Monterey Symphony Announces Concert #4, March 14-15, 2020, In Its 2019-2020 Season, Ovation

The Monterey Symphony continues a season of orchestral “greatest hits” under the baton of Burning Man and Bay Area guest conductor for its March concerts.

Monterey, CA, March 27, 2020 — The Monterey Symphony continues a season of orchestral “greatest hits” under the baton of Burning Man and Bay Area guest conductor for its March concerts.

The Monterey Symphony’s March performances are Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at Sunset Center in Carmel. A pre-concert lecture is held one hour prior to the performance each day.

Guest conductor Brad Hogarth joins us for the very first time from the Bay Area where he is the Assistant Professor of Conducting at San Francisco State University, the music director and conductor of both the Contra Costa Wind Symphony and the Art Haus Collective. In August 2017, Brad conducted the Art Haus Collective’s ballet production of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring at the Burning Man in 2017. An estimated 10,000 people were in attendance and photos from the event were featured in USA Today, Business Insider, as well as the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. Brad has also recently guest conducted a few of Grammy winning composer Mason Bates' Mercury Soul projects, the San Francisco Civic Symphony, the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, the ECHO Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Wind Ensemble, the Oakland Municipal Band, and regularly conducts various professions, educational, and community events all over the Bay Area.

Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Symphony, “Polish,” opens the program. This symphony is unique in that it is his only Symphony both in a major key, and containing five movements. Various instruments are showcased in this iconic work, including a lovely flute solo in the third movement.

The second half of the program contains Shostakovich’s 15th Symphony, written in 1971 and premiered in Moscow, which is full of references to other composer’s works. Shostakovich tips his hat to Rossini and Glinka, as well as featuring the “Fate” motif from Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

“The wealth of this (Russian) tradition has made a giant contribution to the history of music,” said Max Bragado-Darman, Monterey Symphony Music Director.

Prior to each concert is a pop-up art exhibit featuring portraits by local photographer Randy Tunnell. Facing Faith is a study of 20 local faith leaders taken over a six month period. The subjects of Tunnell’s works come from various religious backgrounds, including Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Greek Orthodox and more. Prints for this exhibit were sponsored by Pépe International. The exhibit will be available for viewing in the Sunset Center Lobby on Saturday night before the concert and during intermission and on Sunday before the concert.

For more information on the March concerts, the Facing Faith exhibit or to buy tickets, please visit www.montereysymphony.org or call 831-646-8511.

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

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month to Help People Learn More About the Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of a Disease that Affects 1 Million Americans

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S., a time to spread awareness and understanding of this chronic condition that affects more than one million people in the U.S, more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.

Monterey, CA, March 17, 2020 — April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S., a time to spread awareness and understanding of this chronic condition that affects more than one million people in the U.S, more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month helps people to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of this disease. Knowing more about Parkinson’s disease (PD) can help to work towards more research discoveries and treatments.

The one million people living with Parkinson’s in the U.S. doesn’t include the cases that go undiagnosed, and every year, 60,000 more people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Every 9 minutes, a life changing diagnosis is received.

But what is Parkinson's disease? PD is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

PD is most often diagnosed in people in their 60s. Young-onset PD (YOPD) is the term used for anyone diagnosed under the age of 50, which occurs in 10-15% of PD cases. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have PD than women.

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown, but researchers believe it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. About 10 to 15 percent of all cases of PD are thought to be genetic forms of the disease.

There is no diagnostic test for PD. Physicians rely on a combination of clinical exams and tests evaluating symptoms. Often, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is first made by a primary care physician. Many people seek an additional opinion from a neurologist with experience and specific training in the assessment and treatment of the disease.

Some of the symptoms of PD include:

Tremors or tics in the hands, arms, legs or face

Impaired balance

Rigidity of the limbs and trunk (stiffness in the body or limbs)

Freezing (hesitation when stepping forward)

Micrographia (writing that gets smaller in size)

Mask-like expression (due to a reduction in involuntary facial movement)

Problems with motor control including gradual loss of spontaneous movement and loss of coordination

A diagnosis of PD is life changing but there is much that can be done in terms of incorporating daily exercise and disease-specific programs that improve symptoms, restore function, slow disease progression and increase quality of life. Exercise benefits a Parkinson’s patient with symptom management. Research has proven that specific programs can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination.

In Monterey County it’s estimated that there are more than 1,500 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While studies have shown that exercise benefits patients with PD, Monterey County was lacking in programs and facilities that allowed PD patients to access and take advantage of Parkinson’s-specific exercise and movement programs.

