Community

Ballot Drop Box at Monterey Public Library

The U.S. midterm election is November 8, and it's time to vote! The local ballot will include candidates for City Council for Districts 1 and 2 and for Mayor.

A permanent Monterey County Elections ballot drop box for voters is installed at Monterey Public Library, available 24 hours a day until 8pm on November 8. The County will empty it on a regular basis. Just drop your ballot safely in the box at 625 Pacific Street.

Film Students: Apply for Scholarship from Monterey County Film Commission

Applications are now being accepted for the Monterey County Film Commission’s Director Emeritus Richard Tyler Film Student Scholarship Award Program. The deadline to apply is November 4.

The scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film and beginning filmmakers who live in Monterey County or who are currently enrolled in a community college or university in the county. Eligibility details and application forms can be downloaded on the Film Commission's website .

Heaven On Earth Cleaning

Locally owned Heaven on Earth Cleaning offers house cleaning services for your home or business. Our office recently moved to Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey, but we've been serving the Monterey Peninsula for over 20 years.

Learn more about our services and prices and book online with ease, all on our website . Let us do the cleaning so you have one thing less to worry about.

Lighthouse Movie in the Park: "Young Frankenstein"

 
9/24/22
 
free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

The Lighthouse District is hosting a free outdoor screening of the Mel Brooks comedy Young Frankenstein , starring Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn.

The film will be shown at 7:30pm in front of the Scholze Park Community Center. You're welcome to come early and bring a picnic! Popcorn and drinks will be available for sale at the show. Remember to dress warmly and bring blankets and/or chairs. No pets or alcohol.

Presidio of Monterey Museum Seeks Information About Buffalo Soldiers

Jordan Leininger, an artifacts specialist with the City of Monterey, is seeking information from descendants of Buffalo Soldiers stationed at the Presidio of Monterey, 1902-1904. He is currently researching the lives of the Buffalo Soldiers (members of the all-Black 9th Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army) for an exhibit at the Presidio of Monterey Museum, located in Lower Presidio Historic Park. More info here.

Let Heaven on Earth Cleaning Help You!

The Lighthouse District offers a warm welcome to Heaven on Earth Cleaning LLC , with an office at 225 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite D. First time customers receive $20 off their first visit with this coupon .

An independent, locally-owned cleaning service you can trust, Heaven on Earth offers simple and affordable pricing for weekly and biweekly customers as well as on-call services, one-time deep cleanings, and carpet cleaning. For more information, please call 831-373-6243.

City of Monterey Honors Rick Johnson

On July 19, Monterey City Council and staff recognized Rick Johnson, who has served as the executive director of the Old Monterey Business Association for 22 years AND as the administrator of the Lighthouse District (also known as the New Monterey Business Association). Rick will be retiring at the end of July.

The Lighthouse District would like to thank Rick for his many years of service to our community. His natural charm, sense of humor, abiding love for the people of Monterey, and his in-depth knowledge of businesses and government infrastructure will be missed.

But don't worry, Rick Johnson is not leaving Monterey! He's looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends and relaxing a little after leading two business associations through a pandemic lockdown. And our district is in great hands with the Lighthouse District's new administrator, Peter Cofresi, who's been serving as Rick's right-hand man for years.

Volunteer for Monterey's 4th of July Parade!

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey. Interested? Please fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Monday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Help Play Full Ground Create Community

After its brick-and-mortar business opened at 550 Lighthouse Avenue, Play Full Ground was a lively, creative place that hosted numerous workshops and events. But it has been quiet for the past 2+ years as a result of the pandemic. During that time, Play Full Ground's founder, artist Mai Ryuno, knows many of us have had to communicate virtually and have limited in-person, face-to-face interaction.

To help us move out of that isolation, Mai is now working on ideas for a gathering to start building a community again at Play Full Ground and beyond. She would like to listen to and learn your stories, have a series of dialogues, and brainstorm ideas for the creation of a joyful, supportive, and connected community.

Please let her know if you are interested in creating such a community together - just visit this page and fill out the short form . She's planning to send an invitation to a gathering this summer for those who show interest.

Ballot Drop Box at Monterey Public Library

The California primary election is June 7, and it's time to vote! A permanent Monterey County Elections ballot drop box for voters is installed at Monterey Public Library, available 24 hours a day until 8pm on June 7. The County will empty it on a regular basis. Just drop your ballot safely in the box at 625 Pacific Street.

