Category Archives: Business

Business

Abalonetti Bar & Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf the Perfect place for Holiday parties and Gift finds

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It’s a debate that rages every year when summer ends and the leaves begin to fall: When are we allowed to start thinking about Christmas?

Monterey, CA, October 12, 2019 — It’s a debate that rages every year when summer ends and the leaves begin to fall: When are we allowed to start thinking about Christmas?

Abalonetti Bar & Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf believes it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit, especially when it comes to party planning.

Whether some of us are ready to accept it or not, December is right around the corner. Plan your holiday parties early, and get the best seat in the house at Monterey’s favorite seafood restaurant since 1951.

And for those foodies searching for the perfect gift, Abalonetti has you covered. Abalonetti specializes in Monterey Bay calamari — dressed in house daily and prepared in a dozen varieties, including its exclusive Buffalo Calamari. So how about one of the restaurant’s famous Got Squid? T-shirts?

Or perhaps consider buying someone special Abalonetti’s vintage The Joy of Cooking Squid poster, complete with diagrams and instructions on how to properly clean this famous, fast-swimming, elongated cephalopod with eight arms and two tentacles.

The holiday gift-giving fallback is always a gift card, and Abalonetti has you covered with its unique electronic gift card (eGift) system. Go to www.abalonetti.com and send an eGift to any recipient via email or text message. You choose the value and the recipient can use that value to make purchases at Abalonetti Bar and Grill.

During the holiday season, Abalonetti is open for Thanksgiving, but closed on Christmas Day to allow its employees to enjoy the festivities with their families.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.abalonetti.com

Business

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

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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

Business

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

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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

Business

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

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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

Business

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

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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

Business

Holiday Shopping just got easier as Sweets of Eden offers Unique Online Gift packs of Old-fashioned, Slow-cooked, Small-batch, Hand-wrapped Caramels

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Sweet family memories gave Susanne McBride the inspiration to launch a career as a micro-confectioner.

Spreckels, CA, September 05, 2019 — Sweet family memories gave Susanne McBride the inspiration to launch a career as a micro-confectioner. Now her business Sweets of Eden makes it easy to sweeten anyone’s holiday by offering convenient online gift purchases of her famous hand-wrapped, small-batch caramels.

Previously sold only at pop-up events and through third-party outlets, McBride’s caramels — patterned after her mother’s coveted family recipe — can now be purchased online at www.sweetsofeden.net.

Just in time for the holidays, Sweets of Eden has created unique edible tri-gift packs (in three separate flavors) that are sold either in Mason jars ($27) or cellophane bags ($25).

Along with her daughter Kate Brown and their combined families, McBride started Sweets of Eden in 2016. McBride began making the creamy treats 30 years ago after remembering her mother’s caramels, a family recipe that was lost a decade before. She modified the recipe, and while not exactly the same as her mother’s, it was a hit and brought back fond memories.

The caramels are all made by hand, slow-cooked in small batches and individually wrapped. Making up to 20 pounds of caramels per week, Sweets of Eden has launched different flavors. Starting with vanilla, they soon expanded and now produce up to more than 15 flavors seasonally, including sea salt, apple pie, coffee, pumpkin, peppermint, raspberry, root beer, green apple, orange creamsicle, passionfruit, lemon, cinnamon and licorice. All are gluten free and dye free. The family is testing out several new flavors, including chai, hot spicy caramel and vegan and sugar-free versions. They never lack for volunteers for the taste testing. The maker’s favorite? McBride says: “The last batch made is always the favorite until the next batch is made.”

McBride is a third-generation Monterey County resident — her family has been in the area since the 1870s. Both McBride and Brown have full-time jobs, but love to step into the kitchen and stir the pot. As for how the name of the company was created, well, it just made sense. “We are surrounded by Steinbeck and it clicked. There is a sweet history here and we are going to include it.”

Sweets of Eden

(831) 783-5566

sweetsofeden831@gmail.com

https://sweetsofeden.net

https://www.facebook.com/pg/sweetsofeden/

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.sweetsofeden.net

Business

Indian Spiritual Guide Shreekalp to Hold One-on-One Spiritual Meetings in September 2019 at Hyatt Regency Monterey

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“Three qualities that identify a true human life, Love which is Truth, Happiness is in Purity and Knowledge with Consciousness.” — Shreekalp

Monterey, CA, September 04, 2019 — Companion guide and spiritual mentor Shreekalp from India will be holding 90-minute one-on-one spiritual meetings Sept. 13-15, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey.

Shreekalp has been helping people across the globe to lead a fulfilled life filled with love, knowledge and happiness. Through his gifted clairvoyance Sheekalp has been a guiding mentor to help enlighten souls and awaken individual consciousness.

“In Conversation With Shreekalp” is a one-on-one spiritual meeting with Shreekalp where he listens to you individually and guides you to lead a blissful life filled with love, happiness and knowledge.

The one-on-one sessions will be held Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13, 14 and 15, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey. Cost is $200. Light refreshments and snacks are offered before and after the meeting.

Email gaikwadsamit@gmail.com or call (917) 399-7899 to reserve a spot.

The related Divine Harmony Retreat being held at the same time at the Hyatt Regency Monterey is sold out.

About Shreekalp

Shreekalp is an established companion guide and spiritual mentor. He is a writer, philosopher and a visionary who understands the holistic and spiritual aspects of different ideologies.

Shreekalp has an ability to understand human emotions and has art to visualize energy patterns of people. Based on that he can suggest how to maintain energy with in a person, and how to develop it for giving a meaning to the individual life. He has creativity to tailor expectations, dreams, goals and views; he can even customize them as per the interest of the individual.