In 2017, Power Over Parkinson’s (POP) was formed to raise funds to enhance the lives of those affected by the disease and support the availability, frequency and access to Parkinson’s-specific exercise through a local exercise program in an environment that embraces empowerment, motivation and social enrichment.

POP devoted a year to understanding wellness strategies, studying successful exercise programs, researching which programs were scientifically most beneficial and finding an accessible and convenient location to hold classes.

In 2019, POP launched its first class in the POP Fit program: High Intensity Interval Training incorporating the Rock Steady Boxing method. A Rock Steady Boxing affiliate, this non-contact program focuses on footwork, balance, coordination, stretching and strength building which are designed to improve balance, strength, endurance and flexibility.

POP fundraising efforts are to directly support patient services and expansion of existing Parkinson’s-specific exercises classes designed to slow symptom deterioration, disease progression and assist families coping with Parkinson’s rebuild and redefine their lives.

Currently, POP is operating under the fiscal sponsorship umbrella of the Action Council for Monterey County’s 501(c)3 and is also supported by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.

There is no quick and easy answer to treating PD, but one thing is true: The more people understand the disease and the ravages it can cause, the more they will want to get involved. You can participate in National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in a number of different ways.

Get involved

The Parkinson’s Foundation has an annual fundraising event called Moving Day. Form or sponsor a team and participate in the walk.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-monthApril is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S., a time to spread awareness and understanding of this chronic condition that affects more than one million people in the U.S, more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.

Monterey, CA, March 17, 2020 — April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S., a time to spread awareness and understanding of this chronic condition that affects more than one million people in the U.S, more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month helps people to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of this disease. Knowing more about Parkinson’s disease (PD) can help to work towards more research discoveries and treatments.

The one million people living with Parkinson’s in the U.S. doesn’t include the cases that go undiagnosed, and every year, 60,000 more people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Every 9 minutes, a life changing diagnosis is received.

But what is Parkinson's disease? PD is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

PD is most often diagnosed in people in their 60s. Young-onset PD (YOPD) is the term used for anyone diagnosed under the age of 50, which occurs in 10-15% of PD cases. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have PD than women.

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown, but researchers believe it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. About 10 to 15 percent of all cases of PD are thought to be genetic forms of the disease.

There is no diagnostic test for PD. Physicians rely on a combination of clinical exams and tests evaluating symptoms. Often, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is first made by a primary care physician. Many people seek an additional opinion from a neurologist with experience and specific training in the assessment and treatment of the disease.

Some of the symptoms of PD include:

Tremors or tics in the hands, arms, legs or face

Impaired balance

Rigidity of the limbs and trunk (stiffness in the body or limbs)

Freezing (hesitation when stepping forward)

Micrographia (writing that gets smaller in size)

Mask-like expression (due to a reduction in involuntary facial movement)

Problems with motor control including gradual loss of spontaneous movement and loss of coordination

A diagnosis of PD is life changing but there is much that can be done in terms of incorporating daily exercise and disease-specific programs that improve symptoms, restore function, slow disease progression and increase quality of life. Exercise benefits a Parkinson’s patient with symptom management. Research has proven that specific programs can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination.

In Monterey County it’s estimated that there are more than 1,500 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While studies have shown that exercise benefits patients with PD, Monterey County was lacking in programs and facilities that allowed PD patients to access and take advantage of Parkinson’s-specific exercise and movement programs.

In 2017, Power Over Parkinson’s (POP) was formed to raise funds to enhance the lives of those affected by the disease and support the availability, frequency and access to Parkinson’s-specific exercise through a local exercise program in an environment that embraces empowerment, motivation and social enrichment.

POP devoted a year to understanding wellness strategies, studying successful exercise programs, researching which programs were scientifically most beneficial and finding an accessible and convenient location to hold classes.

In 2019, POP launched its first class in the POP Fit program: High Intensity Interval Training incorporating the Rock Steady Boxing method. A Rock Steady Boxing affiliate, this non-contact program focuses on footwork, balance, coordination, stretching and strength building which are designed to improve balance, strength, endurance and flexibility.

POP fundraising efforts are to directly support patient services and expansion of existing Parkinson’s-specific exercises classes designed to slow symptom deterioration, disease progression and assist families coping with Parkinson’s rebuild and redefine their lives.

Currently, POP is operating under the fiscal sponsorship umbrella of the Action Council for Monterey County’s 501(c)3 and is also supported by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.

There is no quick and easy answer to treating PD, but one thing is true: The more people understand the disease and the ravages it can cause, the more they will want to get involved. You can participate in National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in a number of different ways.

