BE AWARE: TSUNAMI WARNING TODAY

Photo courtesy of GeoTimes

I got a call this morning on my disconnected landline letting me know that there is a tsunami warning for the area after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan (our time yesterday). The advisory I received said to stay away from the shores, off the beaches and out of the ocean water. I suspect that some crazy maverick surfers will not heed the advice of this warning but I do hope you all will. For a slideshow of the disaster in Japan, visit the NY Times slideshow. Be safe and stay informed. For more information on tsunamis and what to do, visit the California Seismic Safety Commission. For more information on the current tsunami warning, keep checking local news websites, the television and radio. Stay safe and if you have any information, share it on here as a comment! Good resources for information, any updates you hear, the more information the better off we all are.

Lucy I'm Home!

If you love I Love Lucy, you'll love the show inspired Babaloo Cuban Food truck that makes its way all around Monterey County, bringing delicious, organic food on wheels. This is not a roach coach, or a dingy truck looking to escape the scrutiny of health codes. In many metropolitan areas, food trucks are widely becoming places where chefs are experimenting with mobile gourmet cuisine. In New York, they have awards every year for food truck vendors. Babloo is one of, if not the only food truck operating in Monterey County. Gladys, the owner, can talk to you about the long process it took to get all her health and food licenses to operate. The window was too big here, but too small there, and it was an ordeal, but in my opinion, worth it. She makes amazing sandwiches (I love the Ricky Ricardo classic cuban and the Fred and Ethel fish sliders on mini brioche buns). If you need something more filling, the platters come with a hefty portion of rice and beans and tropical cole slaw. Today was so beautiful at lunch I took advantage of her "Virgin" Berry Mojito and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too sweet. That is a real plus for me because if drinks are too sweet I get really turned off. All of her containers are recyclable and she even serves her drinks with biodegradable straws, but drink fast! The straw will get flimsy if you wait too long (but I would find it hard to believe someone could let such a tasty beverage sit long enough to not be able to sip it through the straw). Gladys works hard and so show her some love by trying out her food. Oh, and if she's got Ropa Vieja (beef brisket) as a special, get it before its gone!








Here's the low down on her regular schedule:

• Mondays: Pacific Grove Farmers' Market from 3-7pm
• Tuesdays: "Off the Truck" at the Monterey Farmers' Market on Alvarado Street from 4-7pm
• Thursdays: Behind the Salinas Courthouse on Cayuga Street
• Fridays: 11:30-12:30am at Ryan Ranch; 1pm-2pm at Oya Salon in Pacific Grove
• Sundays: Marina Farmers' Market from 10am-2pm

She is affected by rain so always check out her website before heading out on a rainy day. You can also call and Gladys will pick up her phone. The other great thing...no cash? No problem! Unlike most food trucks that take cash only, Gladys can accept credit cards. So now there's no excuse! Eat your heart out Castro, Monterey has you covered.

March Fitness and Welness Schedule is UP

The March schedule is jam packed with all your favorite classes. There are a few schedule highlights/changes so take note:

Fitness Classes
• Outdoor adventures: An extreme hike at Garrapata Park on Saturday 3/12 at 10am for those that would like a challenge. I have hiked this mountain and it is intense but the views are worth it! The group is car pooling for this hike. For more information contact Pinnacle.
• A family hike to Garland Ranch is planned for Saturday 3/19 at 11am. The family hike at Garland will have shuttle service provided. Contact jprosser@pinnaclefamily.com.
• I am teaching an additional Masala Bhangra class on Thursdays at Fitch Community Center at 6:30 pm. Yeah! But do take note, Masala Bhangra at La Mesa on Wednesday 3/9 class will be at the Activity Center at 1280 Leahy Road & is canceled for Wednesday 3/30.
• Zumbatomics will be outside weather permitting on Wed 3/30.
• Morning yoga at Fitch is canceled on Friday 3/4.

Wellness
• Family Movie Night at La Mesa is scheduled for 3/10 at 6pm. Bring your family and get comfortable!
• Breakfast-on-the-Go is on for March 24! Stop by your local Pinnacle Office for a quick bite to jump start your day.
• Zumba is canceled at La Mesa on Thur 3/10.

Porter Youth Center Sports- for more information contact the Porter Youth Center or consult this week's Pinnacle Bulletin

Track and Field
Registration – February 28^th – April 1^st
Practices – April 5^th – June 9^th
Local meets – April 30^th – June 11^th
Ages 5-14 are welcome to participate but must be registered with Parent Central Services and have a current sports physical. $40 first child, $34 each additional.

Youth Baseball
Registration January 18^th – March 9^th
Season – Begins in April and concludes in June
Ages 3-12 are welcome to participate but must be registered with Parent Central Services and have a current sports physical. $45 first child, $38 each additional.

February Schedule Is Up!

I apologize to everyone for not posting as often. I just recently started a full time job with Monterey County and things have still been crazy since the holiday exodus. Now that New Year's Resolutions have come and gone, remind yourselves to stay focused and attentive to being active and eating well. Pinnacle has increased the number of classes and changed some times around to make things more convenient.

A few changes to note:

• Monday's Yoga in Motion class is BEFORE Zumba and a great warm-up to a cardio class or fun on it's own.
• Body Combat and Yoga classes at Fitch Community Center have FREE daycare in the Community Center building so don't let it be an excuse not to work out!

February Highlights:

• Family Movie Night continues at La Mesa on Thursday, February 17th.
• Celebrate Valentine's Day with a home-made box at the Valentines Day craft session on Friday, February 4th at La Mesa!!
  
• Friday February 11 is Wine and Chocolate tasting. Contact Pinnacle for more details.
  
• Running out to work? Grab a free Breakfast-on-the-Go on the 25th at your local housing office.
  

Darryl Worley Concert- THIS SATURDAY

The Darryl Worley Concert is this Saturday. Shuttles from the Presidio of Monterey and throughout OMC will begin at 1600. The concert begins at 1800. There will be food vendors as well as an FRG food booth to support military families. Come hear some great music and have a good time. For more information, including shuttle pick-up and drop-off points, click here. The concert is free admission so take advantage of this exciting event!

Ice Skating in Monterey- 2 for 1 deal

Miss the ice? From November 20, 2010 to January 9, 2011, Tuesdays are 2-for-1 Military day at the Monterey Bay Ice Skating rink. It is 2-for-1 admissions and the rink is located at Custom House Plaza behind the Portola Hotel & Spa. There is FREE 2 hour parking for locals at the Waterfront Parking lot (bring a bill from your house if you don't have a California license). For more information, visit the website. Have fun and enjoy some winter fun times!

ACS Marketing Makeover Event!!

Army Community Services (ACS) is hosting an exciting Marketing Makeover event.

When: Friday, November 19th 10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Where: Gold Room, Stilwell Community Center, Building 4260 (corner of Gigling Rd. and General Jim Moore)
What: Participants will be asked to give feedback on how ACS can improve their marketing to Monterey military residents, and in exchange will be eligible to win hundreds of dollars worth of bath and body products.

If you are interested, call 831-242-7660 to sign up and FREE DAYCARE is available.