Latest news with #Monterey
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wheelchair Dance Team Inspires Girls Nationwide
Every July, Disability Pride Month honors the strength, resilience, and achievements of people living with disabilities — and among those who inspire thousands is Chelsie Hill. After a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed, the lifelong dancer refused to give up on her dream. Instead, she founded The Rollettes, an empowering all-women wheelchair dance team that's inspiring girls across the world to embrace who they are, move with confidence, and chase their dreams — no matter what challenges life brings. Her journey from heartbreak to hope began in a hospital in Monterey, California. Here, Woman's World tells Chelsie's inspiring story. Chelsie Hill lay in her hospital bed, tears of despair stinging her eyes. A car accident had just left the Monterey, California, 17-year-old paralyzed from the waist down. 'You'll never walk again,' doctors told her…and Chelsie's whole world shattered. She'd been a dancer since she was just a little girl, had won many competitions and had even dreamed of dancing professionally one day. Turning to her dad, she choked, 'Why did this happen? I had something I wanted to do with my life!' Her father took her hand. 'Maybe this happened to you because you're supposed to do something even greater with your life,' he said, wiping away her tears. All through her recovery, those words echoed in Chelsie's mind. And as she learned to dress herself, get in and out of bed…do everything she'd done before, but in a wheelchair, it suddenly hit her: Why can't I dance in my wheelchair? She knew dancing had always come from her heart, and her passion for it was still as strong as ever. Suddenly, Chelsie saw her future brighten. 'I don't want to stop doing what I love just because I'm different,' she told her dad. 'And I want to show other women that being in a wheelchair doesn't mean their dreams can't still come true!' A place where everyone belongs With her father's encouragement, Chelsie decided to start her own wheelchair dance squad. And when she put feelers out on social media, her inbox quickly filled up with messages from interested young women. After holding several auditions, Chelsie whittled the group down to five girls. And in October of 2012, 'The Rollettes' danced at a local charity event to promote awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. Everyone was amazed by their talent and energy, so when Chelsie's dad shared a video of their performance on Facebook, it immediately went viral. Soon, the squad began receiving messages from other girls who'd also suffered spinal cord injuries and who loved to dance. Chelsie's heart swelled reading the inspiring responses. 'What if we hold dance classes and a camp for women and girls in wheelchairs?' she asked the team. They happily agreed, and that summer, Chelsie and her teammates hosted the first 'Rollettes Experience,' a four-day workshop that not only included dance sessions but also seminars on makeup, wellness, health and fitness. Looking around at the smiling faces, Chelsie's heart was full. This is our place, she beamed as she watched beautiful friendships blossom. A place where everyone belongs. Dreams come true In the past decade, The Rollettes' fame has continued to grow. And today, Chelsie and her team—Conner Lundius, Joci Scott, Samantha Lopez, Edna Serrano, Danika Whitsett—perform at all kinds of events across the country and internationally. As for the Rollettes Experience, which hosted just six girls that first summer, they just welcomed over 250 women in Los Angeles in July. 'The camp was the most incredible week filled with empowering girls,' a past attendee from Ohio says. 'It changed my life!' Another dancer from Connecticut adds, 'I didn't just find inspiration and friendship: I found home.' Chelsie has since graced the cover of Women's Health magazine, performed at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony, and appeared in Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' music video. and has a growing portfolio of high-profile partnerships—from Reebok and Disney to Dove, Target, and Aerie. But hearing from others about how she has been an inspiration to them still fills Chelsie's heart with joy. 'I know how frightening it is to have your whole life change in an instant,' shares the now 33-year-old. 'I don't know what my life would be like if I'd never met these girls. They gave me purpose and have shown me that if you never give up, anything is possible. Life may turn out differently than we plan, but it can still be so wonderful!' For more inspiring stories, keep reading… Teen's Mission to Honor WWII Women Leads to National Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her Lunch Money Helped Friends—Now Her Family Feeds 1,500 Hungry Kids Every Single Week She Left Her Job to Bring Free Music Lessons to Kids—Now Her Program Has Helped Thousands Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
This Coastal California City Makes A Great ‘Coolcation'
