FALL | 2 0 1 2 - Coastal Grower

Transcription

5 1 2 PA J A R O S T R E E T
SUITE 14
SALINAS, CA 93901
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F A L L | 2 0 1 2
Fall Harvest
What’s Best
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without the whine.
Plus...
Emerald Crown
• Ideal for crown market
Monterey Wine Company, King City
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During construction of Monterey Wine
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construction in 5 months, in time for the fall
crush. Call and see what we can do for you.
Green Magic
• Excellent uniformity
Imperial
• Performs well in long-day and
moderate heat conditions
Patron
• Tolerant to brown bead
and hollow core
At Sakata, we know the right product can make all the difference.
That’s why you can count on us to offer a range of broccoli varieties that were
bred specifically for your region, slot and end-use market. No one can match
our decades of proven performance and best-of-class broccoli products.
© 2012 Sakata Seed America, Inc.
www.sakata.com
Quality, Reliability & Service
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At Salinas Valley Memorial, everything we do centers around
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COA STA L G R OW E R | FA L L 20 1 2
1
Features
5 PUBLISHER’SNOTES
6 CONTRIBUTORS
10PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
12INSIDELeadership Class 18
By Victoria Backer
14SCHOOLS More Produce in Schools
By Abby Taylor-Silva
16TECHNOLOGYConnected Consumers
By Ray Connelly
18 LAW Special Needs Trusts
Community
By Charles Des Roches
58 CWA Wine & Dine Progressive Dinner
20 PERSPECTIVE Local Farming
By Norm Groot
60 La Plaza Rotario
22 FUELFEED Program By Mark Leitman
62 GSA Fashion Show, Golf Tournament
& Gala Events
24 HEALTHCAREHighlights of Health Care Act
64 Salinas Valley Half Marathon
By Gina Andersen
66 Ag Woman of the Year—Mari Rossi
28 FACILITIESChange of Use and Code
67 CG Bulls Fall Ball
Compliance By Lino Belli
30 NORTH Annie Morhauser Interview
By Jess Brown
40RECREATIONMonterey Downs and Horse
Park By Brian Boudreau
42HISTORY Southern Monterey and San
Benito Counties By Burton Anderson
46VINE Gary Franscioni’s Sierra Mar Vineyard
By Laurie Daniel
33 HOMESHOWCASE Steve and Lisa John
48NUTRITIONNutrition for Athletes
By Melody Young
By Stephanie Bouquet
50NONPROFITWomen’s Education Leadership
S U M M E R | 2 0 1 2
Initiative By Catherine Kobrinsky Evans
52 FOODSeafood at Monterey and Santa Cruz
Wharfs By Ada Fisher
54LITERACYMonterey County Free Libraries
By Jayanti Addleman
56 GARDENDeciduous Trees for the Central
Coast By Steve McShane
2
C O V E R P H O T O
Sierra Mar Vineyard in the Santa Lucia
Highlands American Viticultural Area.
Richard Green Photography
www.richardgreenphotography.com
© All Rights Reserved.
Providing Economic Solutions &
Benefits to Members since 1980
Our Benefits Help YOur COmpanY suCCeed
in
agriBusiness
Whether it’s the Customized Health Benefits through Blue Shield of California
Network, exclusive UPS Shipping Discount Program, Education Forum featuring free
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The Future of Healthcare & Agribusiness
UAL is hosting Town Hall Meetings in your area!
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October 4-5, 2012
For more information, call UAL Marketing at
(800) 223-4590 or e-mail [email protected]
201 3
United Agribusiness League’s
Annual Meeting & Conference
January 23rd - 24th 2013 • Ojai Valley Inn Resort & Spa - Ojai, California
3
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Coastal Grower
www.coastalgrowermag.com
Publisher
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Editorial Director
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Managing Editor
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Moxxy Marketing
295 Main Street, Suite 230
Salinas, CA 93901
[email protected]
Art Director
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Advertising Sales
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Whitney Brem Consulting
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2012-2013GrowerShipperAssociation
ofCentralCaliforniaBoardofDirectors
Chairwoman – Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin, Taylor Farms
Vice Chairman – Mark Borman, Taylor Farms
Treasurer – David Hart
President/Secretary – Jim Bogart
Allan Clark, Merrill Farms
Butch Corda, Ippolito International
Mike Costa, Anthony Costa & Sons
Henry Dill, Pacific International Marketing
Craig Dobler, Dobler & Sons
Ernie Farley, Sundance Berry Farms
Bruce Knobeloch, River Ranch Fresh Foods
Bob Martin, Rio Farms
Steve McIntyre, Monterey Pacific & McIntyre Vineyards
Sam McKinsey, Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express
COASTAL GROWER is published by Koster Communications, Inc.,
in coordination with the Grower-Shipper Association of Central
California. All rights reserved by Koster Communications, Inc.
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COASTAL GROWER Magazine is a publication of articles
concerning agriculture and its history. Articles, opinions, advice
and points of view on various aspects of agriculture and state
or federal law are the opinions of the authors of each particular
article and not that of COASTAL GROWER Magazine which makes
no warranty whatsoever as to the validity of any opinion or
advice given unless expressly so adopted in writing.
4
N OT ES
Team Grower-Shipper
A
fter the failed negotiations around the possible
Go-to-market strategies have changed immensely with
merger of the Produce Marketing Association
quarterly headquarter calls and private label contracts.
(PMA) and the United Fresh Produce Association
The consolidation on the buying side and stricter entertain-
(UFPA) a colleague at an event asked me what “team” I was
ment policies have lessened this value proposition for
on. I simply responded “Team Mann Packing.” I lead this fami-
grower-shippers, yet we still get charged almost double
ly-owned grower-shipper company and at the end of the day
for the same event.
my job is to do what is best for Mann.
It’s time to throw my hat into the ring of Monday morning
Another concern is the growing success of regional trade
shows (at last count we will be doing six next year) mainly
quarterbacks chiming in on the failed negotiations. For the
due to their intimate size and affordability. This lessens the
sake of this conversation let’s say I’m “Team Grower-Shipper.”
value of the larger, more internationally focused events. The
While I currently sit on the UFPA board of directors, my fami-
larger shows seem more focused on breaking attendance
ly’s company has been a member of PMA for over 50 years
records than attracting qualified attendees to the show.
and we have been an exhibitor at their convention for 20. My
Other shows limit the number of non-exhibiting manufactur-
father sat on the PMA board and my brother was to be a PMA
ers that may attend. The focus is on quality not quantity.
Chairman. I have an affinity for both associations.
They protect their exhibitors with a vengeance (just try to get
I have some examples which may help illustrate the frus-
more than four of your personnel into a Fancy Food Show).
trations many of us experience from the grower-shipper’s
Sponsorships are another area of concern where I put my
perspective. I obviously don’t speak for all of us. I want to
“Team Grower-Shipper” hat on. One of our sponsorships has
make that clear. I have discussed the following concerns
increased every year over the past five years. Consider there
with trade association staff. In my opinion they have been
are four other sponsors for the same event and you are look-
slow to react to a changing marketplace and as we say
ing at a significant increase in revenue for the same event
around my neck of the woods, if you don’t adapt to change
that has not increased in size or ROI. Tapping into the same
you don’t survive.
well too many times can cause it to go dry.
I just reviewed some registration material with my trade
I hope this helps readers understand why so many of us in
marketing manager. Sure enough for this particular event
the grower-shipper community are frustrated and disappoint-
there is a “standard” registration fee and a reduced fee
ed the merger didn’t happen. Again, I don’t speak for all of
(almost by half) for retailer/foodservice operators. Once
us—but I know I speak for many who feel taken for granted.
again the grower-shipper community is being asked to pay
After all, grower-shippers are buyers too.
almost double to listen to the same speakers, eat the same
Our company will have a meeting space in the Grower-
meals and watch the same entertainment. I strongly feel a
Shipper Association of Central California pavilion at PMA
member should be a member, and the value an association
this year. Our 20 x 40 exhibit will be in storage. We will not
delivers to members should be equal. For one membership
be adding any sponsorship or paying almost double for regis-
category to subsidize another is not fair and the grower-
trations. Our trade marketing dollars are adjusting to
shipper segment has been doing it for far too long.
a changed marketplace. When will trade associations do
If the price discrepancy doesn’t concern you what should
the same?
is the appearance of an association being out of touch with
the very industry it represents. This is not my father’s produce industry where business was conducted over the phone
and you’d meet “face to face” once a year at the trade show.
5
Contributors
6
SteveMcShane
LinoBelli
MarkLeitman
Steve is Owner and General Manager of
McShane’s Nursery & Landscape Supply in
Salinas, CA. He has a B.S. in soil science from
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and an M.B.A. from
Santa Clara University. He serves as a Salinas
City Councilman. When not working, he loves
hiking, traveling to far reaches of the planet
and experimenting with exotic fruits. He can
be reached at [email protected].
Lino, principal of Belli Architectural Group,
focuses on design of institutional, agricultural,
and commercial projects. He incorporates the
most appropriate building materials, construction methods, and design aesthetics to suit
each client’s budget and project goals. After
many years of working with local and state
agencies, Lino is able to anticipate potential
problems and find quick solutions to keep
projects on time and on budget. Lino is certified
by the American Institute of Architects, and is a
LEED Accredited Professional.
Mark leads PERC’s efforts to develop and market new products in key off-road segments, and
has previously created new technology in the
agricultural sector. Prior to joining PERC, Mark
served as the GLOBE Program director for
agriculture outreach and National Council for
Agriculture Education executive director. Mark
holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee and a
master’s degree in education and bachelor’s
degree in agriculture from the University of
Missouri.
StephanieBouquet
MelodyYoung
LaurieDaniel
Stephanie is a registered dietitian and owner of
SB Nutrition Consulting. She holds a bachelor’s
and master’s degree in nutritional science
from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Cal State
University, Northridge. Since 1993, Stephanie
has practiced in the field of nutrition with
specialized board certifications in weight management, diabetes and sports nutrition. She
offers individualized nutrition consultations,
group style classes, athletic team presentations
and wellness coaching services. As a native of
Salinas, Stephanie returned to the area to raise
her own family. Visit Stephanie’s website: www.
sbnutrition.net.
Melody, a lifestyle consultant and owner of MY
DESIGNS, provides custom tailored home, personal, and professional services to meet each
clients’ unique needs. With many years’ experience as a designer and organizer, Melody acts
as the liaison between her clients’ real world
and their perfect world. Services include home
design, organization and event planning, as well
as custom gifts and accessories, and concierge
services. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and donates
time to various charities in Monterey County.
A resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Laurie
has been a journalist for more than 30 years.
Although she grew up in wine-deprived surroundings in the Midwest, she quickly developed an interest in wine after she moved to
California. Her weekly wine column is published
in several newspapers, including the San Jose
Mercury News, and her work has appeared in
magazines such as Food & Wine, Wine Country
Living, Wines & Vines, Drinks, and Wine Enthusiast. She is a frequent judge at wine competitions in the U.S. and abroad.
AbbyTaylor-Silva
VictoriaBacker
JessBrown
Abby is Vice President of Policy and Communications at the Grower-Shipper Association of
Central California. Her family farmed in Monterey County for over 50 years. She is a graduate of UC Davis. She is Past President of the
Central Coast Ag Task Force, Past President of
California Women for Agriculture’s Salinas Valley Chapter, Food Safety Director to statewide
California Women for Agriculture, past Board
Member to the Central Coast Young Farmers
and Ranchers, a member of the Rotary Club of
Salinas and UC Davis’s Salinas Valley Alumni
Chapter. She lives in Salinas with her husband
and two daughters.
Victoria is the senior vice president of member
services for the United Fresh Produce Association in Washington, DC, the national trade organization that represents the interests of fresh
produce companies and their partners. She
oversees member services and directs the
association’s educational programs. In addition,
Victoria directs the activities of the United Research & Education Foundation, an organization
that offers specialized programs in educational
training, leadership development, food safety
outreach and industry research. She serves as
the senior liaison to both the Association and
Foundation Board of Directors. In 2006, she
was named by Produce Business as one of the
“40 Under 40.”
Jess serves as executive director of the Santa
Cruz County Farm Bureau and the educational
organization, Agri-Culture. His community
activities include past-president of the Cultural
Council of Santa Cruz County, the Monterey
Museum of Art, Cabrillo College Foundation and
Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.
Jess served as chairman of Goodwill Industries
for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo
counties. He also served as commissioner of
the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation
Department. Currently, Jess serves on the
board for Leadership Santa Cruz County, Santa
Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce and chair of
the Tannery Arts Center.
JasonRetterer
RayGilmer
NormGroot
Jason is partner at L&G, LLP in Salinas, CA, and
manages the firm’s land use and environmental
practice. Jason represents agricultural companies, property owners, developers, and public
agencies on transactions and in litigation involving real estate matters and compliance with
local, state and federal land use and environmental laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, Williamson Act, California’s
Planning and Zoning Law, the Subdivision Map
Act, and the California Coastal Act, the National
Environmental Policy Act, and the state and
federal Clean Water and Clean Air Acts.
At United Fresh, Ray provides communications
counsel on behalf of members, including recall
and other crisis situations. Ray’s background
includes work in television news as a reporter
and producer, where he contributed to a few
crises as part of the job. Additionally, Ray has
served as public affairs director for Florida Fruit
& Vegetable Association, and as national media
relations director for a major public relations
agency, where his client list included Monsanto,
Ralston Purina and Farm Credit Bank. Other
experience includes directing U.S. marketing
programs for BASF Crop Protection and BASF
Crop Science.
Norm started in agriculture by pulling weeds
at his dad’s nursery when he was five. After
receiving a business degree at University of
Southern California, he went into the family
business as treasurer, working for 14 years to
expand the business. Norm then worked for
Monrovia Nursery Company for 17 years. His
nursery experience includes finance, technology, and production planning. Norm currently
serves as Executive Director for Monterey
County Farm Bureau and is a Director of Farmers for Water Quality.
7
8
RayConnelly
JayantiAddleman
BurtonAnderson
Ray is the founder of TRUETRAC, a fast growth,
technology solution provider. Ray comes from a
fourth generation California farming family. His
love of agriculture with an understanding of
high tech innovation has been the driving
forces in his career since he graduated from
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After starting in farm
production, to seventeen years at Famous Software, he is now President/CEO at TRUETRAC
LLC, creating web and mobile solutions for the
food industry. Ray is celebrating 30 years with
his wife Sheila and enjoys time with their two
beautiful daughters.
Jayanti is the County Librarian at the County of
Monterey. She started her career at an online
database company and has since worked at
many different types of libraries including
school, college, and public libraries. She is a
staunch believer in the transformative power
of literacy. Jayanti serves on the Board of the
Literacy Campaign for Monterey County, the
Board of Trustees for York School, Monterey
County Equal Opportunity Advisory Commission, and the Children’s Council of Monterey
County. She is also an active volunteer for AFS
Intercultural Programs. She can be reached at
[email protected].
Burton is an author and historian whose works
include “The Salinas Valley: A History of America’s Salad Bowl,” “California Rodeo Salinas: 100
Years of History,” and numerous other articles
and studies. A contributing member of the
Monterey County Historical Society, Anderson
also is a speaker on topics related to the environment, culture and world agriculture. Burton
also is a member of the Board of Governors at
the University of California, Berkeley, College
of Natural Resources (formerly the College of
Agriculture).
AdaFisher
BrianBoudreau
PatrickTregenza
As a “Professional Eater” for the past seventeen years, Ada has indulged in many epic
gastronomic adventures. Married to a chef and
having been behind the scenes of some of the
best restaurants, she enjoys sharing her food
and wine adventures, and giving folks a peek
through a different lens for an inside scoop on
the Central Coast culinary scene. Ada’s greatest
joy comes from being mom to her five epicurean children and instilling a passion for great
food and an appreciation for where our food
comes from in all children.
Brian is the Managing Member of Monterey
Downs. He has owned and operated his
horse farm, Malibu Valley Farms, for over 30
years. Brian also has substantial experience in
real estate development with an emphasis on
equestrian-oriented communities and facilities. In addition to his own endeavors, Brian has
been very involved in the horse industry for
years, serving on many boards and working to
ensure trail access for equestrians throughout
the state. He also has been active in pursuing
legislation at the state level to protect agricultural rights for farms and individual horse
owners.
Patrick operates a thriving commercial
photography studio in downtown Monterey.
Celebrating his twentieth year in business,
Patrick is proud that his list of clients and
interesting projects continues to grow. Targeting the agriculture industry as being one of
the most dynamic areas of local commerce,
Patrick carved out a niche and is recognized as
a leader in photographing food and produce.
Most recently, he has expanded his repertoire
to apply his lighting and compositional skills to
live action video so he can accommodate the
ever increasing demand for compelling web
content. Patrick’s skills continue to evolve as
the tools of his medium do the same.
CatherineKobrinskyEvans
GinaAndersen,CPA
CharlesDesRoches
Catherine is a partner in Kobrinsky Group, a
commercial real estate development, acquisition, and management firm. Long active in local
economic development, she is a recipient of the
Athena Award for Business Woman of the Year
and currently serves as Board Member of the
Community Foundation for Monterey County,
Board Secretary of the Salinas Regional Sports
Authority, Marketing Chair for the Hartnell
College Women’s Education Leadership Initiative (WELI), and member of the City of Salinas
Design Review Board.
Gina is the partner in charge of the Tax Department at Hayashi and Wayland, Accounting &
Consulting, LLP, with expertise in business
taxation and agriculture. She is a member of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, California Society of Certified Public
Accountants and California Women in Agriculture. Gina has a B.S. in Agriculture Business and
an M.S. in Taxation. She currently serves as the
Treasurer for Ag Against Hunger.
