Judges

Chef Thomas Snyder

Chef Thomas Snyder’s culinary career has taken him around the globe, which helped to develop his passion for fresh local ingredients, and innovative dishes.
Born and raised in New England, Thomas followed his calling to the West Coast where he attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. From there he joined the Campton Place Restaurant team where he became the Chef de Cuisine.

In 1998, while working at Campton Place Hotel, he joined Chef Todd Humphries at the James Beard House in New York City. During his time at the Campton Place Hotel, Thomas had the pleasure to work with Chef Laurent Manrique and was subsequently invited to join Michel-Sarran, a one star Michelin star restaurant in Toulouse, France.

Upon returning to California, Thomas became the Restaurant Chef at the world renowned Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica. Several years later, he returned to San Francisco to pursue his passion for Spanish cuisine by accepting the Chef position at Piperade and their partner restaurant, Bocadillo’s. In 2008, Thomas accepted the Executive Chef position at Esteban located in the historic Casa Munras Hotel in Monterey, CA, where he reinvigorated the culinary program. Thomas has recently found his new adventure at Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse in the beautiful Carmel-by-the Sea as the Executive Chef.

Martine Watkins

Martine received her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from CSU Monterey Bay and the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute of Public Policy, and has dedicated her career to public service. Martine was elected to the Santa Cruz City Council in 2016 and is currently serving in the capacity as Mayor. Martine is a Senior Community Organizer at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and has worked in education for nearly 14 years. She oversees several youth and family support service programs – ranging in focus from cradle to career, and she works together with community partners to initiate measures for youth to succeed.

Cindy Jewell

Vice President of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms

Stephany Buswell

Chef Stephany Buswell has 35 years in the baking industry. She has owned her own bakery and wedding cake business. She began teaching in 1989, sharing her experience in bread, pastry, and cake decorating. She has worked at Cabrillo College, The International Culinary Center, and was a finalist in The Food Network Holiday Baking Championship.

Anthony Arya

Santa Cruz teenager Anthony Arya is often described as an old soul – his original tunes appeal to all ages. His roots as a jazz guitarist shape the melodies combined with his broad musical influences spanning from the swinging jazz of the twenties to the bluesy rock of the sixties. His voice – a unique tone with a natural rasp – makes for captivating performances. Shortly after Arya appeared on national TV on Season 15 of NBC’s The Voice, he released his debut album, “Going To California”. His music is best described as rock with an infusion of jazz and blues. Fans say you’re likely to walk away humming one of his tunes for days after a performance.

Amy Hedrick

Amy Hedrick -Farr is the Director for Food & Nutrition Services for Santa Cruz City Schools were she has combined her passion for food and her love for children in one great recipe.  She has dedicated her life to school nutrition and has worked in the industry for 23 years. Amy is the founder of the Central Coast Purchasers Cooperative which helps 22 schools district purchase local, and sustainable goods. She is also a proud member of California Thursdays Network bring locally sourced California foods to her students every week. 

Linda Liu

Director, Food and Nutrition

Pajaro Valley Unified School District