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Monterey Core Fitness introduces our new instructor and fitness coach, Morgan Gose. Morgan is now leading our early-morning group training classes Monday - Friday, and she’s available to take on a limited number of personal training clients.

About Morgan

Morgan holds a B.S. in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science which gives her a strong foundation in anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and movement science. She has more than 10 years of experience in both personal and group training, specializing in strength training, weight loss, and conditioning.

Her goal is to help people train smart, move well, and feel strong...every single day.

Join Monterey Core Fitness

Monterey Core Fitness is a women's boutique gym and fitness studio located at 191 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. Learn more about gym and group training memberships.

Wondering when to buy or sell your home? Get a free consultation with Christian Viollaz of Chez Christian Real Estate, located right down the street at 191 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite A3.

An independent brokerage in operation for more than 20 years, we know it's often difficult to get relevant information when you're looking to buy or sell a home. Let us help you. Phone for an appointment, 831-393-0324.

It was still known as the Prune Festival the first time he went. Whatever you call it, he hasn't missed a single one in decades. Most of you will know this festival as the Campbell Boogie Festival and Dan Henoch has been to every one since the 80's, a streak that will reach 38 consecutive appearances by the time this weekend is done. The festival has changed a lot in the 46 years it's been around and one man has seen most of those changes in person.

Dan's been a Campbell resident since 2004, but has been in the Bay Area since landing in San Rafael when his family moved from Indiana when he was 10 years old. His festival ironman streak started in 1987 when a neighbor of his asked him to go and he just kept returning. After 5 years of not missing the festival, he started to realize he had a streak going, but he didn't really get serious about it until it had reached a decade.

That was when he started documenting his streak. He wrote down the day(s) he went and who he went with along with the location where the festival was held that year. In his notes, you can see the festival location bouncing back and forth between Downtown Campbell, the Pruneyard, and the Community Center. The closest he got to breaking his streak was in 2004 when his mom was sick and he was only able to make an abbreviated appearance on his way to visiting her.

I asked him what his favorite memory of the early years was and he really enjoyed having the festival on the grass at the Campbell Community Center (which was then Campbell High School). He just liked the setting, but his favorite all time memory of the festival was one particular performance by the Johnny Neri Band. It was just so energetic, the crowd was really into it, and everyone was dancing.

When asked to summarize his experience, he said he loves it all... everything from the vendors and the musicians to the volunteers that make it happen. Campbell's just an awesome community and it's reflected in how much fun its festivals are. He's a lifelong diary keeper and he's relished being able to personally witness one little festival that he stumbled into as a young man evolve across decades.

Attached is a photo of Dan. You'll see him this weekend. Say hi and congratulate him on his unusual streak. Also in honor of Dan, I've included a photo of the Johnny Neri Band from a past appearance at Boogie.

Boogie: Campbell's Music Festival is a production of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce. The festival is coming up on May 17th and 18th in Downtown Campbell. Learn more about the festival at: campbellboogie.com.

Boogie: Campbell's Music Festival is a production of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce. The festival is coming up on May 17th and 18th in Downtown Campbell. Learn more about the festival at:...Read More

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Montrio restaurant at 414 Calle Principal in Downtown Old Monterey - has designated Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for May and June 2025.

What does this mean? When you order takeout food from Montrio, 10% of your order will automatically be donated to support MFCF's community events and public education regarding fire prevention and safety. (Please note: this offer does not apply to delivery orders.)

About Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation

The Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation has 78 members consisting of all the captains, engineers and firefighters who work for Monterey Fire Department. The organization seeks to educate, engage, and empower the community regarding fire prevention and fire safety. Activities include organizing community events, distributing wildfire relief funds, and providing accurate and up-to-date fire information and resources.

Are you gearing up for 2025 graduations? Freedom Bakery offers beautifully decorated cakes and cookies perfect for your celebrations. We make everything in our Watsonville bakery and you can pick up your order at our Monterey Boutique open 6 days a week, Tue-Sun, 10am-1pm, at 305 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Graduation Cakes

A custom decorated cake is a beautiful centerpiece for any celebration and our highly skilled team of cake decorators bring all their artistry to every design. Need a way to celebrate BIG? Consider Freedom Bakery's stunning tiered cakes - the perfect showstopper for an unforgettable event.

Want to sample our cake flavors? Stop by our Monterey Boutique Tue-Sun, 10am-1pm for a free tasting.

