Western Food Safety Summit Goes Virtual on May 5-6, 2021

  The Western Food Safety Summit at Hartnell College will go virtual on May 5-6, 2021, inviting attendees from across California and the entire country to view live presentations from industry-leading scientists, managers and executives.

 Salinas, CA, January 11, 2021 - The two-day event will use the online Zoom platform to explore strategic field-to-fork innovations in soil and water management, equipment and technology, while assuring the safety of presenters and attendees amid the ongoing pandemic. 

The registration deadline is April 15, and a discounted early-bird price of $250 is available through Feb. 28. Space is limited. Opportunities also remain for sponsors and virtual exhibitors. 

Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, interim superintendent/president of the Hartnell Community College District, will open the summit on May 5 with a greeting and overview at 9 a.m. 

Morning keynotes will be delivered on May 5 by Tim York, chief executive officer for the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, and on May 6 Dennis Donohue, director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, which is presenting the summit in partnership with the Hartnell College Agricultural Business & Technology Institute. 

“We are excited to present the 16th annual Western Food Safety Summit from our new virtual platform,” said event Co-Chair Jess Hogg, quality assurance manager for Scheid Family Wines. “It is our goal to bring you information on the most relevant food safety issues of the day through our outstanding line up of industry experts.” 

As in years past, the summit’s information sessions are aimed at a cross-section of players in the fresh fruits and vegetables industry, from executives such as growers, processors, coolers, shippers and suppliers to food safety directors and supervisors and quality-assurance foremen and crew leaders. Students and faculty in Hartnell’s agricultural career programs will also participate. 

Co-Chair Clint Cowden, Hartnell’s dean of career technical education and workforce development, said the summit is one way the college continues to give back to the industry that helped it build some of the nation’s best ag education programs over the past 15 years.

 “In 2006, Monterey County’s agriculture industry came together to help rebuild the agriculture programs at Hartnell College,” Cowden said. “The main focus of this rebuild was maintaining the safest food system in the world.  

“The Western Food Safety Summit conference is made by and for working food safety professionals, and we have some of the best experts on the planet presenting at this summit.” 

The following are examples of presenters and their topics: 

“Lessons Learned From Field-Based Research Following the 2018 (E. coli) Outbreak,” by Dr. Channah Rock, professor of environmental sciences and water quality specialist with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. 

“Steps in Developing a Comprehensive Irrigation Water Treatment Program,” by Bob Mills, director of food safety/technical services at The Harbinger Group, LLC Misionero. 

“Data Sharing – a Different Industry-FDA Approach to Conduct Product Testing,” by Sonia Salas, assistant vice president for food safety, Western Growers. 

To take advantage of the $250 early registration fee, a savings of $45 per individual, visit the summit website at the westernfoodsafetysummit.com. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the summit. 

Information is also available on the website about $1,000 event sponsorships, which offer significant exposure to produce industry audiences throughout the event, including opportunities to share information as virtual exhibitors via social media and a one-minute video to be played throughout the conference. Each sponsorship includes one complimentary registration and a complimentary sponsor’s booth in the virtual exhibitor area online. 

For more information, please contact Clint Cowden at (831) 755-6702 or ccowden@hartnell.edu. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.hartnell.edu

Third Night's A Charm at the Hofsas House Hotel

  Book 3 nights and the 3rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break...

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, January 08, 2021 - Book 3 nights and the 3rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break...they just don't last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3rd nights a charm!  

Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.   Offer valid from February, March and April 2021.  Mention Code HHCHARM when booking. 

For more information, please visit www.hofsashouse.com  or call (831) 624-2745

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Everyone’s Harvest Embraces ‘New Year, New You’ Theme Focusing on Innovative Fresh-food initiatives

  Everyone’s Harvest has announced the hiring of Alyssa Huante as Assistant Office and Program Manager and a Zoom Cooking Demo Tuesday, January 19th with Chef Brandon Miller

 Marina, CA, January 07, 2021 - Serving communities anxious to turn the page on the calendar to a more hopeful and healthful 2021, Everyone’s Harvest has embraced the central theme “New Year, New You.”

 The nonprofit’s mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmer’s markets and community food programs. 

From its Fresh RX program (an innovative partnership with healthcare providers that focuses on preventive health care) to Market Match (empowering low-income customers to make healthy food choices), Everyone’s Harvest focuses on diverse community needs. 

While some EH farmers’ markets remain closed for the winter, it still operates the following: 

* Marina Certified Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 215 Reservation Road, Marina 

* Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market: Every Monday — 3-7 p.m. (winter 3-6 p.m.), corner of Central and Grand avenues, Pacific Grove 

* We will be reopening January 10th and 11th, respectively 

For safe, quick shopping, anyone may pre-order a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, curated by a local farmer, and pick them up at the market by visiting www.everyonesharvest.org. 

