The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA) is seeking a full time Director. The Director serves as the primary representative and advocate for Old Monterey’s downtown businesses. This role combines leadership, public relations, and community engagement to strengthen the Downtown’s economy, preserve its historic character, and foster a welcoming, vibrant district.

Sound interesting? Read the job description. The application process is outlined on the second page.

About the OMBA

The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing and promoting the economic vitality and community spirit of Old Monterey. The OMBA holds a weekly Farmers Market on Alvarado Street and organizes events such as the 4th of July Parade and the Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn.

The OMBA strives to maintain Downtown Old Monterey as a district with cultural and historical diversity, featuring a variety of dining options, retail stores, and entertainment that serve both residents and visitors throughout the year.

💙 Caregivers Count! 💙

Join us for the 15th Annual Caregivers Count Conference – a 3-part series designed to support and empower family caregivers.

🗓 Saturdays, Sept 6, 13, & 20, 2025

⏰ 10am – 12pm

✨ Session Highlights:

📍 Sept 6 (Virtual) – Seven Questions About Transitions That Worry Caregivers with Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD & Julia L. Mayer, PsyD

📍 Sept 13 (Virtual) – Tailoring Care and Support Transitions with Vanessa Souza, LCSW

📍 Sept 20 (at Campbell Community Center) – Care Transitions & Technology featuring two engaging panel discussions

🔹 Bridging the Tech Divide with Trinh D. Nguyen

🔹 In-Home & Residential Care with Dedra Jize

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and gain practical strategies for caregiving. 💜

A message from the City of Monterey about our local sea lions:

City of Monterey's Parks Division this week has temporarily closed San Carlos Beach, located at Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue. A colony of sea lions have arrived en masse to use the beach as a resting spot.

The City of Monterey is working closely with staff at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We will keep the public informed as to the beach's status.

We want residents and visitors to be safe while visiting the coastline, and remind you to enjoy and watch the sea lions from a distance of at least 150 feet. Sea lions are large and can be unpredictable and territorial.

Please remember, we humans are sharing this space with other species. 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.

- August 22, 2025

Esteban Restaurant invites you to try our new Tapas Happy Hour menu and drinks al fresco on our beautiful outdoor patio or inside our casual Mediterranean dining room nightly, 4:30pm-6pm. We're known for our delicious Spanish-inspired California cuisine and cozy, inviting setting.

Whether you're hanging out with friends or having a romantic date night, you're in for a great time. Reservations are highly recommended - call 831-375-0176. We're located at 700 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey.

New Happy Hour Menu

New additions to the Tapas Happy Hour menu include: a Pintxos Board with Marcona almonds, olives, and pickled vegetables; Blistered Shishito Peppers with romesco, Pedro Ximenez vinegar, and za'atar; Cupping Pepperoni Pizza with San Marzano sauce, provolone, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano; Chef Steven's Meatballs with house-made pork and veal, brava sauce, and Manchego cheese; and an Empanada with braised pork shoulder, feta cheese, and salsa verde.

New Happy Hour Drinks

Our Tapas Happy Hour also has a new signature drink menu featuring: Four Eyed Bike Ride with Sauza tequila, Aperol, guava, lime, and Tahin; Get Figgy With It with Jim Beam bourbon, amaro, fig jam, black walnut bitters, and maple syrup; Too Cool For School with Outer Banks gin, Cherry Bark Vanilla bitters, watermelon, mint, and soda; Hell Hath No Fury with Hideout Cucumber vodka, Italicus, ginger bitters, pineapple, lime, and cava; and more. Spanish Margaritas are available by the glass or pitcher, and House-Made Sangria, red or rosé, is available by the glass or pitcher.

Wholehearted Tattoo is excited to introduce three experienced artists new to our studio: Brian Hutflies, Jordan LeFever, and Adrianne Marcella. As a group, their work includes American Traditional, Japanese Traditional, and some remarkable black and gray realism. Learn more about each artist below and visit our website to book an appointment. We're located at 140 W Franklin Street, Suite 205, in Downtown Old Monterey.

Brian Hutflies

Brian has over two decades of experience and it shows in his work. Originally from the Midwest, he has tattoo roots in the Bay Area. His work reflects a love for American Traditional, Japanese Traditional, and aspects of Neo Traditional.

Getting a tattoo from Brian, you won't just leave with great work but great memories and a smile on your face.

Jordan LeFever

Jordan is a Santa Cruz local but has moved all around the Bay Area and SoCal in his 20+ years of tattooing. His tattoo style reflects bold and colorful American Traditional and Japanese Traditional, but he can also surprise you with his awesome black and grey realism and lettering skills.

Jordan is amazing at listening to what you want and guiding you toward the best options for your tattoo idea. He's lighthearted, kind, funny, and makes his clients feel at ease during the tattooing process.

Adrianne Marcella

Adrianne launched her tattooing career in the LA area almost a decade ago. Her artistic style is characterized by elegant American Traditional elements with blackwork influences. She also enjoys color work.

When working with Adrianne you can expect patience, dedication, and a meticulous approach to designing unique tattoos. She values curating personalized experiences for each client.

You'll find more than burgers at American Burger Restaurant! Come try our Club Sandwich featuring bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce on toasted sourdough bread with a side of fries. We're located at 738 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

View our entire menu of juicy burgers plus sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and more on our website.

Start your child's musical journey! Wendi Kirby Music is offering three music classes for children beginning in September: a Group Piano Class (ages 6 and up), a Kindermusik Little Musicians Class (ages 4.5 - 7 years), and a Kindermusik Mixed Age Class (ages 6 months - 4.5 years).

Group Piano Class

In this class, children learn to play the piano in a small group setting where they learn to read music, improvise, arrange, and compose. Taught by pianist and composer Wendi Kirby. Learn more.

All grown up and want to learn how to play the piano? Wendi Kirby offers group piano classes for adults, too!

Kindermusik Little Musicians

Tuesdays at 3:45pm: Kindermusik Little Musicians classes (ages 4.5-7 years) provide children with a strong foundation of music skills in an engaging group setting. Through movement activities, games, stories, and ensemble play, they learn how to read and compose with music notation, play individually and within ensembles on a variety of instruments (like the glockenspiel!), and experience multiple music genres. Learn more.

Kindermusik Mixed Age Class

Thursdays at 12pm: Mixed age classes (6 months - 4.5 years) are great for families with siblings. They're designed for little ones at different developmental levels to make music together. Families build connection, grownups learn ideas for music exploration and play at home, and there’s room for everyone to grow. Learn more.

About Wendi Kirby Music

Wendi Kirby Music, located at 550 Hartnell Street, Suite F in Downtown Old Monterey, is a music studio and concert venue featuring beautiful acoustics and natural light. It is run by classically trained pianist, composer, and educator Wendi Kirby.

Please note: all classrooms and the concert venue are located on the second floor. Because of the historic nature of the building, there is no elevator, only stairs.