Tuesday, September 2, 7:00 pm– Monterey City Council Meeting – The city will select strategies to use to reduce the City’s $10 Million Structural (annual) budget deficit. Residents are encouraged to submit their own ideas. Among ideas is to cancel Mills Act agreements after 10 years, which will affect many Old Town residents. NCIP funds are also being considered to use toward the deficit. You can view the August 20 meeting on Channel 25 to see other ideas already being considered. Residents may attend in person at City Hall, on Zoom, by phone, or by watching Channel 25. Letters may also be sent to cityclerk@monterey.gov. For zoom, enter https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j.1607729333. To phone in, dial 833-568-8864 or 669-254-5252 and enter Webinar ID 1607729333#. If asked for participant ID, press #. To raise or lower your hand, dial 9. You may also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey.
Reservations open September 1 for Old Town Neighborhood Association’s Membership Appreciation Party, scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 5 at the Perry House. Paid adult members may reserve through the month of September, before we consider allowing any non-member guests. As this usually fills early, please reserve to philbussey2@gmail.com and be sure to give your name(s), address and contact info. If you have not yet paid for the calendar year 2025, see membership instructions at the bottom of this bulletin. If not sure of your membership payment status, email otnamary@gmail.com.
Friday, September 5, 3-9 pm, Saturday, September 6, 10-9 pm, and Sunday, September 7, 10-6 pm – Festa Italia This FREE festival on our Custom House Plaza begins Friday and features music, great food, pageantry, and a bocce tournament. Friday 6-9 pm, dance under the stars to the Money Band. Saturday the celebration begins with 10 am Mass at San Carlos Cathedral and the Crowning of the Statue of Santa Rosalia. The Opening Ceremony from 11:30 -12 at Custom House Plaza will be followed by the Procession to the Wharf and the Blessing of the Fleet. From Noon-1 pm, Mike Marotta and friends perform. At 1 pm -1:25 there is a Cooking Demonstration of Cioppino by Chef Tene Shake, Thereafter music and dancing will follow by the Anthony Lane Band, Tarantella Dances, Pasquale Esposito. At 6:30, Dance Under the Stars with Monterey Bay’s High-Energy Dance Band. Sunday begins at 11-11:30 with a Tarantella Dance Lesson in front of the main stage, followed throughout the day by music from the Anthony Lane Band, Pasquale Esposito, Mike Marotta and Friends and Dancing by the Tarantella Dancers (consult the schedule at www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org for details).
Friday, September 5, 5-7 pm First Friday at the Museum. Enjoy FREE after-hours access at the Museum, create art inspired by the current exhibitions and listen to live music. This First Friday, try your hand at poetry! Guests will be invited to rearrange word magnets to create poetry inspired by the Big Sur author and artist Henry Miller. Enjoy snacks and local beverages from Other Brother Beer Co. and Albatross Ridge, and relax to an acoustic set by Peter Barnes Martin.
Friday, September 5, 6-8 pm Reception for New Exhibits at the Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue. Enjoy Glenn Leon-Guerrero on keyboards and vocals as you stroll the new exhibits: “Embracing Light, An ImageMakers Exhibition in the Gill Gallery; “Cultivating the Artist: Personal Works of Art Teachers” in the Dyke Gallery” “Brewed Truths in Love” by Ghassan Saeb in the Annand Gallery, and “Art Fusion-Painters and Poets” by Jevin Lee Albuquerque, Tonni Lynn Albuquerque and Katieann Vogel in the Boyer Gallery. Exhibits will remain until October 30.
Saturday, September 6, 10 am-noon – Wharf Walks – “Monterey Bay’s Sicilian Fishing Heritage”, a free, two-hour walk that starts at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf (near the pink “harbor House” store). Reserve your free space at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up, and is limited to no more than 15 people.
Monday, September 8, 2025, 7-8 pm “Stokes Adobe: A Monterey Landmark’s Storied Past”, a presentation by Amelia Ward at the Casa Serano, 412 Pacific Street, sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Open to the public with a $10 suggested donation. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Wendy Brickman at 831-633-4444 or brickmanmarketing.com.
