After its brick-and-mortar business opened at 550 Lighthouse Avenue, Play Full Ground was a lively, creative place that hosted numerous workshops and events. But it has been quiet for the past 2+ years as a result of the pandemic. During that time, Play Full Ground's founder, artist Mai Ryuno, knows many of us have had to communicate virtually and have limited in-person, face-to-face interaction.

To help us move out of that isolation, Mai is now working on ideas for a gathering to start building a community again at Play Full Ground and beyond. She would like to listen to and learn your stories, have a series of dialogues, and brainstorm ideas for the creation of a joyful, supportive, and connected community.

Please let her know if you are interested in creating such a community together - just visit this page and fill out the short form . She's planning to send an invitation to a gathering this summer for those who show interest.

We are now accepting applications to participate in the 2022 4th of July Parade. The excitement is just beginning for the return of Downtown Monterey's first 4th of July Parade following the COVID-19 shutdown - we'll be celebrating the City of Monterey's 252nd Birthday!

Parade entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance teams, equestrians, comical groups, etc. Think outside the box! Fill out our parade entry form here.

What's that instrument that looks like fun, that no one knows how to spell, and that has vastly different stories about its naming history? It is the ukulele! One less popular tale of the naming origin is that the Hawaiian...

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Montrio restaurant at 414 Calle Principal - has designated the Monterey County Film Commission as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for the months of May and June 2022.

What does this mean? When you order takeout food from Montrio , 10% of your order will automatically be donated to the Film Commission. (Please note: this offer does not apply to delivery orders.)

The non-profit MY Museum is holding an online auction , May 1-15, to raise money for its services to the children of Monterey County. There are items big and small - vacation packages, local art, swimming or dance lessons, delightful food and drink, and much more.

Please visit the auction page to see the great offerings available for bid. Every penny raised from this auction goes directly to making the museum a better, safer place.

Thanks to KSBW Action News 8 and reporter Felix Cortez for this great piece featuring Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey!

California State Library and California State Parks have partnered to offer the new State Parks Passes Program. Passes to enjoy State Parks are now available to check out with your Monterey Public Library card! Passes can be checked out for...

American Burger , Al and Friends, and Athletes That Care are still seeking financial support to help cover the costs of their annual Super Bowl To-Go Lunch for the Disadvantaged , which took place on Sunday. Please consider making a donation.

Donations should be made to Al and Friends - please contact them at 831-402-0820, online , or at P.O. Box 1022, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.

Mai Ryuno, artist and owner of Play Full Ground , is bringing her playful spirit to 2022! As an experienced visual artist, conceptual artist, and art teacher, Mai has decided to make playful performance videos for YouTube this year to share happiness, hope, and positivity. Goodness knows we could all use some more of that.

Check out Mai's short artist's statement for 2022 on YouTube, and subscribe to her YouTube channel for more fun to come! And be sure to sign up for Mai's e-mail list , which she uses to discuss the deeper concepts behind her videos.