Congratulations to local entrepreneurs Steven Kittrell and Bren Walter of 456 Lighthouse which, after a long application process, has finally received approval from the City of Monterey and its Planning Commission to host up to 10 large events a year in their spacious facility.

From the Management

Bren Walter writes: "Steven and I have know this building was meant to be open, meant to have cars in it, and most importantly, meant to bring people together. It was the focus and goal from the very beginning. We have loved each and every event hosted at 456 Lighthouse.

"Thank you!!! For supporting us and encouraging us along the way. We are endlessly grateful and can’t wait to give back to our much loved auto community."

About 456 Lighthouse Ave

Located in Monterey's Lighthouse District, 456 Lighthouse Ave. is a 16,500 sqaure foot facility that boasts a spacious three-level floor plan, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light, a custom catering kitchen, multiple lounge areas, a beautiful and curated glass front open loft, and a large storage basement.

Three entry points include a wide electric roll-up door for cars or guests, storefront double doors near Lighthouse Ave., and a single side entrance. It is an ideal space for private and corporate events. Learn more here.

For the first time in our history, Breakthrough Men's Community, headquartered in Downtown Monterey, is bringing the proven communication tools that have helped thousands of program graduates improve the quality of their work experience directly into businesses and the workplace.

We’re especially excited to offer this work to our local business partners and community organizations.

Introducing the Breakthrough Intentional Communication Series.

This offering translates nearly four decades of human-centered communication practice into practical, repeatable tools teams can use under real workplace pressure.

Organizations use this series to:
• Reduce unnecessary conflict
• Improve clarity and accountability
• Strengthen boundaries and trust at work
• Keep leaders focused on execution, not escalation

This isn’t training for inspiration. It’s experience in execution. All designed to deliver measurable return on team training investment. Learn more here.

Calling all parents! Have you figured out plans for your child’s school break in February? While it may feel like the new year just began, another school break is already on the horizon! In just 3 weeks, it will be Presidents’ Week Break, and we have camps to keep your children busy. Plan ahead and secure your spots now! www.campbellca.gov/camps

February Break Camps at the CCC

Ages 4–12 | Half-day & full-day options

Day Camp at the CCC

Design Your Own Resource...Read More

Did you know? Nikki at Oya Salon specializes in enhancing your natural beauty through expertly shaped and styled eyebrows. She offers a variety of services including brow shaping, tinting, and laminating to help you achieve your desired look.

Call 831-656-0570 to book your appointment with Nikki at Oya, located at 201 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

On The Beach Surf Shop has incredibly soft blankets from Local Beach. These make great gifts for Valentine’s Day! Our customers loved these over the holidays so they’re back in the store. Visit us at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey to get yours.

Local Beach is a family owned and operated brand based in the sunny San Diego area.

Rosebuds Kids Co. invites you to come check out our new children's toy area, located in the back of the shop at 535 Foam Street in Monterey.

About the Toy Area

We have lots of gently loved toy cars, arts and crafts and educational toys, cute dolls, stuffed animals galore, games, puzzles, and books for all ages. Better yet, this area serves as a small play zone for your kids, so your children stay busy while you shop.

Hours

Rosebuds is open Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm, and Saturday, 10am-4pm. We're closed Sunday and Monday.

Winter 2026 Weekly Spanish Lessons for Adults and Kids at Vive La Experiencia in Downtown Campbell begin on January 30th.

Adult Spanish Beginner Course 1A
Fridays 3:00PM to 4:30PM for 8 Weeks
Starting on January 30th

Adult Spanish Beginner Course 1B
Thursdays 5:30PM to 7:00PM for 8 Weeks
Starting on February 12th

Youth Spanish
Mondays 3:00PM to 4:00PM for 8 Weeks
Starting on February 9th

Tuition:

• Group: $240
• Semi-Private: $375

To reserve your spot:

• Email: ViveExperiencia@gmail.com
• Call: 408-905-0151

Six Over Coffee and Company, a small but mighty coffee shop, has recently opened at 160 Webster Street in Downtown Monterey. Open Wednesday - Monday, 6:30am-2:30pm.

