District Blog

We are sad to report that Steve Smith, a much-beloved long-time employee of Carpets & Floors on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, has sustained a serious brain injury and is in serious condition in the hospital. He is the sole provider for his four young children and wife, and may not be able to work for quite some time.

His friends attest to the fact that Steve has always been a person who tries to help other people in need. You may have met him outside Carpets & Floors during the Lighthouse District Children's Trick-or-Treat - he always has kindness and a smile for all the kids who stop by. His friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign to try and help him and his family financially. If you are able at this time, please consider making a donation.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, it was announced by the California Department of Public Health that all personal care services across the state are permitted to offer their services indoors. This includes estheticians and skin care spas, electrology, nail salons, tattoo parlors, piercing shops, and massage therapy.

You're invited to call to your favorite Monterey personal care services provider and make an appointment, but please be patient. This announcement was unexpected, and it may take our fine professionals a couple of days to prepare their businesses to reopen. We thank you for supporting our small, locally-owned businesses.

To learn more about the State of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, and to learn what's permitted in Monterey County at this moment according to the Blueprint, please click here.

The City of Monterey is seeking park volunteers! Volunteers in Parks (VIP) assist in general maintenance and beautification of City parks and gardens. They assist with planting, pruning, weeding, and landscape maintenance.

Information, tools, and instruction are provided. All Covid-19 protocols are strictly followed. No experience is necessary other than an enjoyment of the outdoors. Volunteers typically work on Tuesdays, 9am-11:30am. If interested, please contact the City of Monterey Parks Division, 831-646-3860.

As divers, we at Bamboo Reef Dive Shop understand the importance of trying out equipment before purchasing it.⁠ Nothing is more frustrating that buying equipment that just doesn't work out. That's why we strive to carry the products we sell in our rental department, giving you the power to try before you buy! (We'll even discount the rental price from the full cost of the item.)

We have regulators, wetsuits, dive lights, and much more available for rent and for sale. We want all of our divers to feel confident in all of the gear they purchase. Visit us at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey or give us at call at 831-372-1685.

The Monteery County Health Department and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula present a free flu vaccine drive-thru clinic on Saturday, October 17, 10am-1pm, at Hartnell Professional Center, 576 Hartnell Street in Downtown Old Monterey. For more information, please click here.

This year, more than ever, it’s important to get your flu vaccine. This drive-thru clinic is offered free of charge to community members. Please follow the guidelines below:

1) All attendees must stay in their vehicle at all times
2) No walk-ups will be allowed for the safety of all attendees and staff
3) Health screenings will be conducted, including a temperature check
4) Masks are required at all times
5) Do not attend if you feel ill or have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or have recently been diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19

Can't make it that day? View a complete list of free flu vaccine clinics in Monterey County in October.

Members of Monterey Bay Aquarium: grab your costumes! On Wednesday, October 28, 6:30pm-7:30pm, we're hosting a Halloween-themed Monterey Bay Aquarium Live event for Aquarium members only, featuring spooky (and family-friendly) fun in our Kelp Forest after dark.

Join our divers for our annual member-favorite Halloween dive show, then get ready to party as we bring you a virtual dance experience in your home, complete with live music! Not yet a member of Monterey Bay Aquarium? Become an Aquarium member today, join us for this fun online event, and support this amazing local institution!

Has your income been impacted by Covid-19? Is your Monterey One Water account past due? In collaboration with the County of Monterey and the United Way of Monterey County, a Covid-19 Emergency Utility Assistance Program is now available for Monterey One Water residential customers. This program is designed to provide utility relief for eligible households facing financial instability because of a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19.

The program is available until all funds have been allocated or December 30, 2020, whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come first-served basis. If approved, Monterey One Water will issue a one-time credit to the customer’s account in the amount of up to two billing cycles. Missed payments must have occurred between April 2020 through November 2020. View complete details here.

Everyone knows that New Monterey's beloved American Burger serves up fantastic beef burgers and pupusas, but did you know they also offer veggie burgers? Try their Ultimate Veggie Burger (pictured here) with grilled bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, and avocado. Delicious!

American Burger, a family-owned restaurant, is located at 738 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and now offers take-out, curbside pick-up, delivery, and outdoor dining.

Did you know? California State Department of Healthcare Services now offers a free Covid-19 Medi-Nurse Phone Line at 1-877-409-9052. If you are uninsured or have Medi-Cal but don't have a regular doctor, the Covid-19 Medi-Nurse Line can connect you with a nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to talk about Covid-19 symptoms and help you find local health resources.

Medi-Nurse provides services in multiple languages, with steps in place that allow callers to access interpreters as needed. They can help you understand if your symptoms might be related to Covid-19, determine whether you need to self-isolate, decide if you need to see a doctor to get tested and/or treated, and help you connect with a Medi-Cal provider who can get you enrolled in the program.

If you have a regular doctor or health plan, call them first. If you don't, the Medi-Nurse can help!