Get involved

The Parkinson’s Foundation has an annual fundraising event called Moving Day. Form or sponsor a team and participate in the walk.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month

Twisted Roots Announces Monthly Happy Hour First Thursday of Every Month It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Wine O'Clock

Let's be real: There are some weeks when your work schedule can be rough stuff.

Carmel Valley, CA, March 17, 2020 - Let's be real: There are some weeks when your work schedule can be rough stuff. Maybe you're in back-to-back meetings all day long, or you have an important presentation you're working on after hours. The only thing that's getting you through it all is the glorious happy hour at the end of the tunnel.

It may just be you and your work wife heading to Twisted Roots Tasting Room to catch up, or you've gathered the whole team to check out the new First Thursday Happy Hour at Twisted Roots. Either way, you know there are two things on the agenda: Ordering up some amazing wines and enjoy wood fired pizza, and don’t forget getting a squad pic of everyone together. Now's the time to kick back and relax. Cheers!

Join Twisted Roots on the first Thursday of every month for Happy Hour! We will be featuring wine specials, Fire on Wheels Pizza and more.

We are proud to announce we will have live music for our Happy Hour from 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursday, March 2nd and Game Night on Thursday, April 2nd from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Happy Hours are free events—don’t miss out. Join us at Twisted Roots and get your happy on!

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.twistedrootsvineyard.com/events-1/happy-hour-4

Artichoke Festival (May 30-31) continues its Pursuit of Fun, expanding wild and wacky 5K Beach Run, adding two-day, 7-on-7 soccer tournament

Pamplona, Spain may be famous for its annual running of the bulls, but nothing quite compares to the Artichoke Festival’s running of the human vegetables.

Monterey, CA, March 13, 2020 — Pamplona, Spain may be famous for its annual running of the bulls, but nothing quite compares to the Artichoke Festival’s running of the human vegetables.

The festival’s second annual 5K Beach Run takes place May 2 along the sandy, windswept Del Monte Beach in Monterey. The wild and wacky fun run — with participants encouraged to dress as their favorite veggies — is a prelude to the two-day festival to be held this year on May 30-31 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Monterey.

Started in 1959 in Castroville (the Artichoke Capital of the World), the Artichoke Festival has expanded its scope over the years to include musical entertainment, field tours, art competitions, chef demos, a Kids Zone and more. In addition to the Fun Run, the festival has added the first-ever Artichoke Cup Soccer Tournament to be held on both days of the festival.

Twelve corporate teams of 10 adults each will compete in a two-day, 7-on-7 tournament to win the first-ever Artichoke Cup. A portion of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Monterey Surf Soccer Club. Admission is free to all festival admission ticket holders The winning team will be announced on Sunday afternoon, May 31.

Last year’s inaugural Fun Run proved so popular that the festival has expanded it for 2020. Runners and walkers alike are invited for fun, exercise and goodies on the beach, starting at the Monterey Tides Hotel, 2600 Sand Dunes Dr., Monterey.

Those dressed as their favorite vegetable have a chance to win a free ticket package to the festival. All registered Fun Run participants receive an Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run T-shirt, a free artichoke in their goodie bag, one free entry ticket to the festival, and restaurant discounts at Monterey Tides, the beautiful boutique hotel on the sands of Monterey Bay.

What’s more, it all benefits charitable causes across Monterey County.

Online registration continues until April 29 at www.active.com. Race-day registration will start at 8 a.m., on Saturday, May 2, in the Bay View Room at the Monterey Tides. The race begins at 10 a.m. on the beach. Course closes at 12:30 p.m.

Registration fees are $40 per individual through April 1 ($45 until April 29). Kids are $10 through April 1 ($15 until April 20), with a T-shirt included. There are military and senior discounts (with ID).

High Resolution Photos and Link To the Run

5k
https://adobe.ly/32faCAv

Festival
https://adobe.ly/2Y9liOy

For more information, visit www.artichokefestival.org.

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

Yeast of Eden Welcomes their New Executive Chef Steven Patlan

Our new chef Steven Patlan will be rolling out his new menu on March 1st and we would like to introduce him to the community! Additional food photos available.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, March 13, 2020 - Yeast of Eden welcomes their new Executive Chef Steven Patlan, kicking off 2020 with an exciting new menu and specials rolling out March 1st. At age 10 on a kitchen stool next to his mother, Steven discovered that he was always going to cook, and has gained a wealth of culinary knowledge and experience since then. He attended culinary school at the Institute of Technology in Clovis before moving to Las Vegas, sharpening his skills under Alex Strata at Marche Bacchus, and joining the banquet team at Silverton Casino preparing specialty dinners on a private yacht. Following Las Vegas, Steven returned to California as sous chef at Solaire Restaurant in the Hotel Paradox alongside Executive Chef, Ross McKee. In 2012, the Monterey Peninsula beckoned him home to The Inn at Spanish Bay with Executive Chef Todd Fischer, Quail Lodge & Golf Club, the Sardine Factory, Ventana Inn Big Sur, and recently as the Executive Chef at Wild Fish in Pacific Grove.