Graduation Cookies

Our delicious butter shortbread cookies are made from scratch in our Watsonville bakery. Iced by hand with a light lemon icing, printed with your custom design, and individually wrapped, they make lovely party favors or gifts.

Order cookies with a personal message of congratulations, your grad's cap and gown photo, or an image of the school mascot. Learn more about our cookies here.

Ordering

You'll need to order our custom cakes and cookies in advance on our website. See ordering deadlines here (under "Lead Time"). Please call us at 831-722-5223 if you have questions, or visit our Monterey Boutique, Tue-Sun, 10am-1pm, to speak with our staff.

Spa on the Plaza, located at 201 Alvarado Street, is offering Mother's Day specials May 1-31, 2025, including a Tropical Bliss Massage (80 min., $185) and a Mom's Tropical Escape (2 hours, $320). To learn more and make an appointment, please phone us at 831-647-9000.

May Specials 2025

Tropical Bliss Massage
$185 for 80 minutes
Have Mom relax her body and mind with an exotic blend of coconut and lime oils. This luxurious massage deeply hydrates while energizing the senses.

Mom's Tropical Escape
$320 for 2 hours
Treat Mom to a day of tropical relaxation with our cocobalm massage followed by a brightening papaya facial and hydrating guava treatment.

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to share our lineup of engaging activities designed to keep your preschool-aged child active, learning, and having fun! Here’s what we have in store for you this summer.

🌟 Summer Kindergarten Prep (4-5.5 YRS) M-Th 8:30am-11:30am

Prepare your child for the upcoming school year with our Kindergarten Prep program! Over a 4-week session, children will attend school 4 days a week, participating in creative learning experiences that promote social interaction, language development, motor skills, science, math, and art — all in a play-based learning environment.

⚽ Soccer Tots (3-5 YRS)

Kick off the summer with Soccer Tots! This program introduces young athletes to the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, and shooting through fun, age-appropriate games and activities. Participants will develop balance, coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a safe, supportive environment.

🏀 Skyhawks Mini Hawk Baseball, Basketball & Soccer Camp (4-5 YRS) M-F 9am-12pm July 7th-11th

This program is the perfect introduction to athletics for young children! Skyhawks Mini Hawk focuses on the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, and soccer in a safe, structured, and fun environment. Through engaging games and activities, kids will explore balance, movement, hand/eye coordination, and skill development at their own pace.

🌳 Day Camp: Teeter Totters (2.75-5.5 YRS) M-F 9:30am-12:30pm

Perfect for younger campers, Teeter Totters provides a safe introduction to the day camp experience. Activities include group games, art, storytelling, water play, and camp songs in a well-supervised setting at the Campbell Community Center.

🐻 Day Camp: Camper Cubs (4-5 YRS) M-F 10am-3pm

Camper Cubs is a fantastic first outdoor day camp experience for young children, held at John D. Morgan Park. Campers will enjoy group games, art, water play, storytelling, and a special themed activity each Wednesday. This program is ideal for children who can stay with a group and follow camp leader instructions.

For more information and to register for one of the activities listed above, visit...Read More

Monterey Trolley Returns May 24, 2025

Posted on May 8th, 2025 by lighthouseave

The Monterey trolley is returning! This free service will operate May 24 - September 1, 10am-6pm daily. Trolleys run every 10-15 minutes. Look for the green MST Trolley signs to board along the route.

Park and Ride

Park in the Downtown Monterey Garage (340 Tyler Street) or the Cannery Row Garage (601 Foam Street) and get a free ride to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the Lighthouse District, Downtown Old Monterey, and Old Fisherman's Wharf.

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Friday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please phone the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

The New Monterey Business Association belatedly welcomes Carmel Valley Guitar to the Lighthouse District! This gem of a shop, which moved to 623B Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey in February, is owned and operated by master luthier Bernie Hefner.

About the Shop

Carmel Valley Guitar is a complete guitar and amplifier repair shop - actually, it's fully equipped to handle any stringed instrument repair or restoration. You'll also find an array of acoustic and electric guitars for sale on consignment as well as fresh necessities like guitar strings. The inventory is growing every day!

The shop is open Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm. Come meet and speak with Bernie, who has has 39 years of experience in the guitar manufacturing industry. No appointment necessary.

Building a Supportive Musical Community

Carmel Valley Guitar is a great place for guitar enthusiasts of all ages. Owner Bernie Hefner aims to develop a supportive environment where knowledge, experience, and instruments are shared, fostering a thriving musical community.

