By now, all of you have probably heard that California reopened on June 15. You may be asking: what does that mean?

It means that most, but not all, Covid-19 related public health orders have been lifted for all the lucky people who've been vaccinated. For people who haven't been vaccinated, the new rules are somewhat relaxed, but remain similar to what they were before.

As of June 15, businesses in Monterey's Lighthouse District no longer have any capacity limits and most are not required to enforce masking and social distancing for anyone who's been vaccinated, Keep in mind that they can still request that everyone wear a mask while on their premises.

If a business is still requiring everyone to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, they surely have a good reason for doing so. Please remember that each small business is run by someone who has a family and is dealing with challenges that you can't see. While we're all thrilled to be starting the return to normal, the reality is that for people operating shops, restaurants, and services, things are still a long way from normal. 2021 is going to be a year of transition.

Please help us this year by being your most compassionate and understanding self. If wearing a mask is not something you're willing to do, just take your money to another business until their rules change.

What if you want to keep wearing a mask? If you're vaccinated but still want to wear a mask, that's your business. You're allowed to do that regardless of what other people are doing around you.

What if you want to get vaccinated for Covid-19? Now is a great time to get vaccinated - there are many free vaccine appointments available in Monterey County. Increased vaccination rates protect your physical health as well as our economic health. We simply do not want to return to shutdowns and curfews. Vaccines are the most important tool we have to return California to a vibrant, growing, and healthy economy. Anda!

By now, all of you have probably heard that California reopened on June 15. You may be asking: what does that mean?

It means that most, but not all, Covid-19 related public health orders have been lifted for all the lucky people who've been vaccinated. For people who haven't been vaccinated, the new rules are somewhat relaxed, but remain similar to what they were before.

As of June 15, businesses in Downtown Old Monterey no longer have any capacity limits and most are not required to enforce masking and social distancing for anyone who's been vaccinated, Keep in mind that they can still request that everyone wear a mask while on their premises.

If a business is still requiring everyone to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, they surely have a good reason for doing so. Please remember that each small business is run by someone who has a family and is dealing with challenges that you can't see. While we're all thrilled to be starting the return to normal, the reality is that for people operating shops, restaurants, and services, things are still a long way from normal. 2021 is going to be a year of transition.

Please help us this year by being your most compassionate and understanding self. If wearing a mask is not something you're willing to do, just take your money to another business until their rules change.

What if you want to keep wearing a mask? If you're vaccinated but still want to wear a mask, that's your business. You're allowed to do that regardless of what other people are doing around you.

What if you want to get vaccinated for Covid-19? Now is a great time to get vaccinated - there are many free vaccine appointments available in Monterey County. Increased vaccination rates protect your physical health as well as our economic health. We simply do not want to return to shutdowns and curfews. Vaccines are the most important tool we have to return California to a vibrant, growing, and healthy economy. Anda!

We are happy to announce that the Old Monterey Events Page has returned to our website! Now that California is reopening we have lots of music, pop-up shops, and workshops happening in Downtown Old Monterey and we're compiling them all in one place in chronological order. If you're looking for something fun to do any day of the week, check it out.

Peter B's Brewpub, located at 2 Portola Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey at Portola Hotel & Spa, is happy to announce our reopening on Wednesday, June 16. Come and enjoy our award-winning locally-brewed beer, 18 high-definition televisions, and pub menu stocked with innovative comfort foods.

Our new Head Brewer, Natalie Mika, has been hard at work brewing our flagship ales including Legend of Laguna and Inclusion Amber Ale. And our dining menu? Expect to see some of your favorites, including Macho Nachos, The Wing Man, Crispy Cheese Curds, Jocelyn’s Diablo Burger, Fresh Baked Pizzas, and more.

Come on down and enjoy indoor or outdoor seating! We're open Wednesday - Sunday, 4pm-10pm. Happy Hour is 4pm-6pm, with an extra Late Night Happy Hour 9pm-10pm.

