This Week on the Central Coast…
PGUSD continues to make progress in equity, Alvarado on Main added a mezzanine, a Watsonville filmmaker is searching for cast and crew, and Santa Cruz Art League opens “Curious Narratives”.
Monterey
Pacific Grove School District’s New Superintendent Continues Progress in Equity
Linda Adamson held her first board meeting last Thursday where she stated that her priority of the moment is to listen and learn. “I’ve had a chance to already start doing that and I’m proud to share that in those nine days, I’ve already met with a total of 22 members in our community. My goal is 100 people in 90 days and I’m hoping to even surpass that.”
In 2021, the district approved a contract with Praxis Lead Equity LLC after being alerted of the high school president posting racist remarks online.
In her short time as superintendent, Adamson has already started to make progress toward her goal of increasing equity in students.
She attended a cultural proficiency meeting with the purpose of creating a safer, more accessible, environment for all students to learn. Adamson is also planning a meeting in December where the public can provide feedback on the progress of the district and input on the district’s goals. Finally, a new partnership with the National Coalition Building Institute will provide “cultural proficiency professional development sessions.”
Salinas
Alvarado on Maine Added a Mezzanine Level to Their Restaurant.
Alvarado on Main revamped the mezzanine area of the restaurant to turn it into a unique focus. The lounge area that was originally near the front door is now located on the mezzanine, giving an incredible birds-eye view of the restaurant below.
The mezzanine is meant to be casual enough for friends to gather for an informal date, serving oysters and cocktails in addition to beers. There are around twenty additional seats, as well as plenty of standing room.
“Alvarado Street Brewery was founded by father-son duo John and J.C. Hill in March of 2014”, beginning as a small local brewery and expanding into four successful locations. The production brewery and tasting room is in the Spreckles Junction area of Salinas and opened in 2016. The research and development brewery and bistro opened in Carmel in 2018. And now, Alvarado on Main opened last year.
Santa Cruz
A Local Filmmaker is Looking for Cast and Crew
Pedro Gonzales-Renteria grew up in Watsonville where he made movies with his dad’s video camera, spoofing skit comedy shows with friends. In high school, he helped his friends in Watsonville’s Video Academy. Eventually, he worked his way to the film industry. His production company is called Pie Town Productions and has worked on many major shows such as the well-known House Hunters. During Watsonville’s Film Festival Fellowship, Gonzales-Rentería met another filmmaker, Gabriel Medina. The two have formed a group that most recently worked on “They Know Not What They Do”, also filmed in their hometown.
The film mirrors his own life as an undocumented child whose “Mixtec-speaking parents struggle to find their place in Watsonville—where they speak neither Spanish nor English”. The film’s protagonist doesn’t notice her family’s struggles and instead the story focuses on the strength of family. Gonzales-Rentería wants the film to get people excited about a story in Watsonville. “I want them to see that Watsonville is part of the plot.”
“In addition to a cast—including the main family characters—Gonzalez-Renteria is also looking for funding for “La Raiz.”” For information, contact Gonzalez-Renteria on Instagram at @heytherepete or email filmmyworldpro@gmail.com.
Santa Cruz Art League “Curious Narratives: Imagined Memories”
A new gallery at the Santa Cruz Art League features a cabinet of curiosities put together by an imaginary museum curator and collections by fictional characters.
Wendy Aikin assembled a visual narrative of her fictional character, inspired by antique photos and objects of “forgotten people”.
Jean Sheckler Beebe’s work combines layers of paint, paper, drawings, and found objects to create an abstract description of her character. She wants to create a symbolic language that depicts the emotions of her work.
Judy Stabile uses sculpture, fiber, and painting to express the personalities of her characters within their daily lives at home with family and friends.
The gallery runs through January 6, Wednesday through Saturday, 1-4 on Broadway in Santa Cruz.