Wreaths Across America booth planned Saturday
KING CITY — Wreaths Across America will have an information booth at King City Center near Safeway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
Sponsored by Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated, the booth will offer information and forms to sponsor wreaths for veterans’ graves. Donations are $17 per wreath.
The annual wreath-laying ceremony will take place Saturday, Dec. 19, at King City Cemetery.
For more information, call Kathy Imamura at 408-802-4437.
Greenfield Harvest Festival returns Sunday
GREENFIELD — Greenfield’s annual Harvest Festival will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on El Camino Real between Walnut and Apple avenues.
The family-friendly event will feature food, live music, a tractor display and a car show.
For information about booth spaces, contact Victor Garcia at 831-210-5215.
MBEP hosts regional Creative Economy Summit
CENTRAL COAST — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership will host a Creative Economy Summit on Oct. 22 to explore how the creative sector can contribute to economic growth across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Watsonville Civic Plaza and will bring together artists, business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and other regional stakeholders.
“The creative economy is not just a cultural asset or entertainment, but a vital business sector that generates billions in economic activity and thousands of jobs across the Central Coast,” said Tahra Goraya, president and CEO of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. “True economic development is no longer defined solely by what we can physically build, but by what we can imagine and create.”
The summit will feature panel conversations and interactive discussions on economic development, workforce training, education, entrepreneurship, tourism and regional collaboration.
Organizers aim to identify ways to better connect and grow the creative sector while creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities across the region.
Advance registration is required, and space is limited. For tickets, the event schedule and featured speakers, visit mbep.biz/creative-economy-summit.
Brusa named interim CEO at Rancho Cielo
SALINAS — Rancho Cielo’s Board of Directors has named Susie Brusa interim chief executive officer following the resignation of Chris Devers, the organization announced Sept. 15. No reason was given for Devers’ departure.
Brusa, Rancho Cielo’s first CEO, joined the organization in 2009 as its first professional staff member and served as CEO for 12 years before leaving in September 2021. She worked alongside Rancho Cielo founder Judge John Phillips to develop programs serving young people seeking alternative pathways to education, job training and future careers.
“We are delighted to welcome Susie back to Rancho Cielo,” said Pete Scudder, chair of the Board of Directors. “Her knowledge of this organization, its programs and our community is invaluable, but even more important is her passion for our students. The Board has tremendous confidence in her ability to provide experienced and steady leadership during this transition.”
As interim CEO, Brusa will work with staff and the board to maintain continuity, advance existing programs and uphold the organization’s standards.
“What has always mattered most at Rancho Cielo is the young people,” Brusa said. “The skills they learn here are an important vehicle, but the real measure of our success is what happens beyond Rancho Cielo. I continue to meet alumni in our community who have grown into healthy, happy and productive young adults. They have built confidence, discovered what they are capable of and created a future for themselves. I am grateful for the opportunity to return and help ensure that Rancho Cielo continues providing that same opportunity for the young people we serve today.”
The Board of Directors will conduct a national search for Rancho Cielo’s next CEO.
