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Om Studios Has Reopened

Posted on June 23rd, 2020 by Om Studios

Om Studios, located at 631 Cass Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is happy to announce that we've reopened! We’ve made lots of modifications to ensure the safest possible environment for our Om students and staff. Here are some of the steps we're taking:

Due to strict social distancing guidelines, our yoga class capacity will be 10 students and Pilates class capacity will be 5 students. Our barre studio is a smaller space, so we are still working on adding barre classes back in slowly. All classes will require online preregistration in order to attend.

We are instituting temperature checks for all staff and students. We are not admitting any student or employee with a temperature over 100.0*F. If you have experienced any Covid-19-like symptoms, we ask that you please stay home and return when you are well.

We are temporarily suspending community rental mats and props - please bring your own props and mat. We are continuing to sanitize floors and surfaces before and after each class with hospital grade disinfectant and we’re keeping the studio squeaky clean.

We will be leaving the front doors open for Pilates classes and the sky light windows open in the yoga room for fresh air flow, so wear layers!

Teachers will not be offering hands-on assists at this time and will be staying at least 6 feet away from students while teaching.

Masks must be worn during check in and in public spaces, but you can take off your mask when you get to your mat.

Any cancellations made less than 4 hours before class time will result in a $25 late cancellation fee or you will lose a class from your class card.

Are you not quite ready to come back to public classes? No problem! We are now offering 4 private sessions a month (one a week) for $75 a session. Your private class can include up to three students so you can share pricing with a family member or close friend. Please e-mail us to schedule a recurring appointment for your private session.

Principal Beauty has reopened and moved our studio to 479 Pacific Street, Suite 2. At Principal Beauty, owner Mariam Shatilova and her team offer lash extensions, lash refills, lash extension removal, lash care, facials, professional makeup application, and makeup lessons. The safety of clients is their top priority. To make an appointment, please phone 831-200-3237, or visit the website.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium will be reopening on Monday, July 13, 2020. Tickets go on sale July 1. Get ready to fall in love all over again with favorite places like the Open Sea and Kelp Forest — you won't believe how much the kelp has grown!

We've also made some changes to help keep everyone safe and healthy while you have an awesome day at the Aquarium. Here's what to expect:

Choose your date and time
To limit the number of people inside the Aquarium, both Aquarium members and the general public need to reserve tickets on our website for a specific date and entry time. Tickets will not be available at the Main Entrance.

Wear a face covering
All guests must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose. (We've got otterly amazing masks available for purchase if you need one.) Children ages two and under and those with a medical condition that prevents them from doing so are exempt.

Stay 6 feet away
You must stay at least six feet away from other guests in other parties and Aquarium staff at all times. We're limiting total capacity to help guests keep their distance.

Keep your hands clean
We’ve installed additional sanitizing stations throughout the Aquarium so you can lather as often as you like.

Go with the flow
Everyone will move through the Aquarium in one direction. We'll be putting some of our play areas, feedings, touch pools, and auditorium programs "on paws" (get it?) for now. You'll still be able to enjoy our animals and exhibits — including the amazing views and fresh air from our oceanfront decks.

On behalf of all your old friends — the octopus, sea otters, penguins and more — we can't wait to sea you soon! View more information here.

Are you rocking the new Kalletka gear yet? These designs are fantastic! Kalletka is a locally owned (Santa Cruz) company born from thousands of hours spent roaming on or under the ocean. This is a small company held closely by a community of divers, fisherman, and water-oriented people.

Now Bamboo Reef Dive Shop is proudly carrying Kaletka's shirts, sweatshirts, hats, beanies, and stickers! Visit us at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey to check them out. We also have Kaletka fleece hoodies available on our website.

This week was the week we were expecting Santa Clara County to announce that our salons, barber shops, gyms, and other personal services would be allowed to join the re-opening. As you may have heard, that didn't happen.

The Coronavirus caseload in Santa Clara County and in California in general has not only failed to shrink enough for high touch services like salons, gyms, and spas to re-open, the numbers are trending in the wrong direction.

We need to ask everyone to do their part to help push down the spread of Covid-19. Please wear a face mask in addition to continuing to keep your social distance when you're around non-family members. There has been growing evidence in recent months that face masks are effective in curtailing the spread of Covid-19.

It's also worthwhile to note that in numerous countries where wearing face masks is a common practice, people have been able to go get haircuts, massages, and workouts weeks and months ago. Those countries took different approaches toward controlling their outbreaks, but the one thing they had in common was that people wore face masks to reduce the spread of disease.

