Downtown San Mateo Association Partners with Goodwill for E-waste Drive

On Saturday, January 9th, from 8 a.m. – noon, the Downtown San Mateo Association and Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties will host an e-waste drive at the downtown San Mateo Caltrain station. In an effort to provide Downtown San Mateo with “all the ingredients” for a progressive, eco-friendly community, the DSMA designed an event that will bring a free service to individuals and corporations that want to donate old computers while also helping to build educational and job opportunities.

“In the state of California, you aren’t legally allowed to just throw your computer out with your weekly trash pick up,” said Arnab Pal, business engagement specialist for the San Mateo County Goodwill. “You have to go through an e-waste recycling program.”

There are many incentives for recycling computers and other e-waste through Goodwill. Besides the tax write off benefit, Goodwill makes sure that donated computers are not illegally exported or end up in landfill. All the computer’s hard drives that are refurbished are wiped to the standards of the Department of Defense. Each year, through its refurbishing and recycling program, the non-profit diverts over 2 million pounds of computers, televisions and other electronics from ending up in landfills.

One of the most unique factors about the Goodwill’s e-waste recycling program is it funds Goodwill’s certified computer training programs, which creates opportunities for job training and placement for people overcoming barriers to employment.

“In the IT technician training program, people are placed as interns within Goodwill’s organization and they learn how to refurbish computers and that becomes their primary job,” said Pal. “At a time when many people are struggling with unemployment, we are thrilled to be creating green collar jobs within the local community. Plus, everyone who graduates one of the training programs gets a refurbished computer, setting the stage for their occupational success.”

Goodwill also boasts a highly involved recycling and training center, ReCompute, located in Redwood City. ReCompute recently obtained a portion of the funds from the California Green Jobs Corps, which awarded $936,429 in grants to San Mateo County. The California Green Jobs Corps opportunities offer 1,500 at-risk youth, aged 16-24, career training in energy/utilities efficiency and sustainability, green construction, green waste, agricultural and natural resources, solar power and alternative automotive fuel.

The e-waste recycling event is just another one of the green and sustainable efforts coming from the Downtown San Mateo Association. At the annual Wine Walk last June, the DSMA and the city of San Mateo reached their goal of producing zero waste at the event and are envisioning more cutting edge environmental outreach programs for 2010.

“We are proud that San Mateo County is leading the way in green initiatives here in the Bay Area,” said Kelly Mitter, Executive Director of the Downtown San Mateo Association. “In December, the Loma Prieta chapter of the Sierra Club released a report that ranked the city of San Mateo ahead of others in completing the 21 climate action ‘milestones’. We are one of the greenest cities on the Peninsula.”

WHO: Downtown San Mateo Association and Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties
WHAT: Free e-waste computer and electronics recycling event
WHERE: Downtown San Mateo Caltrain Station, 385 First Avenue, San Mateo CA, 94401
WHEN: Saturday, January 9th from 8 am – 12 Noon
INFO: Call 650-342-5520, email events@dsma.org or visit http://www.dsma.org/
PRESS: Contact Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com


The Downtown San Mateo Association has “All the Ingredients” to promote downtown businesses and to assist in building a responsible and sustainable community

Cream Puff Experts Bring Delicious Desserts to Downtown

Media Contact: Frances Larose/ Sofia Rodriguez
650.548.6700 / flarose@prmagic.com

Announcing Beard Papa’s new store in

Downtown San Mateo

(San Mateo, Calif., December 2009) --- Since arriving in northern California in 2006, Beard Papa’s has been growing non-stop. The first Bay Area franchise was opened in San Francisco, then another and the concept quickly expanded to Berkeley, Cupertino, and now Downtown San Mateo.

Beard Papa’s owners, Yuan Ongpin and Luigi Cruz, have over 20 years in the restaurant industry and understand the nuisances of sophisticated consumers. The opening ribbon cutting celebration, December 18, 2009 at Beard Papa’s, 365 2nd Street in Downtown San Mateo, comes just in time for the Holidays.

Beard Papa’s has mastered the art of fresh and natural cream puffs and has successfully brought these originally Japanese treats to the northern Californian market. After Yuan Ongpin and Luigi Cruz first tasted these delicious custard and whipped cream with vanilla bean filled pastries, in Beard Papa’s New York store, they immediately fell in love with them and decided to bring them to the Bay Area. All the ingredients in the Beard Papa’s line are completely preservative free and fresh and geared to the sophisticated consumer.

Everyone is invited to indulge in these tasty pastries at their store opening party, where there will be free tastings of their delicious desserts. To start the holiday celebrations early, Beard Papa’s will also be giving away a surprise gift to the first 50 people who order one dozen or more puffs.