Grace Lifestyle Boutique, located at 459 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is hiring a part-time sales associate. Compensation is $15 per hour (possibly more with experience) plus hiring clothing allowance, 30% employee discount, and commission on sales goals.

If you are excited about fashion, jewelry, and all things cute; are responsible and dependable; have sales experience (preferred but not necessary!); enjoy meeting and chatting with new people, locals and visitors alike; and are available part time but also open to additional on-call days....we would love to meet you!

Please call the shop at 831-324-4200 or visit us in person.

Epsilon Fine Greek Restaurant, located at 422 Tyler Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is now hiring bussers, servers, line cooks, and prep cooks, both days and/or nights. To apply, please e-mail Christos or call the restaurant at 831-655-8108.

Every Saturday morning at 8:45am, Epicenter Cycling invites you to join a mountain bike workshop and guided ride at Fort Ord led by Angie Scarlett, a certified personal trainer and certified mountain bike level 1 skills instructor. We'll focus on a new fundamental skill each week plus teach you bike maintenance and give fitness and nutrition tips.

All are welcome! Reservations are required so we can bring more guides if necessary. Fee is $15 per person. Please register and learn more about our workshops on Eventbrite - we're listed under "Community Mountain Bike Workshop and Guided Ride."

Monterey's locally-owned Escape Room 831 is now open at 599 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and we have some wonderfully fun, creative rooms available for you!

Have you visited Alice's Dream? This beautifully decorated, fun, and challenging escape room, featuring murals by local artist Bryan Gage, immerses you in the magical world of Lewis Carroll's beloved character, Alice, and the many friends she meets during her adventures in Wonderland.

In Alice's Dream, you’ve come to a hotel located in the former house of Lewis Carroll. It’s late. You’re tired. But be sure to catch the tail of the White Rabbit and think about how you’ll get out once you climb into the hole.

Reservations are required, and all reservations are for private groups only. No walk-ins are accepted at this time. Our staff leaves one hour between bookings to clean each room, and everyone in your party must wear a face mask at all times. Ready to sign up? Please visit our website.

Be honest...have you brought your diving gear in for service lately? If Covid-19 has kept you out of the water for the past year, you're not alone, but remember that Scuba gear is life-saving equipment and it's important to get it serviced every year whether it gets wet or not. Make sure things are in tip-top shape before your next dive!

Bamboo Reef Dive Shop, located at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, invites you to bring your gear into the shop or send it in by mail for servicing. Learn more about our gear service program here.

Covid-19 restrictions are definitely lessening as we move towards a more "normal" situation in California. Unfortunately, we don't feel confident bringing 20,000 people together quite yet. Consequently, we will not be hosting a Fourth of July Parade in 2021.

With that said, the Old Monterey Business Association is already looking forward to next year with marching bands, floats, and the whole array of community groups and supporters coming together for Independence Day 2022! We wish everyone a safe, sane, and healthy 4th of July.

Beginning June 15, Britannia Arms of Monterey will be showing all the 12pm (local time) matches of the 2021 European Championship on our big screens. The Britannia Arms, located at 444 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is the headquarters for soccer on the Monterey Peninsula! Enjoy lunch, a cold beer, and some football with us.

Old Monterey Cafe, a family-owned and operated restaurant located at 489 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is currently looking for an experienced part-time line cook who is ready to make some delicious breakfasts and lunches. If interested, please direct message us via Facebook, or visit us in person between 1-2pm any day.

Planning on grabbing a bite to eat at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Cafe? The Cafe, located inside the Aquarium, is open for dine-in meals 10am-4:30pm. Seating is available only to patrons of the Cafe, and has been reconfigured to maintain physical distancing.

Now there are two new ways to order food at the Cafe. Guests visiting onsite will be able to order via their mobile device or via our new kiosk touch screens. Even better, the entire process is cashless, making ordering your favorite meals and snacks even more convenient.

Please note: no outside food or drink may be consumed inside the Aquarium. View a sample Cafe menu here.