Charles is attorney in the law firm of Noland,
Hamerly Etienne & Hoss in Salinas. He is certified as a specialist in probate, estate planning
and trust law by the California Board of Legal
Specialization, State Bar of California. His
extensive experience in estate planning ranges
from basic estate plans to more complex and
sophisticated estate plans. He has a wealth
of experience in administering both modest
trusts/estates and large trusts/estates and also
handles conservatorships and guardianships
both as a private and court-appointed attorney.
You manage your business.
We’ll manage your water.
www.culliganqwe.com
831.755.0500
9
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Farm Labor Crisis Is Real
B Y J A M E S B O G A R T, P R E S I D E N T & G E N E R A L C O U N S E L
O
ne of the hottest political potatoes in this elec-
documented as attracting fewer than 20 U.S. workers who
tion year—or any other year for that matter—con-
actually took a job and stayed.
cerns this country’s immigration policy. I do not
As bad as it has been, the situation on the ground for
need to recite here all the strongly held opinions on both
America’s farmers is actually deteriorating, leading to a
sides of this extremely contentious issue. I’m sure you are
real sense of urgency for the situation to be addressed. I-9
well aware of them. Besides, time and space constraints in
audits are routinely hitting farms, including model employ-
my column mandate otherwise.
ers in the fruit and vegetable industry. The results are usu-
Agriculture is severely and uniquely challenged with
ally devastating. In some cases, 80 percent of the workers
respect to its labor situation and workforce demographics.
had to be terminated. Typically, there is no reliable replace-
Much of the work in agriculture is physically demanding,
ment workforce.
and must be done in all kinds of weather. Most of the work
Enforcement-only state laws in places like Georgia have
is seasonal or intermittent. More than a little of it is short-
caused what many have been predicting to be realized:
duration and migrant. Foreign-born workers, with docu-
crop loss, economic loss and job loss. In fact, the Governor
ments that look better than they really are, have comprised
could not even get inmates and parolees to perform the
a majority of the agricultural workforce for quite some time.
work of field laborers who had lost their jobs as a result of
As far back as 1998, over half of farm workers admitted in
Georgia’s Mandatory E-Verify law!
government surveys that they lacked proper work authori-
The H-2A program, never very attractive, has descended
zation. Many experts believe that number now exceeds 70
into a chaotic state due to its inflexibility, complexity and
percent and is likely higher in some areas.
hostile administration. While H-2A could certainly be
Unlike many business sectors, the labor needs in agriculture did not change appreciably during the economic downturn. As long as you are farming, you need the workers.
Another thing hasn’t changed: even in the depths of the
improved, many believe it’s time for a new program model
for the 21st century.
We are again seeing actual labor shortages in the fields.
Here on California’s Central Coast, harvesting crews have
downturn, few Americans turned to agricultural work. Few
been reduced by 20 to 30 percent. This will result in crop
have the necessary stamina and skills. This is the reality,
loss and loss of economic potential.
and it has been illustrated repeatedly to the public and poli-
So where are we now? In many ways we seem to have
cymakers. Two examples:
come full circle, and agriculture’s position in the debate is
3
In the late 1990s, after passage of welfare reform, Sen.
again distinct. The politics have changed a lot over the past
Dianne Feinstein insisted on a major welfare-to-work pilot
decade, and specific legislation that many of us supported
program in California’s Central Valley. With double-digit
in the past is not seen as politically viable now. The E-Verify
regional unemployment, government agencies and grower
debate in Congress has been a catalyst for agriculture to
associations worked to map out the labor needs and
recruit workers. It is said that this massive effort success-
“get its act together.” Federal E-Verify without truly workable labor supply solutions would be a disaster for agri-
fully placed roughly three workers, and led many county
culture, a point that has come up in virtually every House
employment agencies to go on record saying they would
Judiciary hearing over the past 18 months.
no longer seek to place the unemployed into seasonal
So now, the “perfect storm” is raging, creating pressure
farm jobs.
on all of us who represent growers and producers to forge
3
A dozen years later, in 2010, the United Farm Workers
a new consensus. It is imperative that we succeed. Our
union launched the Take Our Jobs campaign. Stephen
ability to continue to supply our nation a safe, affordable,
Colbert contributed publicity and fanfare. The effort was
abundant and nutritious supply of fruits and vegetables is
at risk if we don’t. CG
10
11
INSIDE
Learning from Both Sides
of the Leadership Aisle
B Y V I C T O R I A B A C k E R , U N I T E D F R E S H P R O D U C E A S S O C I AT I O N
T
he twelve members of United’s Industry
Leadership Class 18 met each other
for the very first time in Monterey on
June 25th. This gathering was the first of four
trips in which the fellows will travel together
over the next year.
As a part of the program experience, the fellows were immersed in a weeklong blend of educational experiences, including training in the
classroom and in fields. During their time in the
Salinas Valley, they met with local leaders
including Eric Lauritzen, Monterey County Ag
Commissioner, and Jim Bogart, President,
Grower-Shipper Association of Central
California. They also enjoyed a welcome reception hosted by United’s Past Chair, Steffanie
Smith and her husband Andy. A core part of the
program experience was visiting with members
in the area including Monterey Mushrooms,
Driscoll’s, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Dole Fresh
Vegetables and Paraiso Vineyards.
But these were no ordinary visits. This pro-
“I’m teaching them and learning
from them at the same time.”
—Greg Andersen, Driscoll’s
gram allows the fellows unique insights into the
inner workings of companies, exposes them to
new commodities and sectors of the industry,
and engages them with other industry leaders
on a much deeper level.
Members open their doors to the class—literally. But it’s clear that the benefits of their visit
extend both ways. Not only are the fellows
learning, they’re also bringing new ideas to the
companies they visit, asking questions and
exposing members to fresh thinking.
“When we talk with the fellows about the
issues we’re facing here, on a local level, it
makes our entire industry stronger,” said Jim
12
Members of Leadership Class 18 gather at Paraiso Vineyards with Winemaker David Fleming.
Bogart. “Some of them may be facing similar
challenges in their businesses on the other side
of the country and this is an opportunity to
exchange perspectives and learn from each
other.”
“As someone who’s gone through the program, it’s inspiring for me to come back and
meet the new class and also be able to show off
what we do at our company,” said Greg
Andersen, Retail Sales Manager, Driscoll’s, and a
graduate of Class 12. “I’m teaching them and
learning from them at the same time.”
“Meeting with the next generation of industry
leaders is so invigorating,” said Steffanie Smith.
“Their passion, enthusiasm and outlook on the
industry are a refreshing reminder to us all
about why we love this industry.”
The class will next meet at United’s
Washington Public Policy Conference in October
where they’ll interact with congressional and
administration officials and hundreds of other
industry leaders. Another great learning experience is in store. CG
David Ghiglione, Growing Manager for Monterey Mushrooms,
shows Leadership Class 18 the unique growing practices for
mushrooms.
13
SCHOOLS
GSA Foundation Focuses on Bringing More
Produce into Local Schools and Beyond
B Y A B B Y TAY L O R - S I LVA , G R O w E R - S H I P P E R A S S O C I AT I O N
B
ased upon local grower-shipper concern
that many local schools are not
equipped to receive salad bars or
increase their produce distribution, the GrowerShipper Association Foundation formed its
“More Produce in Schools” program in late 2011.
This program represents a new initiative on
finding solutions to the national obesity
epidemic by focusing on avenues to bring more
produce into schools on the Central Coast.
Nationwide, schools are facing new federal
regulations regarding how much produce they
must serve, and this program is working with
Central Coast area school foodservice directors
and grower-shippers to find solutions.
The Grower-Shipper Association Foundation
held a gathering of Central Coast food service
directors and grower-shippers on June 13th in
Salinas. Participants learned about the preliminary results of the Foundation’s school foodservice director survey and discussed local school
foodservice needs, including how local produce
companies might provide more produce to
schools through packaging styles that will
address the 2013-2014 USDA Child Nutrition
Meal Plan Guidelines.
Guests included Congressman Sam Farr, who
spoke about the nation’s need to address the
obesity epidemic through the inclusion of more
produce in schools, as well as Deborah Beall of
the California Department of Education. The
rest of the guests represented about fifteen
grower-shippers and ten school foodservice
departments.
The Foundation’s preliminary survey results
show that there’s capacity to include more produce in local schools, but packaging has become
of paramount importance. Individual servings
have become more popular due to many factors,
including shortened lunch periods and new
USDA regulations.
Participants learned about new USDA regulations to the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Programs that took effect as of July 1
as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act,
which in addition to other changes, set new
nutrition standards for the first time in fifteen
14
(l to r): Abby Taylor-Silva (GSAF), Linda McGlone (Monterey County Public Health), Luis de la Garza (Reiter Berry Company),
Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin (Taylor Farms), Congressman Sam Farr, Suzanne du Verrier (Healthy Eating Lifestyle Principles),
Chris Moss (Monterey County Public Health).
years. Starting in the 2012-2013 school year a
1/2 cup serving of single-commodity vegetables
from one of the defined , dietary “colors” such
as dark green and red/orange is the new standard.
Participants agreed that a conversion system
that could aid producers in standardizing
weights for 1/2 cup servings, as well as a market
analysis of the impact of the new regulations
would be important next steps for the
Foundation to undertake. The Foundation plans
to hold another meeting of school foodservice
directors and grower-shippers following further
analysis and will continue to work with partners
such as United Fresh, the Monterey County
Health Department and Healthy Eating Lifestyle
Principles (HELP) on next steps.
Additionally, at the Grower-Shipper
Association’s 74th Annual GSA Golf Tournament
and Gala Events, Association Chairwoman
Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin (Taylor Farms), and
produce industry leaders raised more than
$43,000 to support the Grower-Shipper
Association Foundation’s More Produce in
Schools Program. Fifteen salad bars and related
educational training are coming to schools in
the Salinas/Monterey County area thanks to
these donations and through participation with
the United Fresh Produce Association
Foundation’s campaign to place salad bars in
schools across the country. D’Arrigo-Martin has
made it her priority to guide the Grower-Shipper
Association Foundation’s programming this year
to promote increased access and consumption
of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools.
The GSA salad bar donations are made possible by the generous contributions of the following companies and other event attendees: NH3
Service Company, Pro*Act, Green Gate Fresh,
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Taylor Farms, Church
Brothers, R.C. Farms, Johnson, Moncrief & Hunt,
PLC, Tanimura & Antle and Three Star Lettuce.
For more information about the GrowerShipper Association Foundation and its More
Produce in Schools Program, please contact the
Foundation’s Executive Director, David Bonetti,
at (831) 422-9007. CG
LIC OPR # 9793
Grower-Shipper Association
Foundation Hires Executive
Director
The Grower-Shipper Association Foundation
has hired David Bonetti as Executive Director.
Mr. Bonetti began his employment with the
Foundation on July 16th. His position will focus
on building programs and the Foundation’s
capacity to serve the community.
Mr. Bonetti joins the Foundation following
seven years with Fresh Kist Produce, where
he held the position of Chief Operating Officer,
and most recently has been active with the
Rhett Bell Foundation. Previously, he had held
leadership positions in the strawberry and
finance industries.
Emmett Linder, President of the GrowerShipper Association Foundation Board of
Directors, foresees a substantial increase
in community services generated by the
Foundation due to this staff addition.
“Over the past few years the Foundation
has expanded its programs and capacity. Our
board agreed that now was the time to hire
an Executive Director who can elevate the
Foundation as a community resource and
agricultural education leader,” Linder said.
“David’s substantial experience in agri-business and his community mindedness made
him an outstanding choice for the position.”
The Foundation is a public-benefit organization dedicated to providing factual and educational information about the agricultural
industry and giving back to the community it
serves. This nonprofit organization helps support local educational, training, scholarship
and leadership programs, community outreach and philanthropic endeavors. Specific
leadership programs include, AgKnowledge
and Budding Farmers, in addition to an annual
A Greater Vision seminar for the community
and the Foundation’s newest program, More
Produce in Schools, dedicated to meeting
local schools’ meal program produce needs to
encourage healthier lifestyles among local
students.
■
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831-442-1915
800-675-7909
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Commercial
AIB Trained
Industrial
Weed Abatement
Residential
Insects
Warehouses
Rodents
Wineries
Birds
Packing Sheds
Squirrels
Tree & Ornamental Spraying
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DirtSTRAIGHT
(isn’t) TALK
cheap
HONEST ANSWERS
REAL PEOPLE
David Costa,
Costa Farms, Inc.
When you talk to one of our staff, you’ve started
a conversation, not a sales meeting.
You’ve made a connection with someone who will be there
through it all, good times and tough times. it’s a promise
we’ve made — and kept for more than 95 years.
call 800.800.4865 today
or visit agLoan.com
saLinas
831.424.1756
924 East Blanco Road
A part of the Farm Credit System.
Equal Opportunity Lender.
A part of the Farm Credit system.
Equal Opportunity Lender.
Coastal Grower_4.75x7.125.indd 1
8/23/2012 9:26:37 AM
15
T E C H N O L O GY
Connected Consumers Keep
a Close Tab on Your Produce
B Y R AY C O N N E L LY, T R U E T R A C
O
ver a short period of time, we here at
TRUETRAC have developed a whole new
respect for today’s connected consumers—those skeptical shoppers who no longer fall
prey to jingles, pressure pitches, cartoon
spokesmen or exaggerated, misleading claims.
Consumers not only want to know more but
also have greater expectations. And most
important, they’re tech savvy. This new connected consumer is creating pressure for growers to re-think their company and product
image. No longer are growers able to hide
behind retail merchandising and national brand
campaigns. Direct consumer messaging must be
included in the arsenal of tools aimed at lifting
sales and driving repeat purchases.
Consumers today are engaging and seeking a
deeper relationship with growers and sources of
the products they buy. It’s a scary proposition. I
get that. But this necessary and very healthy
exchange sits squarely in front of us as a new
and untapped opportunity. Individuals from
within our agricultural community should dominate consumer messaging.
Smartphones and QR codes enable us to tell our story to consumers who are truly interested
in finding out where their produce
comes from and what goodness
it contains.
These connected consumers and their online
network of friends expect a level of trust from
suppliers and want to make informed buying
decisions when it comes to the freshness,
wholesome quality price and safety of the produce displayed by grocers and growers.
Among the latest tools placed at the disposal
of the connected consumer are QR codes—
16
those small black and white squares filled with
squiggles that have the appearance of mouse
mazes. You’ve likely seen these coded boxes
attached to grocery products, posters and magazine ads. They’re like bar codes on steroids,
capable of leading the consumer to a ton of
information online.
A major automobile manufacturer invented
QR codes in the 1990s in order to track down car
parts throughout the world. Today these digital
splotches are used for inventory tracking,
obtaining tickets for movies and events, airline
boarding passes, delivering coupons and gift
cards and directing consumers to websites for
more information about a product or service.
In recent months, QR codes have been disparaged in some corners as being ineffective when
used as an advertising tool, and in some cases
the critics have a good point. For one thing, they
don’t work unless the consumer possesses a
smartphone and as of this spring, a little more
than half of Americans (50.4 percent) own such
devices, according to Nielsen.
That means the other 50 percent of consumers have no means of taking advantage of QR
codes. In addition, a survey by Forrester
Research found that a paltry five percent of
Americans bothered to scan a QR code in the
months between May and July of last year. Add
to that the fact that less than ten percent of all
magazine advertisements contained a QR code
in December. Other limitations include the
necessity of the smartphone user to download
an app that reads the codes.
But foremost among the naysayers’ complaints is this: Often, companies that utilize QR
codes in their marketing merely send the user to
a corporate website. And nobody visits a corporate website on purpose unless there’s an
exchange of value such as a coupon or impor-
tant and useful information about a product.
That’s where those of us in the produce industry have an opportunity to shine. Smartphones
and QR codes enable us to tell our story to consumers who are truly interested in finding out
where their produce comes from and what
goodness it contains.
With QR codes, connected consumers can
research a clamshell container of blackberries
or a head of lettuce while standing in the supermarket aisle. They can discover if the products
were grown across the country or across the
street, as well as the day the crop was picked,
who picked it, and the type of company that
brought it to market. They can garner deep
details about the nutritional value of that particular fruit or vegetable, and they should be given
instant access to a variety of recipes and serving
suggestions before they even get to the checkout stand.
Keep in mind: Consumers have access to
social media outlets—such as Facebook, Twitter
and Pinterest—along with email and smartphones, platforms and devices that enable them
to post, tweet, text or speak to their friends
instantaneously in order to find answers to
questions about a product before they buy it, or
alert friends and family to discounts, deals or
bargains involving your produce.
This sharing of opinions and recommendations amounts to free marketing for your particular brand or product. And it can in no way be
construed as crass commercialism; as such
information enables your customers to make
sound purchasing decisions and recommend the
same at will.
By telling your story and putting a face on
your product—in print, photos and even video—
you create a level of trust and begin a relationship with the end-buyer. These buyers may
become a loyal and vocal base of consumers
who engage personally with your company and
who naturally use word-of-mouth to sing your
praises.
As an industry, our goal should be to dominate the stories being told about our products
and our operations. We must speak directly to
the people who exchange their hard-earned
wages for our fruits and vegetables. We have a
fantastic opportunity to use the message to
establish relationships, garner trust and even
deliver valuable givebacks to the consumer—
whether in the form of accurate information,
coupons or just a great story. CG
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17
L AW
Estate Planning for Family Members
Who Have Special Needs
B Y C H A R L E S D E S R O C H E S , N O L A N D H A M E R LY E T I E N N E & H O S S
W
hen meeting with clients to discuss
estate planning, one of the first questions I ask is whether any of the persons they intend to benefit has any kind of a
disability. In the world of estate planning, such
persons are referred to as having “special
needs.” Knowing whether a client intends to
benefit a person with a disability enables me to
recommend planning tailored to fit the special
needs of that person without interrupting any
public benefits he or she may be receiving or
may become eligible to receive in the future.