The rocky coastline at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel, California getty We're officially at the point in summer when, across much of the United States, heat waves seem to be rolling in one after another. But for those seeking a reprieve from the triple-digit temps, a 'coolcation' is calling. Less about soaking up the summer sun, this breezy travel trend is all about cooling down mid-summer in a destination where temps hover around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or even a bit more chilly, should you prefer). The cold, nutrient-filled waters of the Pacific Ocean wash against the rocky coastline of Monterey, California. This scenic area of the west coast is home to extensive kelp forests. getty While Americans can find a number of spots across Europe to chill out, there's also a region close to home that's perfect for a coolcation: Monterey, California. Located on California's central coast along the Monterey Bay, the cool coastal temps prevail through August. In the summer months, temperatures are in the mid-to-high 60s along the coast and warm up by 10 degrees or so when you go inland. Here's your guide to the ultimate coolcation in Monterey, with the top things to do, plus where to stay, and where to eat and drink. From scenic drives and hikes that show off coastal views to witnessing California's marine life with binoculars in hand, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Monterey, California. Sea Otters floating in the water near Point Lobos Natural Reserve. getty Pack your hiking boots and hit the coastal trails weaving through Point Lobos Natural Reserve, which is known as the 'crown jewel' of California's park system and has been a favorite of famous photographers including Ansel Adams. Trails trace shorelines, revealing beautiful and craggy coves and harbor seals sunbathing on rocks. Monterey Cypress trees and fields of wildflowers add to the beauty. Pro tip: Dodge some of the crowds by arriving early in the morning and visiting on a weekday. Whale Watching in Monterey Bay A humpback whale dives in Monterey Bay. getty Monterey Bay is a top spot for whale watching, thanks to a 6,000-foot-deep submarine canyon just offshore, which is comparable in size to the Grand Canyon. This underwater canyon creates nutrient-rich cold-water upwellings that attract a wide variety of whales and seabirds, according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, which offers a range of whale watching tours. Summer is a great time for whale watching in Monterey, when visitors have a chance to spot blue whales in Monterey Bay from July through October. See killer whales in Monterey Bay from late August throughout October and and again in mid-April to mid-May. Humpback whale sightings are possible year-round, with peaks in mid-March to November. Pro tips: Make reservations for tours in advance as they can book up quickly, especially during peak whale watching seasons. Take your sea sickness medication an hour prior to your journey so it's kicked in by the time you're out on the water. Dress in layers because the temperatures will drop when you venture out on the water. Drive Highway 1 Bixby Bridge along Highway One. getty Use Monterey as your jumping off point for famously scenic drives, including the 17-mile Pebble Beach Drive that shows off forests, beaches, and famous golf courses. Or, pack and picnic and wind up Highway One to Big Sur, a cinematic drive with scenic stops like Garrapata State Park, where you can stretch your legs on coastal hiking trails and take in views of towering redwoods, and a stop to see the Bixby Bridge, the world's tallest single-span bridge that's prominently featured in the scenic opening of Big Little Lies . It's about a 30-mile drive between Monterey and Big Sur, but plan for plenty of stops (and some potential traffic). Relax at Refuge Carmel Thanks to Monterey's cool temperatures and coastal fog, you might find yourself needing to warm up a bit during your coolcation. Just a short drive away in Carmel, Refuge Carmel offers a serene wellness retreat perfect for relaxing and recharging. Reserve a spot at the spa and enjoy amenities like a Himalayan salt wall sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot pools with cascading waterfalls, and invigorating Nordic cold plunges. Refuge is designed for R&R, and, as such, phones are not allowed, and the resort maintains a silent atmosphere. Take in stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains as you unwind and enhance your visit with a facial or massage. Kayak in Monterey Bay Kayaking in Monterey Bay, near Lover's Point getty Paddle out on a guided kayak tour with Adventures By The Sea, or rent a kayak from the local outfitter and explore on your own. Kayakers get a shot at seeing sea lions, harbor seals, and California sea otters, which, once on the brink of extinction, are now thriving. See a Top Aquarium Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. getty Cannery Row is a must-visit while in town and, along with seafood spots with live music and souvenir shops, the district is home to Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the top aquariums in the United States. Sync up your visit with the sea otter feedings, see jellyfish rhythmically pulse through the water, and witness bioluminescence displays, learning how animals make their own light. The aquarium's outdoor deck is the perfect observation point for watching