Assemblymember Laird Names "Green" Restaurateur Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today named "green" restaurateur Cindy Walter, of Pacific Grove, Woman of the Year for the 27th Assembly District. Walter and her husband own Passionfish restaurant, the first officially "green" restaurant in Monterey County.

"Cindy Walter is a key part of why the Monterey Bay area has developed a strong reputation for leadership on sustainability, especially with regard to seafood and sound fishing practices," said Assemblymember Laird. "Cindy helped launch the sustainable seafood movement, co-owns the first ‘green’ restaurant in the area and has advocated for a ban on non-recyclable products."

Assemblymember Laird recognized Ms. Walter on the floor of the Assembly in a ceremony today.

Additional background on Cindy Walter and Passionfish restaurant

Cindy Walter helped launch the sustainable seafood movement in Monterey County through legislative advocacy, public presentations and educational forums for culinary students, restaurateurs and chefs.

Through her efforts the City of Pacific Grove revised its grease trap ordinance and adopted a Sustainable Seafood Resolution.

As the first officially "green" restaurant in Monterey County, Passionfish sets an example with a strict policy of sustainable and environmentally friendly purchasing. The staff is knowledgeable about this issue and how it affects what the restaurant uses and serves. Bon Appetit Magazine recognized the Walters as ‘sustainable seafood experts,’ in the "Best of 2006" cover focus published in January of 2007.

Passionfish is of one of few Monterey County restaurants to hold a Zagat rating and has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each year since 1998. Last year, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments presented Cindy Walter with the "Sanctuary Reflections" Award, for outstanding business practices. In January of 2008, The Seafood Choices Alliance named Cindy Walter one of 10 finalists for the Annual Seafood Champion Awards. The Walters have also been inducted into the California Restaurant Association "Hall of Fame," in recognition of their work.

Background Woman of the Year Program

The Woman of the Year event was started in 1987 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D), who noticed that the California Legislature had no events planned for the month of March, Women's History Month. In celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California, Hansen and Tanner arranged to invite one woman from each Senate and Assembly district to come to the Capitol and be honored for their accomplishments. The women were to be recognized as Woman of the Year in a formal ceremony on the floors of the Senate and Assembly. This yearly event is sponsored and organized by the Women's Caucus.