Sunday, September 14, 7 am-12 noon – 62nd Annual Great Sandcastle Contest on Carmel Beach between 10th and 12th. Free Registration will be open by 9:00 am at Scenic and 10th. The theme of this year’s contest is “Carmel’s Nature”. Entrants can be from all ages and many are first-timers, so feel welcome to participate as well as view the entries as they progress. Judging starts at 12 noon, and bribing is encouraged. This wonderful event is sponsored by American Institute of Architects Monterey Bay and the City of Carmel. Building begins at 7 am. Bring your own bucket, shovel, etc. You do not need to be a Carmel resident to participate.
Saturday, September 20 , 10 am – 12 noon – California Coastal Cleanup Day Join Surfrider Monterey for California Coastal Cleanup Day at Del Monte Beach next to the Municipal Wharf. Together we will work to clean up one of Monterey’s most popular beaches! Join us at 9 a.m. for FREE beach yoga, then collect your cleanup supplies from us to help us clean the beach and recreational trail from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pre-register for California Coastal Cleanup day at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaoizoBh6FWA_Z_yl_IRtkCGxx26c-7yumLYp3uBP80qaq1g/viewform.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – SAVE THE DATE – OTNA Member Appreciation Party at the Perry House
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Zoning for R-1 Properties in Monterey. At the August 19, 2025 meeting, the City Council voted to adopt the SB9 requirements for lot splits allowing 2 units each, for a total of four, and went further to allow six units on a single lot when a unit is an affordable housing unit. They did not want to defer until the lawsuit by other Charter cities (Monterey is a charter city) is settled on appeal. In the original lawsuit, the court found that the state could not direct zoning in Charter cities. The vote was 3-2 with the mayor, Councilman Gino Garcia, and Councilwoman Dr. Kim Barber approving (District 1, most of Old Town), and Councilman Ed Smith (District 2, most eastern part of Old Town) and Jean Rasch (a slim part of Old Town on Madison) opposing.
Invitation to Wednesday and Saturday Barbecues at the American Legion. At our Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, our speaker from the American Legion wanted to be sure that we, their neighbors, are always invited to attend the Wednesday Steak Barbecues (at $15, a bargain) and the Saturday Grills of Hot Dogs/ Hamburgers (under $6). Soft drinks are reasonable and it’s a nice way to meet our veterans.
LOST AND FOUND: If you left your navy cotton jacket at the July picnic in Veterans Park, please reply to this bulletin.
Thursdays, August 28- October 23, 6:00-8:30 pm – First City Academy– This inaugural First City Academy will consist of eight, weekly sessions on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at various locations around the City, culminating in a graduation ceremony on October 23. The course is a chance to explore and learn about the inner workings or California’s First City. Participants will leave with a stronger connection to Monterey and a clearer sense of how they can contribute to creating a higher quality of life, now and for future generations.
The city is primarily looking to interest neighbors and residents over 16 years of age, who have not been part of our City’s boards/commissions/council meetings etc. or who are relatively new to our City’s various programs and opportunities to engage. The link to apply is posted at https://monterey.gov/firstcityacademy.
Rental Registry Compliance – All rental properties must be in compliance with the city rental registry ordinance, and be registered annually. Fees must be received by the city by August 15.
Climate Action Plan Survey – The city is requesting input from residents on their climate action priorities. Please take the survey at: haveyoursaymonterey.org/climate-action-plan.
The Monterey Public Library is now fine-free!
The Monterey Free Trolley is back!
The free MST Trolley operates daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm starting Memorial day weekend through Labor Day (May 24 through September 1, 2025). The route serves Downtown Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Monterey Museum of Art is open FREE on Sundays, 11-5 through the run of their Biennial Celebration.
Annual Residential Parking Passes are available to residents of Monterey and active military for $20, good for two hours at both East and West Downtown Garages, Cannery Row Garage and the Waterfront lot. Bring proof of residency, vehicle registration and ID to Parking office, 340 Tyler Street in the East Garage. See Monterey.org/parking for more information.
WILDFIRE READY Links from February 27 Town Hall Meeting:
Panel Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N3njGF6g6c
Tree Standards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cInp6kC0PP8
Defensible Space Inspections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDk7zxULL2M
Note to residents: Please clear dry weeds from your property, as they endanger the entire neighborhood.
City of Monterey Accepting Applications for Boards, Committees, and Commissions. For position descriptions and requirements, please go to Monterey.gov/bcc.
