Spring 2026

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Photo: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A $5,000 grant from Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop will support 10 needs-based scholar- ships awarded through Breakthrough Men’s Community, a Monterey-based nonprofit Breakthrough programs support men who are hurt, stuck and facing personal or professional challenges. Grant funds will be distributed as $500 awards that help local individuals access structured support and tools for emotional growth. Partnership for Children marked its 10th anniversary with a January ribbon cutting at its new Salinas office. The nonprofit assists children with serious illnesses, providing transportation services, financial and emotional support, and other resources to families in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. In 2025, Partnership for Children support- ed more than 250 children and families with resources ranging from groceries to holiday gifts to emergency assistance. The nonprofi also launched an in-house transportation team that provides greater scheduling fle - ibility and reliability for families navigating pediatric illness. “These achievements belong to every person who has stood with us over the past 10 years,” said Jennifer Ramirez, founder and executive director of Partnership for Children. “Our new home represents growth, stability and a renewed commitment to our mission: ensuring that no family faces the challenges of a child’s life-threatening illness alone.” The organization’s joint ribbon-cutting cer- emony was hosted in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley chambers of commerce. W riter, human rights activist and Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey graduate Michael Shaikh returned to the school to discuss his book, “The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found”…“The Daily Show” co-host Josh Johnson entertained a sold-out crowd at the Golden State Theatre in December. Primetime Emmy winner William Shatner took center stage at the venue following a screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Saxophonist Kenny G rock band Cheap Trick and comedian Daniel Tosh also appeared there in recent months…Big Sur bluegrass band Wayward Jerry played the Big Sur Fall Fest at the Henry Miller Library. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 65 William Shatner C-Notes Action from the Sea-and-be-Scene Photo: Joe Giddens/Alamy Cheap Trick Photo: ZUMA Press Inc.