PUBLICBENEFITS
Depending on which types of public benefits disabled persons receive or hope to receive in the
future, it may be necessary to make sure they
not receive assets that will jeopardize their eligibility for those benefits. Benefit programs such
as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Years ago I would give, as
examples of complementing the
disabled person’s public benefits,
the purchase of a flat screen
television, a stereo system, or
a trip to Disneyland; now, I list
such “luxuries” as vision, hearing,
and dental care—all examples of
services that used to be covered
by public benefits but were
eliminated by state budget
cuts in 2009.
and Medicare are entitlement programs and do
not have any resource limits affecting eligibility.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-
18
Cal (California’s version of the federal Medicaid
program), on the other hand, are needs-based
programs and have strict income and asset
requirements.
For example, to be considered “disabled” for
purposes of SSI eligibility, a person must be
unable, due to physical or mental impairment, to
earn a minimum amount of income (currently
$1,010 per month). In addition, to qualify for SSI,
an individual cannot have more than $2,000 in
countable resources. The rules governing what
is considered income and which resources are
countable (nonexempt) are extremely complicated and change frequently. Generally speaking,
individuals qualifying for SSI benefits will be eligible for Medi-Cal as well.
Even if a disabled person is currently receiving benefits solely from entitlement programs,
in the future he may have need of benefits (e.g.,
long-term nursing home care) that are only provided by needs-based programs, so it makes
sense to consider that possibility in planning.
SPECIALNEEDSTRUSTS
The primary tool used in estate planning for
beneficiaries with disabilities is known as a
“special needs trust.” There are two main types
of special needs trusts: (1) the first party special
needs trust, so called because it is established
with the assets of the person with the disability,
and (2) the third party special needs trust,
which is established with the assets of someone
other than the person with the disability. There
are variations within each of the main types of
special needs trusts, but what they all have in
common is that they are managed by a third
party trustee for the benefit of the person with
a disability. An important feature of all special
needs trusts is that the disabled beneficiary has
no control over disbursements from the trust.
First party special needs trusts are often
used to hold and administer large sums of
money received by a person with a disability; for
example, an inheritance that was left directly to
the disabled person, or the proceeds of a per-
sonal injury lawsuit resolved in the disabled person’s favor, so that inheritance or award will not
interfere with the disabled person’s eligibility for
public benefits. First party special needs trusts
must meet strict statutory requirements in
order to avoid penalties.
Third party special needs trusts are more
common. Clients use these to make gifts (either
during the clients’ lifetimes or after their deaths
through a will or trust) to a disabled beneficiary
without making him ineligible to receive public
benefits.
As long as the beneficiary cannot control the
amount or frequency of trust distributions and
cannot revoke the trust and use the assets for
the beneficiary’s personal benefit, the trust
assets are not a countable resource to the beneficiary for SSI eligibility purposes. Generally, if
the trust assets are not a countable resource to
the beneficiary for SSI eligibility, they will not be
a countable resource for Medi-Cal eligibility
either.
The trustee of the third party special needs
trust must become familiar with all public benefits the disabled beneficiary is receiving and
may be entitled to receive in order to properly
manage the trust in a manner that will not interfere with such benefits. In addition, the trustee
must learn and stay current on the rules governing the administration of public benefits.
These rules are found in complex, frequently
changing federal and state statutes and regulations. Current information on public benefits is
available from a number of government agencies and advocacy organizations on the internet,
legal references, and of course, by consulting an
attorney familiar with public benefits law.
The importance of the disabled person’s eligi-
bility for public benefits should not be underestimated. Many disabled persons live normal
lifespans and require support throughout their
lifetimes. Such support may be, and often is, too
expensive to be met with the private resources
available to the disabled person and his or her
family.
Having said that, a third party special needs
trust can do much, much more than preserve
public benefits eligibility. When drafted properly,
a third party special needs trust will set up
ongoing management by one or more trustees
who will arrange for a care manager to advocate for the beneficiary’s ongoing care, provide
for the beneficiary’s needs that are not being
met by public benefits, plan for and protect the
trust against future changes in public benefits
and trust law, and provide for the distribution of
the assets remaining in the trust after the beneficiary’s death.
During the disabled beneficiary’s lifetime,
assets placed in a third party special needs trust
are used to compliment, but not take the place
of, the benefits he or she may be receiving. This
has always been an important function of the
third party special needs trust, and with the
recent and ongoing cuts in government funding
for programs caused by the challenging economy, it is more important than ever before. To
illustrate the point, years ago I would give, as
examples of complementing the disabled person’s public benefits, the purchase of a flat
screen television, a stereo system, or a trip to
Disneyland; now, I list such “luxuries” as vision,
hearing, and dental care—all examples of services that used to be covered by public benefits
but were eliminated by state budget cuts in
2009.
Following the disabled beneficiary’s death,
the trustee will distribute the remaining assets
according to the terms of the trust. The distribution may be to the disabled beneficiary’s
spouse and children, if any, or to his or her siblings, nieces, nephews, other family members,
friends, and charitable organizations, depending
on what the clients who set up the trust intend.
CONCLUSION
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in setting up an estate plan that will
include providing for a disabled beneficiary, it is
important to get the advice of an attorney
familiar with both estate planning generally, and
planning for special needs specifically. With
proper planning comes the peace of mind of
knowing your loved ones will be taken care of in
the event of your incapacity or death. CG
19
P E R S P ECT I V E
The Sights, Sounds, Scents
and Tastes of Local Farming
B Y N O R M G R O O T, M O N T E R E Y C O U N T Y FA R M B U R E A U
L
et’s pretend that we’re taking a drive on a
sunny afternoon, most likely in a convertible, traveling through the Salinas Valley
area on a rural stretch of road, finding almost
no other cars, and taking in the full experience
of green fields and a photo-perfect backdrop of
golden hills. This thrill for the senses is brought
to you by your local farmers and ranchers, good
stewards of their land and providers of the food
on your table each evening.
The first thing one might notice on this drive
is the wide variety of colors and patterns of the
crops grown. From the bright greens and dark
maroons of spring mix, to the brilliant red strawberries and the dark greens of broccoli and
grape vines, the eyes are feasting on a color palette of crops that stretch almost continuously
from one side of the valley to the other. If you
look long enough, you might even see the artichokes grow! The fresh air only heightens the
vividness of the colors and sharpens the changes as fields roll by. And the occasional freshly
prepared field provides a contrast of browns to
the color mix. The eyes are feasting on one of
We all need to slow down and take
time to travel this route of bounty.
This is not an imaginary route, but
a way of life here that has defined
our communities, and indeed,
sustains them each year.
nature’s greatest color spectrums and a satisfying feeling overcomes all other senses.
The sounds are equally as intense. First,
there is the broader feeling of openness presented when one listens closely to the quiet of
the day, that undisturbed moment when only
nature is in hum. But other sounds are there
also; listening closely, one hears an occasional
cow as it wanders in an open pasture or a trac-
20
tor as it sweeps through a field. Then there is
the sound of a harvest crew as they work to
gather the bounty that has grown there: the
chatter of the workers, the hum of the machinery being used, and the easygoing ballet that is
harvest trucks hauling produce to the cooler
facilities. But wait, there is also the sound of
water flowing into fields, almost like a brook as
it falls down from the hills above, bringing nourishment to the crops as they grow. If you listen
closely, you might even hear some of the wildlife
that surround the fields and make their home in
our Salinas riverbed.
Then there are the scents that hit the nose as
this drive rolls on, going from one refreshing
moment to another. The smell of broccoli as its
being harvested, the scent of onion and garlic
wafting together at times yet strong in their
own right and the smell of grapes as they are
harvested and loaded into trucks for transport
to the winery, hinting at a future wine. And the
freshness of lettuce and spinach growing in field
after field provides a variety of mixed scents.
There might even be a pasture of cattle, grazing
on the golden hay that makes our hills so
vibrant, providing yet another variety of scent.
A gentle breeze carries the scents along the
way; the entire atmosphere becomes a mixture
of various waves of flavors, each combining with
the other to provide a stunning scent of nature
at work.
And there are opportunities for the taste
buds to join in this symphony for the senses!
Along the way there are tasting rooms and
fresh produce stands that offer opportunities
for samples, a chance finding of a new favorite
to take home and maybe even a moment to
relax on the patio of a winery sipping a new
varietal, overlooking this valley full of sensefilling delights.
As noted at the start of this sunny drive, providing these sights, sounds, scents and tastes of
our wonderful valley are the farmers and ranchers who make this all possible. Their hard work,
while gambling on the weather, makes all of
these joys possible. There is a reason this wonderful valley is called “The Salad Bowl of the
World” as our bounty is possible by a unique
combination of fertile soils, a Mediterranean climate zone, and ample rain and water supplies.
For more than a century and a half, Salinas
Valley farmers have been growing crops for our
hungry nation, with each generation finding
more efficient ways of managing their fields and
saving these valuable resources.
We all need to slow down and take time to
travel this route of bounty. This is not an imaginary route, but a way of life here that has
defined our communities, and indeed, sustains
them each year. If each trip through the Salinas
Valley were viewed as a feast for the senses, we
would come to appreciate more what the farmers and ranchers of our county have provided
for us.
The next time you browse through a farmers
market, try to imagine where the produce came
from and how that would all look, sound, smell
and taste as you drive on a sunny day in the
Salinas Valley. CG
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21
FUEL
Alternative Fuel Produced in the
U.S. Helps Reduce Pollution in California
B y M a r k L e i t M a n , P r o P a n e e d u c at i o n & r e s e a r c h c o u n c i L
M
ost metropolitan areas face pollution
issues, but according to the American
Lung Association, nine of the top ten
most polluted U.S. cities are in California. As a
majority of America’s gasoline and dieselpowered vehicles contribute to acid rain, ground
level ozone and smog, alternative fuels, such as
propane, shape the future of clean air, especially
in California.
The statewide Air Resources Board (ARB) and
35 local Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD)
work to develop a comprehensive approach to
reduce air pollution in California. Not only is
pollution a problem in vehicles on the road, but
many non-road diesel engines used in tractors,
forklifts and generators emit large amounts of
nitrogen oxides and particulate matter—both
of which contribute to serious public health
problems.
“The FEED program was instrumental in our operation making
the switch to propane; we absolutely took advantage of the
$2,500 incentive and saved a
lot of money.” —Carl Bowker,
owner of Caliza Winery
“For years, farmers used to pour oil on the
ground, which would seep into well water, and
a majority of farms are serviced by their own
wells,” said Mitch Torp, owner of TGP West, an
energy and irrigation solutions company in
Atascadero, CA.
“Nowadays, students possess a wealth of
knowledge on environmental pollution, telling
their parents, ‘you’ve got to stop polluting this
and polluting that if you want me to take over
the farm’. The coming generation is extremely
aware of our country’s widespread pollutants
22
Paso Robles farmer, Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery, recently switched to a propane-fueled irrigation engine and saved $2,500
on an incentive through the Propane FEED program.
and its harmful effects for the future,”
Torp said.
took advantage of the $2,500 incentive
and saved a lot of money.”
SanLuisObispoCountyFarmer
SavesMoneyandReducesPollution
Paso Robles farmer, Carl Bowker of Caliza
Winery, recently switched to a propane-fueled
irrigation engine because of the visible
pollutants created by his previous dieselpowered well pump. Not only did he minimize air
pollution dramatically, he used far less propane
to fuel his equipment compared to diesel. A
$2,500 incentive through the Propane FEED
(Farm Equipment Efficiency Demonstration)
program helped him purchase a new irrigation
engine.
“We’re very happy to see that our irrigation
engine isn’t spewing out black smoke like it did
with diesel,” Bowker said. “We don’t want that
pollution in the air or on our grapes. The FEED
program was instrumental in our operation
making the switch to propane; we absolutely
PropaneFEEDProgram
On the agricultural front, California farmers in
the fruit, vegetable and wine industry have the
opportunity to save up to $5,000 on propanefueled equipment through the Propane FEED
program, as Carl Bowker did. This
demonstration initiative tests the performance
of new propane-fueled technology, and the
Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
offers incentives in return for reports from the
field about the performance of the products.
For more information on the Propane FEED
program, call 202-452-8975 or visit www.
agpropane.com.
“As we look to the future, it’s important that
the everyday American considers alternative
fuels and sees their potential in meeting energy
needs, reducing pollutants and improving
business outcomes,” said Tucker Perkins, PERC
chief marketing officer. “PERC’s goal is to show
farmers how they can run a cleaner operation
by using propane-fueled equipment.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration, America consumed 18.8 million
barrels of oil per day in 2009. With China in second at 8.5 million barrels and Japan in third at
4.4 million barrels, the United States ranks first
by a wide margin. It’s no question that the country should look to alternative fuels as approximately half of our gasoline consumption is sup-
“PERC’s goal is to show farmers
how they can run a cleaner operation by using propane-fueled
equipment.” Tucker Perkins,
PERC chief marketing officer
plied on American soil and the other half is
imported. On the other hand, nearly 97 percent
of propane consumed in the United States is
produced in North America. If more vehicles and
equipment use propane, the U.S. would be less
dependent on other countries for oil.
In countries such as South Korea, Turkey,
India and Poland, more than 50 percent of
vehicles run on propane autogas, according to
Stuart Weidie, president and CEO of Blossman
Gas, in an interview with SmartPlanet. The
Propane Education & Research Council found
that more than 270,000 on-road propane
vehicles exist in the United States. Many are
used in fleet applications, such as police cars,
shuttles and school buses.
Propane:TheCost-Effectiveand
EnvironmentallyFriendlyFuel
Propane irrigation engines can cost up to
fourteen percent less to buy and operate than
diesel irrigation engines. Environmentally,
propane-fueled irrigation engines produce up
to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions than gasoline and 11 percent fewer
GHG emissions than diesel engines. Farmers can
calculate their potential costs savings when
switching from diesel to a propane-fueled
irrigation engine by visiting the cost comparison
calculator at www.agpropane.com/FEED
(Findings concluded by The Propane Education
& Research Council).
According to the Air Resources Board, diesel
exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and
over 40 other known cancer-causing
compounds. Nitrogen oxides found in diesel
exhaust can damage lung tissue, lower the
body’s resistance to respiratory infection and
worsen chronic lung diseases, such as asthma,
according to Office of Environmental Health
Hazard Assessment (www.oehha.ca.gov).
Considering 865,000 U.S. farms use propane
for irrigation pumps, grain dryers and standby
generators, it is a safe alternative to
mainstream fuel sources, according to Dassel’s
Petroleum, an energy supplier to the Central
Coast and the Central San Joaquin Valley.
Overall, propane is at the forefront of
alternative fuels in the United States. Not only
is a majority of the propane consumed in the
U.S. produced in North America, it’s a safe,
affordable and environmentally friendly fuel
that is used on farms, on the road and in
industrial and commercial operations. As
pollution worsens and the supply of oil
decreases, alternative fuels will continue to
make leaps in our society, eventually breaking
the norm of gasoline-fueled cars and dieselfueled tractors.
New Opportunity for Farmers: PERC recently
added Origin Engines industrial 8.0-liter and
10.3-liter propane-fueled irrigation engines to
the Propane FEED program. The EPA certified
engine’s annual fuel and maintenance cost is
less than diesel, and it’s up to 40 percent less
expensive than IT4 diesel engines. CG
23
H E A LT H C A R E
Highlights of the Health Care Act
B y G i n a a n d e r s e n , h aya s h i & W ay L a n d
O
n June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court
issued a complex series of opinions
regarding the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together
the ACA), concluding that most provisions are
constitutional. This legislation was signed into
law in March 2010; however, almost immediately,
the legality of the Act was challenged and many
felt the law would be drastically changed or
even repealed before many of the provisions
became effective.
Here we are in 2012, and with the Supreme
Court affirmation, we are faced with
determining how the provisions within the Act
will affect each of us. These provisions are
scheduled to come into effect over the next 3-4
Years ago I would give, as
examples of complementing the
disabled person’s public benefits,
the purchase of a flat screen
television, a stereo system, or
a trip to Disneyland; now, I list
such “luxuries” as vision, hearing,
and dental care—all examples of
services that used to be covered
by public benefits but were
eliminated by state budget cuts
in 2009.
years. In 2013, several key provisions will
become effective and will affect many
individuals, employees, businesses and business
owners. While the Act is voluminous at almost
1,000 pages, below are provisions that will
affect most taxpayers.
24
AdditionalHospitalInsurance(HI)Tax
forHighWageWorkers
Currently for Medicare (HI), all employees have
1.45 percent taken from their paycheck and the
employer must pay 1.45 percent of each
employee’s wages as well. Self-employed
persons must pay the total 2.9 percent on their
income.
For tax years beginning after 2012, the
employee portion of the HI tax rate will be
increased by 0.9 percent for employees who
earn wages over $200,000 ($250,000 for
married couples filing jointly). The employer
portion of this tax remains the same. However,
employers will be responsible for withholding
the increased employee tax from any employee
whose wages exceed $200,000. This increase
also applies to self-employed individuals.
Example: Employer ABC employs Wally
Worker. Wally receives $150,000 in wages from
his employer. Wally also receives $150,000 in
wages at a second job for a different employer.
Wally is single. Since he does not receive over
$200,000 in wages from one employer, they are
not required to withhold this tax, but Wally is
required to pay 0.9 percent on the earnings
over $200,000 or $900 ($300,000-$200,000 =
$100,000 * 0.9 percent).
MedicareContributionTaxon
UnearnedIncome
This tax applies to unearned income, such as
interest, dividends, royalties and potentially
rents. It also applies to passive income, such as
income earned from a trade or business in
which the taxpayer doesn’t actively participate.
Taxpayer income will need to be analyzed item
by item to determine if it applies for this tax as
there are many exceptions and rules.
