An avid athlete, he has run the Big Sur, Boston and New York City marathons, the JFK 50 Miler trail run, and the Ironman Lake Placid triathlon. As an individual member of 1% for the Planet, Mr. Ogren is proud to connect his artistic work with his deep love of nature and concern for the environment.

Peter Bay – MARCH 2021

Maestro Bay has appeared with seventy-five different orchestras including the National, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tucson, West Virginia, Colorado, Hawaii, Sarasota, Fort Worth, Bochum (Germany), Carinthian (Austria), Lithuanian National, and Ecuador National Symphonies, the Minnesota and Algarve (Portugal) Orchestras, the Louisiana, Buffalo, Rhode Island Philharmonics, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Eastman (Postcard from Morocco) and Aspen (The Ballad of Baby Doe) Opera Theaters, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center. Summer music festival appearances have included Aspen and Music in the Mountains (CO), Grant Park and Ravinia (IL), Round Top (TX), OK Mozart (OK) and Skaneateles (NY).

Peter is the primary conductor for Ballet Austin. For Austin Opera he has conducted A Streetcar Named Desire, La Traviata, Turandot, and The Marriage of Figaro.

Other positions held by Bay have included Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Breckenridge Music Festival (CO), Britt Festival Orchestra (OR), and posts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Richmond Symphony. Bay and the ASO with pianist Anton Nel released a critically acclaimed Bridge CD of Edward Burlingame Hill’s music. With the Richmond Symphony he recorded the US premiere of Britten’s The Sword in the Stone for Opus One Records, and with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Voices, featuring the percussion ensemble NEXUS.

In 1994, he was one of two conductors selected to participate in the Leonard Bernstein American Conductors Program. He was the first prize winner of the 1980 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Young Conductors Competition and a prize winner of the 1987 Leopold Stokowski Competition sponsored by the American Symphony Orchestra. In July 2012 he appeared in Solo Symphony, a choreographic work created for him by Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks.

Peter is married to soprano Mela Dailey and they have a son Colin.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.montereysymphony.org/

Wonderwall is a Perfect venue for Holiday Parties, Weddings and Events

Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo.

Sand City, CA, September 19, 2019 – Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo. Located in the Sand City Arts district, Wonderwall has elements of both glamour and industry and serves as a memorable backdrop for holiday parties, weddings, receptions or special gatherings and events. This elegant ambiance offers the perfect setting for photographs as it provides an intimate yet on-trend look and feel. A gathering space that is both spacious and comfortable, Wonderwall has both accessibility and convenient parking.

Facility rentals are available in 2-hour, 5-hour and full-day increments, with custom rental packages available upon request. Book your holiday party by October31st and receive 25% courtesy discount once space is scheduled and deposit is received.

Wonderwall only contracts with licensed caterers to ensure that your event runs smoothly. For questions and availability, please contact flourish@wonderwallhome.com or call (831) 241-4214.

Wonderwall

1714 Contra Costa St., Sand City, CA 93955

Phone: (831) 241-4214

Email: studio@www.wonderwall.life

Website: www.wonderwallhome.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

studio@www.wonderwall.life

http://www.wonderwallhome.com

CoapTech and Fidmi Medical to Collaborate on Groundbreaking G-Tube Systems

Baltimore, MD, 2019-Sep-18 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — CoapTech LLC (Baltimore, MD) and Fidmi Medical, Ltd. (Caesarea, Israel) announced today that they will be collaborating on bringing to market a set of next-generation products for the initial placement and long-term maintenance of gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes). The collaboration between CoapTech and Fidmi will focus on integrating the company’s two technologies and expanding their collective market opportunities.

Gastrostomy tubes, which help patients receive long-term nutritional support, are typically placed endoscopically and need to be replaced every 3-6 months.

CoapTech’s PUMA-G System allows initial gastrostomy tube placement by non-surgeons/ gastroenterologists, outside of the endoscopy suite, using point-of-care ultrasound at the patient bedside. This novel approach can be performed in the ICU, emergency room, and eventually outside of the hospital setting, substantially reducing costs for tube placement.

Fidmi Medical’s innovative low-profile gastrostomy system is unique in that it can be utilized for both initial placement and replacement and has several features which make it more durable and comfortable for patients. Gastrostomy tubes very often get dislodged, clogged, or infected, and need to be replaced frequently. Fidmi’s improved low-profile gastrostomy tube is placed just like any standard PEG tube but has an easily replaceable inner tube which can be changed by patients without the need to re-enter the healthcare system for replacement procedures. This will result in fewer complications with patients’ g-tubes, therefore potentially reducing healthcare costs for payers and healthcare systems; as well as providing a substantial improvement in quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Fidmi Medical Chairman, Lloyd Fishman, commented, “We are excited to collaborate with CoapTech in development and marketing. Both companies have developed cutting-edge technologies that will improve patient care and contribute to the ease, efficiency and confidence of clinicians’ work in the gastrostomy field.”