San Mateo Mayor John Lee will cut the ribbon at noon at the new store introducing everyone to this new taste sensation. Beard Papa’s has fans all over the world and was described by Epicurious.com, a website run by Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines as “wildly addictive” and the cream puffs were included in their “2005’s Best Food Trends & Happenings”.
Beard Papa’s is another element of “All the Ingredients” offered in Downtown to provide customers with the best recipe for food, fun and entertainment.

Who: Beard Papa’s fresh and natural cream puffs
What: Beard Papa’s Store Opening and Ribbon Cutting with Mayor John Lee
Where: Beard Papa’s. 365 2nd Avenue, San Mateo
Why: To mix in a delicious new ingredient to Downtown San Mateo’s flavor
Info: For more information go to http://www.beardpapasf.com/ or call 650-342-PAPA

Ribbon Cutting for Downtown San Mateo’s Delicious Chinese Restaurant

Sun’s Chinese Cuisine offers great quality and prizes

Great food, first-class service and affordable prizes make Sun’s Chinese Cuisine stand out in Downtown San Mateo.

Another tasty ingredient for a fun, food and entertainment recipe in Downtown, this Chinese restaurant will host its official ribbon cutting today, December 17, 2009 at 5:30pm and everyone is invited to the party! The ribbon cutting will be performed by Mayor John Lee to inaugurate the ceremony, and San Mateo area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Linda Ashbury, along with several chamber ambassadors will be present to celebrate the festivities.

The friendly staff of Sun’s Chinese Cuisine always makes sure that customers have a good time while enjoying flavorful and unique food that combines north and south Chinese traditional dishes. The variety of flavors will leave everyone satisfied and the unmatched quality will offer San Mateo community an unforgettable and delectable experience!

WHO: Sun’s Chinese Restaurant and the Downtown San Mateo Association the festivities
WHAT: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
WHERE: B Street, Downtown San Mateo
WHY: To add another cross-cultural cuisine to the worldly mix of over 130 Downtown restaurants
INFO: For more information about the many businesses and services in downtown, please visit http://www.dsma.org/

Holiday and Album Signing Party at J'me Boutique

(San Mateo, Calif., December 2009) --- On December 16th, visit J’me Boutique in Downtown San Mateo and discover “All the Ingredients” for a perfect holiday by shopping, sipping a cocktail and listening to melodic music from Erica Sunshine Lee.

Erica Sunshine Lee hails from Nashville and has an eclectic style of music that blends country, folk and rock genres. She is an accomplished songwriter and just released her new album “Road to Recovery” in October.

In November, Lee received top honors as the winner of the Bay Area's Country Colgate Showdown, and most recently, she was nominated for the 2009 Atlanta Country Female Vocalist award.

The album signing party is just one of Downtown San Mateo’s many events to showcase high quality arts and entertainment to residents and visitors of the community and greater Bay Area.

Anyone who brings a new toy donation for the "Toys for Tots" program will be entered to win a fabulous $100 shopping spree at J'me Boutique.

Before the party, the Downtown San Mateo Association encourages everyone to walk around the shopping district and view all of the decorated holiday trees displayed in the “Christmas in the Window” contest. The public can vote for their favorite tree and enter to win a fabulous “Night Out in Downtown” prize package.


WHAT: Holiday Party and Album Signing

WHO: Musician Erica Sunshine Lee and J’me Boutique owner Jamie Sears-Turri

WHEN: Wednesday, December 16th from 7-10pm

WHERE: J’me Boutique in Downtown San Mateo (302 Baldwin Avenue)

WHY: To create a fun environment where the public can relax AND shop for those much needed Holiday gifts.

INFO: For additional information, please contact Jamie Sears –Turri at 650-685-2038 or visit http://www.dsma.org/

San Jose Harvest Festival Rolls Out Brand New Performer

Comedian John Park joins the festival entertainment line-up

(San Jose, Calif., November 2009) --- The Harvest Festivals have always been known for providing attendees with innovative and fun entertainment, and for the 2009 San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 27-29, the show has brought in a hilarious new act to entertain the crowds.

John Park is brand new to the Harvest Festivals and brings a humorous twist to all of his performances. Park entertains the whole family with his juggling, jokes, spinning plates and much more. He has appeared on HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show and has opened for musical giants such as The Grateful Dead, Huey Lewis and the News, and Marie Osmond.

Cash Tribute will also hit the stage for a rockin’ set and is a favorite act of many festival-goers. A tribute to the “Man in Black”, this band re-creates the original sound of Johnny Cash’s greatest hits. Played with conviction, accuracy, and sincerity, Cash Tribute gives an honest appreciation of one of America’s enduring musical legends.

