This Week on the Central Coast…
Much support for flood victims and a new library project in Santa Cruz
Monterey
Pavel’s Bakerei raised $15k for Monterey Food Bank
Like many of us, Pavel’s Bakerei lost power for several days last week. However, the popular bakery still managed to make an impact on a community in need. Using a backup gas oven, Pavel’s raised $3k for the Monterey Food Bank, which was further matched to $15k.
In addition to their generous contributions, Pavel’s also sent 500 cinnamon rolls to the Food Bank, which were sent to families in Pajaro and San Ardo.
Mission 19 Taqueria celebrated its first anniversary
David Rodas, owner of Mission 19 on Lighthouse Avenue, celebrated their first anniversary with his team. It was an interesting year for Rodas, who had no restaurant background. His resume includes degrees in business, with an emphasis on marketing, and nine years working with Procter & Gamble.
No matter how little experience Rodas might have with the food industry, Mission 19 is doing everything right. Almost everything is prepared to-order with the exception of the birria, which is slow-cooked for hours ahead of time. Only when an order comes in are the tortillas pressed, the taco fillings cooked, allowing for the freshest possible food.
Online complaints are about the time it takes for the food to be prepared, though Rodas refuses to do it any other way. He’d rather offer fresh food than worry about speed. “I’ve learned that it’s hard work, but very rewarding,” Rodas says. “When you’re feeding someone, it’s very personal. No matter if it’s one taco or a $300 order, you treat everybody the same.” With that mentality, it's easy to see how he’s eager to open at least one more location.
Pajaro Relief Funds are now set up
The Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Community Foundation for Santa Cruz County are now active. Both offer immediate emergency assistance through local nonprofits to provide food, shelter, and financial assistance, along with long-term care for those who need it.
Donations can be made to either foundation to support Pajaro evacuees. Be sure to write “Pajaro” in the comment field to ensure your donation goes specifically to the relief effort there.
Santa Cruz
Downtown Library-Housing Project gets city approval
A long-awaited library-housing project finally got approval to begin construction. The development will feature a two-story library with a childcare facility on the first floor. It will also house a three-story parking garage with commercial space. On top of it all will be five stories of housing.
Pushback from the community stalled construction at first, with some residents wanting to save the liquidamber heritage trees that sit in the space. A compromise eventually moved the plans forward with the city ordering to save the wood from all the felled trees. Magnolia will be used for future city projects.
Driscoll’s will match donations for flood victims
Last week, Driscoll’s launched an online fundraiser to support organizations that are helping the victims of flooding in Pajaro and Salinas Valley. The strawberry company is matching donations up to $250k, in addition to already donating $340k of its own money.
“As a family-owned business with generational roots in the Pajaro Valley, this natural disaster has directly impacted our employees, independent growers, farmworkers, residents and the place we call home," the company said.
Donations can be made through the company’s website.