Here is a better link to the League of Women Voters Forums https://my.lwv.org/california/monterey-county/videos. Scroll to our September 21 forum, or see others. Apologies that the first link sent did not work. Another forum, on housing is Oct 5. See below for this and other events coming up.
Saturday, October 3, 2:00-3:30 pm – “Monterey’s First Theater: An Idiosyncratic Treasure” by author Dr. Cynthia Wagner Weick. This free presentation will be followed by Q&A until 3 pm. From 3pm to 3:30, enjoy a 15-minute tour of the building and surrounding garden by State Park’s staff and the opportunity to purchase and have the author sign her book, “Preserving History: A Field Guide to Art and Architecture in Monterey”. Doors open at 1:30.
Monday, October 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Candidates Forum Focused on Housing at Monterey High School Science Room 20. Over two hours, only housing questions will be addressed by candidates: What do you agree/disagree with in terms of the current state-mandated housing plans and what might you challenge and advocate for as a City Council member? What specifically will you advocate for, to create workforce housing? What can be done immediately to address the needs of low-income renters, so our younger residents can stay here?
Saturday, October 10, 5:00-6:30 pm – Colton Hall Music Series featuring Arthur Wu, vocalist. This free concert is held upstairs (elevator available in back) in the museum where the constitution of California was debated. Reserve your spot as seats are limited: https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/17219071.
Sunday, October 11, 10 am – 5 pm – Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 181st Wharf Birthday Party. Enjoy live entertainment, activities for all ages, General Pershing historic boat rides from 10 am – 3 pm , wharf walks with Maritime Historian Tim Thomas at 10 am and 11:30 am, free birthday cake at 3:30 at the Wharf Tent in front of Abalonetti Bar and Grill (while supplies last), and photo ops. More information at www.montereywharf.com.
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00-7:30 pm –“Steinbeck’s Landscapes- Where Story Meets Place”, a free lecture and Q&A with author and Steinbeck specialist Susan Schillinglaw at the Irine Auditorium, McCone Building, 499 Pierce Street. A book signing and wine and cheese reception follows the lecture, where you will have an opportunity to purchase her book.
Thursday, October 15, 5-6:30 5th Annual Halloween Movie Night and Trunk or Treat on Colton Hall Lawn. The movie being shown is “Scoobie-Doo” sponsored by the Firefighters Community Fund and City of Monterey Recreation.
Saturday, October 17, 10-11:30 am – Japantown (Nihonjin-gai) Walk with Tim Thomas. Join Tim Thomas at the Japanese American Citizens League at 424 Adams Street, across from Jacks Park (near Stokers coffee). Hear about our own Japantown and the citizens who helped build the oldest standing and continuously used Japanese community center in the United States, this year celebrating 100 years. Registration required at: https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/17283553.
Monday, October 19, 6:30 pm – “The History and Evolution of Carmel from 1770 to 1963” presented by James Perry, curator of the Monterey County Historical Society’s collection of photographs in the region. The meeting is held at the banquet room at the rear of the American Legion Post 41, 1110 Veterans Drive, sponsored by the Westerners, a group of local history buffs. First-timers welcome.
October 21, 7 pm – Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting at the McKone Building Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson. Our speaker will be Ray Meyers, of the Monterey Undergrounding Committee, who will discuss the history of undergrounding in Monterey. In addition, we will hear from our committees and discuss our annual party at the Perry House. All residents of Old Town are welcome! We will be zooming (our webmaster will be helping).
Saturday, October 24, 10 am-Noon – Bocce! Come join your neighbors in Old Town at the Custom House plaza courts for a friendly game of bocce as you socialize with neighbors. No experience necessary, and all playing levels are welcome. Snacks, cold drinks and equipment provided by OTNA. Free.
Saturday, October 24, 11 am to 1 pm – Carmel Annual Pumpkin Roll Ocean Avenue between Santa Rita and Junipero. Free and open to all. Pumpkins are provided.
Saturday, October 24, 10 am-11:30 am – Budget Brews at Plume’s Coffee, 400 Alvarado Street. The City of Monterey is hosting a drop-in session to share info on the city budget and gather feedback from residents and business community members.