American Burger presents....the Carnitas Burger! A meeting of North American and Central American cuisines, the Carnitas Burger features tender pork carnitas with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and avocado on a hamburger bun. Come try it!

American Burger is a family-run restaurant bringing big smiles and great food to all ages at 738 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Mattress Nation is offering the best deals and the best prices of the season during the Memorial Day Sale, now through June 3, 2025.

Save up to $800 on select adjustable mattress sets from Stearns & Foster and up to $500 off select adjustable mattress sets from Tempur-Pedic and Sealy.

Visit Salesperson Laura and her friendly little dog, Hannah, at Mattress Nation at 296 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and let them help you. Mattress Nation is locally owned and the service can't be beat.

To all the mothers out there: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey invites you to celebrate Mother's Day by taking the first step in your Jiu-Jitsu journey and giving yourself the empowerment and community you deserve. Our Women Empowered Program is the perfect place to build confidence while learning essential self defense skills. No previous experience necessary.

In the month of May 2025, moms who are new students to the studio can train for free. Check out our website to learn more and register. We look forward to seeing you on the mat at 800 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

CSUMB students! Need a place to celebrate your graduation with friends and family? Look no further than Bulldog Sports Pub. Our kitchen is open late and we have an outdoor patio if we fill up indoors.

Make your reservations now, before you have to scramble to find a venue. Call us at 831-658-0686 to book your spot at 611 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Oystertown Open Five Days a Week!

Posted on May 6th, 2025 by Oystertown

The Lighthouse District's newest restaurant, Oystertown, is now open Thursday - Monday! Stop by, meet owners Phil Wojtowicz and Monica Schweiger, and try out their menu at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

About Oystertown

Oystertown, true to its name, serves the freshest oysters in town plus a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. And don't miss the desserts - they're heavenly. No reservations, walk-ins only.

Hours

Thursday - Saturday, 4:30pm-9pm
Sunday, 11:30am-4:40pm
Monday, 4:30pm-9pm

In support of local queer youth, Monterey Peninsula Pride announces its second annual Queer Youth Recognition Scholarship. High school seniors and juniors who have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, advocated for the queer community, or have contributed positively to the community on the Monterey Peninsula are encouraged to apply here.

Applications are open May 1-31, 2025. Queer youth selected for the scholarships will be recognized at the Monterey Peninsula Pride Celebration on June 28 at Custom House Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey.

Recipients who are high school seniors will receive a $1000 scholarship, recipients who are high school juniors will receive a $500 scholarship. Funds are intended to: be used towards the student's educational or personal goals, better the queer community on the Monterey Peninsula, or alleviate some financial stress in the student's family.

Applicants are required to submit a 500 word statement - please refer to the application form for details.

Apply for the 2025 Queer Youth Recognition Scholarship

Posted on May 2nd, 2025 by lighthouseave

In support of local queer youth, Monterey Peninsula Pride announces its second annual Queer Youth Recognition Scholarship. High school seniors and juniors who have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, advocated for the queer community, or have contributed positively to the community on the Monterey Peninsula are encouraged to apply here.

Applications are open May 1-31, 2025. Queer youth selected for the scholarships will be recognized at the Monterey Peninsula Pride Celebration on June 28 at Custom House Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey.

Recipients who are high school seniors will receive a $1000 scholarship, recipients who are high school juniors will receive a $500 scholarship. Funds are intended to: be used towards the student's educational or personal goals, better the queer community on the Monterey Peninsula, or alleviate some financial stress in the student's family.

Applicants are required to submit a 500 word statement - please refer to the application form for details.

Sale on Soap at Alma del Mar

Posted on April 29th, 2025 by Alma del Mar

Alma del Mar is having a sale on our all-natural, handmade soaps! We have hundreds of bars marked at $1 each, and soap sides (odd sizes) available for $5 per bag.

There are a wide variety of shapes and scents - all made here at our shop at 269 Bonifacio Place in Downtown Old Monterey.

About Our Soap

The eco-friendly bar soap made at Alma del Mar is cold processed and contains essential oils. Proceeds from all sales benefit The Wahine Project.

Did you know that Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen is available for private events? Whether it’s a wedding welcome party, rehearsal dinner, corporate gathering, or special celebration, we would love to host your gathering at our wine tasting room at 316 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Our newly renovated space offers indoor seating and an outdoor patio perfect for live music and gatherings of up to 125 guests.⁠ It features a full kitchen with shared plates, local wines, craft brews, and catering options from our top-rated partners.

Please email Albatrross Ridge or call for more information, 831-293-8896.

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