As of June 18th 2020, the state of California has expanded its face mask mandate to include when you are:

  • Waiting in line or waiting to enter any indoor public space

  • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible

It was already previously required that you must have a face mask on whenever you are inside a place of business. The key change that affects Downtown Campbell is that you now must also be wearing a face mask even outdoors if you are likely to be closer than 6 feet away from other people.

Last week, we asked you to wear a face mask anytime you're in Downtown Campbell. As some of our restaurants have re-opened for patio dining service, people have eagerly come back to enjoy their evenings in Downtown Campbell and it's getting a little too cozy for comfort at times.

We really appreciate you coming out to support our restaurants and retailers, but we really need you to do a better of job of wearing your face masks when you're here. We know you've got them because you put them on when you enter shops as required. Now we'd like to ask you to leave them on because we keep seeing too many people who are too close and are not wearing masks.

We also want you to help us set a good example for all the other downtowns on how to strike a balance between enjoying life and being conscientious of public health and safety during a pandemic. Sure, you're probably not sick, but if you wear a mask and everyone else wears a mask in Downtown Campbell, it's likely that collectively you will have convinced a few people who actually were sick to put a mask on.

Lots of people probably do not know that California's mask mandate has expanded and most people who will come to Downtown Campbell in the next week will never read this message. They're never going to see any of our requests for them to put a mask on, but they will notice if you are wearing a mask.

So please wear a mask! We need your help to make Downtown Campbell safe for more people to enjoy and help push the infection rate down so our salons and spas can get back in action.

Why Wear a Face Mask?

Face masks are not impenetrable barriers to viruses, but they don't have to be to reduce the chances that you will give someone else Covid-19 or get it from someone else. They only need to stop enough virus from getting through to prevent diseases from being transmitted from person to person. They're especially good at stopping any outbound viruses from the wearer.

This is because respiratory droplets that can carry huge amounts of viral...Read More

More Info

Red Cross Blood Drives at El Estero Park: July - November 2020

Posted on June 19th, 2020 by lighthouseave

The City of Monterey and the American Red Cross have five blood drives scheduled at El Estero Park Center at 777 Pearl Street in Monterey:

Wednesday, July 1
Wednesday, August 26
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, October 28
Tuesday, November 17

To donate blood on any of these dates, please schedule your appointment online here or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Because of Covid-19, no walk-in appointments will be accepted - you must schedule your appointment in advance.

The City of Monterey and the American Red Cross have five monthly blood drives scheduled at El Estero Park Center at 777 Pearl Street in Monterey:

Wednesday, July 1
Wednesday, August 26
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, October 28
Tuesday, November 17

To donate blood on any of these dates, please schedule your appointment online here or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Because of Covid-19, no walk-in appointments will be accepted - you must schedule your appointment in advance.

Code Ninjas Monterey is holding free Overwatch e-sports league tryouts for the Monterey Bay Whales fall season team on August 15 and 22, 2pm-5pm. It's an amazing opportunity for children ages 8-14 with a passion for fun, friendly, and cooperative gaming. No prior experience is necessary.

Overwatch is an online multiplayer e-sports game played on the PC. The league is approved for ages 8-14. Twelve players will receive an invite after our tryouts. Players will receive team jerseys and team swag. League pricing will be explained during tryouts.

The season will run 8 weeks, including a 2-week playoff. Games will be played each Saturday or Sunday, August - October, 2020. HP-Omen Gaming Laptops are provided, and are the preferred sponsor of the Overwatch Professional League. Parent involvement is highly encouraged. Teams will be coached by Center Director Julian Torres, and Sensei Bogdan Grots.

If you have questions please email us or phone us at 831-200-3924. You can sign up for a free tryout online. Code Ninjas is located at 469 Pacific Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Free Meals for Children in Need at Local Schools this Summer

Posted on June 18th, 2020 by lighthouseave

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is offering grab-and-go student meals for youth age 18 years and younger, Mondays through Fridays, June 8 - July 24 (except July 3). Students do not need to be present at pick-up. Please practice social distancing while picking up meals.

Pick-up locations, Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts
Marshall Elementary
Marina Vista Elementary
Los Arboles Middle
Seaside High

Pick-up locations, Mon-Fri, 10:30am-12:30pm:
La Mesa Elementary

Escape Room 831 Reopens

Posted on June 18th, 2020 by Escape Room 831

Escape Room 831 has now reopened with strict sanitary and social distancing plans in place. Located at 599 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, we invite you to have fun and escape with us while being safe and smart!

Here are 5 ways Escape Room 831 is working to operate safely during this pandemic:

1. No mixed-player games
How do you socially distance in an escape room? By playing with people you’ve been quarantining with or close friends and family you have been in physical contact with during shelter-in-place.

All games at Escape Room 831 are private. Groups are limited to family members and close friends in order to limit the possible spread. No strangers or random people will be in the room with your group.