Scott Land Marionettes will wrap up the featured performances with a whimsical and family friendly show. Kids of all ages love watching these colorful marionettes bounce around to Scott Land’s intricate and funny storylines.

In addition to the main stage performances throughout the day, the Harvest Festival also offers strolling entertainers and performers to treat customers to an up-close and personal experience. One of the acts, Mama Claus and Eddie the Elf, meander through the aisles of the San Jose Convention Center in festive Holiday attire and sing to people browsing for gifts.

With his own kind of quirky energy, Washboard Willy has become a Pied Piper of rhythm in children of all ages. During his performance he and his partner Wishboard Wanda pass out hand-held rhythm instruments to the kids and encourage the children to be part of Willy's Washboard Jamboree.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, boasting over 24,000 handmade American gifts. Guests can browse jewelry, pottery, original art, clothing, toys, specialty foods, holiday decor and more!

What: The San Jose Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®
When: November 27-29, San Jose Conventions Center, San Jose CA
Hours: Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Group Tickets (10 or More): $5, Kids 12 and Under: Free
Info: For tickets and additional info, call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/

Press: Call Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700, onsite at 650-245-2667 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

‘Ayako School of Ballet’ Student Is Invited to the 2010 Prix de Lausanne!

Congratulations Dominique Larose!

The Ayako School of Ballet is proud to announce that one of their students, Dominique Larose, has been invited to participate in the 2010 Prix de Lausanne. It's a great honor to be given the opportunity of being a part of one of the world's most prestigious dance competitions. It is held in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will take place on January 26 - 31, 2010.

Dominique is 14 years old, and will turn 15 just in time to compete in the 2010 Prix de Lausanne. She won the honor of top senior ballet dancer in the spring of 2009 in each of the following ballet competitions: the ADA (American Dance Association), IDC (International Dance Competition) and Showstoppers. She was also invited to an international competition in New York to dance and compete at YAGP (Youth American Grand Prix), where she demonstrated her skills in front of 4,500 people at both the New York Center and the Lincoln Center. A dancer since the age of three, Dominique has been dancing under Ayako Takahashi's direction for the past nine years.

Dominique is very excited and honored to be invited to the Prix de Lausanne. She is one of the youngest dancers to participate in the international competition and one of three American female dancers invited to participate.

We congratulate Dominique on this great opportunity to demonstrate her wonderful skills among the world's finest young dancers, and we wish her the best of luck in the competition!

San Mateo Harvest Festival is Back After a Successful First Year

The San Mateo Harvest Festival is returning to the San Mateo Event Center on November 13-15 after a successful run in 2008, which was the first year the show had moved to the Peninsula from San Francisco. The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor art and craft show on the West Coast and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts.



For over 37 years, the Harvest Festival’s unique shopping and entertainment atmosphere has thrilled customers in California and beyond. Shoppers are treated to a one-of-a-kind opportunity to browse and select from thousands of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, photographs, sculptures, pottery, accessories, clothing, specialty foods, home décor and more. Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as a featured artisan, assuring that only the highest quality products will be offered at the show. Attendees love the interacting with the renowned artists who create each individual item, watching live demonstrations of how pieces are created and getting their purchase personalized.

The San Mateo Harvest Festival will also offer an exciting KidZone, a special Gingerbread making table and area set aside for children to partake in hands-on arts and crafts activities. Plus, children under 12 get into the festival for free.

In addition to the fabulous shopping experience, there is also live entertainment and lively strolling performers. Scott Land Marionettes, who appeared in the hit movie Team America: World Police, will be gracing the main stage, performing a myriad of whimsical and funny puppet shows. Also appearing as a main act on Saturday and Sunday only are the Barbaray Coast Cloggers, showcasing furiously fast paced footwork and high energy synchronized dance routines.

Once again, the San Mateo Harvest Festival has partnered with the Peninsula Youth Ballet as the official show charity. The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) promotes arts to youth in the community, and the non-profit will receive a $500 donation from the Harvest Festival, in addition to all the proceeds from the parcel check and half the proceeds from the shopping bag sales. The show has also joined forces with the Samaritan House for the first time and hopes to increase awareness about the growing demand for food donations. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food donation to the show will receive a $2 off admission coupon to the event.

With affordable and one-of-a-kind items and easy accessibility, the San Mateo Harvest Festival boasts the best holiday shopping…all under one roof!

What: The San Mateo Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®
When: November 13-15, San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo CA
Hours: Friday: 10 am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under: Free
Why: To bring residents of California an affordable arts and crafts festival
Info: Tickets and additional info, call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/
Press: Call Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

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