There are still a few openings for the Old Town Neighborhood Assn party November 5, and members may invite guests who live in Old Town for a fee of $5.00. We also need a few more volunteers for check in. See below (Nov 5) to reserve your space.
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.
Saturday, October 18, 5-6:30 pm – Halloween Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park 2025. The City of Monterey presents a free Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park on the lawn of Colton Hall. The walk-through trunk-or-treat will be held 5pm – 6:30. The feature film, Disney’s “Encanto” will begin at 6:30. Come dressed in costume. There will be food trucks, fire engines, kid’s activities and more. Note: Animals are prohibited except for guide/service dogs.
Saturday, October 18, 7 pm – Free Talk at First Theater: Shipwrecks of the Monterey Peninsula, sponsored by the Monterey State Historic Park. Guests may arrive any time after 6 pm for refreshments in the theater garden and to walk around the historic building before the free presentation.
Friday, October 24, 2025, 5:30-7:15 – “From the Andes to Afghanistan: Conflict, Cuisine, and Change” A conversation with Michael Shaikh. Mr. Shaikh is a writer and human rights investigator who has worked for Human Rights Watch, International Crisis Group, the Center for Civilians in Clonflice and the United Nations, and New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. Following the program, there will be a book signing and reception with tastings inspired by the book (Books will be available for purchase). Register for this free presentation at go.miis.edu/MichaelShaikh.
Saturday, October 25, 5:30-6:30 – “Go With the Tide—Doc Ed Ricketts of Cannery Row”, a theatrical presentation by local actor Howard Burnham via Zoom. Enjoy an entertaining and informative encounter with John Steinbeck’s alter ego – biologist, ecologist, philosopher, proto-New Age Renaissance man, “Doc” Ed Ricketts, sponsored by Monterey County Theater Alliance. Free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k-g21nhIRja2xmAY8Ln2UA?ampDeviceId=1d8b1141-613e-423e-bf89-6f40d4f550b5&SessionId=1755383183845&DeviceId=1d8b1141-613e-423e-bf89-6f40d4f550b5&SessionId=1755383183845&_gl=1*pef94g*_gcl_au*MjUxOTAwMDIxLjE3NTQ3ODEwNTQuMjI2MzkwOTUuMTc1NDc4MTA1Ny4xNzU0NzgxMDU2*_ga*ODA0MDIxMjA1LjE3MzkxMzEwNDk.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NTUzODE4MzYkbzE0NCRnMSR0MTc1NTM4MzE4NCRqNTkkbDAkaDA.#/registration.
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.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 3-5 Free Reception for Featured Artist Edi Matsumoto and her exhibit “Otter Therapy: Whimsical Whisker Moments for the Soul” at Venture Gallery, 260 Alvarado, next to the Portola Hotel. Edie will greet guests and sign her books, “Otter Therapy”, available for purchase. Her exhibit will be featured through November.
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 and garden overlooking the bay at Van Buren and Scott Streets. This adults-only event is free for members. We are also allowing members to bring guests who live in Old Town for a fee of $5.00 so invite your neighbors (we hope they will join!). 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. Members may invite guests who live in Old Town. Guest fee is $5.00.
Friday, November 7, 6-8 pm Reception for Five New Exhibits at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, including photos and original poems by Monterey High School Students in the small halls. Enjoy music by guest musician Glenn Leon-Guerrero on keyboards and vocals as you also enjoy the other new exhibits: “Exploring Imagery Inspiration and Insight” by Sofanya in the Gill Gallery, “Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA): Art Movements in Fiber” (a juried exhibit) in the Dyke Gallery, “A Shared Vision”, photos by Cara Weston and Brett Thomas in the Annand Gallery, and “Between Memory and Light”, uniting Japanese American painting and Syrian felting artistry, in the Boyer Gallery. Exhibits will be on display through December 7. Free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
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.
Monday, November 10, 7 pm – “An Interview with Mrs. Elmarie Dyke, AKA Mrs. Pacific Grove”, a staged reading by Carol Marquart starring Andra McDonald and Fred Bologna, at Casa Serano, 412 Pacific Street, sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Free, but $10 donation is appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sand Bag Fill Station next to the Fire Station at 600 Pacific Street is now operational for the season. This is a self-serve station. Sand and bags are provided. Bring your own shovel.
Free Recycling Bins are available by asking at the Planning Office, main level of Colton Hall at 570 Pacific Street, or by emailing bristow@monterey.gov to arrange for a pick up.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is having their next training course on three consecutive Saturdays, February 7th, 14th, and 21st, 2026, 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. As these classes often fill up way in advance, 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.
Rental Registry Compliance – All rental properties must be in compliance with the city rental registry ordinance, and be registered annually.
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.