Alisal Certified Farmers’ Market, Natividad Certified Farmers’ Market and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market will reopen in 2021. 

In another pivot due to COVID-19 restrictions, Everyone’s Harvest has announced monthly cooking demos hosted by local chefs via Zoom. Brandon Miller, former chef of Mundaka in Carmel and co-owner of Chef’s Stash, will kick off each month with a demo featuring local produce, followed by pop-up demos by other local chefs. Miller’s first Zoom will be 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19. (Need Zoom Link) 

In related news, Everyone’s Harvest has announced the hiring of Alyssa Huante as Assistant Office and Program Manager. Huante grew up nearby in Hollister and has a degree in Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. She is passionate about making a positive impact on her local community and the environment. She has worked in nonprofit administration, community outreach, and education for the past 10 years. In her free time, Huante enjoys exploring new places, hiking and camping, and hanging out at the beach with her family. 

Chef Brandon’s Orange Salad

 (Serves 4)

 4 each Valencia oranges

 1 bulb fennel, with top

 ¼ cup cured black olives, pitted

 8 each Spanish cured anchovies fillets

 2 T. sherry vinegar

 1 T. anise liqueur (optional)

 3 T. fruity extra virgin olive oil

 Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions: Zest the oranges by taking only the orange part of the peel with a fine grater. Cut the ends off of the oranges and cut off all of the peel leaving no white pith. Cut each orange into 4-5 rounds discarding any seeds. Shave fennel bulb reserving the leaves for garnish. Rough chop the olives. Combine orange zest with sherry vinegar, anise liqueur and whisk in olive oil for dressing. In a bowl place orange wheels, shaved fennel and olives with the dressing. Toss and arrange on serving plates. Finish each salad with fennel leaves and Spanish anchovies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

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

San Lorenzo Valley Water District begins 2021 with three new directors on its Board of Directors

  The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has elected two directors and appointed one new director to its five-person Board of Directors (board), a governing body responsible for the establishment of policy that affects more than 7,900 connections. 

Boulder Creek, CA, January 05, 2021 - The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has elected two directors and appointed one new director to its five-person Board of Directors (board), a governing body responsible for the establishment of policy that affects more than 7,900 connections. On December 7th, Gail Mahood and Tina Marie were sworn into the board after being elected in November. On December 16th, Mark Smolley was appointed and sworn into the board. These three new directors replace outgoing board members Richard Moran, Lewis Farris and Steven Swan. 

The three new directors have vast experience and diverse qualifications: 

Gail Mahood: The retired Stanford University geology professor has expertise in the effects of geology and climate change on the hydrology and biology of watersheds. She also brings a vast knowledge of groundwater issues, water quality (including post-fire contamination) and geologic hazards that could impact SLVWD facilities (i.e. landslides, earthquakes, floods, debris flows). Mahood served on Stanford’s budget and strategic planning group and the Land and Building Committee, and was chair of the Faculty Senate. She has also served on the SLVWD Engineering Committee since 2019. 

Tina Marie To: A marine environmental scientist and active community member, To holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and Earth Science from UC Santa Cruz, along with a master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Sydney in Australia. As an environmental scientist, To has worked for the California State Water Board and the City of Richmond, specializing in wastewater issues. A frequent attendee and contributor at SLVWD meetings and a member of the community group Friends of San Lorenzo Valley Water, To believes water is the critical life force of the valley. 

Mark Smolley: The Felton resident has participated with the SLVWD Engineering Committee for the past two years. He also served as a board member for six years with Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit in San Jose focused on improving low-income housing. Smolley served as the utilities construction project manager at Apple Inc.’s 170-acre campus from 2015-2018, and in a similar capacity for the University of California, San Francisco (2008-2014). A graduate of Penn State University, Smolley is a state-licensed professional geologist. 

The SLVWD also passed three resolutions to acknowledge and thank the three departing board members: 

Stephen Swan: Swan served on the board for two years, beginning in 2018. During his tenure on the board, Swan served as board president in 2020 and led the District through the CZU Wildfire. The board acknowledged Swan’s dedication to the proper management and fiscal viability of the district, as well as the protection of the watershed properties and the environmental health of the entire San Lorenzo River watershed. 

Lewis Farris: Farris served on the board for 1 year & 7 months, after being appointed in 2019. His contribution and service began in 2014 when he served on the Community Outreach Citizens Advisory Committee and later as a public member of the Engineering Committee, where he was instrumental in the District earning a Transparency Certificate of Excellence and improving outreach to the public. Farris was also involved in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Management Agency and served as one of the District’s representatives. 

Richard Moran: Moran served on the board for 1 year & 4 months, after being appointed in 2019. Before joining the board, Moran participated as a voice in the community, calling for a ban on glyphosate, a suspected human carcinogen. He also served as a public member on the Environmental Committee before he was seated on the board. Moran was responsible for moving forward the adoption of the District’s first Integrated Pest Management Plan, reducing the use of pesticides. 

