They're baaaaack... Sea lions have returned in large numbers to San Carlos Beach. The City of Monterey has temporarily closed the beach to keep all humans and pinnipeds safe.

Everyone, please remember to enjoy the sea lions from a distance - they are large and can be territorial and unpredictable.

A reminder: all marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time. It's their bay too.

So let’s say you’ve got a bunch of friends coming over for breakfast, or maybe just have an early morning office meeting. Well, who has time to make food for everyone? Ad Astra does!

Ad Astra Bread Co. has...

Red Rabbit Tattoo is excited to welcome our newest tattoo artist to the Red Rabbit family, Jose ! If you’re looking for clean lines and mind-blowing realism, look no further.

Jose's books...

We are lucky to have a new, locally-owned produce market opening soon in New Monterey at 899 Lighthouse Avenue!

Farm Fresh Produce Since 1964 will offer locally sourced fruit and honey, products from local growers such as garlic from Christopher Ranch and apple juice from Martinelli's, as well as a large variety of dried fruits and nuts. Keep an eye out and pay them a visit.

Hi, I am Mary, owner of Cypress Boutique. I am married to my wonderful husband, Brian, and together we have the sweetest baby boy, who fills our lives with love and joy every single day.

My business journey began in 2015 when I opened my shop as a streetwear boutique at 800 Lighthouse Avenue. As the fashion industry changed and many brands became less affordable, I chose to shift the shop's focus to handpicked thrifted, vintage, and carefully selected new items at prices that felt attainable. Learn more about Mary and Cypress Boutique .

Downtown Monterey has a bunch of businesses that made it to the finals in Monterey County Weekly's Best of 2026 Reader's Poll , including our website, OldMonterey.org , which has been nominated for Best Local Website, and our Tuesday Farmers Market on Alvarado Street, nominated for Best Farmers Market and Best Place to See and Be Seen.

Now we need you to vote! The Old Monterey Business Association is a nonprofit organization with a tiny staff, a small budget, and big dreams, so your support means the world to us. (And winning comes with bragging rights, which our web staff loves a lot!) Final voting is open until August 28, 2026.

The Lighthouse District's annual Movie in the Park will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 7pm at Scholze Park. This year, we'll watch School of Rock (2003) under the stars. But in order to produce this event, we need your financial help !

There are three levels of sponsorship - $100, $50, $25 - that will help pay for event costs and promote your business. Read details here.

Make your payment online . Payment must be received by Wednesday, August 19 in order to be recognized in print advertising. (But we'll happily accept your sponsorship after that date and add you to our online list of sponsors!)

With Friday's Race Car Classics exhibition in Downtown Monterey, 2026's Monterey Car Week is officially underway. KSBW Action 8 News was there for the scoop from our very own Sabrina Hiltunen. (VIDEO)

Monterey's Lighthouse District has a bunch of businesses that made it to the finals in Monterey County Weekly's Best of 2026 Reader's Poll .

Now we need you to vote! The Lighthouse District mostly consists of small, owner-operated businesses, but we pack a great punch when it comes to quality food, goods, and services. Final voting is open until August 28 . Go ahead, make our day !

Caregivers Count Conference is an annual event created for family members, friends, and others who provide care for a loved one. This conference offers valuable information, practical tools, and support through presentations led by...

Sovino Wine and Beer Bar hosts Karaoke with Ryan Rico every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 7pm-10pm. Come get a drink and enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of this locally-owned establishment at 241 Alvarado Street.

The Fall Activity Guide is available online and available at the Campbell Recreation Office. Registration for fall classes begins at 9am on Tuesday, August 4th for Campbell Residents and 9am on Wednesday, August 5th for everyone!

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Beginning August 30, Old Capitol Books will host a year-long monthly reading group to tackle Karl Marx's magnum opus, Capital ( Das Kapital) . We'll meet on the last Sunday of every month at 10am.

Each meeting, we'll introduce key ideas from the assigned readings , watch a lecture by CUNY professor David Harvey, and then move to a cafe to discuss main ideas and dive deeper into the texts.

