El Pajaro Community Development Corporation Can Help Latino Businesses Navigate Application Process for Paycheck Protection Program

Recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have made it more useful than ever, according to the non-profit El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, which is encouraging Latino businesses to apply for funds before the end of the month.

Watsonville, CA, June 16, 2020 — Recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have made it more useful than ever, according to the non-profit El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, which is encouraging Latino businesses to apply for funds before the end of the month.

Small businesses, the self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are all eligible for forgivable loans through this Small Business Association (SBA) program. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020, and El Pajaro CDC can help Latino businesses navigate the application system.

“Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide a lifeline for small businesses during this public health and economic crisis in order to keep their workers on the payroll. Small businesses, the self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are all eligible for forgivable federal loans. I encourage small business owners on the Central Coast to take advantage of this program and apply for PPP before the June 30 deadline,” said Congressman Panetta.

If any local Latino business owner needs assistance, or a list of lenders, there are resources available to help them apply, including local Small Business Development Centers and El Pajaro CDC.

“We wanted to make sure that people don’t miss this opportunity of getting these PPP funds,” said El Pajaro CDC Executive Director Carmen Herrera Mansir. “People who have not applied may not have enough information or may believe that this program is not for them. After all the updates to the PPP, there is a lot more flexibility. For example, we have been doing a lot of successful applications for home childcare providers and other self-employed individuals.”

The Paycheck Protection Program, which resumed April 27, 2020, is an SBA loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

For questions about the PPP or the PPP application process, please call El Pajaro Community Development Corporation at (831) 722-1224 or by email at info@elpajarocdc.org

About Pajaro CDC
In 1979, El Pájaro CDC was formed following widespread community support of under-represented Latino and Spanish-speaking business owners in Watsonville. For 40 years El Pajaro has helped budding entrepreneurs throughout the Central Coast by offering technical, legal, financial and managerial assistance.

“If you give someone an opportunity it can change lives, and lead to generations of success,” said Carmen Hererra-Mansir, executive director of El Pajaro CDC. “To see a journey from farmworker to entrepreneur — many started that way when they came to us — is so rewarding.”

El Pájaro CDC offers a wide range of assistance, including low-cost and often free bilingual business education and training workshops to low-income entrepreneurs. Workshops cover business plan preparation, marketing and sales, customer service, bookkeeping, computer basics, business management, and financial literacy.

In 1997, El Pajaro Plaza Vigil a retail business incubator at 23 Beach St. in downtown Watsonville was created to assist low- to moderate-income, Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs with starting and operating a successful business.

Plaza Vigil houses dozens of businesses, with another 44 food purveyors using the separate Commercial Kitchen Incubator Program, a fully equipped, shared-use facility at 412 Riverside Drive.

Following a charter expansion in 2007, El Pájaro CDC serves Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Bilingual and bicultural services businesses development services and trainings are available to anyone with plans to open or expand a small business in the region. elpajarocdc.org.

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad in Salinas Slated to Open June 17 Celebrate National Fruits and Vegetable Month at Natividad

Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

Salinas, CA, June 14, 2020 — Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

The market will open from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm with three vendors: Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo's Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

The market will be open every Wednesday, and more vendors and farmers will be added as the summer goes on. Natividad is located at 1441 Constitution Blvd. in Salinas.

Everyone's Harvest Farmers' Markets adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers' markets are "essential businesses."

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Natividad
Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing high-quality health care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 10,000 admissions and over 50,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivered more than 2,200 babies last year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies — some as small as one pound — the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Player Profile Nick Duque

When Nick Duque was 6 years old, his family moved to Salinas. Immediately he was the new kid, in a new school, with no one to talk to.

Salinas, CA, June 14, 2020 - “I had problems interacting with other kids and was bullied a lot,” he said.

Starting in the fourth grade, Nick would bring his own basketball to school and shoot hoop during recess and lunch — by himself.

Eventually he joined a team … and everything changed.

“Making friends and interacting with other kids my age became easier and the bullying stopped,” he said. “Going through this kind of stuff helped me become a better person and leader.”

Currently in 8th grade at La Paz Middle School in Salinas, the 5-foot-9 point guard is a scoring sensation, averaging 20 points per game last season. He was selected to the Reggie Stephens Foundation Monterey County All Star Team, and has been named scholar athlete the past two years.

