District Blog

Get certified as a NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver with Bamboo Reef Dive Shop in Monterey! Bamboo Reef has classes beginning on February 15, March 1, and March 15. Sign up here.
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Scuba Diving is a lifetime sport that will allow you to explore some of the most intrepid corners of the earth. From the far north of Canada to the tropical waters of Mexico, scuba diving will allow you to swim through the kelp beds of our local Monterey Bay or soar over vast tropical reefs.

As part of the course, you'll get two online sessions of 2 hours each (Tues & Thur), 2 pool training sessions of 6 hours each (Sat & Sun), and ocean dives held on the following weekend (Sat & Sun). You must be at least 15 years old and able to swim.

Artist and owner of the Lighthouse District's Play Full Ground, Mai Ryuno, is bringing her playful spirit to 2022! In her short artist's statement for 2022, she announces her decision to share happiness, hope, and positivity through her videos this year.

As an experienced visual artist, conceptual artist, and art teacher, Mai keeps hearing that her colorful presence brings people happiness, positive energy, and a smile. So she's doubling down this year, making playful performance videos for YouTube to bring cheerfulness to our lives. Check out her short artist's statement for 2022 on YouTube, and subscribe to her YouTube channel for more fun to come.

And be sure to sign up for Mai's e-mail list here, which she uses to discuss the deeper concepts behind her videos.

Through her Creativity Based Learning Program, Mai Ryuno continues to be available to individuals and organizations to share her knowledge, skills, and experience in creative learning and problem solving. Please contact her with ideas or opportunities for collaborations.

We have new Vans shoes at On The Beach this week, including Crockett High, UltraRange EXO, and Sk8-Hi. Come check them out at the shop, 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

At this time, in order to be admitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, all visitors ages 12 and over must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result (either rapid antigen or PCR test).

Please note that, beginning Monday, January 10, 2022, those Covid-19 tests will need to be taken within 24 hours of your visit. Results from at-home tests will not be accepted. (Previously, tests needed to be taken within 72 hours).

To be clear: this new rule about Covid testing applies only to guests who do not show proof of full Covid vaccination with any vaccine approved by the WHO.

For more information on vaccine and testing requirements, please visit the Aquarium's Visitor Frequently Asked Questions page. Find information on Covid testing sites in Monterey County here.

The State of California has extended its indoor mask mandate through at least February 15, 2022. This is in light of the fact that California’s 7-day average of daily new Covid-19 cases almost doubled between December 31 and January 5. In other words: the omicron variant is here and it is very busy.

Please wear a high-quality mask over your nose and mouth and stay safe, everyone. You can find information on where to get Covid vaccines and boosters in Monterey County here.

Rest assured that all our Lighthouse District businesses remain open, and many offer options for people wishing to be more cautious, including take-out service from restaurants and curbside pick-up and shipping from many retail shops.

A special thanks from all of us to all of you - our valued customers and friends - for continuing to support our local, family-owned businesses!

The City of Monterey Recreation and the Food Bank for Monterey County now offer a weekly produce distribution service for seniors on Mondays at Scholze Park Community Center (excluding holidays). This program does not offer drive-through service - food will be distributed at the main entrance of the Community Center, located at 280 Dickman Avenue in Monterey.

Registration is required. You can register online, or call Scholze Park Center at 831-646-3878 and reserve over the phone with a staff member. Space is limited and you will need to reserve a specific time slot.

For more information, please read our information flyer and our document answering frequently asked questions.

Are you over 60 years of age and in need of a warm meal? If so, Monterey Recreation and Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula is offering a drive-through meal pick-up program. Meals for seniors will be offered Tuesday - Friday, 11am-12pm, at Scholze Park Commiunty Center, located at 280 Dickman Avenue in Monterey. Please note: face masks are required when picking up your meals.

To Register
Please read the flyer here, print out this application form, and bring it (and your driver's license) to Scholze Park Center, Tues-Fri, 11am-12pm. Can't print or need help with the application form? Please email Monterey Recreation or call Scholze Park Center at 831-646-3878 and leave a message for the staff.

Wondering what's on the menu? View our January 2022 menu here.

Carpets and Floors, Inc., a locally-owned small business located at 471 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, is seeking an experienced bookkeeper / office assistant to process AP/AR, invoices, manage inventory, and perform general office duties. Duties include working closely with our accountant to ensure legal compliance, processing payroll, and tax payments.

For complete details, please visit our job listing on Facebook. You may also call us at 831-372-2300.