It is a sunny afternoon in May, and three goats are being blow-dried patiently near their pen at Hope, Horses & Kids’ stables, Rancho Cielo’s onsite nonprofit partner. Their fur […]
News
Rancho Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in its History
Rancho Cielo marked a historic milestone on Friday, June 12, when 93 students received their high school diplomas in what stands as the largest graduating class in the nonprofit’s […]
Rancho Cielo Partners with AIM Youth Mental Health
When students at Rancho Cielo sat down to design their own peer-to-peer survey questions, they didn’t ask about academic stress or college applications. Instead, they asked about safety and conflict […]
Nico Hernandez and the Discipline of Becoming a Chef
There is a moment—he will tell you this himself, though not in so many words—when everything rearranges. It happens not in the kitchen, not exactly, but somewhere between the work […]
Under bright lights, futures take shape
On Sunday, February 22, Rancho Cielo hosted its 16th annual Culinary Round Up (CRU) at the Portola Hotel & Spa. The ballroom filled the way it always does, slowly at […]
After School Program builds pathways to possibility
Terry Poole has played in the NFL. He knows the roar of a crowd, the pressure of the huddle, the grind it takes to compete at the highest level. But […]
Ranch Cast
Art is in the Air
Episode 39: Good show this week with an exciting announcement. We welcome the folks who are bringing a world of art to Salinas this summer. Mayor Dennis Donohue, Colleen Bailey […]
Graduation Day – 2026
Episode 38: This week, we feature a program from Ranch Cielo’s graduation ceremony. What a special evening as 93 students said farewell to Rancho and hello to their future. We […]
Where Do We Go From Here?
Episode 37: Last month we had the privilege of doing a program from Rancho Cielo’s Annual Career and Resource Fair. What a marvelous event. Our students were able to learn […]
Veggie Boxes
Episode 36: Today we talk about one of Rancho Cielo’s signature events, the Veggie Box & BBQ Fundraiser, with Joanne Bravo (Major & Annual Gift Manager) Christine Roach (CFO), Tiffany […]
Bringing Hope Home
Episode 35: This week, we chat with Christine Winge, Executive Director of Meals On Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula. Christine shares the remarkable work done by this very special organization. Much […]
In For The Long Run
Episode 34: This week, we welcome Jennifer Edwards, Big Sur Marathon Executive Director, and Bertrand Newson, Big Sur Marathon Foundation Community Engagement Manager, to talk about this terrific event. Joining […]
Featured Newsletter
2026 Spring Newsletter
Our 16th annual Culinary Round Up (CRU) fundraiser—the Peninsula’s premier food and wine event of the year—once again exceeded the previous year’s attendance, size and funds raised. It was our largest yet, made even more special by the expanded live auction space at the Monterey Conference Center, graciously provided by the City of Monterey. Events like Culinary Round Up don’t succeed through momentum alone. They flourish because of the people involved. I want to sincerely thank the Portola Hotel & Spa; our generous sponsors, attendees and donors; our dedicated volunteers; the talented chefs, restaurants and wineries; our event committee; Rancho Cielo staff; and, most importantly, our culinary students. Each of you helps make this event meaningful and memorable.