The tax is 3.8 percent on unearned income
greater than $200,000 for a single person or
$250,000 for a married filing joint filer. The
taxpayer will calculate their modified adjusted
gross income (AGI), as defined in the law, and
they will pay the tax on the lesser of their
unearned income or their modified gross
income above $250,000.
Example: Joe and Jane, a married couple
who file a joint return, collectively earn
$270,000 in wages and have $80,000 of
unearned income. Their modified AGI is
$350,000. For 2013, the couple will incur a 3.8
percent tax on the lesser of their: (1) $80,000 of
unearned income, or (2) $100,000 of modified
AGI in excess of the $250,000 threshold for
married filing joint taxpayers. Thus, Joe and
Jane will incur a $3,040 (3.8 percent *
$80,000) unearned income Medicare
Contribution Tax in 2013.
IncreasedMedicalExpenseDeduction
Most taxpayers are familiar with the rule for
medical expense deduction that allows
taxpayers to deduct the amount of medical
expenses above 7.5 percent of their AGI. For
example, a taxpayer has $10,000 of out-ofpocket medical expenses and AGI of $100,000.
They can only deduct $2,500 (threshold is
$100,000 * 7.5 percent or $7,500 and medical
expenses are $10,000, so $10,000 less $7,500).
In 2013, the threshold will increase to ten
percent, which will result in even fewer
taxpayers being able to deduct medical
expenses. Seniors are exempt until after 2016.
NewLimitonHealthFlexibleSpending
AccountContributions
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a savings
account set up for medical or dependent care
expenses. The money is contributed before
taxes, so there is a tax benefit to establishing
these accounts. Prior to 2013, there was no limit
to the amount that could be contributed for
medical expenses and dependent care was
limited to $5,000. Beginning in 2013, the
maximum for a medical FSA will be $2,500.
Dependent care remains the same.
PenaltyforNotHavingHealthInsurance
Coverage–Effectivein2014
Beginning in 2014, U.S. Citizens and legal
residents will have to maintain minimum
essential health care coverage on themselves
and their dependents or pay a penalty. The
penalty is calculated using the taxpayer’s
household income and cannot exceed $285 for
2014, $975 for 2015 or $2,085 for 2016. After
25
2016, this amount will be increased for inflation.
A variety of exemptions are included to prevent
the penalty from imposing undue burdens on
low-income individuals and certain specified
classes.
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26
PenaltyforEmployersnotofferingAffordable
orAdequateHealthInsuranceCoverage–
Effectivein2014
This is the most widely talked about provision.
Beginning in 2014, if an employer with 50 or
more full- time employees does not offer
coverage for all full-time employees, offers
unaffordable minimum coverage, or offers
certain limited coverage, they will have to pay a
penalty if any full-time employee uses a tax
credit or cost-sharing subsidy to purchase
health insurance through a state-run insurance
exchange.
The penalty for any month that the employer
does not offer its full-time employees coverage
will equal the number of full-time employees,
over a 30-employee threshold, multiplied by
$167. This is calculated regardless of the number
of employees who are receiving a premium tax
credit or cost-sharing reduction. Once any
employee takes advantage of the credit or cost
sharing reduction, the employer must pay the
penalty. In addition, if any employee takes the
credit or cost-sharing reduction, the employer is
subject to a penalty even if they offer health
insurance to their employees. This penalty is the
lesser of $250 per month per full-time
employee who received a credit or the amount
calculated above if the employer did not offer
coverage.
These are the major provisions of the Act
that will apply to most taxpayers. There are
many other provisions that may apply in your
specific case. With these laws coming into effect
in 2013 and the end of the Bush Tax Cuts
coming at December 31, 2012, now is the time to
review your tax situation and possibly take
advantage of opportunities these events will
allow. CG
27
FA C I L I T I E S
Change of Use: Risks, Costs and Options
By L i n o B e L L i , B e L L i a r c h i t ec t u r a L G r o u P
M
oving into an existing building
previously used by a different type of
business can be a creative and
economical solution to achieve strategic
business goals. However, it can also be an
expensive, surprise-laden and time-consuming
headache.
It takes a lot of planning, research and insight
to turn a former tin can warehouse or tired
historic edifice into a state-of-the-art packaging
plant or a brand-enhancing corporate
headquarters.
WhatTriggersChangeofUseCodeIssues?
Most people recognize that new construction or
major renovation can trigger compliance questions with current code requirements, but
changing the use of business property can also
trigger a host of new code requirements, even if
planned renovations are minimal or nonexistent.
And this does not just apply to significant
changes of use such as turning a factory into
“I was surprised how much the
law and rules had changed since
our last project. We never would
have hit our targets if it wasn’t for
the knowledge of our architect,
and their ability to work with the
county and the builder.”
—Mike Yanez, Coastal Cooling
Company
living space or a former bank into a restaurant.
A change as subtle as turning a light manufacturing facility into a warehouse could trigger
requirements to upgrade the facility to current
codes. This will add construction and permitting
costs to a project and could cause significant
delays. On the other hand, understanding
opportunities, limitations and risks when you
first investigate a potential property can lead to
successful outcomes and help in your negotiations with the seller or lessor.
As with any business decision, cost and time
considerations must be weighed against bene-
28
A multitude of code compliance issues can arise on building
projects involving a change of use.
fits. Some factors might not be obvious. If
you’re replacing a wall or building enclosed
office space, that could trigger current code
requirements such as widening exterior stairways (even if you never plan to use them), adding fire sprinklers, performing seismic upgrades
and installing handicap accessible restrooms.
Even so, the image and ambiance of a historic
structure, or the location of a re-purposed production facility, might be just what your company needs, and it will be worth whatever it takes
to make it happen. Regardless, the key to successful change of use decisions is knowing in
advance what will be involved.
InterpretationofCodes
andRequirementsVaries
The various building and construction codes are
constantly being updated by code-setting bodies
and then amended and adopted by local jurisdiction. Zoning and use permits are also controlled by local jurisdictions. So a project similar
to what you just did last year in Monterey
County might not be allowed in Salinas and
would require significant modification in King
City. Architects work with codes on a regular
basis and can advise you on recent changes or
jurisdictional differences.
An unanticipated $50,000 in extra materials
and labor costs may or may not change your
decision to proceed with a project, but what
about the cost to your business if the change
caused a three-month delay in occupying the
renovated space?
If you expected to have the new space occupied and producing business revenue or rental
income by November, can you afford to wait
until February or later for that to happen? Can
you afford the cash flow impacts on continuing
to operate at your existing facility while also
paying for the new one? Or if you’re the building owner dependent on rental income, how
long can you afford to make payments on
empty space that is not generating revenue?
When Coastal Cooling Company agreed last
year to add a box building facility to their operations for a client, delays were not an option; the
growing season dictated when the facility needed to be operational.
“I was surprised how much the law and rules
had changed since our last project,” said Mike
Yanez, managing partner. “We never would have
hit our targets if it wasn’t for the knowledge of
our architect, and their ability to work with the
county and the builder.”
HowanArchitectCanHelp
Many architects are experts who work with
change of use projects as a regular course of
business. They can spot the seemingly little factors on a property that could result in significant expense or delay and help you select the
property that will achieve your goals. Engaging
an architect before you contact your broker can
arm you with knowledge and insight and help
you identify appropriate properties faster.
Once you’ve identified a property or properties that you think might work, having your
architect review the property before you negotiate with the seller or lessor will help you go
into the negotiations with your eyes wide open.
If you’re contemplating relocating or
expanding your business, or buying investment
business property, especially if it could
potentially involve a change of use project,
engaging an architect early in the process can
help you better understand the risks, costs and
options on the project and lead to more
successful outcomes. CG
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NORTH
Make your table smile!
Interview with Annie Morhauser
Owner, Annieglass
By J e s s B r o W n
Whendidyoufirstrealizethatyourfuture
wasinthecreativeartfield?
Probably at age 10, when I started taking the bus
to art lessons on Saturdays. Art was not a part
of the curriculum at the Catholic school I went
to, and my mother and oldest brother encouraged me to explore my creative side. The lessons
were hard but the long bus ride alone made me
feel very adventurous and autonomous.
Wastheresomeoneinyouryouthwhoinfluencedyourinterestinart?
My mother was a highly skilled seamstress
and knitter. She regretted having to quit after
one semester at the Philadelphia School of
Textiles for financial reasons. She would tell
me great stories about her grandfather in Italy
who was a mural painter. He had badly injured
his arm in a fall off a scaffold. Although he
could not work, he could not stop painting, so
he painted and repainted murals all over their
house. By the way, my son, Taylor Reinhold, is
a mural painter now who recently painted the
mural at Winemakers Studio on Airport Blvd.
in Watsonville and Clouds in Santa Cruz with
another artist.
Didyoumajorinartincollege?
Yes. I graduated from the California College of
the Arts in 1979 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in
glassmaking.
Whyglass,andnotsomeothermedium?
It is a seductive material and once it gets you
hooked it’s tough to stop! It was always difficult to master and just when I thought I had, it
showed me otherwise. If it was easy I would have
tired of it long ago. Also, the science and physics
part of making it keeps me interested and challenged. The design part is my favorite and what
gets me out of bed in the morning!
30
Water lily collection.
Annieglassisnowapproachingits30th
Anniversary.Howdidyoucomeupwiththe
conceptforthiscompany?
The name came about when I was refused acceptance into a male-dominated group of glass artists in the Bay area. I chose a name that emphasized my difference.
As for designing tableware specifically, I was
trained as a craftsperson and at the time in the
late 70s there was a large studio movement,
particularly in glass. I started out making more
sculptural pieces for galleries but supported
myself working in a studio in Capitola. I would do
a lot of experimenting since there were no books
on how to do it, and in art school I was taught to
keep careful notes to learn my craft. The experiments on small glass tiles soon overwhelmed my
small studio so I switched to small plates I could
take home and actually use! Soon it became
obvious there might be a market for those.
Howmanypeoplearenowemployedby
Annieglass?
32
Whatinspiresyournewdesigns?
Many things in no particular order: nature, my
surroundings, textiles, texture, travel and jewelry, as of late.
Whydidyoudecidetostartyourbusiness
inSantaCruz?
For love.
Whatmadeyoudecidetomoveyourfactory
toWatsonville?
I could not find anything affordable or adaptable
to my needs elsewhere in the county in 1996.
The city was very welcoming and helpful.
around as well as an activity for wedding parties
and girlfriend weekends.
Accordingtoyourcalendar,youhaveabusy
travelschedule.Doesmeetingyourloyalfans
helpyoudesignproductsthatwillbeuseful
andfunforthem?
Yes it does. Hearing what their favorites are and
the many creative ways they use Annieglass is
always inspiring. My customers are the nicest
people too, so it is enjoyable. I love to travel and
see new places.
Shell series in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian
Museum of American Art.
Haslocalagriculturehadanyinfluenceon
yourdesigns?
My strongest customers are those most devoted
to cooking, entertaining and making their surroundings beautiful. Luckily for me, that sums
up the majority of people in agriculture in this
community.
Painterssometimeswilldoacommissioned
piece.Dopeopleapproachyouforaspecific
piece?
Annieglass works with many corporate gift programs locally and nationally, but I don’t do commissions.
Yourfollowingisquiteimpressive:Barbra
Streisand,OprahWinfrey,Smithsonian
AmericanArtMuseumtonameafewwell
knownindividualsandinstitutions.Doesthis
typeoffollowinghelporhinderyourcreativity?
I don’t think it has much effect creativity-wise
but it is gratifying to know we are on the right
track.
You’reabusinessownerwhostronglysupportsthecommunitywithavarietyofinterestsincludingJacob’sHeart,SecondHarvest
FoodBankandSantaCruzMuseumofArt.
Whyisitimportanttosupporttheseoutside
activities?
I think it is the responsibility of every business
owner to give back to their community. That is
what makes a community and we business owners must lead the way. There is no excuse for
not contributing. Some of the best ways are the
most creative that do not always involve cash,
but sharing time, donating skill or in-kind product and services or by creating awareness. This
community is profoundly generous this way—I
know from both opportunities when I co-chaired
the Holiday Food Drives.
Whatnewdesignsareinthepipelinethatwe
willseeinthefuture?
I just finished my first Christmas collection and
it was very popular with store owners across the
nation. I look forward to seeing what Santa Cruz
County thinks of it.
Oneofyourcustomerssaidyoumakeher
tablesmile.Thatshouldmakeallyourhard
workworthwhile!ThankyouAnnieforbeing
partofourcommunity. CG
Roman Antique serving pieces rimmed in genuine
platinum luster.
Thispastsummeryouheldan“Annieglass
WineandFood”series.Whatinitiatedthisidea?
The summer before, we opened a wine bar in the
Watsonville warehouse and started offering free
tours to the public. This summer, with the help of
our resident wine expert Jacqueline Knight, we
expanded into Saturday events introducing local
fine wines and artisanal foods. Annieglass looks
best with food on it and we wanted to share the
bounty of this area by introducing new wines
and foods and showing how lovely they look with
Annieglass.
Howdidthewineandfoodseriesgoover
withthepublic?
Very well. We have offered a destination to travelers and Santa Cruzans alike, who can shop,
taste wine or sit and enjoy a glass, take home a
bottle and learn how we make Annieglass. It has
been very popular with locals showing guests
Giant ultramarine clam shell from a limited edition series of 500.
31
A park-like setting.
32
SHOWCASE
Steve & Lisa John
By M e Lo dy yo u n G
P h o t o G r a P h y B y P at r i c k t r e G e n Z a
T
he home of Steve and Lisa John is a masterful display of traditional style with all the
touches necessary for a modern busy family of four. The secret to the allure of this
European-style home is its casual elegance. Blending styles and bending rules but
not breaking them, the Johns have created a home that is sunny and relaxed while
being exquisite in every sense of the word.
The Johns came to Monterey when their children started attending school in the area. Steve’s par-
ents already lived here, and they knew it would be a place they would love. They found the perfect
building site and then spent two and a half years designing and building their home. Having
remodeled and built before, Lisa felt confident acting as their own general contractor. Although
that decision would be daunting to some, she was up for the challenge. The home is proof that
she knew what she was doing.
The exterior of the home designed by June Sillano of International Design Group in Pacific
Grove is a mixture of muted cream stucco and Carmel Stone with a slate roof. The wandering
flagstone path draws its guests to the lovely portico with camellias in large urns flanking the front
door. The sunlight dappling through the oaks and olives makes for a European park-like setting.
The entry boasts a triple-groin vaulted ceiling often found in Tudor homes. The walls are painted a soft shade reminiscent of parchment paper that envelops its visitors and draws them in. The
A warm welcome.
space is filled with family antiques and artwork that create a comfortable time-worn feel while
leading to the formal living room beyond. Limestone set in a Versailles pattern graces the floors
throughout the house. Beautiful rugs in all colors, sometimes layered, create individual spaces
and interest in every room.
Centuries-old trusses were a design must for Lisa, and the trusses she found from a Canadian
barn were perfect. They give the living room a sense of scale while the French stone fireplace
from Jean de Luz provides an anchor to the space. The living room is a blend of treasured finds
and cherished pieces that stand up to the scale of the room and the view of the Monterey Bay.
The Johns use the living room often when entertaining. Lisa muses, “It’s funny that we have the
exact view across the bay that we had when we lived in Aptos, just the opposite direction.”
Lisa worked with her friend and designer Stephanie Sendell of Carmel throughout the home.
No detail was left unnoticed. This is evident in all areas. The dining room glows with warmth. The
various ceiling and wall techniques give the room interest and character. The billiard room and
wine cellar also have their own unique ambience. Custom cabinetry was designed to give the
33
The heart of the home.
A feast for the eyes.
34
C O A S T A L GAn
R Oartful
W E R display
| F A L Lof 2furnishings.
012
35
A peaceful retreat.
36
Beautiful in every way.
The office.
Just the spot to end your day.
37
spaces a time-honored appeal and to hold family collections and memorabilia. Steve has an impressive wine collection displayed.
These spaces are easily accessible from the kitchen and family room,
where the Johns and their two children spend most of their time and
where they entertain in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Many events in
their home are to promote the First Tee Program of Monterey County.
First Tee’s mission is “to impact the lives of young people by providing
educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values
and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.” The Johns are
passionate about the charity. Steve is the current President and CEO of
the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which helps fund First Tee. Such
warmth and caring are evident in all they do.
The kitchen has a decidedly fresh and current feel. It is designed to
work hard yet look beautiful. It boasts granite countertops in a warm
creamy shade. The striking stone hood is surrounded by beautifully
crafted cabinets. They have been antiqued to a soft sheen that creates
an instant patina of age to the new kitchen. The contrasting island and
time worn beams gain center attention and create a pleasant snug feeling to the large space.
Lisa finds herself using Steve’s office more often than he. Steve and
their teenaged son are accomplished amateur golfers. The office is the
perfect place to showcase this. The colored walls take on the effect of
A room meant to enjoy.
soft green suede. The bookcases behind the desk showcase a collection
of trophies and treasures. It is, however, a hard working space with all
the elements needed to run a business from home. The room is a purposeful departure from the main area of the home, having a character all
its own. The putting green outside is mere steps away just in case a little
practice is needed.
Meandering down the hall to the bedroom wing is a pleasure, with
beams overhead, rugs underfoot, and soft lighting on the walls. The
home includes four bedrooms and four and one-half baths. The master
suite is a lesson in tranquility. The touches of Asian antiques and artwork
create a restful ambiance. Beautiful Tansu chests sit at either side of the
bed. The colors are meant to sooth and restore. It is a quiet place to rest
by the fire and read a good book. Custom touches abound, including specially designed light fixtures as well as custom basket weave cabinetry.
Ambient lighting casts a warm glow throughout the space.