His goal next year as a freshman is to make the JV or varsity team at Alisal High School.

“My immediate plan is to take advantage of this off season and improve my skills,” he said. “I feel that since there is a shelter-in-place order in our area, a lot of players my age are not working that hard to get better.”

Nick joined Gil Basketball Academy in the fifth grade, and credits GBA with instilling in him a work ethic. “GBA has taught me to keep working hard to achieve your goals not only in basketball but everyday life,” he said.

To achieve his basketball goals, Nick takes at least 500 shots a day, works on his ball handling drills, runs 3 miles per day wearing an elevation mask, and works out in his family’s home gym.

“Another goal of mine is to be a good big brother and to support my younger brother with anything he needs,” he said.

Nick’s 2-year-old brother was recently diagnosed with autism. “I hope I can make a difference no matter how big or how small,” he said.

Nick believes that playing basketball and being part of a team has helped him become a better person.

“With basketball you learn early on how to interact and work together with others,” he said. “It also gives me the incentive to get good grades.”

Nick’s goal is to attend a four-year university and play basketball. “My ultimate goal is to become a doctor,” he said.

He hopes the sport continues to open up doors for him.

“Without basketball I'm not sure what I would be doing,” he said. “I have met a lot of people and obtained the discipline to stay away from anyone that may be a bad influence.”

Nick credits GBA with instilling in him certain traits — among them, leadership, respect, courage and selflessness.

“Being part of the GBA family has taught me to keep working hard to achieve my goals, not only in basketball but everyday life,” he said.

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

Embracing its motto ‘less clutter … less stress,’ Salinas Self Storage completes expansion, launches ‘touchless’ move-ins and half-off deal for new customers

With its renovation and expansion project complete, Salinas Self Storage has created the most secure and comprehensive storage facility in Monterey County.

Salinas, CA, June 12, 2020 - During these unprecedented times, our family-owned facility off the new Sala Road exit along Highway 101 remains committed to the safety and well-being of its customers and staff. We offer modern, secure, clean storage, as well as top-level technology to assist customers and local businesses. We at Salinas Self Storage believe that our motto: “Less clutter … less stress” is even more relevant during this challenging time. We strive to offer our customers the best experience in a safe and secure environment. Customers can use our online leasing feature and take advantage of a completely “touchless” move-in option. The website is simple to use and offers storage tips and storage unit size guidelines. Customers may also pay their bills online at www.selfstoragesalinas.com. Our manager is always happy to assist customers with the rental process by phone as well at (831) 444-8080.

To acknowledge the hardships experienced by many of our neighbors, Salinas Self Storage will reduce the customer monthly rate by 50% for the first four months (valid for new rentals before August 25).

Serving the Salinas area, including Prunedale, Castroville, Gonzales, Royal Oaks, Marina and Monterey, Salinas Self Storage offers units that are individually alarmed, monitored and equipped with fire sprinklers. We provide a variety of sizes to fit the needs of residential and business users. Our expansion also includes new covered and uncovered RV and boat storage.

In light of the current pandemic, Salinas Self Storage has prioritized the safety and well-being of both customers and staff. Its hygiene program includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of places frequently touched, such as keypads, countertops, door handles and moving equipment. With adherence to a strict cleaning protocol, Salinas Self Storage continues to provide access to customers while limiting exposure to COVID-19. Social distancing guidelines also will be observed with the addition of plexiglass shields and signage in the office.

For more information, visit www.selfstoragesalinas.com.

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

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Survey Finds Customers Overwhelmingly Satisfied With District’s Services

A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

Boulder Creek, CA, June 10, 2020 — A recent survey conducted by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) finds that an overwhelming number of its customers are happy with the District’s services.

In an online survey of more than 1,000 customers in April, almost 80% said they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the District’s service: 47% said they were satisfied, while 32% said they were very satisfied.

The survey went live on surveylegend.com in early April and asked the taker to rank the District’s services; “how well the District is doing in various areas; how one would like to receive information about the District; what source one derives their information; how much you trust the District when it comes to finding a responsible solution to water supply issues in the area, and more”. Respondents could also take the survey by phone or email.