Owned and operated by two locals, TJ and Avery, Six Over is brewing up well-sourced beans into expertly crafted coffee and espresso beverages. They are currently serving roasts from Brandywine Coffee Roasters of Delaware and Makeworth Coffee of Washington.

Six Over also serves hot and cold tea drinks such as matcha, chai, and london fog along with a select number of delicious baked goods made locally.

Good news, book lovers! Old Capitol Books is now open six days a week! Visit us Tuesday - Sunday, 12pm-6pm, at 482 Alvarado Street in Downtown Monterey.

About Old Capitol Books

Old Capitol Books is your local, friendly (and kind of hidden) used bookshop. We enjoy helping you find just the right read, whether you're looking for a specific title or need a recommendation. Or you can enjoy browsing our shelves for unexpected finds and hidden gems.

Independently owned Heaven on Earth Cleaning, based in the Lighthouse District, is now offering a New Year Special! For a limited time, get 10% off when you book both our carpet cleaning and house cleaning services.

Heaven on Earth Cleaning serves homes and businesses in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Castroville, Prunedale, Salinas, and Pebble Beach. Book online 24/7 or request a quote.

Poppleon's Winter Clearance Sale is here! Beginning January 2, 2026, every item in the store is reduced and custom orders are 15% off.

Visit our 16,000 sq. ft. showroom at 299 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. We have new shipments arriving daily.

About Poppleton's

Poppleton's interior design firm and fine furniture showroom first opened in 1981. Still locally owned and operated, our store now carries over 100 of the finest furniture brands and helps furnish homes from coast to coast.

Be inspired by poetry as you begin the new year. The Rose Books and Obscurities has a beautifully curated collection of poetry books available at our shop at 136 Bonifacio Place in Downtown Monterey and online.

We have assembled a wide-ranging group of poets, from early twentieth-century voices to contemporary writers. Authors represented include Edgar Allan Poe, Alfred Tennyson, Philip Levine, Robert Pinsky, Derek Walcott, Pablo Neruda, T. S. Eliot, Thom Gunn, and many more.

Signed Editions

A highlight of the catalog is a two-line autograph poetic inscription, signed by Robert Frost, in this 1934 edition of Selected Poems. The lines - adapted from “Spring Pools” -appear in Frost’s hand, supported by strong, well-documented provenance.

Other signed works in the catalog include: The Crooked Lines of God by Brother Antoninus, Omeros by Derek Walcott, a limited edition of only one hundred copies of Thistles by Philip Levine, and An Exploration of America.

Hours of Operation

The Rose Books and Obscurities is open Tuesday, 1pm-6pm, and Thursday through Sunday, 12pm -5pm. Closed Monday and Wednesday.

If you pick up a copy of Monterey Bay Parent magazine in January 2026, you'll notice that Downtown Monterey is featured, both on the cover and in an article on page 23! View the magazine here.

The Cover

The cover of Monterey Bay Parent magazine for January 2026 features a photo of Hazel and Chloe Lama, whose parents own and run East Village Cafe and New June boutique in Downtown Monterey. Hazel and Chloe are perched on the California grizzly bear statues, placed on the lawn in front of Colton Hall, which is a great spot for families.

The Article

On page 23, you'll find a full article devoted to ways families can explore and enjoy Downtown Monterey together. There are lots of good ideas, including a visit to Colton Hall, Monterey State Historic Park, the Tuesday Farmers Market on Alvarado Street, and kid-friendly spots such as MY Museum, High Scores Arcade, Revival Ice Cream, Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, and The Hot Spot Studios.

If you're looking for regular classes and workshops for children, Wendi Kirby Music and Monterey Martial Arts provide great opportunities.