Distinct outdoor spaces all flow to accommodate a small gathering or
a large crowd. The view is the showstopper, the weather temperate. The
fireplace is of Carmel stone—it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a special bottle of
wine from the cellar. Lisa says her yard would be perfect if it weren’t for
their midnight visitors: the deer. She’s working on that.
The John’s home is only five years old but has settled itself into the
surroundings so well its age is undefinable. The purposeful mix of materials and styles results in a truly unique home that reflects Steve and
Lisa’s personalities—approachable and relaxed. It is a home built for modern-day living but reflecting age-old European styles, French influences,
and Tuscan materials. The result is a mix designed to live well, and
indeed they do.
38
A stunning view.
A little practice time.
39
R E C R E AT I O N
Fort Ord: Coming Full Swing
as Monterey Downs
By B r i a n B o u d r e au, M o n t e r e y d oW n s
F
or more than 75 years, Fort Ord was an
institution in Monterey County. Since its
closure in 1994, developers have worked
with the underlying jurisdictions to redevelop
the base. One project currently being proposed
is Monterey Downs.
A few components of this project will be
owned and run by nonprofit organizations. The
developers of Monterey Downs have worked
with these nonprofits for a few years to include
their smaller projects in the Monterey Downs
overall development. Nonprofit organizations
face challenges when it comes to their projects,
often times lacking the money and expertise to
obtain approvals. By including these nonprofit
components in the overall Monterey Downs
project, the developers are helping pay the
approval costs and using their expertise to get
all components of the project approved. Upon
approval, the land upon which the nonprofit
portions will be located will be transferred to
each of the nonprofit organizations. The nonprofit components within Monterey Downs
include an indoor Olympic-sized pool, an industry-owned horse track, a veterans cemetery and
the Monterey Horse Park.
MontereyDowns
Sitting between Salinas and Seaside lie 28,000
acres of land that used to be Ft. Ord. Former Ft.
Ord was open between 1917 and 1994 and was
an economic engine for the area. When it
closed, over 21,000 jobs, 18,000 residents and
$500 million in annual revenue were lost. In the
years since, a base reuse plan was established
to determine what should be built on the former
Ft. Ord.
One of the projects proposed is Monterey
Downs, a multi-component project that includes
an indoor sports arena, horse training track
with the potential for racing, a horse park, tennis and swim center, hotel and office center, residential neighborhoods, a town center with restaurants, cafés, museums and more, including
public staging areas to access trails and open
space.
In envisioning the future, I first looked to the
40
history of the area and horses’ part in it. In 1919,
the 11th Calvary moved to the Presidio of
Monterey , then in 1940 moved to Ft. Ord when
stables for 1,400 horses were built on the base.
But, in addition to being used in the military,
horses were a part of everyday lives in transportation, sports and entertainment.
In 1919, the 11th Calvary moved
to the Presidio of Monterey, then
in 1940 moved to Ft. Ord when
stables for 1,400 horses were built
on the base.
Horses, including horse racing, have a grand
history in the area. In 1872, the Sausal Park
Race Track (renamed Sherwood Race Track in
1878) was built in Salinas. Today, the California
Rodeo is held on these same grounds. In 1896,
the Hotel Del Monte constructed a horse track
and polo field, holding regular races until the
mid-1920s when auto racing took over and Del
Monte moved the horse facilities to Pebble
Beach, now the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.
Both auto racing and rodeo still exist in the
With events occurring year-round,
Monterey Downs will pump more
than $100 million into the local
economy annually. All this will
occur on less than two percent of
the land that was former Ft. Ord.
area and are well-attended, popular activities.
Monterey Downs wants to add horse racing back
into the local mix of entertainment options,
along with a variety of other recreational activities. An indoor sports arena is planned to seat
approximately 5,000 people and can be configured to host dog shows, trade shows, gradua-
tions and concerts in addition to equestrian
shows. The outdoor track has been designed as
a fair-style venue with a 1,500-seat grandstand.
The hope is to hold a short race meet between
August and Thanksgiving, the same dates races
ran at Tanforan Race Track in San Bruno.
Trails meandering through 75 acres of oak
trees are planned to connect the track to the
Monterey Horse Park, an equestrian center
designed to host both English and Western-style
events. Designed in the spirit of Del Mar
Thoroughbred Club, Monterey Downs will be
usable year-round for many events. Del Mar is
part of the 22nd Ag District and is owned by the
State of California. It hosts fairs, concerts, trade
shows, and rents the facilities throughout the
year. The 22nd Ag District makes more than
twice the money it makes from the race meet
by renting the facility and hosting events the
rest of the year—a model Monterey Downs plans
to utilize.
Appreciating that not everyone is a horse
enthusiast, Monterey Downs will also include a
tennis and swim center with an indoor 54-meter
Olympic-sized swimming pool, as well as an outdoor pool and several tennis courts. For cyclists
and runners, two staging areas are planned,
where people can safely prepare to go out and
come back from using the trails through the
project and adjacent open space. Grab a coffee
before you go and have lunch when you get
back is the idea behind the project. Monterey
Downs is planned to be a destination—a place
where people want to hang out with friends and
family, attend an event, go out on trails or just
relax.
Enjoying an afternoon is a great vision, but
just as important to the community, if not more
so, are the 3,000 permanent, direct jobs that
will be created as a result of Monterey Downs
being built. Additionally, another 2,000 indirect
jobs will be created, plus construction of the
project itself. Classrooms are planned to be
included in the training facility, with hopes of
bringing a registered veterinary technician program. Internships, after-school jobs and vocational training are also included. With events
occurring year-round, Monterey Downs will
pump more than $100 million into the local
economy annually. All this will occur on less
than two percent of the land that was former Ft.
Ord.
Jobs, entertainment, recreation and family
fun: this is what is planned for Monterey Downs.
By bringing back a part of our grand history,
Monterey Downs hopes to be a part of a bright
future for Monterey County.
MontereyHorsePark
What is a horse park and why does Monterey
County need one? Monterey County has an
extensive equine heritage, with the first horses
arriving with the Spanish in the 1770s. Those
times of riding for uninterrupted miles are long
gone and galloping across a freshly plowed ag
field is now forbidden. Small arenas such as the
Pattee Ranch have also gone by the wayside.
Across the nation, loss of land for horse-related
activities is the greatest threat to horse sport,
industry and recreation. If land for equine pursuits is to be saved, it has to be done at the local
level, by local horsemen. No one else will do it.
Horse parks, which combine competition venues with educational interests, have become
successful solutions. Kentucky Horse Park is the
leader, drawing almost one million visitors each
year. Monterey County has the ability to develop
a horse park on the former Ft. Ord that, while
not as large as Kentucky, would certainly compete in quality. A multi-discipline equine horse
park, in conjunction with Monterey Downs, the
California Rodeo Complex, Monterey
Fairgrounds and the Salinas Valley Fair facility,
would make Monterey County a world-class destination for equine events.
Trails meandering through 75
acres of oak trees are planned to
connect the track to the Monterey
Horse Park, an equestrian center
designed to host both English and
Western-style events.
Monterey Horse Park facilities are being
designed to meet International Equestrian
Federation requirements for competition in the
eight events: dressage, eventing, jumping, driving, vaulting, endurance, para-equestrian and
reining. Planned also is a cross-country course,
a gallop course and roping and cutting arenas.
Stabling facilities will provide enough stalls
(1,200) to attract state, national, and international events and still be adaptable to regional
events. A visitor center with regional art, histo-
ry, and other displays, career explorations, educational programs and therapeutic riding programs are also included in the vision.
As so many know, project approval does not
come easy. Though the original base reuse plan
designated more than 500 acres for an equestrian facility and support has been continuous,
the project was in quicksand trying to meet all
the requirements. The collaboration of
Monterey Horse Park and Monterey Downs, to
share the acreage, is a win-win situation.
Monterey Downs has included both the veterans
cemetery and the Monterey Horse Park in their
environmental impact report and is shepherding
both organizations through the approval process. Monterey Downs has become the guardian
angel for both Monterey Horse Park and the
veterans cemetery.
Monterey County also has another heritage—
one of supporting projects that will bring
together and strengthen our community; projects that look to the future and provide needed
resources. An exceptional multi-purpose events
center in a unique and beautiful setting,
Monterey Downs and Monterey Horse Park will
be assets to our community and our citizens
now and for future generations.
To learn more visit www.montereydowns.com
or www.facebook.com/MontereyDowns, or call
Brian Boudreau at (831) 883-1400. CG
Monterey Horse Park Plan Rendering.
41
H I STO RY
Southern Monterey and
San Benito Counties
B y B u r t o n A n d e r s o n i n C o o p e r At i o n w i t h t h e M o n t e r e y C o u n t y h i s t o r i C A l s o C i e t y
Note: Early San Benito County is included in this
article since it was part of Monterey County until
1874. Originally Monterey County was 4,720
square miles; presently it is 3,324 square miles.
In 1874 San Benito was split off by the state
legislature and contains 1,396 square miles.
The first non-native to traverse the southern
areas of Monterey and San Benito counties was
Gaspar de Portola in 1769 on his overland expedition to search for the Bay of Monterey. He was
unsuccessful until a second attempt led to the
establishment of Mission San Antonio de Padua
in 1771. It was the third Mission built in Alta
California. The mission remained under Spanish
control until Mexico won its independence from
Spain in 1822.
In 1823 Mexico began secularization of the
Spanish missions and their vast land holdings.
To colonize these enormous spaces, in 1834 the
Mexican governors of Alta California began
granting square leagues of land in the future
South Monterey County (One square league =
4,428 +- acres). The grants were known as ranchos and were granted in the area covered by
this article as follows:
The ranchos were granted to retired soldiers,
government officials, colonists and their relatives. Their livelihood was pasturing cattle for
their hides and tallow for export through the
Port of Monterey to the United States and
Europe. Cattle ranching was the major occupa-
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
in 1848 opened up California to
American settlement. The same
year gold was discovered in the
Sierras, which set off a massive
migration into California to the
gold fields.
tion in Alta California from 1771 until 1848. The
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 opened up
California to American settlement. The same
year gold was discovered in the Sierras, which
set off a massive migration into California to the
gold fields.
GRANT
DATE

CLAIMANT
PATENT
DATE
1834
1838
1839
1841
1841
1841
1842
1842
1842
1842
1842
1844
1845
1846
1858
El Sur 8,949 acres patented to JBR Cooper
Milpitas 43,281 acres patented to Ignacio Pastor, Indian neophyte
Posa de Los Ositos 16,939 acres patented to Carlos C. Espinosa
San Miguelito 22,136 acres patented to Mariano Gonzales
San Bernardo 13,346 acres patented to Mariano Soberanes
San Lorenzo 21884 acres patented to Feliciano Soberanes, Coburn
San Bernabe 13,296 acres patented to Henry Cocks
El Piojo 13,329 acres patented to Soto Heirs
San Benito 6,671 acre patented to James Watson
Los Ojitos 8,900 acres patented to Mariano Soberanes
San Lucas 8,875 acres patented to James Mckinley
Chalome 22,262 acres patented to Ellen E. White, Randall, Peachtree
Pleyto 13,299 acres patented to William S. Johnson
San Lorenzo 45,286 acres patented to Rafael Sanchez, Topo
Mission San Antonio 33 acres patented to the Catholic Church
1866
1875
1865
1876
1874
1866
1873
1866
1869
1871
1872
1865
1872
1870
1858
Source: Johnston, Robert B., A Brief History of Southern Monterey County, 1971
42
The principal path that was used to connect
the missions was the El Camino Real, and it was
the main road of travel from Baja California to
Alta California. In 1861 the U.S. Post Office initiated mail delivery by stagecoach on the Coast
Route from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It followed the old El Camino Real. The stops in
South Monterey County were Last Chance,
Lowe’s, Jolon, Pleyto and Nacimiento. These
remained important stops until the Southern
Pacific Railroad extended its tracks beyond
Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County.
From 1848 to about 1855 the rancheros and
American settlers of South County did well by
selling cattle and sheep to the gold miners.
However, the rancheros way of life had changed
a great deal with the imposition of Monterey
County taxes in 1850, and they found themselves short of cash. They also had expensive
legal bills due to having to prove they owned
their grants before the U.S. Land Commission.
In 1823 Mexico began secularization of the Spanish missions
and their vast land holdings. To
colonize these enormous spaces,
in 1834 the Mexican governors
of Alta California began granting square leagues of land in the
future South Monterey County.
American speculators and farmers took advantage of this opportunity and by both legal and
questionable tactics began buying and foreclosing on the rancheros.
With the Mother Lode (a long alignment of
hard-rock gold in the Sierra Nevada) playing out
after about 1855, some miners began drifting
into Monterey County and began dry farming
barley and wheat. At one time the barley raised
by Alberto Trescony at San Lucas was sought
by brewers in Liverpool, England for its excellence. Wheat and barley were the major crops
until the introduction of irrigation, which
allowed row crops and alfalfa to be grown. That
led to the growing of sugar beets and beans
and the introduction of dairies. King City
became famous for its pink beans, known as
“King City Pink Beans.”
The first large-scale irrigation system, after
the Spanish mission era, was built by
Brandenstein and Godchaux in 1884, on Rancho
San Bernardo. It was six miles long between San
Ardo and Bradley intending to irrigate five or
south of the two counties followed by San
Lucas, San Ardo, Lockwood and Bradley. Smaller
villages are Bitter Water, San Benito, Priest
Valley, Bryson, Parkfield, Jolon, Hesperia. Big
Sur, Lucia and Gorda.
The first mines were to obtain limestone and
rock by the Franciscan Padres and used in the
construction of San Antonio Mission. A crude
form of cement was made by the Indian laborers
to stabilize the adobe bricks. From time to time
Salinan Indians periodically showed up at the
Panoche Hall from the community of Panoche which disappeared along with other towns, such as Pleyto,
Manchester, Rootville, Hernandez, Peachtree and Cholame.
six thousand acres of land. The canal was
named the San Bernardo & Salinas Valley Canal
& Irrigation Company. Floods and other problems caused the venture ultimately to fail.
There were two other canals constructed in the
King City area, the San Lorenzo Creek Canal
(1896), nine miles long, and the Salinas Canal
(1896), eight and one-half miles long.
Smaller communities that have disappeared,
or nearly so, from the joint counties are Pleyto,
Manchester, Rootville, Hernandez, Peachtree,
Panoche, and Cholame. Pleyto was a village
until the San Antonio Dam was built, and now it
is under water. Manchester was a town in the
Los Burros mining district until it burned down
in 1909 and the ruins were completely
destroyed in the 1970 fire. New Idria in San
Benito County was a quick silver mining town
until it closed down in 1971. To service the area
of South Monterey and San Benito counties
there were many small post offices, and due to
declining businesses they all closed. The last
one at San Benito was closed in 1968.
King City is the major surviving town in the
mission bearing small amounts of gold and silver. The padres were unable to trace the source
except that it was near the modern Monterey/
In 1906 R.W. Dallas prospecting in the vicinity of San Benito
Peak discovered a rare blue gem
named Benitoite. It is so rare that
the source is a secret and it was
designated the “California State
Gem” in 1985 in a bill authored by
Assemblyman Rusty Areias.
San Luis Obispo County line. Many years later, in
1875, a significant gold strike was found by W.D.
Cruickshank in the vicinity of Alder Creek on the
south coast. The town of Manchester sprang up
to service the mines until it burned down and
flooding of the shafts caused most of the mines
to close by 1888.
Wheat and barley were the major
crops until the introduction of
irrigation, which allowed row
crops and alfalfa to be grown.
That led to the growing of
sugar beets and beans and the
introduction of dairies.
In 1852 a Mexican shepherd in the vicinity of
New Idria stumbled across what he thought was
silver. In fact it was cinnabar (quick silver). A
mine opened up in 1853, and because of the
remoteness of the location, a self-sufficient
town called New Idria named after a quick silver
mine on the Adriatic Coast was established. The
mine operated sporadically from 1853 to 1971
when it closed due to low prices for mercury.
Copper was discovered just west of the
Pinnacles by Henry Melville in 1873. He established a town called Rootville. The mine and the
town had a short life and by 1880 the mine
closed and the town disappeared.
Monterey County is hardly thought of as coal
mining center, but in 1880 the Southern Pacific
Railroad opened a mine. The location was in
Stone Canyon north east of San Miguel. Coal
was transported to Bradley for delivery to the
railroad, but the venture was uneconomical and
it closed, although some coal mining continued
until the early 1930’s.
In 1906 R.W. Dallas prospecting in the vicinity
of San Benito Peak discovered a rare blue gem
named Benitoite. It is so rare that the source is a
secret and it was designated the “California
State Gem” in 1985 in a bill authored by
Assemblyman Rusty Areias.
Serpentine rock, the basis of the chrysotile
mineral (asbestos), was discovered in southern
San Benito County in 1959. In 1963 Union
Carbide built a plant to refine chrysotile alongside Highway 101 south of King City. The ore was
trucked to the site near the railroad. The plant
closed in 1985 after asbestos was deemed a carcinogenic chemical and demand vanished.
A significant land purchase in 1865 by George
Hearst of roughly 250,000 acres was in Monterey
and San Luis Obispo Counties. William Randolph
Hearst inherited 200,000 acres from his mother,
Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the bulk of which was
in southern Monterey County. It included the
Mexican land grant of Milpitas as well as some
neighboring ranches. To accommodate his many
influential friends, Hearst commissioned Julia
Morgan to design his hacienda on the former
Milpitas rancho near the San Antonio Mission. It
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was built as a hunting lodge and a retreat for
Hearst and his friends.
Due to the need for more maneuver space, the
U.S. Army bought 200,000 acres from Hearst in
1940, and established Fort Hunter Liggett in 1941.
The fort has become a permanent Army Reserve
base, but the Army has allowed public access and
recreation on most areas of the base. Another
large base is Camp Roberts that straddles the
Monterey Country line and is the property of the
California National Guard for their summer
maneuvers.
