Thousands of votes have been tabulated
and Monterey Bay parents have chosen their favorites for 2023!
Congratulations to the winners and finalists in all of the categories.
CAMPS, LESSONS, & ACTIVITIES
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
WINNER
The Wahine Project
Offering a full range of programs with no gender restrictions in any of the sessions. The programs are all things ocean for all levels and experience in the ocean. thewahineproject.org
FINALISTS
Carmel Youth Center
Central Coast YMCA
ART CLASSES
WINNER: Mini Makers
Monterey Mini Makers is a bright and cheerful art and sensory studio that gives children ages 2-9 years old opportunities to explore and create art in a safe small group setting. montereyminimakers.com
FINALISTS:
Ooze Studio
Monterey Recreation
DANCE STUDIO
WINNER: The Dance Center
The Dance Center is the premiere training institute on the Peninsula. Training by quality dance educators offering innovative dance programs in a 7,500 square foot green standard facility.
FINALISTS:
Jeanne Robinson Dance
Monterey Peninsula Ballet & Dance
GYMNASTICS CENTER
WINNER: Rising Star Gymnastics
In addition to competitive gymnastics teams, Rising Star also offers a wide variety of classes, camps, afterschool programs, drop-in activities, and kids' night-out events. risingstarmonterey.com
FINALISTS:
Tumble by the Sea
Monterey Bay Gymnastics
MUSIC TEACHER/STUDIO
WINNER: Andrew Marine
Mr. Andrew Marine is a musician and music educator. Currently, he is the Music Director at All Saints Day School. He holds both an MA in Music Composition, and an MA in Education. Andrew teaches theory, composition, a range of instruments and is the music director for the school’s concerts and productions.
FINALISTS:
Emma Bartlett Music Studio
Guitars Not Guns
SPORTS LEAGUE
WINNER
Monterey Recreation
Monterey Recreation offers an array of recreational opportunities for youth and adults. Whether you are looking for league activities, sports camps or specialty sport clinics there is something for every interest and age. monterey.org
FINALISTS:
Surf Soccer
Carmel Baseball
STORYTIME
WINNER
Earthbound Farm Stand
Offering an organic café and market, tours of the farm and gardens (including a Children’s Garden). earthboundfarm.com
FINALISTS:
City of Monterey Library
The Farm
SUMMER CAMP: GENERAL
WINNER
Monterey Recreation
Offering fun and diverse camps for children, pre-teens and teens. These programs offer sports, outdoor adventure, arts and crafts, camp skills, work experience, and more. monterey.org
FINALISTS:
All Saints Preschool Camp
MEARTH
SUMMER CAMP: SPECIALTY
WINNER
Rising Star Gymnastics
Campers aged 5-12 participate in a variety of activities including gymnastics, tumbling, ninja skills and obstacle course, outdoor games and much more. risingstarmonterey.com
FINALISTS:
Wahine Project
ARIEL Theatrical
THEATRE CLASSES
WINNER
ARIEL THEATRICAL
ARIEL Theatrical is a non-profit theatre that offers year-round programs for young people ages 5+ with a focus on applying the principles of Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Leadership, on stage and off. arieltheatrical.org
FINALISTS
Pac Rep
The Dance Center
COMMUNITY
BANK/CREDIT UNION
WINNER
Central Coast Federal Credit Union
Central Coast Federal Credit union has been serving the financial needs of the people of this community since 1949. Central Coast Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution. centcoastfcu.com
FINALISTS:
Bank of America
Chase Bank
CHURCH/TEMPLE/HOUSE OF WORSHIP
WINNER
Shoreline Community Church
Shoreline consists of people from all walks of life and backgrounds joined together through faith in Christ. There are programs for families and children in addition to traditional services. shoreline.church
FINALISTS:
Temple Beth El
Church of Latter Day Saints
NONPROFIT SERVING FAMILIES
WINNER
The Monterey Zoo
The Monterey Zoo is now home to 100+ exotic animals ranging from spiders to African elephants. The zoo continues to run full-time educational programs that touch thousands of children and adults annually. montereyzoo.org
FINALISTS:
MY Museum
CASA of Monterey County
PARENTING SUPPORT
WINNER
Parent’s Place
Parents’ Place offers a variety of classes held in person with several options to join via live stream. Weekly age-related, parent engagement classes for parents/caregivers of children birth-3 years offer parenting topics and discussions suitable for their child’s developmental age. pgadulted.pgusd.org
FINALIST:
Parenting Connection
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOL
WINNER
Monterey Bay Charter
Monterey Bay Charter School is a Kindergarten through 8th grade, tuition-free, public charter school, inspired by the core principles for public Waldorf education. mbayschool.org