Dr. Steven Tropello, CoapTech’s founder and CMO said, “In combination these systems will be compatible with Push or Pull methods, be implantable in a wide variety of clinical settings, and require minimal readmission to the hospital and fewer visits to the ER. The synergy will reduce both front and back-end costs for hospitals and payers, and make care safer and more patient-centered.”

For further information, please contact:

Howard Carolan, CEO
CoapTech, LLC.
howard@coaptech.com

Shahar Millis, CEO
Fidmi Medical, Ltd.
shahar.millis@fidmimedical.com

(1) 443.745.1120

El Pajaro CDC Celebrates 40th anniversary with Tacos & Tapas Fundraising party in Watsonville on Oct. 25

Sponsorships Now Available Event Expands to Three Food Trucks and 22 Food Partners

Watsonville, CA, September 10, 2019 – To celebrate 40 years of helping local entrepreneurs reach their small business dreams, El Pajaro Community Development Corporation is throwing its second Tacos & Tapas fundraising party on Oct. 25 in Watsonville.

The 40th anniversary celebration will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at El Pajaro CDC’s Kitchen Incubator located at 412 East Riverside Drive in Watsonville.

The food-and-drink party will feature 22 food purveyors, all Kitchen Incubator entrepreneurs, including for the first time three food trucks. Purveyors will serve a variety of different regional foods, including tacos, tamales, tapas, sushi, pizza, sausages, pies and tarts, and more. Margaritas and sangria will be offered, in addition to wine and beer.

“It’s a celebration of a very strong legacy of passion for helping the community by supporting entrepreneurship,” said Carmen Herrera-Mansir, executive director of El Pajaro CDC. “We’re grateful for everyone who has played a role in helping us grow during the past four decades.”

A recently updated list of food partners (along with their menus) include:

• Artisan Hand Foods. Handmade sausage (Cumberland sausage, classic and spicy) wrapped in puff pastry. Three pastry snacks — chicken leek, lamb curry and spinach, artichoke and mushroom.

• Borinken Goodies. Traditional Puerto Rican food: Tostones con cerdo (fried plantains topped with roasted pork, avocado aioli and fresh tomatoes); majado de viandas con bacalao (mashed root vegetables with codfish; coquito (traditional drink with coconut milk).

• Cuevas Express Foods. Tamales, chicken in green sauce, pork in red sauce and veggies with jalapeños and cheese, all topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa, and a side of veggie stew.

• Dos Hermanos Pupuseria (food truck). Pupusas: bean and cheese; bean, cheese and pork; and vegetarian (spinach, zucchini and cheese).

• Easypreps. Chicken Thai noodles with peanut sauce, carrots and black sesame seeds; ceviche cocktail, lemon juice, tomatoes, onions and cilantro, garnished with fresh cucumber.

• El Nopalito Produce. Caprese skewers with grilled nopales, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper.

• Fired up (food truck). Pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven — margherita, parzola, and chicken with chipotle pesto.

• Hakouya. Sushi roll with cucumber, avocado and imitation crab; tofu pockets stuffed with sushi rice, egg, snow peas and pickled ginger; each served with soy sauce and miso dressing.

• Hiccuping Dragon. Bite-sized, kid-friendly hot dogs: Cheesy Bavarian, Polish dog, all-beef hot dogs with toppings.

• Il Biscotto. Handmade Italian cannoli filled with sweet orange-ricotta cheese.

• Mary’s Fruit Tarts. Fresh, homemade crust filled with cream cheese and fresh, seasonal fruit.

• My Mom’s Mole. Tacos, handmade blue-corn tortillas with roasted veggies or chicken and mole sauce, verde or traditional.

• Percy’s Pies. Gourmet Louisiana-style sweet potato pies — original, ginger snap, coffee liqueur and praline.

• Ronda Paella y Tapas. Offering the real flavor of Spain: Paella mixta (seafood, chicken, pork and Spanish chorizo), tortilla Española (Spanish omelette), fried tapas (ham croquettes, stuffed mussel shell) and Pisto (Spanish ratatouille).

• Rooster Ridge Farm. Locally grown, cured olives served with cheese.

• Splendid Blended. Wholesome ingredients mixed to create the perfect blend; dark chocolate spice and cinnamon banana flavors.

• Sunvalley Farm. Cactus and kale salad with tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro with a lemon juice vinaigrette.

• That Garlic Stuff. Beef meatballs with red sauce, Parmesan cheese, drizzled with “that garlic stuff.”

• The Ballesteros Catering Co. Tacos al pastor with chorizo and deep-fried, beer-battered mushrooms with the fixings.

• The Green Waffle. New grain-free, coconut-chia waffle, toasted and topped with fresh, local, seasonal berries. All other varieties available for sale during the event.