Since 1903 prospectors have been searching
and drilling for oil in the San Ardo area. It wasn’t
until 1945 or 1947, depending on conflicting
accounts, that Texaco Oil Company found oil in
commercial quantities. It is a heavy crude and
requires steam flooding to reduce the viscosity.
Peak production was in 1967 and it is California’s
13th largest field.
Nacimiento-Fergusson Road was the only road
through the Santa Lucia Mountains on the
Central Coast before Highway 1 was completed in
1937. The Nacimiento-Fergusson Road was constructed in 1930 from a trail that was the sole
access to the Los Burros mining district. Mail
arrived via horseback from Jolon for the settlements of Gorda, Lucia, and the mines. When the
Coast Highway was completed mail was delivered
from Big Sur for Lucia and Gorda
Since the construction of the Nacimientio and
San Antonio dams, recreation has become a
major attraction to the area with two County
Parks adjoining the lakes. Camping, boating, fishing, and hiking are major attractions especially
during the summer. The lakes have helped the
economy of South County considerably.
Another factor in the growth of the area has
been the planting of vast wine grape vineyards.
The vineyard near Highway 101 in San Lucas is
said to be the largest contiguous vineyard in the
world.
Perhaps the most striking aspect about South
Monterey and San Benito Counties is that they
have remained largely rural and remote for over
240 years. Outside of the Highway 101 corridor
there are hundreds of square miles of grazing
land and forests that remain pretty much as
they were in mission times. The Mission San
Antonio sits in an almost pristine setting just as
when it was constructed. No other Spanish-era
mission in California can claim that distinction.
Cattle ranching is still the major occupation.
It is possible to drive some of the back country
roads and never pass another car for miles.
In a highly urbanized state such as California,
it is refreshing to know that we can travel an
area that hasn’t changed a great deal in 240
years. CG
2012 Rodeo
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45
VINE
Sierra Mar Vineyard
By l Au r i e dA n i e l
F
or more than a decade, the Santa Lucia
Highlands appellation in Monterey
County has been building its reputation
for dramatic Pinot Noirs. Not content to rest on
its laurels, the area continues to evolve and
improve. Vineyard acreage has increased by a
third in the past five years, and exciting new
wines from those new plantings are starting to
be released. New labels are on the rise, and
established wineries are improving quality.
A good example of the appellation’s dynamic
nature is the development of Sierra Mar
Vineyard. The 38-acre vineyard, planted in 2007
by Gary Franscioni (of Rosella’s, Garys’ and the
new Soberanes vineyards and Roar Wines), is
part of a trend of planting higher into the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, which overlook the west side of the Salinas Valley. The elevation of Sierra Mar ranges from 600 to 1,100
feet. The vineyard is in the southern end of the
appellation, farther from chilly Monterey Bay, so
it’s a little warmer and less windy than the other
Vintners who buy fruit from the
vineyards that Franscioni manages will tell you that he’s the
consummate farmer.
properties Franscioni farms. Neighbors include
the Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard and one of
Hahn Estates’ properties.
The 420-acre Sierra Mar property had been
used as a cattle ranch and was covered with
brush when Franscioni bought it. He knew he
needed some more vineyard land: He and Gary
Pisoni, his partner in Garys’ Vineyard, had a
waiting list of 62 wineries in 2004 that wanted
to buy fruit from one of their vineyards. (Pisoni
also has his eponymous Pisoni Vineyard).
“I wasn’t sure what I had when I planted this
thing,” Franscioni says. “It’s been a great project
to tackle.”
Vintners who buy fruit from the vineyards
that Franscioni manages will tell you that he’s
46
Adam (left) and Gary Franscioni planting Pinot Noir at their new Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard, Sierra Mar.
Photo courtesy of Richard Green Photography.
the consummate farmer. His vineyards are
immaculate, and he’s always trying new techniques to improve quality. “There’s always something different we’re trying,” he says.
But what he really loves is developing new
properties. “Development is my favorite challenge,” Franscioni says. There were plenty of
logistical challenges, with the first one being
how to get water to the vineyard. He thought
about trying to find a spot to drill a well, but
eventually decided to drill one on property he
owns closer to the valley floor, along Foothill
Road. Then he had to install pipes and a series
of three pumping stations to bring the water up
to the vines. You can almost see the wheels turn
in his brain as he rattles off figures to explain
the pipe diameter and pumping horsepower
required.
The vineyard is about three-quarters Pinot
Noir, with the remainder planted to Chardonnay,
Syrah and a half-acre of Viognier. Franscioni
planted multiple clones, including some he
hadn’t used before.
His favorite part of the vineyard is a new
four-acre block that’s about a mile from the rest
of the plantings. That block, planted in May, is
all Pinot Noir; Franscioni wanted to be able to
harvest it all at roughly the same time because
of the logistical challenges of getting trucks up
the steep road to the vines in the dark.
(Franscioni’s vineyards are harvested during the
night and early morning.). From an overlook,
the new planting looks like an oasis surrounded
Sierra Mar Vineyard, June 2011. Photo courtesy of
Richard Green Photography.
Newly planted 4-acre block at Sierra Mar Vineyard.
Photo courtesy of Richard Green Photography.
by steep, brushy ravines. “It’s an island,” he
says.
The first wines were made from Sierra Mar in
2009, with more in 2010. This year, 90 percent
of the vineyard will be in full production.
Franscioni currently sells Sierra Mar grapes to
about ten wineries, including his own Roar
Wines label.
It’s always interesting to taste a range of
wines made by different winemakers from
grapes grown in the same vineyard, so
Franscioni put together a tasting of 2010 wines
from several of the wineries he works with.
Harvest decisions and winemaking practices
often overshadow vineyard nuances in such
tastings, and a young vineyard sometimes produces exuberant fruit that is devoid of much
vineyard character. In the case of Sierra Mar,
however, I found a common aromatic thread in
all four of the Chardonnays, despite their difference in ripeness, oak treatment and the like. All
displayed a savory, olive/herbal note.
For example, the 2010 Roar Sierra Mar
Chardonnay ($45) was lemony and fairly ripe,
with a mineral note, while the 2010 Bernardus
Sierra Mar Chardonnay ($40) was creamier and
more racy. Still, both had remarkably similar
aromas.
The Pinot Noirs, on the other hand, have yet
to show their common origins. Wines ranged
from the ripe, round 2010 Roar Sierra Mar Pinot
The vineyard is about three-quarters Pinot Noir, with the remainder
planted to Chardonnay, Syrah and
a half-acre of Viognier. Franscioni
planted multiple clones, including
some he hadn’t used before.
Noir ($52), with its bright cherry and raspberry
fruit, to the darker, spicier 2010 August West
Sierra Pinot Noir ($45), to the leaner, prettier
2010 Pelerin Sierra Mar Pinot Noir ($54).
The vineyard also shows great promise for
Syrah with cool-climate characteristics. A good
example was the 2010 Novy Family Syrah ($29),
which is spicy and meaty, with dark, dense fruit
and a hint of lavender.
Sierra Mar isn’t the only new project that
Franscioni is working on. He and Gary Pisoni
planted the 35-acre Soberanes Vineyard, which
adjoins their Garys’ Vineyard, in 2008. And his
Roar Wines, made in San Francisco by Ed
Kurtzman, is set to move into a larger facility in
time for the 2012 harvest. The 20,000-squarefoot winery is double the size of the old space.
He has help with all his projects. Franscioni’s
25-year-old son Adam joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. Adam has
been working at the San Francisco winery and
learning the vineyard business. He has also
started going on some sales trips in his dad’s
place. “He has a better personality than me,” his
father jokes. “He’s not as grumpy.”
In the end, Franscioni, a third-generation
farmer in Monterey County, takes the long view.
He says he’s working to “build a reputation to
be among the best vineyards in the state,” but
he acknowledges that such things take time,
and he may not see his goal fully realized. He’ll
leave that to future generations.
For more information about Roar Wines and
the Franscioni family’s vineyards, visit www.
roarwines.com. CG
Sierra Mar Vineyard. Photo courtesy of Richard Green Photography.
47
NUTRITION
Ready, Set, Go!
B y : s t e p h A n i e B o u q u e t, s B n u t r i t i o n C o n s u lt i n g
W
hether you are a seasoned athlete or
a weekend warrior, the foods you
consume play an important role in
how your body performs. Training and subsequent performance can suffer without good
food choices and consistent feeding times.
The benefits of a balanced diet are cumulative,
meaning an active person needs a healthy diet
every day, not just on the day of a practice or
sporting event. It’s best to experiment with what
you eat and drink to find out what works best
for your particular body.
Here are some nutrition recommendations
for fueling before, during and after exercise:
BEFOREEXERCISE
Active individuals need a diet rich in carbohydrates every day to fuel muscles and feed the
brain. Eating before exercising helps to top off
body carbohydrate stores, known as glycogen,
that are found in the liver and muscles. This
promotes a stable blood sugar level and gives
the body energy to move. Ideally, the optimal
time to fuel the body is two hours before exercising. The best foods to consume are high in
carbohydrates with a moderate amount of protein and fat. High fiber sugars and starches
(fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads, for
instance) are recommended carbohydrate choices on a day to day basis; however, more easily
digested carbohydrates may be better tolerated
closer to physical activity. High intensity movement of the body, like running, cycling or jumping, causes the stomach to get jostled which
interferes with digestion and can lead to stomach upset.
Foods to try: yogurt with low fat granola, a
peanut butter or lunch meat sandwich, oatmeal
with banana and low fat milk, or grapes with
nuts and a string cheese. Liquid carbohydrates,
such as drinkable yogurts or sports drinks, may
be a better alternative if it’s difficult to consume
solid foods or time is limited before exercise. It’s
also important to hydrate before exercising to
prevent sluggishness, a common symptom
caused by dehydration.
DURINGEXERCISE
Rehydrating with water during exercise is neces-
48
Stephanie Bouquet. Courtesy of Salinas Valley Half Marathon.
sary to cool the body when muscles heat up.
Shorter spurts of exercise lasting less than 60
minutes do not require any additional fuel for
the body. As activity extends beyond an hour,
the muscles and brain will need more nutrition.
Approximately 30-60 grams (100 to 250 calories) of carbohydrate foods per hour from a
banana, dried fruit, graham crackers, sports
products (drinks, gels, bars) or even jelly beans
will meet this need. In addition, consume two to
three ounces (or gulps) of fluid every 15-20 minutes of exercise. By alternating sipping on a
sports drink that contains electrolytes (like
Gatorade or Powerade) with plain water helps
ensure proper fluid balance. The body’s natural
thirst mechanism that signals the need for fluids can dissipate during long exercise sessions
and is not a useful hydration tool for all exercisers. The sports industry promotes products for
use during exercise, but these products do not
contain “magic” ingredients to boost performance. Convenience and portability are key elements of the products, but the same benefits
can be obtained using natural foods if desired.
AFTEREXERCISE
The top priority after completing exercise is to
replace body fluid. Dehydration can affect per-
formance if more than two percent of body
weight is lost during an exercise event. For
example, that equates to a three pound loss for
someone weighing 150 pounds. Drinking about
two cups (sixteen ounces) of fluid for every
pound lost while exercising is a common method for reestablishing hydration status.
Although there are more complicated calculations for determining body hydration levels, a
quick and easy method is to check urine color.
The goal is to maintain a lemonade or light yellow color for optimal hydration. The darker the
color of the urine means the greater the likelihood that dehydration is present. The first
30-45 minutes after exercise is the best opportunity to refuel glycogen muscle stores and
repair muscle damage. Muscles will soak up carbohydrates like a sponge during this time frame.
Foods containing carbohydrates with a moderate amount of protein, such as chocolate milk,
instant breakfast drinks or a fruit smoothie, help
muscles recover and reduce post-exercise muscle soreness.
Perhaps most important is to realize that
what works for one person may not work for
another. Learning your winning combination of
foods and fluids will allow your body to perform
at its very best. CG
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49
NONPROFIT
How Local Businesswomen Built
the Women’s Education Leadership
Initiative at Hartnell
B y C At h e r i n e K o B r i n s K y e vA n s , K o B r i n s K y g r o u p
W
omen’s Education Leadership
Initiative, or WELI, at Hartnell College
is designed to support students who
are first-in-family to attend college, single
parents or re-entry students. The program
includes life skills training, a scholarship award
of $1,500 and a mentor program that builds a
powerful foundation for the student’s success at
college and entry into the workforce. Students
selected to participate in the program are
known as WELI Scholars.
HOWITSTARTED
Valerie Schlothauer served on the scholarship
committee at the Hartnell Foundation, and as
she read applications from high achieving students, she wondered about students who lacked
the grades, finances, family support and life
skills to achieve their higher education goals.
She gathered a group of local businesswomen
for a brainstorming session in early 2011. They
developed the framework of the WELI
Scholarship so as to include not just money, but
mandatory life skills training. Start-up financing
arrived from Taylor Farms and the Salinas Valley
Chamber IMPOWER group, thanks to the efforts
of Margaret D’Arrigo Martin and Cathy
Schlumbrecht, and in July 2011 the first class of
WELI Scholars was launched.
SOSIMA
Sosima Morales is the mother of three children,
all in their twenties. She is poised and gracious
with a wonderfully infectious smile. As a student
at Alisal High School, she loved math and
thanks to excellent teachers, she dreamed of
becoming a math teacher herself one day.
Although she proudly was the first in her family
to graduate from high school, a college education was not a realistic option. She went to work
in the fields. While raising her children she
focused her passion for education on them.
After her children became independent, Sosima
returned to her dream of higher education and
enrolled at Hartnell College.
50
WELI Scholars at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony in July. Photo courtesy of Manuel Ortega.
Sosima was selected as a WELI Scholar in
2011. After completing WELI’s life skills training
last summer, she excelled in high level math and
now tutors linear algebra and calculus. She
transfers to CSU Monterey Bay this fall, and her
dream of becoming a math teacher is well within reach.
WHYWELI?
The education level of a mother is a strong indicator of the success her child will have as an
adult. The Community Foundation for Monterey
County has published excellent research indicating the obstacles to education faced by local
women and girls. More than one in six girls in
Monterey County drops out of high school, often
to work full-time to help support their families,
care for their siblings or raise their own children. Approximately 40 percent of mothers in
Monterey County have less than a 9th grade
education.
At Hartnell College, 65 percent of all students
are the first generation to attend college and
often do not have a family structure with a tradition or emphasis on higher education. These
students need more than just financial assistance. They need the resources, knowledge and
mentorship to help guide their way through the
college process and develop responsible life
management skills.
Fortunately, a number of local businesswomen understand the value of increasing leadership capacity, workforce skills, college enrollment and college completion rates in local
women who will be our next generation of community workforce and local leaders. These
women have stepped forward as creative forces,
donors, teachers, mentors and committee members. They are each a testament to the generosity and vision of our community and the power
of the WELI concept to inspire action.
LIFESKILLSTRAINING
WELI developed a life skills curriculum which is
of this year. All 26 WELI Scholars requested to
participate. The call went out to the community,
and more than 26 local businesswomen
responded. Mentors were carefully paired with
each Scholar. Both agree to a one-year commitment of monthly meetings. The Mentor is a
guide whose role is to motivate, support and
challenge with consistency and excellence. With
the combined efforts of the WELI Scholar and
individual mentors, the probabilities of academic and personal success for these students are
greatly enhanced.
WELI workshop Meet the Mentor in July 2012. Photo courtesy of Molly Nance.
smart and positive, and would be valuable for
women of any age, including high school seniors.
At the life skills workshops this June, under
the warm and watchful eye of WELI’s Kelsey
Escoto, 26 WELI Scholars met in a bright and
airy room at Hartnell’s CALL Building. Sixteen
hours of presentations and activities cover topics designed to strengthen capacity. Each subject is presented by an expert, all local businesswomen carefully chosen for their task. Child
care is provided in a room nearby.
The subjects covered include time management, financial management, college resources,
community resources, emotional and physical
health, communication and work style, and
nutrition and exercise for health and stamina.
ANAJI
Anaji Alcibar is the oldest of three sisters with a
spirit of high energy, intelligence and the youthful impatience to “get on with it, yesterday.” Her
parents work harvesting strawberries. Anaji
learned to speak English as a student in Salinas
schools. By the time she graduated from Everett
Alvarez High School in 2010, she had served as a
class officer and as a member of a variety of
campus clubs. Anaji is the first in her family to
finish high school. To attend college she had to
blaze a trail for herself and her sisters. After two
years at Hartnell, she was accepted at UC Santa
Cruz for fall 2012, where she plans to major in
psychology with a minor in women’s studies. As
president of the WELI Club on campus, Anaji led
a group of WELI Scholars to create an event
called “Latina Daughter/Mother Transfer Night”
designed to help families with a first daughter
leaving home to complete her degree at a university. She received the Jefferson Award for
Community and Public Service earlier this year.
The example she has set for her sisters is significant as her middle sister was recently accepted
at UC Berkeley as a freshman. Anaji has helped
her sister by attending orientation with her and
chasing down resources on the UC campus that
will support her stability and success as a college freshman.
At Hartnell College, 65 percent
of all students are the first
generation to attend college
and often do not have a family
structure with a tradition or
emphasis on higher education.
These students need more than
just financial assistance.
MENTORPROGRAM
Valerie Schlothauer collaborated with Tim
McCarthy of Pay It Forward at CSUMB to develop the WELI Mentor Program, launched in July
WHAT’SNEXT?
2012 has seen the second class of WELI
Scholars complete life skills training for a total
of 52 WELI Scholars from Hartnell’s Main
Campus.
south County
The WELI Committee plans to expand the program to Hartnell’s south county campus in King
City, beginning with an additional 26-member
class of WELI Scholars in 2013. Hartnell’s satellite campus currently serves 4,000 students,
primarily from King City, Greenfield and Soledad
and is a vital asset for economic opportunity
and development for the area.
seminar series on Campus
This fall, the WELI Club will host three workshops open to all WELI Scholars: Presentation
and influencing skills, development of personal
statement and resume, and dress and makeup
for success.