FINALISTS:
International School
Bayview Charter School
DAYCARE
WINNER
Miss Barbara’s Child Development Center
Offering daycare, preschool, and pre-kindergarten. Miss Barbara’s has been on the Monterey Peninsula for over 40 years providing warmth and security for children. missbarbaras.com
FINALISTS:
Jessica’s Littles
Laura’s Barn
PRESCHOOL
WINNER
All Saints Preschool
The All Saints Day School Preschool (PS) program plants the seed of a lifetime of learning rooted in joy. Each child’s developmental, emotional, and social growth is nurtured while also developing emergent interests and fostering independence using play as the educational foundation. asds.org
FINALISTS:
Serendipity Preschool
Good Shepherd Preschool
PRIVATE SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES
Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School exists to develop in each student a striving for excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a sense of responsible purpose, and a determination to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion. santacatalina.org/lower-school
FINALISTS:
Stevenson School
All Saints Day School
PRIVATE SCHOOL: UPPER GRADES
WINNER
York School
Since 1959, York School has created an award-winning college-prep experience for youth: inspiring them to develop intellectual curiosity; challenging them to create and try new things; and preparing them to be passionate contributors in college and in life. york.org
FINALISTS:
Stevenson School
Santa Catalina
PUBLIC SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES
WINNER
Robert Down Elementary School
At Robert Down School in Pacific Grove, the staff, students, parents, and community are committed to providing an excellent learning program for all students. robertdown.pgusd.org
FINALISTS:
Toro Park Elementary School
Tularcitos Elementary School
TUTOR
WINNER
Mathnasium
Mathnasium specializes in math-only instruction with a focused, caring, and fun learning approach that delivers results.
mathnasium.com/monterey
FINALISTS:
Kumon
Sylvan
FAMILY FUN
BIRTHDAY VENUE
WINNER
MY Museum
MY Museum provides an environment where curiosity and creativity flourish. The museum offers the perfect location for a birthday party. mymuseum.org
FINALISTS:
Hacienda Hay & Feed
Rising Star Gymnastics
BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT
WINNER
Poptopia
Offering custom designs of balloon bouquets, jumbo balloons with customization, balloon garlands, and more. poptopiaballoons.com
FINALISTS:
MY Museum
Cruz Bounce Houses
SWIM LESSONS
FINALISTS:
ISR Monterey Bay/Kerri Williams
Infant Swimming Resource is an extremely effective drowning prevention program. isrmontereybay.com
FINALISTS:
Monterey Sports Center
Monterey Therapeutic
TOP MONTEREY ATTRACTION
WINNER
Monterey Bay Aquarium
From sea otters to seaweeds, the unique location and timeless galleries bring the wonders of the ocean to life for visitors. The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire the conservation of the ocean. montereybayaquarium.org
FINALISTS:
Monterey Zoo
MY Museum
TOP SAN FRANCISCO ATTRACTION
WINNER
California Academy of Sciences
An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
calacademy.org
FINALISTS:
Exploratorium
Golden Gate Park
TOP SAN JOSE ATTRACTION
WINNER
CA Great America
California’s Great America is a 112-acre amusement park located in Santa Clara. If you are looking for things to do near San Jose, Great America has you covered with more than 60 rides, thrilling roller coasters, kid-sized fun in Planet Snoopy, and South Bay Shores waterpark. cagreatamerica.com
FINALISTS:
Happy Hollow
Tech Museum
TOP SANTA CRUZ ATTRACTION
WINNER
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of games and rides on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach. beachboardwalk.com
FINALISTS:
Henry Cowell State Park
Forest at Nisene Marks
FOOD
BAKERY
WINNER
Otto’s Bread
One-man bakehouse in the foothills of the Salinas Valley. Offering 100% naturally leavened products. instagram.com/ottosbread
FINALISTS:
Paris Bakery
Pavel’s Backerie
BREAKFAST
WINNER
The Butter House
A family-owned destination in Seaside that offers hearty breakfast dishes and comfort food. thebutterhouse.com
FINALISTS:
Red House Cafe
First Awakenings
COFFEE HOUSE
WINNER
Alta Bakery & Cafe
Alta Bakery is located in downtown Monterey at the Historic Cooper Molera Adobe. Offering baked goods, breakfast and lunch menu, and a full coffee and tea menu. altamonterey.com
FINALISTS:
Acme Coffee
Captain Stoker
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
WINNER
Fisherman’s Grotto
Located on Old Fishman’s Wharf, the restaurant has operated for 50 years serving a full menu for lunch and dinner.
