LOCAL LEADERS
PEJU Winery Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Charitable Donation
As a female-owned Napa County Green winery and Bay Area Green business, PEJU Winery’s commitment to sustainability remains a top priority with the installation of new EV chargers, increased solar panel usage and a transition to 100% recyclable packaging materials. To coincide with its 40th anniversary, PEJU is launching “The Heart of PEJU,” a new philanthropic initiative to support the Monarch Justice Center which aids families of Napa Valley and survivors of trauma and abuse. The Peju family has pledged a donation of $40,000 in 2023.
“Every Stay Gives Back” Program in Sonoma County
Select Sonoma County lodging partners are the first in California to participate in a pilot program with Kind Traveler’s new community impact certification, “Every Stay Gives Back.” The initiative automatically harnesses donations with every guest stay to support local Sonoma County charities advancing social and environmental causes in the region.
The Meritage Resort and Spa’s “Women in the Arts” Series
Taking place at the Meritage Resort and Spa in downtown Napa, “Women in the Arts” is a special speaker series that recognizes the accomplishments of female artists. Each quarterly event features a female artist, women leaders in the wine, spirits and beverages industries and women-led beverage companies paired with a multi-course meal. A portion of the proceeds from the events support scholarship programs for women and girls in Napa County and beyond.
Scripps Cancer Care Named New Puesto Cares Partner
Puesto – award-winning family-owned Mexican artisan kitchen and bar – is Scripps Cancer Care’s newest partner for their Puesto Cares program. Part of the proceeds from the restaurant’s nine locations will be allocated to support the efforts of Scripps Cancer Care in providing personalized treatments for people diagnosed with lymphoma and other types of cancer. Puesto has donated over $1 million to local charities and causes and has employed more than 500 people.
Kevin Shin Champions Asian and Pacific Islander Culture in Oceanside
Kevin Shin is a local advocate of Oceanside who celebrates the rich history of Asian and Pacific Islander culture. Located in the Fin Hotel, which once served as a communication center to support World War II efforts, Shin founded The Switchboard Restaurant & Bar named in honor of the women that once worked in the historic building. He is also the owner of KNVS – an art gallery and restaurant-bar celebrating local artists – and the driving force behind the first annual SoCal Asian and Pacific Islander Festival in downtown Oceanside. The free event celebrates diverse cultures in the community through art, dance, food and more with the goal of creating better global citizens.
Giving Back in Siskiyou
Community gathering spot Five Marys Burgerhouse in Siskiyou County is known not only for its ranch raised meats and cocktails, but also for its inspiring philanthropic efforts. Every Tuesday, the restaurant donates 10% of all sales to Scott Valley Schools. Veterans receive free meals on Veterans Day, including free meals for first responders and fire crews when fires damage the area. For online orders of their meats, all shipments include a request to return the boxes with a book inside; collected books are then donated to the local community.
Los Angeles' Impactful Hotel and Restaurant Leaders
Through its partnership with Kind Traveler, Los Angeles Tourism encourages visitors to stay at environmentally and socially conscious hotels such as Dream Hollywood, The Garland, and Hotel Erwin, among others that provide exclusive offers supporting organizations addressing homelessness, animal shelters, and healthcare. In the restaurant industry, and as a response to the impact of COVID-19 on local women-owned restaurants, national non-profit RE:Her was created to advance women and nonbinary owners in the food and beverage industry to uplift, support and advocate for their businesses.
Great Bread, Great Business with Rosalind Bakery
Known to have some of the best sourdough in the Bay Area, Rosalind Bakery does more than make delicious bread. The local bakery employs three dozen people who receive wages that reflect the local cost of living. They also work with sustainable and regenerative farms within a 30-mile radius of Pacifica to lessen their overall footprint while supplying some of the best bread and pastries in the area.
SUSTAINABILITY
Herb & Wood Partners With Local Nonprofit Berry Good Food
Herb & Wood’s Executive Chef Carlos Anthony and Berry Good Food have partnered to bolster their mission of supporting local and regenerative food systems in San Diego and Baja California with food security and food education programs. With its seasonal Herb & Wood menu item, $1 from each dish sold will go directly to Berry Good Food.
