Celebrate Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

This was sent to me by a friend. This is one of the nicest hotels that I have ever been to. Please consider attending. Thanks.

KLN

News



Contact: Jennifer Chiesa
Public Relations Manager
Direct Dial: 650-712-7696
Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com


Celebrate Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains at
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay


Half Moon Bay, Calif. – June 2008 – The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is partnering with wineries from the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering guests a near-by, premium wine region to taste and explore. Every few weeks a new winery will be featured throughout the Resort, including wine-pairings with the Chef’s tasting menu in the Resort’s restaurant, Navio. Guests will enjoy wines from the region at check-in, in The Conservatory and are also welcome to bring in a bottle of their favorite Santa Cruz wine when they dine in Navio during the week, Monday through Wednesday, and we will waive corkage service.

Encompassing the area from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains have been a wine producing region since the late 1800s. The Appellation’s vineyards are among the precious few in California situated close to the ocean. Varied microclimates, marine influence, mountain terrain and distinctive soils combine to produce some of the finest conditions for wine production.


FEATURED WINERIES AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY:

Alfaro Family Vineyards – June 6 to 26, 2008
Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards– June 27 to July 17, 2008
Bonny Doon Vineyard – July 18 to August 7, 2008
Burrell School Vineyards – August 8 to 28, 2008
Testarossa Vineyards – August 29 to September 18, 2008
Storrs Winery – September 19 to October 9, 2008
Ridge Vineyards – October 10 to 30, 2008

Whether enjoying the Chef’s Tasting Menu and wine pairing in Navio, or having a glass of wine during the week, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay can savor a selection of wines from one of the most distinctive wine regions in California.


“ENO-VERSITY” WINE CLASSES

The Resort will also hold wine education classes* - “Eno-Versity” - taught by Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, which will be offered on Saturday afternoons from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the ENO wine bar. An intimate tasting room, designed to encourage interaction and communication, ENO is the perfect setting for learning about, discovering and discussing wine with the experts.






ENO-Versity Class schedule:

· Alfaro Family Vineyards – Sat. June 28
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 5
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 12
· Bonny Doon Vineyard - Sat. July 19
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 26
· Bonny Doon Vineyard - Sat. Aug 2
· Alfaro Family Vineyards - Sat. August 9
· Burrell School Vineyards - Sat. Aug 16
· Burrell School Vineyards – Sat. Aug. 23
· Testarossa Vineyards - Sat. Aug 30
· Testarossa Vineyards – Sat. Sept 6
· Testarossa Vineyards – Sat. Sept 13
· Storrs Winery – Sat. Sept 20
· Storrs Winery – Sat. Sept 27
· Ridge Vineyards – Sat. Oct 11
· Sat. Oct. 18 – No Class: Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
· Ridge Vineyards – Sat. Oct 25

*Saturday classes held from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. in ENO are $35 per person. Space is limited to 12 people and participants must be at least 21 years of age. Parking for non-hotel guests is $5. To register please call Resort Reservations at (650) 712-7040. Additional information can be found at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/. Please note: Schedule is subject to change without notice.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room destination spa and golf resort, 30 miles south of San Francisco. Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, the timeless oceanfront estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience, whether for a romantic getaway, meeting or special event. For reservations, please contact your travel professional or toll-free at (800) 241-3333. For additional information, please call the resort directly at (650) 712-7000, or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/.

# # #

Sen. Barack Obama Sets the Record Straight on Campaign Financing

“The key has always been making sure the special interests aren’t yanking my chain.”


(New York, NY) June 27, 2008—In a candid interview on Our World with Black Enterprise airing this weekend, U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama discusses his decision to forego public financing. He tells host Ed Gordon, “If you look at my very specific statement, it said that we will try to work to preserve the public finance system. In a letter I wrote to the FEC, I reserved the right to opt out during the primary, but perhaps participate in the general election. But I never said that I was definitely going to be in the public financing system, because we anticipated that there might be problems with people outside of the system spending a lot of money attacking me, and I intend to win this election.”

“The key for me has always been making sure that the special interests—the banks, the oil companies, the insurance companies, the lobbyists—that they’re not yanking my chain. We’ve been able to do that and make sure that I’m independent, and that I can speak my mind. And that’s always been my goal, and that’s what we’re going to accomplish.”

This weekend on a special edition of Our World with Black Enterprise, Ed Gordon sits down with Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama for the entire program to talk about the economy, universal healthcare, the plight of black families and black men, his wife, the war, and his opting out of public campaign financing.

This episode airs in NYC on WABC-TV, Sunday, June 29th, at 5:30PM, right before the evening news. For people living outside the New York area, check your local listing at http://ourworld.blackenterprise.com. Tune in and spread the word!