For information about WELI please contact
Jackie Cruz at the Hartnell College Foundation
(831) 755-6810. CG
Sharon Gish, Jackie Cruz, Cathy Schlumbrecht and Margaret D’Arrigo Martin at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony in July.
Photo courtesy of Manuel Ortega.
51
FO O D
Seafood at Monterey
and Santa Cruz Wharfs
By A dA F i s h e r, C h e F ’s w i F e
W
e live in a destination location, a part
of this great land to which people from
all parts flock like sea gulls to a wharf.
And as much as we love the coast, there are the
places as locals we don’t visit unless friends are
in town, relatives are visiting, or we’re
occasionally drawn to by the hankering to play
tourist for the day and eat fresh seafood. No,
they aren’t all tourist traps—our wharfs and
coastline have great things to offer. The smells
and sounds are universal.
As a kid, I only remember visiting Monterey
Fisherman’s Wharf as an errand with my
grandfather. We rarely ventured when all the
gawking, “outta towners” filled the parking
spots. My grandfather made the very best
salmon. Everyone in my family requested his
simple, grilled, soy and sesame marinated
seafood perfection. And he always got his fresh
fish from one of his fisherman buddies at
Liberty Seafood’s little wharf spot.
Recently, as I meandered (that’s what you do
to fit in with all the first timers) down the
wharfs, both Monterey and Santa Cruz, the
sounds and smells were all too familiar, as if
nothing had changed. Of course the salt air
beckoned fresh and chilled—it never gets old.
Then I caught the scent of caramel-fried-
Chowder at FireFish Grill on Santa Cruz Wharf.
52
Snapper at FireFish Grill on Santa Cruz Wharf.
popcorn-chowder all swirled together. Both
Monterey Wharf and Santa Cruz Wharf had rows
of restaurants, with basically the same menus,
token candy confections, (saltwater taffy,
caramel apples, caramel corn), sweatshirt shops
(for the typical inlander who couldn’t possibly
imagine summer at 68 degrees and prices
based on how badly you need one), and trinket
shops that scream “I went to California!”
Loud chowder slingers sharing their
treasured samples tried to entice us inside. My
kids would happily taste their way down the row
as they are clam chowder aficionados, but I was
looking for the hidden gem at Monterey
Fisherman’s Wharf. Across the docks is a spot
locals know but don’t share for fear it will be too
popular and they’ll never be able to get a table.
It’s that small! Only a handful of seats and small
counter. But the food is good, prices are fair and
they brag about sassy waitresses. LouLou’s
Griddle in the Middle is on the less touristloaded Wharf #2 in Monterey, and it’s open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a
calamari appetizer (which gets a good, not great
on Seafood Watch List) with their own tartar
($8.25) and crab cakes served on mixed greens
($ 11.95) as well as burger combos, and they
make a great chowder.
Across the bay, sweet sugar delights at
Marini’s Candies and Stagnaro’s fish counter full
of Dungeness crab are mainstays of the Santa
Cruz Wharf. I was surprised by how limited the
local seafood offerings are on the menus of
restaurants along the water’s edge. Other than
King Salmon, the offerings were slim. I asked at
fish counters, several maitre ‘d and heard the
same story: “It’s fresh but not locally fished.”
However, they are selling what the masses are
asking for, and their customers want what they
want—fish and chips, bay shrimp (no spot
prawns here) cocktails, smoked salmon (filets
smoked over wood) and the very popular clam
chowder in a bread bowl. Our lunch at FireFish
Grill ladled great clam chowder ($7.95)
according to my aficionados, and flaky lightlybreaded snapper served with pilaf ($12.95) and
offered a beautiful view of the water.
After consulting Monterey Bay Aquarium’s
Seafood Watch guide (yes, they even have an
app for that!), my source for what’s sustainable,
and my husband, chef and local fish connection
expert, I learned the truly best way to find
yourself with a plate full of extremely fresh,
bounty from our waters is to buy it from
wholesale fishermen at Wharf #2 in Monterey.
Robbie’s Ocean Fresh Seafood is Chef Todd’s
go-to supplier. Given a day or two, Robbie can
get anything he needs, and Robbie also offers
fish to the non-restaurant seafood lover—just
call ahead to see what what’s available (831)
649-2484. Also at Robbie’s, the surprisingly
limited offerings from the wharf restaurants
was nixed as I could get abalone (our wharf
boasts an amazing abalone farm that provides
this remarkable tender morsel of the sea and is
completely sustainable—check them out at www.
montereyabalone.com), halibut, salmon,
calamari, and the famed sardines all from this
LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle at Wharf #2 in Monterey.
stretch of the Pacific I lovingly call home.
It seems like a no-brainer: go to the ocean to
get the freshest seafood. Everything offered
was fresh and tasty, but when walking down the
creaking wharf, with the sounds and smells of
the sea all around, you would be led to believe
everything offered was out of the waters below.
And that’s simply not the case. It might take a
little research to hunt down exactly what you’re
looking for, but that is just the fun of it! And
along the way, keep in mind, if it was found in
our blue Pacific, it couldn’t get much fresher,
and the less you do to it the better it tastes. CG
Looking into the Liberty Fish Company at Monterey Wharf.
53
L I T E RACY
Improving Lives: Read with
Monterey County Free Libraries
B y J AyA n t i A d d l e M A n , M o n t e r e y C o u n t y F r e e l i B r A r i e s
T
he day Tina’s husband died, she didn’t
just lose her partner and best friend of
several decades, she lost her ability to
read and understand much of the written world
around her. Tina (not her real name) had a rocky
childhood. After being moved around between
nineteen foster care homes, she graduated from
high school unable to read or write. Fortunately
she met a man who loved her and helped her
navigate the world of restaurant menus, utility
bills, bank statements and written instructions
from her doctor. When she lost her husband,
she found herself as a sixty-something woman
suddenly facing the world all alone and unable
to read. She came to the Read with Monterey
County Free Libraries (ReadMCFL) program for
help in establishing a life of independence and
freedom.
Dahlia (also not her real name) was stuck in a
dead-end job as waitress in a small Mexican café
trying to make a better life for herself. Though
she enjoyed restaurant work, her struggles to
read and write English and her limited English
speaking skills were seriously interfering with
her ability to move ahead. Dahlia too came to
the ReadMCFL program for help. Now barely
three years later, Dahlia is at an upscale Italian
restaurant confidently jotting orders and
explaining complicated menus and daily specials
to customers. “I can talk to anyone,” says
Dahlia. “This changed my life forever.”
ReadMCFL was established 25 years ago—one
of the earliest library-run adult literacy programs in the state—to meet the needs of the
many adults in Monterey County with limited
English literacy skills. It offers confidential, student-centered, one-on-one literacy tutoring to
adults. From the beginning, ReadMCFL was
based on using volunteer tutors and continues
to leverage tax and donor dollars with its strong
volunteer base.
BytheNumbers
Monterey County is in the unenviable position
of having over 25 percent of its population categorized as functionally illiterate. In some areas
54
Families of tutors and learners enjoy a brisk game of Pass the Frog at the annual literacy recognition event.
“In the past, local Adult Schools
were able to provide preliminary
skills, then refer students to the
one-to-one reading and writing
program. Now, since funding has
been decimated, our program has
stepped up and expanded to include these crucial beginning and
conversational English classes.”
—Cathy Andrews, ReadMCFL
of the county, this number is considerably higher. Another 23 percent of the population reads
below the 8th grade level. More than 40 percent
of people with the lowest literacy skills live in
poverty.
Large numbers of these adults are employed
in the agriculture and hospitality industries.
Many would like to climb the employment ladder, and though they have the motivation, basic
skills and aptitude to be promoted, they are
hampered by limited English skills. Employers
who would like to increase the responsibilities
of promising workers face the same challenge.
This is a challenge not just for individuals
themselves and their employers but for the
county at large. Potential employers in hightech or other fields requiring skilled workers
may shy away from Monterey County because
of the limited pool of skilled workers. In tough
economic times, the competitive edge of workers is closely tied to the level of literacy, education, and work skills. In the last twenty years,
instead of seeing an increase in literacy rates,
Monterey County has actually seen a decline.
ReadMCFL has stepped up its efforts to help
deal with the low literacy rate challenge. Until
recently, the focus of the program was on
teaching reading and writing skills to people
who were already comfortable communicating
return to the class next year. Another conversational English class with twelve adults and nine
children has been launched in Marina.
The number and variety of success stories
that come out of ReadMCFL are heartwarming.
Solisa works at an artichoke packing facility. Her
employer has been extremely supportive of her
weekly classes with a ReadMCFL tutor. These
days when the employer has meetings with the
line staff, Solisa is able to step up and act as an
interpreter. Another worker, Araceli, is now able
to help her child with her homework and is preparing to take the GED exam.
Catalina, baby Regino and Gregoria work hard in class.
in spoken English. Program coordinator Cathy
Andrews points out: “In the past, local Adult
Schools were able to provide preliminary skills,
then refer students to the one-to-one reading
and writing program. Now, since funding has
been decimated, our program has stepped up
and expanded to include these crucial beginning
and conversational English classes.”
ATimetoLearn
Using a Library Services and Technology Act
grant from the State Library and drawing on the
Ecclesiastes’ concept of “a time for everything,”
ReadMCFL divided the year into a “growing season” and a “learning season” and launched the
“Navigating a New World” conversational
English class in Greenfield. With many agricultural workers being employed seasonally, the
idea was to utilize the off-work period to help
develop much needed language skills. Since
childcare is a challenge for many of the parents
who wanted to participate in classes, the program included adults and their preschool aged
children.
Monterey County is in the unenviable position of having over 25
percent of its population categorized as functionally illiterate.
People enter the ReadMCFL program for various reasons: to get a driver’s license, to pass the
citizenship exam, to talk to the child’s teacher or
to get a promotion at work.
AgIndustry/LibraryPartnerships
The County Library has a long history of partnering with the agriculture industry in many
ways. Its presence in most of the agricultural
areas of the county makes this relationship an
easy one. Some of its earliest libraries were in
farmhouses. Many of the book purchases are
based on requests and suggestions from members of the agricultural industry. Agriculture
technicians often come to the library to take
proctored certification exams. One of the wineries in south Monterey County regularly brings
interns from other countries to their company.
These interns come to the library to use the
computers, borrow books, practice their English
skills and simply hang out and get a taste of
American culture.
The Castroville Library prominently features
the artichoke theme and the Gonzales Library is
decorated in green and purple to reflect the
importance of grapes and wine to the area.
Many library fundraisers, including the annual
wine tasting for the Carmel Valley Library and
the Foundation for Monterey County Free
Libraries’ annual Words and Wine dinner are
strongly supported by the local agriculture
industry. The new library in San Lucas which is
expected to be completed by the end of 2013
will be built largely with funds donated by a
local avocado farming family. Farmers and winegrowers are regularly featured speakers at the
library. The possibilities for partnerships and
collaboration are endless.
NextSteps
The library currently has tutor-learner pairs in
King City, Soledad, Castroville, Marina, Carmel
Valley and Seaside, and Conversational English
classes at Greenfield and Marina. And the
demands continue to increase. ReadMCFL is
growing and reaching out to volunteers and
learners alike. Tutor orientations and trainings
are held every other month. If you or someone
you know would like to join the program as a
volunteer tutor or as a learner, or if your company is interested in partnering with ReadMCFL
or using the tutoring services, please call (831)
883-7597 or e-mail [email protected].
ca.us. CG
In the last twenty years, instead
of seeing an increase in literacy
rates, Monterey County has actually seen a decline.
Nineteen pre-literate adults and six children
registered for the first twelve-week program last
winter. Students built survival English skills
through classroom instruction, subject-themed
Bingo, role playing, and more. Adults and children alike loved it. Several students from the
program advanced so rapidly, they will be paired
with individual tutors for more intensive instruction. Other students are eagerly waiting to
Severiano and Gregoria who joined the ReadMCFL program
last year progressed extremely well in their 12-week class.
School’s out! Elisandra and Frankie look happy on the last
day of class in the Navigating a New World program.
55
GARDEN
Deciduous Landscaping Trees
for the Central Coast
By s t e v e M C s h A n e , M C s h A n e ’s n u r s e ry
I
thank God daily for the opportunity to live
and garden here along the Central
Coast. Top on my list of blessings is our climate. While we may only have three seasons—
experienced gardeners often say the Central
Coast has Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter—we
can garden and landscape all year long. This
quarter I’m pleased to introduce the wonderful
world of deciduous trees that thrive in our area.
Specifically, California native deciduous trees.
As I learned in college, the very word, “deciduous,” signifies the shedding or falling of parts
not needed. In this case, leaves. Deciduous trees
have developed over thousands of years with
the practice of shedding leaves when photosynthesis and growth is not optimum.
When it comes to the gardener or landscaper,
deciduous trees are among the most beautiful
on some of the sprawling estates in our
region. These are often large trees with broad
showy leaves that offer plenty of shade and protection for the house. There is also the benefit
of wind control, dust control and habitat for
wildlife.
I’m delighted to introduce a few more famous
California native deciduous trees. We feature a
very diverse set of microclimates here along the
Central Coast. As a result, almost all of the more
common California native trees can be found
one place or another. Here are some of my
favorites:
BigLeafMaple: This is a large tree that can
grow to 50 feet tall. It is found all over North
America and is famous for its large, showy pale
green leaves. It makes for an excellent front
yard tree that features a beautiful range of yellow, orange and red foliage change.
CaliforniaBuckeye: This is one of my favorite natives as I often see it when I’m hiking in
the Santa Lucia Mountains. It can be found as a
large shrub or tree that reaches up to 30 feet
tall. Its beautiful gray bark is often speckled
with lichens and mosses. Leaves change from a
bright green to a bright yellow before falling
each autumn.
WhiteAlder:Like the big leaf maple, this
56
alder is found all over Western North America. It
is a medium-sized tree that reaches up to 75
feet in height. The bark is catchy as it starts
smooth and becomes scaly over time. Leaves
change color over time and offer a wonderful
show of bright yellow and light orange.
WaterBirch: This is our very own native
multi-trunk birch tree. It is often found in the
wild growing to 25 or 30 feet near streams or in
higher elevations. It grows with multiple trunks
and features the peeling, pale bark birches are
known for. Like the alder, folks can expect a
show of yellow each fall.
BluePaloVerde:This is a popular native for
dryer areas in California. It grows with multiple
trunks to 25 or 30 feet. In the spring, bright yellow pea-like blooms cover the tree. The growth
eventually becomes thick over time.
DesertWillow: Known for its willow-like
leaves, this tree is found along streams and
washouts. It can grow to 25 feet in height and
has the appearance of either shrub or tree. As
fall comes, leaves turn yellow and then fall.
CaliforniaBlackWalnut: This is a common
tree along the Central Coast that can often be
seen as a shrub. The tree can grow to 30 feet in
height and produces a small dense nut with
a thick shell. In the fall, leaves turn a bright
yellow.
CaliforniaSycamore:This is one of the most
common deciduous trees along the Central
Coast. A mature tree can reach nearly 100 feet
and does well near riverbeds. The bark is beautiful and features a mix of grey, beige, white and
pale pink colors. Leaves will fall over time with
a myriad of greens and yellows.
FremontCottonwood: This beautiful tree
grows near streams and washouts. It can reach
a height of close to 100 feet and features a
single wide trunk. The fruit of the tree once
mature looks like patches of cotton. Leaf
change ranges from bright green to bright
yellow dramatically, almost overnight in some
cases.
CaliforniaBlueOak: This famous oak is usually found along the foothills to the Coastal
Range. The trees can reach 60 feet in height
and feature a light gray bark with fissures and
cracks in it. The name is drawn from the bluegreen color found in the leaves. Leaves will
change a variety of colors including yellow,
orange and even some red.
ValleyOak: This deciduous oak is often
found in the warmer interior valleys of the
Central Coast. A valley oak can reach nearly 100
feet in height and it’s thick bark is often compared to reptile skin. Some trees have been
charted in excess of 500 years. During the fall,
leaves turn a bright yellow to light orange color
making it quite showy.
Can you tell how excited I get about
fall? While the east coast is well known for the
change of seasons reflected in deciduous trees,
I would say some of our foothill canyons have
quite a show as well. The best part is the fact
that the same show can be seen in your yard
with the right trees. I invite you to visit your
local independent nursery for a full selection of
deciduous trees. When considering non-natives
the list available gets massive. Happy fall and
here’s to enjoying one of the best seasons here
along the Central Coast. CG
tHAnk
you
foUnding SponSor
Thank you to the many sponsors, community supporters and volunteers who
contributed to the success of the third annual Salinas Valley Half Marathon!
Nearly 1200 participants from two foreign countries, 19 states and 114 cities
throughout California came to visit and run our special course.
