This Week on the Central Coast…
Monterey introduces new public resources, Monterey Airport begins constructing a new terminal, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Annual Chili Cook-off is coming up, and Taylor Farms donated backpacks.
Monterey
Monterey Dedicates a Week to Braceros
The first annual Bracero Workers History Recognition Week was held in honor of bracero workers who were brought over during World War II to help aid Monterey’s failing agriculture industry.
The Bracero Program was an agreement between Mexico and the U.S. to allow Mexican workers to legally work in the states during the labor shortages of the war. Workers were underpaid and abused, yet it is because of their persistence and contributions that our agriculture industry is as strong as it is today.
Monterey’s agricultural production made about $70 million prior to the braceros. After their arrival, the industry grew to making $160 billion in about twenty-two years.
Bracero Workers History Recognition Week will happen every year during the week of September 16.
Other Brother Beer Co. Celebrates the Grand Opening of its Kitchen
Last Wednesday, Other Brother Beer Company officially opened its own kitchen to much fanfare. They serve all the usual suspects of a brewery, including mozzarella sticks and loaded fries, but also a variety of other, more robust, options. The sandwich options include a smashburger and beer-brined chicken sandwich. I’ve had their B.L.T. twice now and it’s so good that I haven’t been able to try the other options!
Healthier fare includes everything from seasonal salads and hummus platters, to tomato bisque soup. Head Chef Josie Lewis said about their vegetarian offerings: “the response to our [meat free] food has been cool because I put real energy into those items. I want them to be just as good as our cheeseburger or fried chicken.”
The brewery frequently hosts events, such as trivia every Tuesday night, pop-ups, and live bands.
Monterey Police Opened an Outreach Center for the Unhoused
A new Outreach and Navigation Center opened at 401 Camino El Estero, adjacent to Lake El Estero and will provide assistance to unsheltered people, victims of domestic violence, and those with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“The navigation center will enhance our City’s current homeless response efforts, continue our strong partnerships with community-based organizations, and support our focus of proactive field work," police Chief Dave Hober said.
Esteban Restaurant Developed It’s Own Bourbon
Esteban Restaurant made its own boubon as a part of Maker’s Mark’s Private Selection. The bourbon was custom made with Maker’s Mark from a combination of ten different wooden staves to make up the barrel that it was aged in. The entire process took three tries to get it just right.
The taste is soothing with notes of vanilla and spiced fruit. Esteban’s beverage director said he likes the “toasty, chocolate, dark caramel taste.”
Go try a glass at Esteban Restaurant in the Casa Munras Hotel.
Monterey Airport Got New Funding for a New Terminal
A new terminal is coming to Monterey Airport. The expansion allow more tourism to come to the area and increase the job market.
The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill for Federal Fiscal Year 2023 via the Department of Transportation. Monterey Regional Airport management emphasized how crucial federal support is towards their continued investment in passenger safety and comfort.
A New County Program Allows People an Inside Look at the Education System
The Inside Education program offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at how the county’s education system works. Participants will attend a series of six half-day field trips, from September through March, that cover a range of topics designed to give community members “valuable insights into the fundamentals of public education in Monterey County.”
This new program isn’t just for a special group. Anyone can attend, no matter if you’re a parent, journalist, educator, or simply a curious local resident
The program started last week, but will continue through March. The next tour is on October 20.
Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Looking for More Contestants
The annual chili cook-off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is almost here and if you have a special recipe, it's your time to shine! The Boardwalk is looking for more contestants to compete.
Anyone can join and the teams are split into two categories: Professional, for teams who get paid to prepare food for people, and Amateur, for the home cook.
The official rules govern what, exactly, constitutes a chili. “Red Chili is defined as a spicy stew containing any combination of spices and ingredients, cooked with MEAT and having a red hue (may have beans and/or pasta.)” Vegetarian chili rules are the same, except without meat, or course. As part of its rules, only minor prep is allowed prior to the competition. Spices and seasonings are allowed to be pre-ground, beans may be pre-soaked, and meat may be pre-ground/cut. And nothing may be pre-cooked.
If you plan on competing, all participants will get two all-day ride wristbands, two event t-shirts, and one parking pass. There are five other ways teams can win some prize money:
$150 to the team with the best chili in each of the categories (professional or amateur) as voted on by the professional judges.
$250 to the peoples’ choice best chili.
$250 to the most tasted chili in each of the categories.
$250 for the best theme, overall.
In addition to the prize categories, all teams are also eligible for a prize drawing of $250.
If you plan on going just to taste, tasting kits are $12 each and provide six tasting tickets, a bowl and spoon, and a people’s choice ballot. A portion of the proceeds goes towards Shared Adventures, a non-profit dedicated to helping disabled people enjoy recreational activities.
Salinas
Taylor Farms Donated Backpacks to Students in Need.
Over 1,100 backpacks were given to students in Monterey County as part of the Taylor Farms 13th Annual Backpack Giving Program. To date, Taylor Farms have donated more than 9,500 backpacks to date. Their philanthropic ventures aim to make education more accessible and inclusive of everyone.
“Taylor Farms provided backpacks filled with school supplies to first grade students at five elementary schools in Salinas and Gonzales, CA. Taylor Farms employees gifted backpacks to students at the following schools: Roosevelt, Los Padres, Frank Paul, La Gloria and Alisal Community.”
Students Created a Club to Help Migrant Students
“The club founders of Union Club at Everett Alvarez High School, are 3 female Latinas who migrated to the U.S. two years ago”. The three founders want the club to be like a guide to incoming freshmen. Anyone who feels lost at the idea of learning a new language, a new culture, and new experiences can find help in the Union Club. Whether it’s just having someone to talk to, or needing help to find their next class, the club is there to guide.
“From my experience, when I came from Nicaragua, and I immigrated to the United States, I felt so lost," said Fuentes "I didn't know my classes because I didn't know the language.” “We believe it is really important because coming to a new country, with a different culture, a different language is really difficult”