To see a sneak peak, click here: www.blackenterprise.com/Obama-Exclusive


Monique S. Myles

Marketing Manager
Black Enterprise
P: 212.886.6762 F: 212.886.9618 E: mylesm@blackenterprise.com

The 2008 B.E. Company of the Year award goes to ... Harpo Incorporated! This month, Oprah Winfrey gives Black Enterprise an exclusive, first-hand look into being the world’s most influential African American entrepreneur. You’ll also find other highly notable companies in our blockbuster June BE100s issue, on newsstands now! Get a sneak peak at this riveting page turner at www.blackenterprise.com/Oprah.

A Hop, Skip and a Jump Down to the Monterey Peninsula

By: Kevin L. Nichols

Bay Area natives often take for granted the secular views, peacefulness, and serenity of our surrounding cities. One city that is definitely underutilized on the "must see" vacation destinations list is our very own Monterey County.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Monterey Peninsula and had a splendid time. I stayed at the majestic and one of the most well known corner stones in the region, the Monterey Plaza Hotel. This is an elegant hotel literally on the shore of Monterey Bay. I could hear the sea crashing beneath my room as if I could get my feet wet from my patio.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel has the perfect setting and ambiance for a wedding or formal dinner party. The Plaza is currently under renovation and will be even better in the next few months. It is a "must stay," at least for one night while visiting Monterey.

Although Monterey is known for its secular tourist attractions, such as Cannery Row, the pier, and whale watching, it also has wineries and the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is one of the most sophisticated marine facilities in the world with live feedings, tide pools, and rare educational exhibits. This is the perfect excursion for families. My family was delighted by the new Otter Exhibit and the awesome feedings of tuna, mahi mahi, and the Great White Shark that was on display but has now been released.

It is quite difficult to observe the larger fish devouring tinier shrimp, calamari, etc., so we decided to walk to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Restaurant for our own "feeding." Bubba Gump's is the perfect place for a family meal. The atmosphere is fast pace and noisy enough to drown out any children still revved up by the aquarium, but mellow enough to place your order and get your food in a reasonable time period. The menu is child friendly, with options for shrimp, chicken, or macaroni with vegetables and beverage included. It is affordable and an ideal "pit stop" to recharge before going back to the aquarium, going shopping at the mall, or the premium outlets nearby.

The final "must see" location on this trip was the exquisite Chart House Restaurant. This is an upscale, establishment which hovers over the bank of the bay. It has gorgeous views and a romantic aurora about it. The Chart House has an impeccable menu of the finest seafood and steaks in the region as well as delicious "adult beverages" and deserts. You would not be disappointed if you made this your final stop on your way back to the Bay Area.



Before taking for granted the luxuries of the Bay Area, I always encourage our residents to venture out an hour to an 1 1/2 away to get a different perspective of the beauty of California. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to take your family to another state or country when you can fill up your SUV one time and experience the bliss of Monterey.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.

Copyright © 2008 KLN Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

LinkedIn Bay Area Black Professionals Group

Please consider joining this group on LinkedIn.

This is a group for Bay Area Black Professionals whose overall goals are to uplift themselves as well as their local community physically, educationally, socially, politically, economically, and spiritually through networking.

For more information, please visit
Click to join linkedin_babp

Happy Father's Day

The greatest gift in life is the "gift of life" itself. I am thankful that God had enough faith in me to raise two boys in this day and age, and I am humbled that I have the opportunity to shape them into fine men. Here is to all dads who have not just fathered children, but are actually raising them.

Tim Russert Dies and R. Kelly is acquitted!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080613/ap_on_en_tv/obit_russert


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080613/ap_on_en_mu/r_kelly_trial

Oakland native promoted to vice president at Island/Def Jam

By: Kevin L. Nichols

Who would have thought that Oakland native Shakir Stewart, who appeared in the Digital Underground video “Humpty Dance” wearing a polka dot shirt in the early 1990s, would go on to become the executive vice president of Island Def Jam?

Many people would have, based on Stewart’s leadership as senior class president at St. Mary’s College High School and first vice president of the United Black Students of California.
Stewart took his ability to promote local events to new heights when he left the Bay Area to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and established his presence as a concert promoter and businessman by promoting such artists as Nas, Luke, Scarface and Oakland’s own Too Short.

Stewart’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a successful promotions company with a few other associates and then establish a music studio called Noontime Music. This endeavor eventually led to a joint venture with Epic Records.