In addition to the services, 87% of respondents said they would benefit from regular communications via E-blasts and/or Enewsletters by email and social media, with a smaller number wanting both online and intermittent (quarterly) mailed newsletters.

Customers also stated they received District news/updates through local news media and through speaking engagements and participation in community events.

In addition the survey revealed that:

• 98% of survey respondents are SLVWD residential customers.
• 96% live in a single-family house and 93% own their homes.
• 52% of all customers feel the amount they pay for water is “about right.”
• An overwhelming number of respondents (788) were 50 and older.
• 60% of customers would prefer to receive communications via email.
• 27% of customers want to receive communications via both email and regular mail.

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets Part of Innovative Partnership With Healthcare Providers to Provide Healthy Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Patients’ Overall Health

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets, in partnership with local healthcare providers, through the Fresh Rx program, has distributed $94,000 in healthy, local fruits and vegetables “prescriptions” to 150 families in need in our community in 2019.

Marina, CA, June 09, 2020 — Remember when your parents told you to “eat your vegetables?” Well, now under an innovative partnership between healthcare providers and farmers’ markets, doctors can “prescribe” fresh fruits and vegetables to young overweight patients and direct them to the farmers’ markets where they can receive $25 worth of fresh produce weekly.

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets, in partnership with local healthcare providers, through the Fresh Rx program, has distributed $94,000 in healthy, local fruits and vegetables “prescriptions” to 150 families in need in our community in 2019.

Results tracked by doctors show healthy decreases in the majority of participants’ overall body mass index, weight, and waist circumference, and other healthy lifestyle changes, including an increase in meals prepared as a family at home. To date, more than 350 families have benefited from Everyone’s Harvest’s Fresh Rx program, and Everyone’s Harvest has redeemed $300,000 in fresh produce “prescriptions.”

"One challenge to healthy nutrition, especially among low-income individuals, is access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Karen Gomez, who was recently named market program manager for Everyone’s Harvest. “For this reason, I strongly believe in the Fresh Rx Program. Not just because it addresses the problem, but because it motivates people to live a healthier lifestyle for themselves, and for their families.”

The Fresh Rx program isn’t just about better access to fruits and vegetables. The program brings food into healthcare and equips healthcare providers with tools to address healthy eating and food insecurity. Participating clinics and hospitals teach classes about healthy eating, cooking, and the connection between food and health. Healthcare providers and healthcare staffs are becoming healthy food ambassadors, connecting patients with healthy resources in their communities.

Doctors involved in the program are reporting that it has helped strengthened the doctor-patient relationship, opened up more dialogue around healthy nutrition and contributed to their patients building new healthy habits. And they are reporting that they are issuing higher-priced prescriptions to fewer patients, deepening the impact and simplifying the implementation by participating doctors and clinics.

At this time, Everyone’s Harvest has three markets open, Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) markets. The other Everyone’s Harvest certified farmers’ markets in Salinas, one at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., and the other at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., will open on June 16 and June 17, respectively. Both markets will be smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, in Salinas. All are operating as essential businesses in the community and to ensure that fresh food is available to local residents.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone's Harvest will adhere to guidelines described in their Social Distancing Plan, created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with the Monterey County Health Department, local governments, and our healthcare partners to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Everyone's Harvest Social Distancing Plan and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

•Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with Monterey County Health Department guidelines for farmers’ markets operating as essential businesses during shelter in place.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

The market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.
About Karen Gomez

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips. She can be reached at karen@everyonesharvest.org.

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

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Now Open, Two More in Salinas Slated to Open in Mid-June

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

Marina, CA, June 5, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

The other Everyone’s Harvest certified farmers’ markets in Salinas, one at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., and the other at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., will open on June 16 and June 17, respectively. Both markets will be smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, in Salinas. All are operating as essential businesses in the community and to ensure that fresh food is available to local residents.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Soerke Peters of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar in Pacific Grove, offering select pastas and sauces from the restaurant’s Retail Pasta menu.

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Triple Delight Blueberries of Fresno and avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Everyone’s Harvest also announced it now has a new market program manager to help coordinate all markets, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and SVMHS by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets will adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina and Pacific Grove to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

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