One of the most frequent questions we get asked at Nacho Bizness is why we use Taco Works chips. And we're all for keeping a little mystery in our lives, but today we're giving you the answer.

When we first opened Nacho Bizness in a very small space on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, we knew we couldn’t have a deep fryer so we set on a mission to find the most flavorful chips that would stand up to our house made cheese sauce. After an exhaustive search, Taco Works came out king! Light and crispy, they paired perfectly and made a delicious bed for our 'chos. Plus, Taco Works is a California company, located in San Luis Obispo.

When Nacho Bizness moved to our Alvarado Street spot in 2020, we made the decision to stick with Taco Works chips because they are a huge part of what we do! Bi-weekly deliveries ensure a crisp and delicious chip every time you dig into your nachos.

Come and try these outstanding chips yourself, if you haven't already. Nacho Bizness is located at 470 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Venture Gallery presents the work of local artist Dorothy Stonely, our featured artist for January. Her show, entitled The Poetry of Color, exhibits Dorothy’s love and mastery of the color spectrum.

Venture Gallery is now open daily, 10am-6pm. Dorothy Stonely's artwork will be featured through January 2022. Venture Gallery is located at 260 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey. Visit our website to shop online for work by our local artists.

Brighten your table with traditional treats! The Perfect Crumb is baking up delicious Christmas cookies for the holidays. You can visit us at 301 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey to see what we have available on the day, but to avoid disappointment it's best to order yours over the phone in advance, 831-241-6269.

Short on time? Stuck on gift ideas? Have someone who's impossible to shop for?

We've got the perfect solution for you. It's the Lighthouse District Gift Card Directory! Every gift certificate purchased from a small business is a gift that counts twice. It's a gift your loved one will be able to apply toward something they'll really want AND you'll be supporting a small, locally owned "mom and pop" business that's vital to the health and character of our New Monterey community.

Here you go... holiday shopping made easy!

Bamboo Reef Dive Shop is celebrating the end of the year with a sale! We've got tons of items heavily discounted including Solafx wetsuits, Hammerhead spearguns, 5 mm Wettie freediving suits, Slipins, and more.

Snag some gear for yourself or grab some last-minute Christmas gifts for the divers in your life at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

It's not too late to join the Campbell Recreation Department this holiday season for a Tennis or Soccer Camp! For more information, click the links below.

Tennis: TDA Pre-Rally Holiday Camp (5-6 yrs)

Tennis: TDA Rally Holiday Camp (7-12yrs)

Tennis: TDA Pre-Circuit Holiday Camp (11-15 yrs)

World Cup Soccer Holiday Camps (5-6, 7-9, & 10-13 yrs)

Camp Craft Jars make great gifts for the holiday season! Just add 12 oz. of alcohol, refrigerate for three days, and shake before serving, OR add boiling water, allow to cool in the refrigerator, strain, and add to hot or iced tea, sparkling water, or fruit juice.

Now through the end of December, buy 2 jars at full price at Shear Addiction Barbershop and Hair Studio and get the third jar at half off. Visit us at 160 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Parker-Lusseau Pastries and Cafe is now offering five flavors of Buche de Noel (Yule Log), including several gluten-free options! Please place your orders for Christmas by Monday, December 20. Visit us at 539 Hartnell Street in Downtown Old Monterey or phone us at 831-641-9188.

Buche de Noel Flavors

Chocolate and Spice
ginger spice cake with chocolate mousse, cinnamon Bavarian and candied citrus

Chocolate-Espresso (gluten free)
chocolate mousse and espresso mousse with caramelized hazelnuts

Triple Chocolate (gluten free)
chocolate mousse, chocolate creme brulee, and flourless chocolate cake

Chocolate, Passion Fruit & Coconut (gluten free)
chocolate mousse with passion fruit cream and coconut dacquoise

Chocolate Raspberry
chocolate mousse with raspberries and pistachio cake

Monterey Public Library is accepting food for fines all month long! December 1-31, bring in any non-perishable food donation for the Food Bank and the library will waive all fines on your library account. (Please note: this offer does not apply to replacement fees for lost or damaged items - only overdue book fees.)

Items recommended for donation:
Canned tuna, chicken, or salmon
Peanut butter
Meals in a can (soup, stew, chili)
Low-sodium canned vegetables
Canned fruit in its own juice or water
Olive or canola oil
Spices (cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, salt-free spice blends)
Canned foos with pop-top lids
Low-sugar, whole-grain cereals
Healthy snakes (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
(Please avoid items packed in glass.)

Monterey Public Library is located at 625 Pacific Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Laugh it up all year long! Subscribe to the Foolish Times. New subscribers will get 12 issues for $34 and you'll receive a free, autographed copy of Dana B. Larrabee's Positively MAD About Godzelda mini-comic / zine with behind-the-scenes pics and info on the making of Godzelda Destroys Salinas. Offer ends December 31, 2021.

To subscribe, please call 831-638-1038, e-mail the office of the Foolish Times, or visit our website.