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 […]
News
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 […]
Trunk or Treat, Día de los Muertos and more
Even the mini horses — yes, the mini horses (Puzzle the Pirate and Georgina the Magical Princess Pony) from our community partner Hope, Horses & Kids — stopped by Rancho […]
Rancho Cielo marks 25 years of changing lives in Monterey County
After about an hour of steady drizzling, the late-afternoon sun broke through the clouds, and the Sally Hughes Church Amphitheater came alive with music and heartfelt sentiments as Rancho Cielo […]
How alumnus Rudy Jimenez built a farm and purpose
When old redwood trees surround Rudy Jimenez (’07, Silver Star), he slips into a meditative state. “They create a reserve around them to sustain themselves and help other trees,” he […]
Ranch Cast
A Yurt, A Talking Pig and Hope
Episode 29: An interesting and fun program featuring the folks from Hope, Horses & Kids. Lori Tuttle and Christy Petit join our student cohosts, along with Tiffany Harbrecht, for a […]
Treatment, Recovery, Hope
Episode 28: An important program this week as my student cohosts Ruben and Javier, along with Adam Joseph and me, welcome Keala Hudgins from Salinas Valley Health for a […]
The Candidate
Episode 27: Dan Burns, candidate for Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, joins us along with our own Joe DeRuosi, Tiffany Harbrecht and Adam Joseph, along with cohosts, culinary student Rigo […]
The Art of Community
Episode 26: Terrific program this week, with guests: Mayor Dennis Donohue, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce President Colleen Bailey, Rancho Cielo Marketing Director Tiffany Harbrecht and Development Director Elizabeth Jimenez, […]
The Chairman of the Board
Episode 25: Rancho Cielo’s Board Chair, Pete Scudder, joins Ranch Cast with student cohost Jose for a lively discussion on what makes the Ranch such a remarkable place. We chat […]
Here’s to the Heroes
Episode 24: Terrific program about supporting veterans and first responders. Joining us on Ranch Cast is a group of luminaries who, every day, endeavor to help those folks who help […]
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.
