This Week on the Central Coast…
Local artists showcase their work, free lunch for students in the summer, and Monterey Regional Airport is getting major upgrades.
Monterey
Summer Meal Program Lets Kids Get Free Lunches While Out of School
Schools across the nation are participating in a free lunch program throughout the summer. All kids are invited to stop by a participating location and receive a free meal, regardless of age or income level. All foods within MPUSD are locally sourced.
With the cost of food and groceries only getting more expensive, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Superintendent, PK Diffenbaugh, says this program is here for kids to use and invites everyone to at least give it a try. “Our nutrition services engage with the students to make sure that it's things that they want to eat that they're excited about," said Diffenbaugh.
Meals are available within certain time frames at each location. The program will run from now through the end of June and parts of July, depending on location. A list of participating sites can be found here. June 19 and July 4 are the only two dates that the sites will be closed to observe the holidays.
Tattoo Fundraiser for Monterey Peninsula Pride
Wholehearted Tattoo in Monterey started with the idea that their artists should be able to put their whole hearts into what they do. That philosophy is further reinforced by the fundraisers they hold each year.
In years past, Wholehearted has donated to Jacob’s Heart, SPCA Monterey County, Planned Parenthood, Suicide Prevention, Black Cat Rescue Fund, Rape Crisis Center, and the YWCA. This year, they are supporting Monterey Peninsula Pride.
Anyone can participate by attending the flash fundraiser on June 22, from 12pm to 8pm. You can choose from the “pre-drawn flash designs celebrating LGBTQ+ culture”. Black and grey tattoos are $80 and rainbow tattoos are $100. Donation amounts may vary, but at the very least, artists will be donating 50% of all proceeds, with at least three of them donating 100%.
Monterey Peninsula Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a “vibrant, multifaceted, LGBTQIA+ community for a more connected, celebratory, and inclusive Monterey Bay area.
Author Jane Bertch is Debuting Her Memoir in Carmel
Jane Bertch is a woman who grew up in Chicago, opened a culinary school in Paris called “Le Cuisine”, and found her way back to the states to progress up the corporate ladder in banking. Her book, “The French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris”, is a memoir of her journey, chronicling every twist and turn of her travels.
Bertch is debuting her memoir at Lady Somm, “a tasting room owned by international wine judge and sommelier Roxanne Langer, in The Barnyard Shopping Village”. Bertch says the signing event will give her the chance to talk about more than just cooking classes. She’ll have the chance to tell her story and hopefully inspire others to chase their dreams.
You can meet her at Lady Somm in the Barnyard on June 18, from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $45 each and include a copy of the book, a glass of wine, and snacks. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
“The French Ingredient” is available at River House Books and Pilgrim’s Way in Carmel, and Bookworks in Pacific Grove.
Monterey Regional Airport Plans Construction of a New Terminal and More
Monterey Regional Airport is in the beginning phases of a major upgrade. Last Friday, design teams began the creative process of crafting a new air terminal and airplane apron. To do this, the long-term parking lot has been moved to a new area. MRY made sure the new long-term lot had the same number of spaces and is the same number of steps to the entrance as the original one. “The new terminal includes a commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve the highest green building standards”.
With all the additional flights coming to MRY, this is a much-needed improvement. The new plans will allow enough space for two more overnight parking spaces for planes, improved roads leading to the airport, as well as its first passenger boarding bridges so weather will no longer be an issue for travelers coming off or getting onto their flight.
Inside, a pre-security garden plaza greets guests with native landscaping. Once past security, there will be a center bar for dining and an outdoor terrace. “The new terminal is targeting LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy readiness. The airport will remain operational during construction, which is set to begin in 2025.”
Santa Cruz
New Sculpture at Live Oak Library
Live Oak Library has a new sculpture outside its freshly renovated Library Annex called “The Letters”. The sculpture stands seven feet tall, composed of welded steel. The human-shaped figure is made of over 1,000 individually cut letters and is kneeling down to pick up words, such as “love”, “fairness”, “respect”, and “trust”, at its feet. “It reminds us that our choice of words can shape our destinies when we speak them into existence”.
Its creators, David and Sooja Choi, immigrated to the United States from South Korea about forty-five years ago. Sooja specializes in sculpting with various materials and David is a printmaker. Their teamwork allows them to create unique works of art without sacrificing their own styles.
The Live Oak Library Annex will celebrate its grand opening later this summer, where the public will have the chance to meet David and Sooja Choi.
I look forward every week to your articles. Always learning something new. Thank you Ralph.