Pismo Beach Stewardship & Educational Outreach Program: Sea Change, Be Change
Launched earlier this year, the Pismo Beach Stewardship & Educational Outreach Program brings increased environmental awareness and education of Pismo Beach to residents and visitors. The program offers insight on how people’s meaningful actions can help sustain and increase the coastal marine ecosystem and wildlife.
New Shasta Bike Depot Transforms Redding into a Bike-Friendly Haven
On May 12, 2023, the Shasta Bike Depot will open in Downtown Redding offering modern amenities that promote clean mobility, including long-term bike parking, E-bike sharing, bicycling mechanics, and a bicycle-friendly café. It will also serve as a social and practical hub for local riders and trail enthusiasts, offering youth programs, E-bike charging stations, and guided E-bike tours of the Sacramento River Trail.
Sustainable Farming at Wente Vineyards
In the Tri-Valley, local agriculture creates a difference in the community by implementing sustainable and organic farming practices. From its site-specific water irrigation and sheep grazing that eliminates gas-powered mowing to electric tractors and light weight bottles to reduce carbon emissions, sustainable practices are a way of life at Wente Vineyards. Earlier this year, the winery partnered with Ecologi to reduce its carbon footprint by planting a tree for every bottle of wine sold in April 2023. So far, they’ve planted 5,000 trees.
Working Towards Regenerative Farming in Camarillo
The historic McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo is home to a unique collective of farmers known as the McGrath Family Farmers, whose mission is working towards regenerative agriculture practices. Using farm tours and “pick your own produce,” the group educates the public on the importance of buying local and organic healthy food.
Giving Back 1% at a Time
Smog City Brewing Co. in Torrance is a local steward of sustainability as members of 1% for the Planet. To support the environment and local community, 1% of its gross sales are donated to environmental non-profits throughout Southern California.
Sustainable Businesses of Sausalito’s Marinship
Rooted in the power of nature and science, Sausalito’s Botnia Skin Care creates natural and organic products in-house using ingredients from their micro farm and neighboring farms and factories. Similarly, CP Shades creates items from their 100% solar paneled shop and plants a tree for every item made, totaling 175,000 trees to date in California. Electric boat company Candela is doing its part by paving the way for fossil-fuel free lakes and oceans.
Garibaldi Hooks James Beard “Smart Catch” Certification
Garibaldi, San Diego’s popular Italian rooftop restaurant and bar, has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for their seafood sustainability efforts. Receiving “Smart Catch Committed” status, held only by a few notable restaurants in the country, recognizes those who utilize diverse, traceable, sustainable, and delicious seafood options. The honor comes at a perfect time as the restaurant introduced new Sardinian-inspired menus and welcomed new Chef de Cuisine Ricardo Heredia.
INCLUSIVE ADVOCATES
Adaptive Surfing and Coffee Training in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach prioritizes inclusivity with its accessible offerings for those with disabilities. Book an adaptive surfing lesson with McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons with Rocky McKinnon, former professional surfer turned instructor and board shaper on a mission to change the way people surf in Surf City USA®. For a caffeine fix, stop by ABLE Coffee Roasters who has streamlined its interview process to include vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
Pismo Beach AmpSurf Making Waves
Dana Cummings, a U.S. Marine who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, lost his lower left leg in a car accident. Following his recovery, he created the AmpSurf Learn to Surf Program in Pismo Beach to help rehabilitate the disabled through the healing power of adaptive surfing and the ocean. Cumming continues to champion the benefits of adaptive surfing certification programs to spread this valuable therapy to disabled people around the globe.
San Diego Tourism DEI Tourism Accelerator Cohort
Recognizing the important role of diversity in travel and tourism, San Diego Tourism Authority has announced its 2023-2024 Tourism Accelerator cohort. The initiative offers a year of mentorship, business coaching, advertising, and access to UC San Diego Extension to businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, with the goal of helping them grow their business.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Redding Rancheria Stillwater Pow Wow
Celebrate the beauty of Native culture at the 32nd annual Redding Rancheria Stillwater Pow Wow, October 6-8, 2023. Held at the Redding Rodeo Grounds, the free event will unite tribes from across the U.S. and Canada to honor their ancestors and sacred traditions. The Pow Wow features traditional singing, drumming and dancing, with participants competing for over $15,000 in prizes. Alongside these mesmerizing performances, enjoy delicious food, authentic Native American crafts, and immersive cultural experiences.