Thursday, September 25, 6-8 pm – Workshop on Tenant Protection Act of 2019:AB1482 at Monterey City Council Chambers. Join in person or register at http://bit.ly/4osfv3d to receive the Zoom link.
Saturday, September 27, 10 am Kim Talks – at Tidal Coffee, 400 Cannery Row, in the plaza by Monterey Plaza Hotel. Hear our city council representative for Old Town District 1, Dr. Kim Barber, discuss current issues and ideas.
Saturday, September 27, 4-5:30 – Colton Hall Music Series – Hear world-class concert guitarist Terrence Farrell play classical and jazz, from the fire and passion of Spanish music to the cool sounds of tropical Latin, to the alluring classical style of Gershwin and the Beatles. As seating is limited, reserve asap at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/15313186. This is a free concert.
Friday,October 3- 5 pm – 7 pm. – First Friday at the Museum. The museum showcases their newest exhibit, “Big Sur in the Mid Century”, with beautiful new art, free poetry readings, music, and drinks to purchase. The museum is free for this and all weekend. Open also Saturday 11-3 with fun art activities, and Sunday with a member hour 10-11 am.
Saturday, October 4, 10:30-noon Bocce! Join our neighborhood in playing Bocce on the custom house courts. No experience necessary (really!), and no equipment needed. Snacks and cold drinks provided by Old Town Neighborhood. Free. No RSVP required.
Saturday, October 4, 10 am – Wharf Walk with Tim Thomas – “180 Years of Fisherman’s Wharf”. Hear and experience a two-hour cultural maritime history tour of the wharf. 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.
Saturday, October 4, 3-5 pm – Artist Reception at Venture Gallery for Evelyn Klein’s show “Breaking Boundaries: Explorations in Mixed Media”. The exhibition will continue through October at the Venture Gallery, 260 Alvarado.
Friday, October 10, 7-9 pm – Monterey Screening of Documentary of “Water’s Edge” at the Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, sponsored by Monterey History and Art. This film, about the life and career of internationally renowned photographer Arthur Tress, will include live comments and Q&A with Mr. Tress following the film. Tickets $10 for members of MHAA, $20 for nonmembers, and can be purchased at https://www.montereyhistory.org/event/arthur-tress-waters-edge.
Sunday, October 12, 10-5 pm – Fisherman’s Wharf 180th Birthday Celebration – There will be a Candy Crawl where the first 180 attendees will receive a free piece of candy at the three candy shops on the wharf: Carousel Candies, Wharf Chocolate Factory and Candy World. Photo opportunities abound along the wharf, with several costumed marine animals representing the 17th Annual Whalefest Monterey. Fun-loving characters Nemo and Dory from “Finding Nemo” will be strolling on site and doing meet and greets for fun photo oops. Guests can commemorate Monterey’s history by dressing as pirates or sailors and taking photos with the pirate statues at Pirates Cove. There will be two free one–hour walks on historic Fisherman’s Wharf, one at 11 am and one at 1 pm by maritime historian Tim Thomas. Reserve your free space at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up. Meet at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf near the pink Harbor House store. The Western Flyer will have an information table near Rockfish Harbor Grill and the boat will be available for free tours at the California Dock from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Attendees can step aboard the iconic vessel, made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their legendary 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez, recently returned from retracing that historic journey. Learn more at the tour. The General Pershing historic boat will also have an information table near Rockfish Harbor Grill and be available for photo ops right off of the Finger Pier. Between 1901-1903, Angelo, Siino, his brothers and father immigrated to America from Sicily with the knowledge of generations of fishing boat builders. In 1920, Angelo, at the age of 32, built the Siino Boat Works on Wave Street in Monterey and began repairing and building wooden fishing boats. By 1924, he moved the Siino Boatworks next to the Hovden Cannery. In 1930, Angelo Siino, was commissioned by Neno DiMaggio (Joe DiMaggio’s first cousin) to design and build the largest fishing boat he ever attempted, and thus along with family built the General Pershing. It is being restored by the Siino family to use as a classroom on the bay to teach youth about maritime history. Donations to their 501c are greatly appreciated. A meet and greet with Monterey’s heros from police and fire between 1-4 pm. There will also be information on the online launch of photos through the years, entitled “Old Fisherman’s Wharf through the Decades”, with over 400 fascinating historic images from 1845-2025. Dave Marzetti, local radio personality, will host the birthday festivities: Live entertainment from the Money Band from 1-4 pm, free sealife-themed cake will be served at 3:30 at the Wharf Tent in front of Abalonetti Bar & Grill (while supplies last)
Saturday, October 18, 8 am – 2025 Monterey Walk to End Alzheimers – Paint the Town Purple! Walk from the Custom House to the Aquarium and back. Registration and check in for the walk are at 8 am. The Promise Garden ceremony will begin at 9 am. While there is no fee to register for the walk, participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and a cure. An advance sign-up table will be at the 180th Wharf Birthday Party on the afternoon of October 12. You can also register at alz.org/montereywalk or call 8381-647-9890.
Friday, October 31, 2025, 4-7 pm – Halloween on the Wharf: Trick or Treat by the Bay
Come in costume and receive some sweet treats at participating merchants on the wharf. Candy World will feature a witch for fun photo ops. Enjoy spooky Halloween music from 4-7 pm in front of Rockfish Harbor Grill. Dave Marzetti of KMBY will be the DJ, and also the Master of Ceremonies for the Wharf Costume Contest in front of Rockfish. At 5 pm, contestants will be presented, and there will be additional chairs for viewers in front of the Costume Contest stage after 4 pm. Enter to win cash prizes by age group: under 8, 9-21, 22+, group of 3 or more. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place of $25, 50, and100 for individuals, $50, 100,150 for group. Must be present to win, so plan to stay until at least 7 pm.
November 5, 6-8 pm Old Town Neighborhood Association’s Member Appreciation Party, at the Perry House. Enjoy an evening under the stars at our annual party for members of our association. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and great food, along with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages at this catered event In the elegant Victorian home overlooking the bay at Van Buren and Scott Streets. Paid members may reserve through the month of September before we consider allowing any non-member Old Town guests of members. This adults-only free event for members usually fills up early, so please send your request to reserve to philbussey2@gmail.com and be sure to include your name(s), address and contact info and whether you would like to volunteer for a brief time slot to help check in guests. 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
Sunday, November 9, 7:30 am to noon – Big Sur Half Marathan at the Monterey Wharf. The rec trail will be closely monitored for this event.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is having their next training course on three consecutive Saturdays, February 7th, 14th, and 21st, from 8-5. The program instructs local citizens in a wide variety of rescue, search, emergency medical, preparedness, safety, team operations, basic fire control and community service skills. CERT members regularly respond to assist local fire and police with storm impacts, searches for missing persons, fire scenes, evacuations and many other emergency situation CERT members become sworn Disaster Service Workers (DSW). The free training occurs in downtown Monterey. Attendance on all three days is mandatory to graduate. Email certmonterey@gmail.com with your name, resident address, email you most commonly use, your cell and home phone numbers.
The Monterey Airport Board New VOLUNTARY Flight Curfew is from midnight to 5 am! The board voted to rescind the prior ordinances which had a curfew between 11 pm and 7 am, and had limitations to how low flights could come in.
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!
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.
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.