Venture Gallery presents the work of Deborah Russell, our featured local artist for August. Her new exhibit of paintings, entitled Asian Fusion , is an exploration of iconic Asian elements intertwined with floral and avian motifs.

Venture Gallery is open daily, 10am-6pm, at 260 Alvarado Street.

This fall, Dream Lab at Play Full Ground welcomes a new program for ages 13-19: the Creative Research Lab . This 8-week journey in creative inquiry, beginning Sept. 8, is an intensive studio residency for teens who are ready to develop original artwork and build their creative portfolios.

Through research, making, sharing, and reflection, participants will develop creative projects rooted in their own questions, interests, and observations. Learn more.

Swissflex frames are back at InSight Eyewear! Stop by 490 Lighthouse Avenue and explore the latest styles, colors, and customizable options available for these lightweight frames made in Switzerland. We can't wait to help you find your perfect pair.

After a short closure for renovation, Sahara Sun Tanning Salon has now reopened with a beautiful new interior. Step inside 585 Lighthouse Ave. and see - every corner is designed to make you feel like you’re already on vacation.

We're open daily, 9am-2pm and 2:30pm-8pm.

Hair loss affects millions of women every year. At Oya Salon, we help women regain confidence with custom toppers and wigs that blend seamlessly with your natural hair and add volume and fullness.

No pressure. No judgment. Just beautiful, natural results. Book your private consultation today, 831-656-0570. Oya is located at 201 Lighthouse Ave.

Mission 19 Taqueria introduces our new Shrimp Cocktail! Made with fresh shrimp marinated in our signature cocktail sauce with lime, tomato, onion, cilantro, and a touch of spice, it's zesty and delicious.

Stop by Mission 19 Taqueria and taste summer in every bite at 598 Lighthouse Avenue.

Meet Mr. Stripes. One of Play Full Ground's students spent hours creating him as a birthday gift for another student and brought him to our Co-Creation Studio . The birthday student named him Mr. Stripes, and he sat on a plate of Japanese snacks, quietly observing what happened during the session.

During studio time, Mr. Stripes received a few more additions: a tie and socks. Because sometimes a creation is finished...until it asks for one more thing.

At Play Full Ground, we don't always know where an idea will lead. A project grows through making, noticing, conversations, and unexpected moments. Learn more about our fall educational programs for teens.

Sovino Wine and Beer Bar is now pouring a deliciously complex Syrah from Story of Soil. This organic wine from winemaker Jessica Gasca embodies her passion for small-batch, high quality wines.

One of the few Latina winemakers in California, Gasca is a strong advocate for farm workers and female entrepreneurs. Visit us at 241 Alvarado Street, enjoy this wine, and help us support a fellow female business owner.

The Old Monterey Business Association wants to thank Montage Health for stepping up to be our Presenting Independence Day Sponsor for the 2026 4th of July Parade.

If you were at the parade, you might remember the cheerful float commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Its presence in the parade and all the smiling people on board was thanks to Montage Health!

Thanks to our customers, Bliss Boutique has celebrated 25 incredible years in business. With a full heart, we want to share that our brick-and-mortar location at 380 Alvarado Street is now closed.

We are planning a special event there on Saturday, August 1, selling all of our fixtures and displays - stop by and find a great deal.

In honor of Monterey Car Week, the Monterey History and Art Museum at Stanton Center will host an exhibit entitled Racing to Del Monte & Pebble Beach: A Landmark Celebration of Early Monterey Bay Motoring Culture .

Enjoy antique racing vehicles, local history presentations, rare silent film screenings, and a vintage photo gallery at 5 Custom House Plaza. Open August 7-17, 12pm-4pm daily. Learn more.

New t-shirts are available from La Bahia. On the front , it declares: "La Bahia - hustle in our blood." On the back , there's a dynamic drawing of our seahorse logo. Available in sizes Small - 2XL.

La Bahia is a family business, and we take pride in hard work and hustle, Stop by the restaurant at 675 Lighthouse Avenue, eat some Jeezy Shrimp Tacos, and pick up a stylish shirt.