Order Takeout and Support Monterey County Film Commission

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Tarpy’s Roadhouse, Rio Grill, and Montrio restaurants - has designated the Lighthouse District's own Monterey County Film Commission as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for the months of May and June.

What does this mean? When you order takeout food from Tarpy's Roadhouse , Rio Grill , or Montrio , 10% of your order will automatically be donated to the Film Commission. (Please note: this offer does not apply to delivery orders.)

Artist Mai Ryuno Participates in #CreatorsforPeace

Mai Ryuno, artist and owner of Play Full Ground, has created a beautiful video documenting her performance painting in support of the people of Ukraine. We urge you to watch it.

Mai, a socially-engaged artist who creates conceptual performance artwork, is part of the #CreatorsForPeace initiative. Through her business, Play Full Ground, she offers creativity-based learning programs for individuals and groups, and is available to work with businesses and non-profit organizations.

Donate to Support Annual Lunch for the Disadvantaged

American Burger , Al and Friends, and Athletes That Care are still seeking financial support to help cover the costs of their annual Super Bowl To-Go Lunch for the Disadvantaged , which took place on Sunday. Please consider making a donation.

Donations should be made to Al and Friends - please contact them at 831-402-0820, online , or at P.O. Box 1022, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.

Red Cross Blood Drive at Hilltop Park Center

 
3/25/22
 
free
 
Hilltop Park Center

Red Cross blood drives are held once a month at Hilltop Park Community Center. The next one will be on Friday, March 25, 10am-2pm. Please consider registering to donate blood.

To schedule your appointment and for more information visit...

Blood Drive at Hilltop Park Center

 
2/25/22
 
free
 
Hilltop Park Center

Red Cross blood drives are held once a month at Hilltop Park Community Center. The next one will be on Friday, February 25, 10am-2pm. Please consider registering to donate blood.

To schedule your appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "Monterey" or call 1-800-733-2767. Because of COVID-19, no walk-ins will be accepted.

City of Monterey Parking Permits for Residents 2022

The City of Monterey offers a parking program which allows Monterey residents, displaying the proper decal permit, up to two hours of free parking, per day, per parking facility. The decals are honored in the Cannery Row Garage (at Foam & Prescott), Downtown East and West Garage (at Franklin & Tyler), and the Waterfront Attendant Lot (at Washington & Del Monte).

To apply for the parking decal, please visit this webpage for details. Fee is $20 and the permit is valid for 12 months.

Mai Ryuno Brings Playful Spirit to 2022

Mai Ryuno, artist and owner of Play Full Ground , is bringing her playful spirit to 2022! As an experienced visual artist, conceptual artist, and art teacher, Mai has decided to make playful performance videos for YouTube this year to share happiness, hope, and positivity. Goodness knows we could all use some more of that.

Check out Mai's 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 , which she uses to discuss the deeper concepts behind her videos.

Scholze Park: Produce Distribution for Seniors

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.

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.

Drive-Through Meals on Wheels at Scholze Park Center

Are you over 60 years of age, able to drive, amd 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, Tue-Fri, 11am-12pm, at Scholze Park Community Center, located at 280 Dickman Ave. Registration required - read details here .

Monterey Community Holiday Meal Kits Available

Everyone in our community should be able to enjoy a delicious holiday dinner. The Kiwanis Club, the Food Bank for Monterey County, and City of Monterey are offering free holiday meal kits for contact-free drive-thru and walk-up on Thursday, December 23 (rain or shine). Reservations are required for pick-up and spots are still available - please sign up here .

Presidio of Monterey Museum Reopens!

The Presidio of Monterey Museum has reopened after nearly 600 days of closure! Located at the Lower Presidio Historic Park, the museum is free and open to the public, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm. There is no entrance fee.

2021 Children's Trick-or-Treat on Lighthouse Is CANCELLED

Because of continuing concerns about Covid-19, Lighthouse Avenue businesses in Monterey will not be hosting our regular community trick-or-treat in 2021.

We wish all of you a happy Halloween this fall and we look forward to welcoming you back for sweet and ridiculous family fun with us in October 2022.

Home Match Information Table at Scholze Park Center

 
11/9/21
 
free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

Scholze Park Community Center hosts Home Match on the second Tuesday of every month, 9am-11am. The free Home Match program , run by the nonprofit Covia , connects homeowners or renters who have space in their homes with people seeking an affordable shared home. All at no charge.