Monterey Bay's wildlife, from sea otters to humpback whales on the horizon. Where to Stay in Monterey, California The lobby at Monterey Beach Hotel, a popular spot for watching the fog roll in in the morning and sunsets in the evening. Monterey Beach Hotel For an enviable soundscape, check into the Monterey Beach Hotel and request a premium oceanview suite, letting the crescendo of waves crashing right outside of your door lull you to sleep. Rooms in this category are located on higher floors to improve your ocean views, which are framed by your windows. The rooms come with binoculars to encourage you to cozy up and survey the Pacific for whales, dolphins, songbirds and more. Originally built in 1967 during the 'Summer of Love,' the Highway 1 hotel stakes its claim as the only beachfront hotel on the Monterey Peninsula. After a dramatic restoration, the 188-room hotel reopened in summer 2024 under its original name and as a part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. Ocean view rooms are perched right above the waves. Monterey Beach Hotel It's positioned just 600 linear feet from the shoreline, and the hotel proudly arranges around those views, including the lobby which becomes a convivial spot in the late afternoon when guests can pour themselves glasses of local wines and position their armchairs to the ocean to take in the views. Keep the night going by gathering around the bonfire after the sun sets or heading up to the Lantern Room, where mermaid statuettes are perched on the fireplace mantle and you can order a belly-warming bowl of Monterey Bay Black Cod Cioppino (a seafood stew) with grilled bread. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, complimentary e-bikes to take out along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a fitness center and a grab-and-go market that's stocked with snacks and gifts from local purveyors and makers. Where to Eat and Drink in Monterey, California The dining scene in the Monterey area ranges from Cannery Row restaurants bidding for the best bowl of clam chowder to award-winning restaurants in the county, like Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has earned two Michelin stars for its contemporary California tasting menus. Start the day out right at Alta Bakery with fresh-baked pastries or something savory like a goat cheese fritta, paired with the latte of the month (think: chamomile and caramelized honey). For a casual lunch, grab a slice or calzone at Gianni's Pizza, a nostalgic pizza shop with family recipes from Sicily. Get a taste of the local beer scene at Alvarado Street Brewery, which has a brewpub in Monterey where you can sample West Coast IPAs, fruited sours and more. If you're feeling snacky, grab a charcuterie board loaded with local meats and cheeses and enjoy the breeze coming off the water at Tidewater, a beachfront courtyard at Monterey Beach Hotel, a great spot for sunset viewing. For a special dinner, sustainable seafood is on the menu at Passionfish, with dishes like scallops in a tomato-truffle butter and Alaskan halibut served with elote corn, ricotta, cilantro aioli, cherry tomatoes and a citrus vinaigrette. When it comes time for a cocktail, head to Pearl, a bar serving classic and inventive cocktails and inspired by John Steinbeck's Cannery Row: 'It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.'
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
Three people killed after a small airplane crashed off California coast
Three people were killed – and their bodies have been recovered – after a small airplane crashed in the ocean off the central California coast, authorities and local media said. Emergency crews responded late on Saturday after reports of a plane down about 300 yards (275 meters) off Point Pinos in Monterey county, the US Coast Guard said in a statement on Sunday. The coast guard later told California's KSBW news station that it recovered the bodies of three local residents who had been on the downed plane. They were identified as Steve Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas; James Vincent, 36, of Monterey; and Jamie Tabscott, 44, of Monterey. Witnesses reported hearing an aircraft engine revving and a splash in the water, KSBW reported. People on shore reported seeing debris wash up from the crashed plane. Clatterbuck, Vincent and Tabscott were all on the twin-engine Beech 95-B55 Baron when it took off from the San Carlos airport at 10.11pm local time and was last seen at 10.37pm near Monterey, according to flight tracking data from Coast guard boat and helicopter crews were launched to search for the crash victims, with assistance from local law enforcement and fire agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The Associated Press contributed reporting
Fox News
a day ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Chip Ganassi Relishes Alex Palou's Incredible Season: 'You're Seeing History Made'