Sunday, October 25, 2-5 pm – Pumpkin Plunge and Dia de los Muertos at the Monterey Sports Center. Thriller costume contest and Thriller dance party, plus free pumpkin decorating and more. Pumpkins provided for the plunge in the pool. Beginning at 5 pm, the Dia de los Muertos festivities begin with salsa dancing, mariachi music, cultural performances, and a costume contest. Food vendor trucks are available. You need not be a member.
Saturday, October 31, 2-5 pm- A Tribute to Classic Monster Movies in the Community Room of the Monterey Library (no reservation required). At 2 pm, “Frankenstein” (1931) will be shown, followed by a 15 minute break. At 3:30, “The Wolf Man (1941) will be shown. Snacks provided.
Saturday, October 31, 4-7 pm – 8th Annual Halloween on the Wharf – Trick or Treat and receive some sweet treats at participating merchants on the wharf, enjoy fun photo ops, enjoy Halloween DJ with Spooky Halloween Music Favorites from 4-7 pm in front of Rockfish Harbor Grill, Find the witch in front of Candy World for fun photos and special candy, enter to win the Halloween Wharf Costume Contest at 5:00, or have fun watching the great costumes with DJ/MC David Marzetti in front of Rockfish Harbor Grill with attendee seating after 4 pm in front of the Costume Contest Stage. Cash prizes for age groups up to 8 yr, 9-21, 22+, group of 2 or more. Must be present to win so stay until at least 7 pm. More info at www.montereywharf.com.
Wednesday, November 11, 6-8 pm Membership Appreciation Evening at the Perry House – Old Town Neighborhood Association will be hosting its annual Member Appreciation Party on Wednesday, November 11 at the Perry House, corner of Van Buren and Scott Streets. The party will be from 6 – 8 pm. This adults-only event is for current OTNA embers. Join us for a delicious meal complete with wine and beer and a spectacular view. Send your RSVP to philbussey2@gmail.com as soon as possible as space is limited. Reservations will be accepted until Sept 30. We could use more volunteers to help at check in will be greatly appreciated- let Phil know when responding. The Member Appreciation party is OTNA’s signature event! Don’t miss out! Please RSVP by September 30—Only 20 spots remain!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WEEDS- Thank you to the many residents who have kept their sidewalk area free of dried grasses and weeds. Now is the perfect time to pull up the many small green weed bush starts, twist at the base, and simply pull up the entire plant to toss in the green waste. Left unattended, these will soon open their tiny flowers to spread seeds all through the neighborhood as the winds and rain return. Many have a single thin root, which can grow in thickness and cause cracks in the sidewalk. Your neighbors will appreciate it too!
“Jo Mora and Family Through the Lens of Lewis Josselyn” exhibit opens at the Stanton Center and runs through December, 2026, curated by Peter Hiller.
NEED – Ray Meyers, head of Monterey Undergrounding committee, is writing a book about Monterey’s history of undergrounding, which began in 1911 and was started when Monterey had their own power generation! To help with his research, as you go on your walks, please make note of blocks which are already undergrounded, and drop an email to rmeyers527@aol.com with the specific information, such as “West Franklin Street from Alvarado to Van Buren”.
REMINDER: If you are a resident or owner in Old Town and haven’t paid dues in 2026 ($20/household), please see details at the bottom of the bulletin. Dues help us keep most events free, such as providing the food and renting the venue for the picnic in July, and the party at the Perry House in November.
Monterey Public Library Used Book Sale Wednesdays and Saturdays 12-2 pm. Find a treasured bargain in the basement below the library, entered from the parking lot. Paperbacks $1.00. Others as marked. Proceeds go to support the library.
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.
PGE Outage Compensation Program – If you have an outage longer than 48 hours, PGE will compensate you automatically on your bill. For more information, go to https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/.
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.
Invitation to Wednesday and Saturday Barbecues at the American Legion. The public is 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.
Rental Registry Compliance – All rental properties must be in compliance with the city rental registry ordinance, and be registered annually.
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. Residential parking passes are also available for those on participating streets. 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.
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.
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 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 except in summer 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 for parking unless a member). Topics range from drama, history, and understanding civilizations and more. Courses are also offered, along with trips organized for special events. Schedules are shown at gentrain.org.
Native Daughters of the Golden West – founded in 1880s, for women who live in California and are US citizens. 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 of membership 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 Criello 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 a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual dues are just $20 for two adults iin your household, which covers the calendar year. Your dues help support social events and technical costs of our 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 questions, contact us! All residences 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.