Together, we achieved the goal of creating a healthy and positive influence by
hosting a world-class destination race that highlights the beauty of the
Salinas Valley, our wineries and fresh produce.
preSenting SponSorS
Ultra SponSor
endUranCe SponSorS
97 FM
rotary Club
of Salinas
athlete SponSorS
CoaCh SponSorS
MAGAZINE
the road to recovery
friend SponSorS
Ace High Designs
ASA Organics
Driscoll’s
Earthbound Farm
Hahn Estates
Lewis Builders
Line Shack Winery
Manzoni Winery
Monterey Insurance Agencies
Nick Fettis
Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss
Pacific Valley Bank
American Medical Response
Best Western - Valley Harvest Inn
Boys & Girls Club of Monterey
County
California Highway Patrol
Captivating Photos
CASA
Chamisal Tennis and Fitness
Club
City of Gonzales
City of Salinas
City of Soledad
Coach Chris Zepeda
Copymat
County of Monterey
Courtesy Inn King City
Dexter Farm
Elyxir Distributing
Farm Fresh
Food Addicts & Recovery
Anonymous
FreshPoint
Gonzales Fire Department
Grapes ‘n’ Grain
Green Rubber Kennedy AG
Grower-Shipper Association
of Central California
Hotel Abrego
Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Monterey
I. A. M. Electronics
Jim Gattis
JoyPers Shoes
Kimes Chiropractic
Marriott Courtyard Salinas
Marriott Residence Inn Salinas
McShane’s Nursery
Monterey County Farm Bureau
Monterey County Sheriff’s
Department
Monterey County Vintners
& Growers Association
Puma Road/Ray Franscioni Vineyards
Rob Machado
Scheid Vineyards
Sycamore Cellars
Talbott Vineyards
William Coggin Photography
Ventana Vineyards
Wrath Vineyards
partnerS and CommUnity SUpporterS
Monterey Marriott
Northern California
Half Marathon Series
Notre Dame High School
Cross Country
Pacific Etched Glass
Pacific Monarch Limited
Peninsula Communications
Portobello’s
Pure Water Bottling Company
Quality Inn Salinas
Raw Threads
Ric Valentine Acupuncture
Salinas Valley Chamber
of Commerce
SB Nutrition
Soledad Fire Department
Soledad High School
South Valley Endurance
Sports Basement
Starbucks Del Rey Oaks
Starbucks Soledad
Symphonie C.
2 Steps Ahead
Team in Training - The Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society
Team Lovin’ Life
Toro Bulls Youth Football
Tri California Events
TriCord
Tutor Doctor
Valley Trophies & Detectors
Wheelie Mobilee
A special thank you to all the residents and
businesses along the course. We realize closing
the roads is inconvenient, and we appreciate your
cooperation. Thank you for helping us keep our
participants and volunteers safe. And, our cheering
residents along the course is one of the highlights
for our competitors!
Congratulations to all the finishers—you are all winners!
We hope to see you again on Saturday, August 3, 2013 for the next race. Cheers to your good health!
WWW. S AlInAS V Alley H Alf M AR AtHon.oRg
Salinas Valley Half Marathon Promotions is classified as a Public Charity under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
57
COMMUNITY
5th Annual Progressive Dinner
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F O L I VA B E R N A L , O B D E S I G N S
The California Women for Agriculture Salinas Chapter is an
organization of women who are either involved or interested in
agriculture. The organization has a wealth of volunteers who
give of their time and talent to raise money for scholarships for
women pursuing degrees in agriculture. One of their signature
fundraising events took place on Saturday, June 16th, where a
sold-out crowd of 186 guests embarked on the Salinas Valley’s
premier culinary escapade. The Progressive Dinner featured
delectable Monterey cuisine paired with the finest wines.
This year’s Progressive Dinner guests were invited to board
luxury bistro buses at two different locations in the county;
three buses were located at D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California in
Spreckels and one bus was located at the Fairgrounds in King
City. At the first stop, guests were greeted by the smooth
sounds of live music provided by Bruce Pittenger and they
enjoyed delectable creations made by Executive Chef Brian
Overhauser of The Chef’s Kitchen at Hahn Estates. Chef
Overhauser featured smoked Monterey Bay salmon tacos
paired with a 2010 Chardonnay and wild mushroom cappuccino
paired with a 2011 Pinot Noir.
The second stop was at Paraiso Vineyards where guests
enjoyed its enchanting clear-wall tent overlookig the beautiful
rolling hills and fruitful vines. Caterer Jeff Parker and his team
served a caprese salad over micro greens, pistachio-crusted
pork tenderloin, medley of vegetables and roasted garlic asiago
mashed potatoes, and these dishes were paired with a 2009
Paraiso Chardonnay and 2009 Paraiso Pinot Noir.
The final stop was at the Andrus Family Barn where guests
savored sweet treats made by Hollywood’s Cupcakes and
Desserts and kicked their heels up to the Alison Sharino Band.
CWA thanks this year’s generous sponsors, raffle donors and
volunteers that made the Wine and Dine Progressive Dinner a
huge success. More than $12,000 was raised for scholarships
towards the 2012-2013 academic year.
Top to bottom (l to r):
Andy Mitchell, Director of Vineyard Operations for Hahn Family Wines,
and his wife Benita.
Guests board luxury bistro buses.
Crusted pork tenderloin served at Paraiso Vineyards.
Mike and Janelle Seebeck.
Caprese salad at Paraiso Vinyards.
Troy and Cheryl Penrose.
58
tregenzafoto
agriculture
architecture
product
www.tregenza.net
831.372.3786
449 Calle Principal
Monterey CA 93940
59
COMMUNITY
La Plaza Rotario at Closter Park
Closter Park is the most widely utilized park in the Salinas
Valley. Originally given to the city by the Closter Family,
through the years, the park has been neglected, becoming
the site of drug and gang activity and viewed as unsafe by
neighbors. In an unprecedented collaboration, all five
Rotary Clubs in Salinas, two Rotary Clubs from Mexico and
one from India have partnered to take on a major, culturally sensitive renovation of the park.
Seeking to make an impact in our own community, the
Rotary Clubs planned the renovation of the park, including
the addition of a kiosko at the center of La Plaza Rotario.
Rotarians, volunteers, donors and neighbors celebrated the
completion of La Plaza Rotario on June 30th. The project
has enhanced the park’s aesthetics, and improved its usage
by families for cultural and community festivals and a
farmer’s market. The work includes landscaping, lighting a
fountain, and renovations to the boxing gym and tutoring
center.
“The project has achieved its goal to create a safe place
for families,” said Brett Harrell, past president of the
Salinas Rotary Club. “We have also engaged the neighboring community, creating a sense of ownership for their
park. It is moving to see so many individuals, businesses
and Rotarians roll up their sleeves to make this project
happen.”
This project represents the best of our community and
of Rotary, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the
Alisal, Corral de Tierra, Northeast, Salinas and Steinbeck
Rotary Clubs for their leadership; as well as the support of
the Rotary Clubs of Ensenada Centenario and Mazatlan,
Mexico, and the Rotary Club of Madras Chennai, India.
This remarkable project has so far secured more than
$370,000 from 35 donors in addition to more than
$100,000 of in-kind contributions from area businesses. To
secure broader support from the community, a drive to sell
commemorative bricks for $100 each has garnered more
than $35,000 in support from individuals and businesses.
Project leader, John Lewis, and past president, Brett Harrell, both of the Rotary
Club of Salinas in front of the new kiosko.
Improvements included lighting a fountain, and renovations to the boxing gym
and tutoring center.
The community came out June 30th for the Gran Fiesta to celebrate completion
of the renovations.
The new kiosko will bring cultural events for famlies and neighbors to enjoy and
connect.
The renovated park receives a blessing.
60
entertain
at Quail Lodge Golf Club & enjoy a bounty of dishes
crafted for your holiday gathering
Monterey Fruit de Mar • Carmel Valley Mixed Greens • California Exotic Cheese • Apple & Butternut Squash Soup
Marinated Castroville Artichokes • Duck Confit Tartlettes with Apricot Chutney
Roasted Garlic Leg of Lamb • Crab Crowned & Pan Seared Salmon Oscar • Grilled Sage Chicken Breast
Apple Tart • Pumpkin Cheesecake • Chocolate Truffles
Reserve a private Clubhouse venue for parties of one to 300 • Full holiday menus available by request
8000 Valley Greens Drive • Carmel CA
831.620.8866 • www.quaillodge.com
[email protected]
61
COMMUNITY
74 Annual GSA Golf Tournament,
Fashion Show, Dinner Dance & Gala Events
th
p h o t o s C o u r t e s y o F K AtA l i n A p h o t o g r A p h y
The participation and support for this year’s Grower-Shipper
Association Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Dinner Dance & Gala
Events, held June 21st-23rd at Corral de Tierra Country Club, was one of
the best in memory. Over 900 people enjoyed one or more of the events
and, from all reports, a good time was had by all!
All events were sold out and sponsorships were an all-time high. Sales
of raffle tickets and live auction items at both the Fashion Show and
Dinner Dance raised more than $43,000—all of which will be donated to
the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation’s More Produce in Schools
and nutrition education program. This will enable the GSA Foundation to
donate more than fifteen salad bars to Monterey County schools in the
coming year.
1
GSA Chairwoman of the Board, Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin said, “This
year’s tournament and gala events were a great success, not only in providing a fun time for industry members but in helping ensure that students in our area will have access to fresh, local produce every day as part
of their school lunch. I’m thrilled with the support from so many people to
bring salad bars to local schools and support nutrition education and training for students and school staff.”
The Golf Tournament had its largest field in many years, and the putting
contest participants and its winner Mike Hitchcock donated the entire $500
raised from this fun event to the Monterey County First Tee Program.
The Dinner Dance was highlighted by the inspirational and emotional
presentation of the annual E.E. “Gene” Harden Lifetime Achievement Award
2
to Anthony “Tony” Costa. This prestigious award is bestowed annually by
the Grower-Shipper Association to someone who has made a significant
and lasting contribution to Central Coast agriculture. Representative Sam
Farr and Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue were among several dignitaries
who paid personal tribute to Mr. Costa on his well-deserved honor.
Next year’s tournament and gala events will be held June 20-22, 2013.
(l to r):
1.) Niki Braga, Valerie Braga, Carolyn Sanders, Heather Church.
2.) Rebecca Sturvist, Mary Pezzini and Tiffany DiTullio.
3.) Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin with John Farahmand.
4.) Susie Clark, Kristy Nunes, Kelly Mollner.
5.) Claudia Pizarro Villalobos.
6.) Katie Blowers.
7.) Donna Brown and Kim McDonald.
8.) Colby Rubbo.
9.) Jennifer Skidgel-Clarke and Robyn DaRosa.
10.) Sue Prader, Sue Storm and Jeri Crittenden.
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3
4
5
7
6
8
9
10
63
COMMUNITY
Salinas Valley Half Marathon
p h o t o s C o u r t e s y o F s C o t t M A C d o n A l d A n d d e x t e r FA r M .
On Saturday, August 4th, 1,200 runners and
walkers participated in the third annual Salinas
Valley Half Marathon. The starting line at
Soledad Mission turned breezy, and the wind
continued for the first hour of the race adding
an unexpected challenge as participants made
their way over the 13.1 miles of gently rolling
hills to the finish line at Pessagno Winery near
Gonzales.
Winds gave way to warm sunshine during the
Finish Festival at Pessagno, where Daniel Tapia
(25) of Castroville and Brooke Wells (27) of San
Francisco were awarded first place overall for
the men’s and women’s categories, with times
of 1:07:17 and 1:20:26, respectively. The largest
team award went to the Wednesday Night
Laundry Runners.
First-place winners across five-year age categories from 21-24 to 75+ took home Jeroboam
(double-magnum) bottles of Monterey County
wine engraved to commemorate their achievement. Second-place winners received magnums
and third-place winners received 750ml bottles.
All finishers received a colorful medal, which
could be engraved on site with their race time,
and free photos were available to everyone to
memorialize their accomplishment.
Participants came from 114 cities throughout
California, nineteen states including Washington
D.C., Portugal and Switzerland.
João Alfredo Afonso traveled all the way
from Portugal to run in the race, and had this to
say, “A huge thank you from Portugal to all
organizers, volunteers and participants. It was a
great adventure getting to the race directly
from Lisbon and to be able to participate in
such a well-organized and supported (what a
fantastic group of volunteers) event. It was the
first time I was cheered by other runners. I will
always remember this one.”
The Finish Festival was attended by more
than 3,500 participants and spectators who
enjoyed BBQ by the Toro Bulls Youth Football,
64
beer poured by the Rotary Club of Salinas, and
wine tasting by Pessagno Winery, Manzoni
Estate Vineyard, Puma Road/Ray Franscioni
Wines, Sycamore Cellars, Talbott Vineyards,
Ventana Vineyards, and Wrath.
The Salinas Valley Half Marathon is a 501c3
organization whose goal is to improve the image
and economic vitality of the Salinas Valley area
and create a healthy, positive influence by hosting a world-class destination race that highlights
the beauty of the Salinas Valley, our wineries
and fresh produce.
The fourth annual Salinas Valley Half
Marathon is scheduled for Saturday,
August 3, 2013.
Rachel Beck and Cherie Gill look strong and happy as the race starts.
Stephanie Bouquet won second in her age division.
Johnny Chavarria carries our stars and stripes to honor our vets.
Jesse Lopez of T&A, David Cortez of WNLR and John Johnston of Driscoll’s lead the pack at the race start.
Tiffany and Reno DiTullio of 2 Steps Ahead enjoy their accomplishment at the finish festival.
Tara Clark sets the pace for this group to meet their 2-hour finishing goal.
Svatka Kubankova of FoodSource in her booth at the expo.
65
COMMUNITY
19th Annual Ag Woman
of the Year Luncheon
Mari Rossi of B&R Farms was recognized as the 2012 Ag
Woman of the Year for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San
Benito Counties at the annual event hosted by Ag Against
Hunger on June 8 at Paraiso Vineyards in Soledad.
Undersecretary Sandra Schubert of the California
Department of Food and Agriculture was the keynote
speaker, and the emcee was news anchor Michelle
Imperato from KSBW.
This annual luncheon recognizes a woman who has contributed significantly to the success of the tri-county agricultural industry. The Ag Woman of the Year award is a
surprise to all guests including the recipient. The committee, made up of previous honorees and the Ag Against
Hunger Board of Directors, chose Mari because she has
worked to the great benefit of the local agricultural community. Her help growing B&R Farms, a fourth generation
family business, and her volunteer efforts in the community with organizations like San Benito County Chamber of
Commerce, the San Benito County Farm Bureau, Hollister
Downtown Association, the Salinas Chapter of California
Women for Agriculture, and the Tri-Country Crossroads
Farm Trail Map made her an obvious choice.
All proceeds went toward Ag Against Hunger’s efforts
to alleviate hunger. On the Central Coast of California,
more fruits and vegetables are grown, packed and shipped
than in any other region in the world. Yet, in the midst of
this abundance there are many who are hungry. Ag
Against Hunger was founded to provide people in need
with nutritious, fresh, surplus produce from local fields by
creating a connection between the agricultural community
and food assistance programs. Since 1990, the generous
donations of surplus produce from local growers and shippers have helped Ag Against Hunger bring 190 million
pounds of produce to millions of hungry children, adults
and seniors. In 2011, almost 14 million pounds of fresh produce was donated to food banks in the tri-county area,
across California, and across the West Coast.
th
Sandra Schubert and Mari Rossi.
Jess Brown, Katherine Smith, Heather Golden and Dick Nutter.
Lloyd Lowrey, Jr. and Claudia Smith.
Mari and Jim Rossi.
Auctioneer Mark Wright works the crowd.
Suzi Cameron, Hilary Fish, Gina Andersen, Alicia Cask, Tami King, April Mackie,
Kristen Scourser, Helena Beckett, Lindsay Coate.
66
COMMUNITY
CG Bulls Fall Ball
Back Row (l to r): Ivan Perez, Nikko Crivello, Joseph Navarrette, Caden Batista, Ben Mudd and Alex Fierro. Front row (l to r): Elijah Pinon, Sam Stoutenborough, Dominic Scattini,
Jackson Meuter and Sam Koster. Bat Boys, Gatorade Runners, Foul Ball Fetchers (l to r): Anthony Scattini and Matthew Stoutenborough.
Coaches: Tom Koster, Ruben Perez and Jesse Pinon.
TheCoastalGrowerBulls travel team made
their 13 and under tournament debut at the
Ultimate Labor Day Tournament hosted by Nor
Cal Travel Ball (www.playnctb.com) at the Twin
Creeks Complex in Sunnyvale, Calif. The boys
previously played in the 12 and under division.
Suffice it to say they rose to the challenge,
going undefeated to bring home the championship. The team stampeded through six games in
48 hours besting one opponent by fifteen runs.
The tournament performance was so strong it
landed them in the number one slot of the
United States Specialty Sports Association
Power Ranking for 13 and under teams in the
AA division in Northern California.
These boys got their Fall Ball season off to
a great start! The team is comprised of kids
from the Toro, Hartnell and Watsonville baseball leagues.
Now you can follow our teams on Facebook!
Search for the Coastal Grower Bulls Baseball
group and click ‘Join Group’ to stay up to date
on all the excitement!
67
Inspired Coastal
Cuisine
SIMPLE,
STRAIGHTFORWARD
FOOD WITH
A TWIST
B R E A K FA S T, L U N C H ,
DINNER AND
L AT E N I G H T D I N I N G
option B
Enjoy Your Holidays &
Special Occasions at Our
Fabulous Waterfront Location!
CO A S TA L K I TC H E N & B A R
VA L I D AT E D PA R K I N G
68
400 Cannery Row, Monterey | Reservations 831-372-BOAT (2628) | www.montereyplazahotel.com
Fall Harvest
Get to the crush,
without the whine.
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Plus...
Emerald Crown
• Ideal for crown market
Monterey Wine Company, King City
Ausonio does it again
During construction of Monterey Wine
Company’s 46,740 square foot expansion,
the owners elected to include a state-of-theart Flash Détente system, the first of its kind
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Ausonio adjusted the design in the midst of
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At Sakata, we know the right product can make all the difference.
That’s why you can count on us to offer a range of broccoli varieties that were
bred specifically for your region, slot and end-use market. No one can match
our decades of proven performance and best-of-class broccoli products.
© 2012 Sakata Seed America, Inc.
www.sakata.com
Quality, Reliability & Service
5 1 2 PA J A R O S T R E E T
SUITE 14
SALINAS, CA 93901
35(6257('
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