MONTEREY, Calif. — Even Chip Ganassi, with his trademark line of "I Like Winners," couldn't have predicted such a dominating season like the one Alex Palou has put together in 2025. Fourteen races into the year, Palou has eight victories. In two other races, he has finished second. He has won five poles and led the most laps in five races this year. Oh, and one of those victories was the Indianapolis 500. "This guy is in a league of his own," Ganassi told me on Sunday after another win at Laguna Seca. "There are a lot of great drivers out there, and we've been fortunate to have a lot of them. "And this guy's right at the top." No driver has won more than 10 races in a year, and Palou still has a chance to break that record with races at Portland (road course), Milwaukee (1-mile oval) and Nashville (1.33-mile oval). Can he get to 11? "I don't know many people who would bet against that," Ganassi said. "Who knows?" What is not up for debate is the monumental season Palou has had, as he has all but clinched his fourth series title. He just needs to average a 16th-place finish over the final three races. Ganassi has had seasons where his drivers have won more than eight races. Dixon and Dario Franchitti combined for 10 wins in 2009. Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya each had seven-win seasons during the time of the split of INDYCAR into two competing series (which many would consider diluted the field). "We're really, really, really pleased and excited and happy to be watching and being a part of history," Ganassi said. When a driver wins eight times in one season, the driver will need to have some good fortune. But Palou seems to have taken advantage of every opportunity, every mistake by another front-running driver. "It's not like we're lucking into these things," Ganassi said. "He's dominating. Today [at Laguna Seca], it looked like the red tire, the soft tire, was the preferred tire and he was on the hard tire running away from the field. "The entire field was on the red softs, and he was running away from them on the hard tire." That was by design. When a driver has the fastest car and is in the zone like Palou, the team finds the strategy that plays to its strengths. Palou has not been shy about not wanting to change strategy. He doesn't want to go the conservative route, and he doesn't want to throw away points at races. A week prior to Laguna Seca, that bit him when he finished 12th using a strategy that didn't pan out at Toronto. He lost 30 points to second-place Pato O'Ward in the process. "We talk about it every week," Ganassi said. "We've got people still breathing down our neck, and we want to remember how we got here. And that was racing the way we know how to race: Go for the wins." After that race, Palou took the blame for advocating for that strategy. "Alex wants to try to claim the responsibility," said his strategist Barry Wanser. "Myself and the race engineer were like you can't claim all the responsibility for what went wrong. "Part of it's on us. But that's just the type of guy he is." The type of guy Palou is remains one who continues to learn and perform. In just his second INDYCAR season, he won the title with three victories in 2021. He won just once in 2022 before a five-win season on his way to the 2023 championship. His 2024 crown came in a year when he earned just two wins but no driver had more than three. Palou's 2025 season has included his first oval wins and not just at Indianapolis. He also won on the Iowa oval, which is just short of a mile in length. "He had a great, great race in Iowa a few weeks ago, his first short oval win," Ganassi said. "These are not easy things to do, especially for a kid coming out of Europe." What has allowed him to do it? Ganassi said the same thing that made him pretty much an instant success story in the series. "I go back to his first race with us years ago down there [Barber Motorsports Park] in Alabama, when that was the first race of the season," Ganassi said. "He came out and just did really good. He had [Will] Power and [Scott] Dixon breathing down his neck all day and it didn't seem to bother him. "The wind in his sails hasn't let up yet. This guy is on a roll. We haven't seen the best of him yet. You're seeing history made right now, and it's incredible to watch." Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
Associated Press
a day ago
- General
- Associated Press
All 3 people aboard a small plane that crashed in the ocean off California died, officials say
MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) — All three people aboard a small twin-engine plane that crashed into the Pacific Ocean off California's central coast perished, law enforcement officials said. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed late Sunday that the three occupants of the plane that went down about 300 yards (275 meters) off Point Pinos were dead. Officials didn't say what led to the Saturday crash. Witnesses said they heard an aircraft engine revving and then a splash in the water, KSBW-TV reported. People on shore later reported seeing debris wash up from the crashed plane. The twin-engine Beech 95-B55 Baron with three people aboard took off from the San Carlos airport at 10:11 p.m. and was last seen at 10:37 p.m. near Monterey, according to flight tracking data from Searchers in a boat found one person around 3 a.m. Divers found the remaining two people inside the aircraft between 6:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. All three were unresponsive, the Coast Guard said. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.