oldfishermansgrotto.com
FINALISTS:
Villa Azteca
7th & Dolores
FAMILY DINING
WINNER
Monarch Pub
A locals spot offering American / British food to the Pacific Grove community and visitors.
facebook.com/TheMonarchPubPacificGrove
FINALISTS:
Alvarado Street Brewery
Hulu’s Island Grill
ICE CREAM
WINNER
Revival Ice Cream
Revival Ice Cream offers handcrafted small-batch ice cream, using locally harvested and sustainable ingredients and dairy. revivalicecream.com
FINALISTS:
Moon Scoops
Baskin Robbins
SPECIAL OCCASION DINING
WINNER
Chart House
Overlooking the Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, Chart House serves seafood and steaks and is known for Happy House specials. chart-house.com
FINALISTS:
Roy’s at Pebble Beach
Sardine Factory
MEDICAL / DENTAL CARE
CHIROPRACTOR
WINNER
Brian P. Rector, DC
Dr. Rector has been in practice for over 20 years, founding his original practice in 1994. He practices at Monterey Chiropractic Group. montereychiropracticgroup.com
FINALISTS:
Aaron Gaily, DC
Randal Johnson, DC
DOULA/BIRTH SUPPORT
WINNER
Shauna Worthington
Shauna is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and postpartum chef supporting local families.
instagram.com/doulashauna
FINALISTS:
Mum’s the Word: Michelle Nizza
Vitality & Waves: Kaleena Hurlbut
FAMILY DENTAL
WINNER
Eric Brown, DDS
Dr. Eric Brown & Dr. Nathan Ward enjoy practicing high-quality dental care for the entire family. Their gentle approach and attention to detail are complimented by their team of dental professionals who always seek to make your experience comfortable. ericbrowndds.com
FINALISTS:
Vista Robles
Ross Family Dental
HOSPITAL
WINNER
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
From birth to the end of life, Community Hospital provides top-quality care — including accredited or nationally recognized services in areas such as heart, cancer, stroke, maternity, and diabetes care. montagehealth.org
FINALISTS
Natividad Hospital
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
OBSTETRICIAN
WINNER
Monterey Birth Center
The Peninsula’s first and only freestanding birth center providing evidenced-based midwifery care throughout the reproductive years in a beautiful, spa-like environment. Accepts insurance. montereybirthcenter.com
FINALISTS:
Dr. James E. Ramseur, MD
Dr. Michelle Zeidberg, OB/GYN
ORTHODONTIST
WINNER
Christopher N Modjeski, DDS
Dr. Modjeski has over 20 years of experience in dentistry and orthodontics. Providing affordable, quality orthodontic care for the children, adolescents, and adults of the Monterey Bay area. modjeskiorthodontics.com
FINALISTS:
Cassady Orthodontics
Monterey Bay Orthodontics
PEDIATRIC DENTIST
WINNER
J. Mark Bayless D.M.D.
John E. Bayless M.S., D.D.S
Our practice is passionate about providing a fun, educational, and trusting experience for both parents and patients while providing exceptional pediatric dental care. drbayless.com
FINALISTS:
Central Coast Pediatric Dental
Dr. Sunderpal S. Dail, D.D.S.