Shreekalp had interest in spirituality from an early childhood and gives spiritual guidance and discourses. In his companionship one can experience love, knowledge and happiness of mankind to do spiritual celebration of life. Along with his spiritual interest Shreekalp has love for social activities for uplifting the under-privileged people of the society.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course

Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Restaurant, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/

Business

Salinas Self Storage Celebrates Facility Expansion and the Art of decluttering at Ribbon-cutting party Public Event Tuesday, October 29th features Music, Food truck, Charity partnership

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Never in modern history has there been more focus on decluttering our lives, with tidying up falling into three distinct categories — charity, trash and storage.

Salinas, CA, August 30, 2019 – Never in modern history has there been more focus on decluttering our lives, with tidying up falling into three distinct categories — charity, trash and storage.

It’s no wonder that Salinas Self Storage just invested in a six-month renovation to create the most secure and comprehensive self-storage facility in Monterey County.

Conveniently located just off the new Sala Road exit along Highway 101with easy access from both the north and the south, Salinas Self Storage offers modern, safe and clean storage, with all units individually alarmed, monitored and equipped with fire-safe sprinklers. The expansion also made room for new RV and boat storage as well.

Salinas Self Storage will celebrate its new beginning with a community gathering on Tuesday, October 29th (5-7 p.m.), with both the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Salinas Valley Chamber on hand. The unveiling and ribbon-cutting will include live music, a food truck and other activities.

During the celebration Salinas Self Storage will officially announce its new charity partner, Gil’s Basketball Academy, a community-minded program that surrounds local youth with positive role models, peer influences and constructive activities.

From October 29th through November 30, 10 percent of all new rental proceeds up to $1,000 will benefit Gil’s Basketball Academy. Such support is a major tenet of Salinas Self Storage, family owned and operated by locals invested in their community.

Gene and Nancy Spencer started Salinas Self Storage in 1999. Widowed in 2015, Salinas native Nancy Spencer — a retired teacher who spent 28 years at Spreckels Elementary — now owns SSS with Salinas raised businessman and real estate developer Mike House.

“My son Michael and Mike House were classmates (1981) at Palma High,” said Nancy, who still lives in a house on the facility property. “When I needed a new partner, Michael got in touch with Mike and we have been working together ever since.”

The mission of Salinas Self Storage centers around supreme service not usually seen in the industry. Nothing tops the care of the facility’s onsite manager for extra peace of mind. And for extra convenience, SSS is the only storage place in town to offer free carry-in service to new customers.

Serving the Salinas area, including Prunedale, Castroville, Gonzales, Royal Oaks, Marina and Monterey, Salinas Self Storage is proud of its friendly, professional staff. SSS offers a variety of sizes to fit the needs of residential or business users.

“We aim to tailor your storage experience to fit your storage schedule and make your life easier,” House said.

Less clutter, less stress, with more room to enjoy life.

Lauren Chocholak

Asset Manager

House Properties

35 Corte Madera Ave.

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(847) 224-3346

lauren@houseproperties.us

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.houseproperties.us

Business

Shopping at Goodwill Central Coast stores is a win-win for your Pocketbook and the Planet

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The sale of secondhand goods — often called recommerce — is the fastest growing retail sector in the country.

Salinas, CA, August 28, 2019 – The sale of secondhand goods — often called recommerce — is the fastest growing retail sector in the country. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, GlobalData PLC estimates that secondhand sales will double to $51 billion by 2023, up from $24 billion last year.

The well-stocked stores of Goodwill Central Coast are a big part of this trend, featuring the same name brands offered at department stores — at a fraction of the price.

Shoppers ages 18 to 37 (a large majority of them women) are driving this shift, inspired by everyday low prices, the high quality of items and the eco-friendly benefits of shopping secondhand.

Studies show that consumers, on average, buy 60 percent more clothing than they did 15 years ago, but keep the items only half as long. This has resulted in more waste, and an increase in greenhouse gases due to the energy and resources it takes to produce all that clothing.

Goodwill Central Coast shoppers can enjoy guilt-free retail therapy, knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping useful items out of our landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources.

Stores throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties offer unique finds at unbeatable prices — from that perfect vintage jacket to a pair of name-brand shoes. You never know what treasure you might find.

Looking for the very best deals? Check out our daily 50 percent off color tag sales to find huge savings on quality items. Shop in your neighborhood, or online, as the Goodwill virtual store can lead you to that perfect item without leaving your home.

About Goodwill

Goodwill Central Coast builds lives, families and communities by helping people with employment needs become successful, supported by innovative enterprises that preserve the Earth’s resources.

Each year Goodwill assists more than 10,150 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. It provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work. For more information visit www.ccgoodwill.org.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Business

Maggie Rawleigh Named Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

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The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa has announced the hiring of Maggie Rawleigh as its Director of Events.

Monterey, CA, Aug. 19, 2019 — The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa has announced the hiring of Maggie Rawleigh as its Director of Events.

Prior to coming on board at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, Rawleigh served for almost six years at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos, most recently as Director of Catering Sales and Conference Services, as well as Wedding and Social Events Sales Manager, and Catering and Conferences Manager.

Her tenure also includes Director of Catering Sales at Hilton Santa Cruz and Tasting Room Manager and Social Events Sales Manager at Byington Vineyard & Winery in Los Gatos.

“I’m very excited about joining the Hyatt Regency Monterey team and continuing to provide the exemplary service and expertise it has become known for,” said Rawleigh. “I look forward to working with our guests to provide the best possible experience for them.”

Rawleigh studied Tourism and Travel Services Management at San Jose State University and Cabrillo College in Aptos, where she received an Associate of Arts and Sciences in that field.

She served on the Board of Directors for the Aptos Chamber of Commerce for three years and the last year as their Vice President.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Restaurant, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, Spa, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com