MIIS Student Housing Needed! Do you have an extra bedroom in your house or a local rental? Consider renting to a Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) student! The housing crisis in Monterey is deeply affecting our student population with low inventory and high prices. MIIS is reaching out to our community to form partnerships with local landlords and homeowners. For more information, go to this link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGb0hGd1Qk/V0hDlFvuILlZKtzRyIWIcQ/view?utm_content=DAGb0hGd1Qk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hba13c991dc. Still have questions? Contact the MIIS Landlord Coordinator Naomi Braswell at nbraswell@middlebury.edu or at (831) 647-4120.
Free Wharf Walks by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas the first Saturday of every month from 10am to noon. Hear and experience a two hour cultural maritime history tour, with themes changing monthly. Meet at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf near the pink Harbor House store. Free, but advance reservations are required and can be made at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up with a maximum group of 15 people.
The Presidio Museum of Monterey is open Saturdays and Sundays 10-4 pm – Learn the fascinating history of our Presidio, including the early indigenous settlers, the founding of the fort, the history during three wars, and the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. An interpretive walk with great views of the bay lead up to the Sloat Monument. You can take a short cut from Van Buren over the creek bridge to reach it from Old Town. Free. Please consider volunteering as a docent for this great museum!
Free Public Tours of Ed Ricketts Pacific Biological Laboratories Second Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30 pm subject to availability. Modeled after famed ecologist Ed Ricketts, “Doc” was featured prominently in John Steinbeck’s novels about Cannery Row. The Lab at 800 Cannery Row was also where the idea of the Monterey Jazz Festival was born and welcomed such prominent figures as Louis Armstrong. Reserve in advance at monterey.gov/museums or by calling 831-646-5648. Visitors are also welcome to drop by without a reservation to self-tour this historic site from 12:00-4:00 pm on the second Saturday.
Casa Serano, the historic adobe at 412 Pacific Street, is now open for free visits on Saturday and Sunday 2-4 pm. Docents can help you learn the interesting history of this adobe built in 1843, as you peruse the art and furnishings.
Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is LIVE! Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood. Photos of the July 13 picnic are now posted on the social page of the website.
COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CLUBS
Are you interested in finding others with your interests? Below are some of the other local organizations that welcome new members:
American Association of University Women – This national organization promotes equity for women in the workplace and in education. In addition to supporting education through scholarships, they have book clubs, social events, monthly speakers, a Romancing the Coast monthly adventure, a hiking/walking group, and other interesting events. See http://mpb-ca.aauw.net for more information.
Monterey Civic Club – Founded in 1906, the club owns and meets monthly at the House of the Four Winds, located at 540 Calle Principal. This beautiful and historic adobe is believed to be the oldest women’s clubhouse in continuous use in the United States. Members meet the first Tuesday of each month for lunch and a social program ($25), often with a speaker of importance to members. Contact (831) 747-1072 for more information.
Gentrain Society is an organization for life-long learners. They generally meet the first and third Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 at the Monterey Peninsula College Lecture Forum #103. Lectures are free and open to the public (except $3.00 parking fee). Topics range from drama, history, and understanding civilizations and more. Courses are also offered, along with trips organized for special events.
Native Daughters of the Golden West – founded in 1880s, for women born in California. The Monterey Junipero Parlor No 141 meets at 6:30 pm in the Casa Serrano on the second Monday of each month. An added benefit is that members can stay at the NDGW home designed by Julia Morgan on Baker Street in San Francisco. For more information, call or text Jerilynn Crivello at 831-320-2080.
Kiwanis Club of Monterey –founded in 1926, helps support community projects, scholarships, and youth groups in our community. Learn more at http://www.kiwanisclubmonterey.org or by emailing factpath-kiwanis@yahoo.com.
| Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are just $20 for two adults in your household which covers the calendar year in which paid. Your dues help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Members can be renters, owners or landlords of a property in Old Town. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! All residents living above Pacific St between the creek near Madison and the Presidio/DLI are eligible. Checks to OTNA can be mailed, along with your names, address, phone and email to our address below. Old Town Neighborhood Association P O Box 724, Monterey, CA 93942 |
This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association. Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change. Visit our website at oldtownmonterey.org.