PEDIATRIC MEDICAL PRACTICE
WINNER
Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group
MPPMG is a locally owned pediatric practice committed to serving the health needs of children from birth to college.
mppmg.com
FINALISTS
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Pediatrics – Monterey
Salinas Valley Pediatrics
PEDIATRICIAN
WINNER
Valerie Josephson, MD
Dr. Valerie Josephson, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist in Monterey, and has over 26 years of experience. She practices with Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group. mppmg.com
FINALISTS:
Jill J. Airola, MD
James Bennett, MD
SPEECH THERAPY
WINNER
Monterey Bay Social Language Center /Brittany Kalinowski, MS, CCC-SLP, Owner
The Monterey Bay Social Language Center provides individualized speech and language consultation, evaluation and treatment services with a special focus on Social Language Groups in support of self-regulation, peer interaction, and executive functioning. mbsociallanguagecenter.com
FINALISTS:
Central Coast Language
Stars Therapy/Erin Saldivar
URGENT CARE
WINNER
MoGo Urgent Care
MoGo Urgent Care is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year. Offering Same-day, walk-in visits, online visits, and visit-related lab work, X-ray, and medications onsite. montagehealth.org/care-treatment/urgent/
FINALISTS:
Doctors on Duty
MSJ Today
VISION CARE
WINNER
Sand City Optical/Dr. Kevin Tom
Dr. Kevin Tom was born and raised in Salinas, Ca. After attending Salinas High School, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. sandcityvision.com
FINALISTS:
Vantage Eye Center
Blink Optometry Carmel
RETAIL
BOOKSTORE
WINNER
Bookworks
Located in downtown Pacific Grove, The Bookworks has been a local institution since 1980. It is owned and operated by a long-time local family. bookworkspg.com
FINALISTS:
Friends Community Bookstore
River Books
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
WINNER
Chatterbaux Children’s Shoppe
Chatterbaux, is one of the area’s only kids’ stores. Items are on consignment store, so inventory is constantly rotating.
chatterbauxshoppe.com
FINALISTS:
Oh, Baby
Little Trends
TOYS
WINNER
Thinker Toys
Specializing in creative, educational, and classic toys for kids of all ages. Locations in Carmel and Morgan Hill. thinkertoys.com
FINALISTS:
Chatterbaux Children’s Shoppe
Target
SERVICES
ATTORNEY
WINNER
Worthington Law Centre/Brian Worthington
The Worthington Law Centre is a family-owned and operated criminal defense firm. In 2009, Brian M. Worthington, after graduating from USF School of Law, joined his father, Thomas, at The Worthington Law Centre. worthingtonlaw.com
FINALISTS:
Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss/Robert D. Simpson
R.S.C. Law Group, Inc.
EXERCISE/GYM
WINNER
Monterey Sports Center
Featuring 50+ group exercise classes every week, free to members and by drop-in to non-members, extensive cardio fitness and weight training centers, stretching and core-training areas, 3-court gym, 2-pool natatorium, saunas, expert and friendly staff, sports leagues, camps and programs and personal training.
monterey.org/city_facilities/monterey_sports_center
FINALISTS:
Carmel Barre
Mindful Movement
INSURANCE/FINANCIAL SERVICES
WINNER
Farmers Insurance/Cecilia Kennedy
As your local Farmers agent in Salinas, Cecilia Kennedy has been handling insurance in California for 39 years and have nationwide programs as well. agents.farmers.com/ca/salinas/cecilia-kennedy
FINALISTS:
Edward Jones/Milda I Esquivel
State Farm/ Mike De Lay
PHOTOGRAPHY
WINNER
Rachel Zee Photography
Rachel Zee is a family portrait photographer based out of Monterey and Carmel. She specializes in relaxed and fun family portraits. rachelzeephotography.com
FINALISTS:
Marlena Marika Photography
Michelle Findlay Photography
REALTOR
WINNER
Brian Brash/Compass
Having spent years as a classical musician, Bryan understands working towards a goal. Bryan entered the world of real estate with that same dedication, drive, and commitment to his clients. oldhamgroupluxury.com/agent/bryan-brash
FINALISTS:
Amy Simpson/EXP Realty
Tie: Alecia Hull/Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Samantha Storell/Intero Real Estate
SPA
WINNER
The Refuge
By heating up in the sauna and steam bath, cooling down in the cold pools and relaxing in indoor rooms or outdoor areas with fireplaces - you will be relaxed after a visit to The Refuge. refuge.com
FINALISTS:
Spa at Pebble Beach
Inner Rhythms
VETERINARIAN
WINNER
Romie Lane Veterinarian
Romie Lane Pet Hospital is an AAHA Accredited, full-service veterinary hospital, located in Salinas.
romielanepethospital.com
FINALISTS:
Steinbeck Animal Hospital
Animal Hospital of Salinas