2. Disinfecting game rooms after each game
Each room will be thoroughly cleaned by our employees, especially all hard surfaces that have heavy use such as doorknobs, tabletops, locks, and keys after every game.

3. Restrooms cleaned after every use
All customer restrooms will be cleaned after each use by a member of our staff, following all official guidelines for cleaning public spaces.

4. Customers are required to wash their hands and we provide sanitizer on-site
We will require all customers to wash or sanitize their hands prior to entering the room. There are hand-sanitizing stations in place for customer and employee use.

5. Bring your patience, be smart, be safe and have fun
We will all get through this together by working together, so patience and courtesy go a long way. The bottom line is: be safe, be smart, follow the rules, and have fun! This is about fun - bringing that mindset will help all of us.

Escape Room 831, founded by entrepreneurs Christina and Barrie Riddoch of Monterey, is following all guidelines for safety issued by local, state, and national officials. In fact, we intend to go above and beyond guidelines to be extra vigilant to make you feel safe and secure inside our doors. For more information, visit our website, call us at 831-241-6616, or send an email and we can answer further questions.

Lilify is absolutely tickled to be partnering with Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza of Ad Astra Bread Co. on our newest delight – the Lilify Loaf. Made locally, the Lilify Loaf is sourdough bread with seasonal herbs harvested from our personal garden including rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme.

The Lilify Loaf is fresh baked and available in the shop every Friday until sold out. Lilify, located at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, is now open for in-store shopping Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Many of our fine products (but no bread) can also be purchased on our website for curbside pick-up or shipping.

Have some extra tanks that rarely see the water these days? Reef Check California needs your help! They're looking for tank donations to help out their dive ops in Northern California.

Until the end of June, drop off your tanks at Bamboo Reef Dive Shop and we'll get them ready for the Reef Check crew. Out of hydro? No worries, drop off any tank regardless of age!⁠ Tax exempt receipt available by request - just leave your information so Reef Check can reach you.

Bamboo Reef Dive Shop is located at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Father's Day Cards at Lilify

Posted on June 17th, 2020 by Lilify

This Sunday we honor fathers. And stepfathers. And grandfathers. And uncles. And all those who protect, support, guide, and uplift.

In time for Father's Day, Lilify presents a thoughtful collection of cards by independent designers honoring the fathers and father figures in your life. Visit us at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey for in-store shopping, or phone us at 831-207-1380 for curbside pick-up.

Amateur filmmakers from around the world filmed their beloved cats during the Covid-19 stay-at-home orders, and this compilation reel, Quarantine Cat Film Fest, brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest and most loving of these videos, exclusively filmed during the pandemic.

Osio Theater knows how much our community loves cats. Now you can watch them do their thing from the comfort of your own home, and 50% of your rental fee will directly support Osio Theater! Rent it here. This movie will be available to stream online beginning June 19.

Watch the trailer. (Go on...You know you want to.)

Fleet Feet Monterey is reopening our doors for in-store shopping at 472 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey. We do have a few new safety measures we will be implementing to ensure our customers' and employees' safety.

We're now open 7 days a week: Monday - Saturday, 10am- 6pm, and Sunday, 10am-5pm. All visitors must wear masks. (Be a hero!) To be fitted for running shoes in the store, you'll need to schedule an appointment online.

For those who do not wish to come inside the store, we still offer curbside pick up. We also have an online store where shipping is available.

We thank you for your patience and support during this time and we're looking forward to seeing you. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 831-372-5664.

Cafe Lumiere is now offering gift baskets just in time for Father's Day! We have a coffee gift basket, a tea gift basket, a DIY bread gift basket, and two different "breakfast in bed" baskets. Prices range $20-$50. Visit our website and look up "Gift Bags" for more details.

Cafe Lumiere is located at 365 Calle Principal in Downtown Old Monterey.

MY Museum's doors might be temporarily closed but our mission to provide play to families is still our focus and happening throughout our community. Please help support MY Museum and bring hours of fun for your little one(s).

We are now offering offering two amazing art kits available for pick-up 10am-12pm June 18-20. Pre-payment and pick-up time reservations are required. Please click here for more information and to make reservations.

The Creation Station to Go Kits - $35 each
Enjoy over 20 different craft items from pompoms and pipe cleaners to the most unique items from our Creation Station. Use the box and glue bottle or for even more fun add your own paper, toilet paper rolls and a glue gun if age appropriate.

Make-N-Take Kits for Kids - $35 each
Boys and girls ages 3-8 can all find something that will spark their imaginations. The 4 crafts included are: Fun with Foil, A Creative Color Wheel, Puppets on a Stick, and Tissue Paper Stained Glass.

Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum) is located at 425 Washington Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

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