Steven’s goal at Yeast of Eden is to curate a locally sourced menu from a collection of flavors, spices, and fresh ingredients that inspire him. He is intrigued by global culinary destinations that utilize unique ingredients, flavors, and spices including Jerusalem, Turkey, Morocco, and Cambodia. Steven has a passion for pickling and fermenting which will be frequently incorporated into his dishes. He also plans to work closely with head brewer Andrew Rose to synchronize the beer and food offerings by creating dishes that both compliment and utilize beer as an ingredient in their preparation. Steven wants to establish close relationships and source ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, bringing more seafood and fresh, local produce onto the menu. He is an advocate of locally sourced, aquarium approved, and sustainably farmed products and enjoys participating in community events like Meals on Wheels, Rancho Cielo, and the Prevedelli Farm Dinner in Watsonville each September.

In addition to the new menu rolling out on March 1st, Chef Steven will be frequently offering locally sourced specials in our dining room, bar, and dog-friendly courtyard terrace at Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel. Hours are 11:30am-9:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30am-10:00pm on Friday and Saturdays.

Contact:
Wendy Walker
Yeast of Eden
General Manager
831.293.8621
Mission St & Ocean Avenue, Suite 112 Carmel Plaza
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Descriptions for dish pictured:

Five Spiced Smoked Duck Breast
forbidden black rice with coconut milk | cauliflower | watercress | fermented cabbage with crispy chili relish | hot pepper chili oil

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

Mission Days Event to be Held at Mission San Antonio on April 4, 2020

Come to the pristine Valley of the Oaks and enjoy a step backward in time to the mission era.

San Antonio, CA, March 10, 2020 - Come to the pristine Valley of the Oaks and enjoy a step backward in time to the mission era. Attend Mission San Antonio’s annual Mission Days event on Saturday April 4, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parking and Admission is $10/car. Authentic mission era food will be offered for $10/plate with water and soft drinks also available.

There will be historical re-enactors in costume portraying soldiers, artisans, a vaquero on horseback, musicians and dancers. Mission crafts and activities will be demonstrated, including weaving, blacksmithing, candle making, tortilla making, and much more. Members of Los Arribeños de San Francisco will be performing historical Californio music and dance from the Mission period. Artists will be present to display and offer for sale their original artwork.

Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third oldest Spanish mission in California, was founded by Junipero Serra in 1771. The Mission is a state historical landmark and is on the national register of historic places. The Mission remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center. Mission San Antonio is surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett, and is conveniently reached by publicly accessible roads. The Mission is located off Jolon Road, at 1 Mission Road, Jolon, CA 93928. For more information visit our website at www.missionsanantonio.net or call 831-385-4478 ext.17.

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

On March 25, Goodwill Central Coast will team up with The ALS Association Golden West Chapter to raise Money, Awareness

On Wednesday, March 25, every Goodwill Central Coast store location will donate and match (up to $1,000 total) all round-up dollar proceeds.

Agoura Hills, CA, March 10, 2020 - Although the past few years have seen exciting research advancements, there is still no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

To help further this important cause, Goodwill Central Coast will team up with The ALS Association Golden West Chapter to raise both funds and awareness.

On Wednesday, March 25, every Goodwill Central Coast store location will donate and match (up to $1,000 total) all round-up dollar proceeds. Money raised will benefit the Golden West Chapter's Walk to Defeat ALS, with upcoming local events on Saturday, April 4 in San Luis Obispo and Saturday, October 3 in Monterey. These annual community outreach events are critical awareness and fundraising components that fuel the Chapter’s efforts in research, care services, and public policy initiatives to benefit the ALS community of the Central Coast.

On Wednesday, March 25, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter will have representatives at the Capitola, Salinas and San Luis Obispo Higuera locations from 5-7 p.m. For more information about ALS or how you can get involved, visit www.alsagoldenwest.org, or email info@alsagoldenwest.org. You can also sign up or donate to the Walk to Defeat ALS at walks.alsagoldenwest.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 more than 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 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

About The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
The mission of The ALS Association is to discover treatments and cures for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Our vision is to create a world without ALS. The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in the state of Hawaii. Everything we do advances the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS. For more information about ALS and The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, please visit our website at www.alsagoldenwest.org or email us at info@alsagoldenwest.org. You can also find us across social media channels at @alsagoldenwest.

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