Established in 1941, the SLVWD supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Lompico, Zayante, Scotts Valley, Manana Woods and Felton. Through a network of distribution lines, pump stations and reservoirs, the district now serves more than 7,900 connections and 35,000 residents.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
https://www.slvwd.com/

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation Receives Community Impact Grant from Community Foundation for Monterey County

 Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has received a Community Impact Grant of $15,000 to help the Foundation continue assisting pets in a health crisis over the next 18 months. 

Carmel, CA, December 22, 2020 — Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has received a Community Impact Grant of $15,000 to help the Foundation continue assisting pets in a health crisis over the next 18 months. 

The grant came from the Kathleen and Howard Marks Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Community Impact Grants address critical issues and opportunities for five primary program areas that advance the Community Foundation’s mission and vision for Monterey County. These grants are based on an analysis of local needs, aspirations, assets and opportunities for achieving strategic results. 

“The addition of Chestnut Fund grants has left a gap in funding for our core programs, and this grant will help fill that gap,” said Dayna Klein, co-founder and executive director of Max’s. “This is our first grant from the Community Foundation and we’re honored and excited to receive these much-needed funds to help us on our mission.” 

About Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has granted more than $330,000 to give hundreds of pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County. Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (831) 704-6473 and info@maxshelpingpaws.org. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

Interim Inc. Recognizes National Mental Awareness Month in January 2021

 Interim Inc. recognizes the importance of Mental Wellness Month in January 2021, and is dedicating the month for promoting overall mental wellness.

 Salinas, CA, December 21, 2020 — Interim Inc. recognizes the importance of Mental Wellness Month in January 2021, and is dedicating the month for promoting overall mental wellness. 

Mental wellness is about how all aspects of your life — the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual — all come together for an overall state of well-being.

 Mental health and wellness affect all aspects of our lives. It helps determine how we act, feel, and think, and it affects our ability to handle stress, connect to other people, and to make decisions. Thus it’s important to improve our mental awareness in any way we can, some can be as simple as laughing or having a positive attitude.  

Here are some tips that can help everyone improve their mental wellness: 

1. Develop a positive attitude — people with positive attitudes are happier, more successful, and better able to handle crises and stress. And in concert with a positive attitude, get an attitude of gratitude for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t. 

2. Avoid negative self-talk — Learn to be thankful for the good rather than focusing on the negative issues.

 3. View a crisis situation as an opportunity — creative problem-solving can expand your options. Try to make a list of good things that could result from the problem you’re having to solve. 

4. Laugh — Humor is a great stress-reducer. Studies indicate laughter can make you healthier. 

5. Exercise — Regular exercise increases energy and releases brain biochemicals to ward off depression and anxiety. Just a 15-minute walk a day will help keep body and soul together. 

6. Improve your diet — During times of stress, you tend to skip meals or eat junk food. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber will help you maintain the physical and mental stress you need to deal with the situation. 

7. Get enough rest — sleep disturbances are common during stress. 

8. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Help can be just a phone call away. 

For more information  go to https://www.americanmentalwellness.org/  or to interiminc.org.

 About Interim, Inc.

Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that provides a unique combination of support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County. Services provided include affordable supportive housing, residential treatment, mental health and dual-recovery services, case coordination, therapeutic services, outreach and intensive support for homeless adults, supported education and employment, day treatment and peer support.

Interim Inc.
P.O. Box 3222 
Monterey, CA 93942 
(831) 649-4522 
www.interiminc.org

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.interiminc.org

GBA’s January ‘Ganas’ Podcast Guests include Hall of Fame Local coach, Iconic sportswriter

  Podcast Episodes Available on Apple

Salinas, CA, December 22, 2020 — Interviewing a Hall of Fame local coach who has given tirelessly to his community and an award-winning sportswriter and Twitter icon, Gil Basketball Academy offers new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for December.

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”) is recorded live from the family garage of Jose Gil and Eva Silva, co-founders of the academy that promotes the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA builds confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The “Ganas” podcast officially launched on Sept. 14, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at www.gilbasketballacademy.com.

On Jan. 11, Episode 11 features coaching legend Jim Rear, who compiled 394 wins at Alisal and Alvarez high schools, earning induction into both the Alisal High and Salinas Valley Sports halls of fame. Off the court Rear impacted countless lives in Salinas, as executive director of the Sunrise House (a youth/family counseling and crisis center for alcohol- and drug-related issues), and as a volunteer for several organizations, including the Salinas Police Activities League.

On Jan. 25, the “Ganas” team will interview local sportswriter, columnist and Twitter icon John Devine, who has won 18 awards honoring his work at the Monterey County Herald.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with and inspire his GBA kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com