• Unique Sweets. Strawberry shortcake drizzled with chocolate-raspberry flavored balsamic vinegar.

• Yoli’s Adobo. Beef and chicken tacos marinated on Yoli’s adobo sauce and vegetarian green pozole.

Sponsors of the event include: Santa Cruz County Bank, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, Salud Para La Gente,Union Bank, Bernardus, Scheid Vineyards, Apple City Cider, Kong’s Burger & Café, Elkhorn Slough Brewery, Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank).

El Pajaro CDC is proud to welcome Edible Monterey Bay as its Media Sponsor.

Tickets are $65 per person through Sept. 30. Tickets will be the full price of $75 during October leading up to the event and, if available, at the door for $75. Sponsorship opportunities to help cover the cost of the event are also available.

Ticket price includes:

Admission plus 5 Tickets for food and or drinks.

Additional food/drink tickets can be acquired at the event.

Tickets are available at https://tacosandtapas2019.eventbrite.com

Stay tuned for details on our special auction! Details announced in October!

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, business development services and training are available to anyone with plans to open or expand a small business in the region.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.elpajarocdc.org/

Goodwill Central Coast inspires Halloween costume seekers with ‘Addams Family’ theme

Goodwill Central Coast, for decades a local treasure trove for Halloween costume inspiration, has announced a special finger-snapping theme for the year’s spookiest day.

Salinas, CA, September 09, 2019 – Goodwill Central Coast, for decades a local treasure trove for Halloween costume inspiration, has announced a special finger-snapping theme for the year’s spookiest day.

Goodwill brings back the silly vibe of “The Addams Family,” the beloved American horror and black comedy sitcom from the 1960s. Featuring a theme song punctuated by finger snaps, “The Addams Family” brought to life a hilarious cast of misfits, including husband-and-wife Gomez and Morticia, their butler Lurch and even a disembodied hand called Thing.

Each year finding the right costume at a price that is not downright scary can prove to be a daunting task. Not at Goodwill Central Coast, with 16 outlets to help provide DIY inspiration — from Uncle Fester to Cousin Itt.

And don’t forget your pets. Find inspiration in the curious lineup of “Addams Family” household animals, including Kitty Kat the lion, Aristotle the octopus, Zelda the vulture, Isolde the piranha, and Lucifer the lizard.

Goodwill invites everyone to support their community by shopping at a Goodwill store, or by simply donating gently-used clothing and household items. Each donation helps Goodwill’s cause to help empower people to work and setting them on a path to financial independence. Donations also help preserve the Central Coast landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills.

From home pick-ups to potential tax write offs, Goodwill makes donating as easy as possible. Find out more at www.ccgoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs nearly 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 10,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive working and learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Twisted Roots Wine branches off into creating crisp, refreshing hard cider Naturally Low in sugar, carbs

Winemaker Josh Ruiz insists he began bottling hard cider out of necessity. So naturally, he believes it’s necessary that we drink it.

Carmel Valley, CA, September 09, 2019 – Winemaker Josh Ruiz insists he began bottling hard cider out of necessity. So naturally, he believes it’s necessary that we drink it.

The longtime owner and vintner at Twisted Roots Wine has branched out (literally) into fermented apples, culminating in the birth of Twisted Roots Hard Cider.

Ruiz and his wife Julie sensed a growing market for a light, crisp, easy-drinking cider — once a favored beverage in colonial America until Prohibition destroyed the industry. Hard cider has exploded in growth in the U.S. over the past few years, buoyed by an adventurous, health-conscious younger set, and the fact that cider (unlike beer) is gluten-free.

The couple spent time researching the cider culture in England, and found that it varied greatly depending on the region, the weather and the fruit, just like wine.

They wanted to create the antithesis of a typical American cider that is often over-carbonated and sweet — something Ruiz called “candy apple ciders.”

“People were ready for something else, especially those who love our wines.”

So they created Twisted Roots Hard Cider, a light, crisp beverage that is low in sugar and carbs — “something clean, simple and refreshing.”

Twisted Roots uses a combination of five fresh apple varieties, each of which add unique elements to the finished product:

Golden Russets enhance the bouquet and aromatics, and contribute complexity and fruit flavor

Granny Smiths add tannic structure and tartness, adding to the mouthfeel

Galas help deliver a clean, refreshing finish

Fuji’s lend just the right amount of sweetness

Red Delicious bring rich mouth-feel and a distinctly apple aromatic quality

Twisted Roots Hard Cider has 6 percent alcohol, and a 22-ounce serving contains only 140 calories. For Ruiz, the beauty of making a hard cider without high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates?

You can drink more of it!

Tastings of Twisted Roots Hard Cider are available at the wine tasting room in Carmel Valley, 12 Del Fino Place, 93924. For information or to purchase bottles online, visit www.twistedrootshardcider.com or call 831- 594-8282.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.twistedrootshardcider.com