He then launched a venture with Hitco Music Publishing, where Stewart signed on as creative director. His ability to demonstrate and perfect his A&R (artist and repertoire) skills sparked the interest of then president of Arista and Hitco’s owner, Antonio “L.A.” Reid. He offered Stewart an A&R consultant position with LaFace Records. Soon thereafter, Stewart left his post with Hitco and joined Island/Def Jam Music Group as its vice president of A&R. He was recently promoted to his new role as executive VP.

According to Island/Def Jam, Stewart is responsible for signing such talent as R&B sensation Ciara and rap stars Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. He published the successive #1 hits in Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart as Destiny Child’s “Survivor,” Outkast’s “The Way You Move,” Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy,” and assembled and organized Usher’s massive hit “Yeah” on the 12- time platinum album Confessions.

Stewart will now manage the day to day operations of the label, including the acquisition and development of new talent, and the management of producers.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and president/CEO of KLN Publishing in San Francisco.
For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.

Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspapers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Obama Nomination Celebration

On Behalf of Delegate London Breed:

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to remind you all about the Obama
Nomination Celebration at Ruby Skye tonight at 7pm.
We are expecting a huge crowd, so please plan to
arrive early. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala
Harris will be our special guest speaker.

Although this is a free event, it would be great if
you could donate at least $25 to the campaign. I have
enclosed the invitation and a link for donations.
Every dollar makes a difference!

Don't forgot, this is a celebration with some of the
bay area's hottest deejays, so don't forget your
dancing shoes.

See you tonight!

DONATE NOW!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/nominationcelebration

Bay Area news anchor Barbara Rodgers retires after nearly 29 years with CBS 5

By Kevin L. Nichols

The departure of KTVU news anchor Dennis Richmond left a gaping hole in African American, Bay Area journalism. Barbara Rodgers’ departure extends the divide as wide as the eye can see. A pillar in the community, Rodgers estimates that she conducted close to 10,000 interviews during her 36 years as a journalist.

Rodgers anchored CBS 5 (KPIX-TV) weekend news casts from 1987-2000, and then Eyewitness News at noon. She also appeared on the show she helped create in 1989 called “Bay Sunday,” which is CBS 5’s weekly public affairs program.

Some of the numerous awards and achievements she has received during her stint as an anchor/ reporter include seven Emmy Awards from the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), the United Negro College Fund’s Frederick D. Patterson Outstanding Individual Award, five Excellence in Journalism Awards from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Pioneer Award, and NATAS’s Governor’s Award, which is the most prestigious award that a local journalist can attain.

I recently sat on the set during one of Rodger’s last broadcasts of the noon news to get her perspective on life after retirement and on some of her most prominent accomplishments. She said that after leaving her job, she wants to get some rest, since she has been working since she was 13 years old.

Rodgers explained she had planned to “goof off and travel” once she graduated from Knoxville College, but she received an offer that she could not refuse from the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, and has been working ever since. Now, she said she has promised herself that “for the next six months and maybe for the next year, I’m going to do things just for me.”

Rodgers recalled two of the most memorable moments of her career: Meeting Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and using creative tactics to get to hear him speak to the United Nations in New York.

During her career, Rodgers interviewed the likes of Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Neil Simon, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and former President George Bush.

Rodgers came to tears when discussing her legacy to the Bay Area. She credited her parents, particularly her mother, for the confidence she developed through their example of hard work and encouragement.

She urged others to follow their dreams: “You have to be determined and have a dream, and don’t let anyone ever tell you that your dream is invalid, because no one would have predicted that I would be sitting in the U.N. listening to Mandela speak or at the White House interviewing a president,” she said.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and president/CEO of KLN Publishing in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.

World Premiere of the Buffalo Soldier Mutiny documentary

What: World Premiere of the Buffalo Soldier Mutiny documentary produced by Bauhaus Media Group, Inc. in San Antonio, Texas.

Where: San Francisco Black Film Festival
African American Art & Culture Complex
762 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 922-2049

When: Sunday, June 8th
1:00pm

Synopsis: For a half century, most records remained sealed on an event that shook the U.S. Army to its core and influenced the way it would treat black soldiers for the next 30 years.

The event was the Houston Mutiny & Courts Martial of 1917-1918, and it erupted in part because a company of recently transferred Buffalo Soldiers refused to submit to the racist Jim Crow laws being enforced by the city’s political leadership and police force.

The film explores a true 20th century tragedy, one in which no side is without blame, and one which ultimately cost more than 30 people their lives.


Extra Note: The film can be digitally downloaded for a small fee at www.zipidee.com

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Nichols, KLN Publishing, LLC
Tel: (775) 255-4573, Fax: (775) 258-1471, Email: kevin@klnpublishing.com