Old Monterey District Blog

The Pearl Works is looking for an Operations and Member Success Coordinator, a dynamic team member to work in-person to support the growth and success of The Pearl Works and TreeHouse Mortgage Group, located at 288 Pearl Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Who We Are

This is a shared workspace where you’ll work with multiple organizations. The two primary ones are:

The Pearl Works: A refreshingly human coworking and meeting space where people can connect and focus on what’s important to them.

TreeHouse Mortgage Group: A women-led mortgage company that prioritizes creating experiences that matter.

Who We're Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who loves creating positive customer experiences, has a knack for systems, and is excited about building connections. You’ll be working closely with our founders to ensure smooth business operations while keeping the community experience at the forefront.

No two days are the same at The Pearl Works, and you’ll play a vital role in making sure that members, clients, and guests have a refreshingly human experience. If you thrive on making systems more efficient, enjoy engaging with people, and can think on your feet, we’d love to hear from you!

For More Information and to Apply

Base pay range is $20-$22 per hour. For more information and to apply, please view the complete job listing here.

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Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill announces Burger Monday! Come on down any Monday, 11:30am-10pm, and snag a burger, fries, and your choice of beer for either $15 (Alvarado Burger) or $20 (Wagu Smashburger). Either way, you’ll be getting a complete meal and a killer deal!

About ASB in Monterey

Alvarado Street Brewery's original brewpub, located at 426 Alvarado Street in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey, has been serving locals and visitors with fresh beer and regional gastropub fare since 2014.

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Good news for fans of fresh baked goods! Freedom Bakery, a family-owned and operated purveyor of delicious cakes and desserts in Watsonville since 1975, has just opened a new boutique in Downtown Old Monterey for pick-ups and walk-in cake sampling. The boutique is located at 305 Webster St.

About Free Cake Sampling

Are you curious what our cakes taste like? Come in and try a bite for yourself Friday - Sunday, 10am-1pm at our boutique, located at 305 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey. We sample different flavors every weekend - view our Facebook page to see what's on offer.

About Freedom Bakery's Monterey Boutique

At this time, our Monterey Boutique does not offer walk-in purchases. All orders must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. You can order or request a quote online or schedule a time to order in person at our boutique. Learn more on our website.

Whether it's a business or personal celebration, let us help create sweet memories that linger long after the last delicious bite.

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Artists from Youth Arts Collective take center stage in Animated Antics, a lively exhibit of animated, illustrated, and voice-over work at Casa Gutierrez, 590 Calle Principal in Downtown Old Monterey.

About "Animated Antics"

Dive into worlds where anthropomorphic animals sport braces with style, H.G. Wells-inspired extraterrestrials crash land, and love blossoms between a wolf and a deer. Immerse yourself in quirky, unforgettable character-filled universes, relive the magic of your favorite canceled animated show through imagined new seasons, and join a carrot and his bird friend on a muffin-making adventure.

About Casa Gutierrez Community Art Gallery

The Casa Gutierrez Community Art Gallery project at Monterey State Historic Park is supported by the “Arts in California Parks” program. The gallery is free and open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm. Animated Antics will be on display through October 20, 2024.

About Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective is a nonprofit art studio and mentorship program for motivated high school and college artists. The program's mission is to inspire creativity, kindness, and confidence in youth through artistic expression and mutual respect.

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Bobalicious and Bites, home of delicious boba drinks, is having a Back to School Special in August 2024. Weekdays only, 2pm-6pm, buy one drink and get the second drink 50% off. It's a boba happy hour for all ages!

Located at 474 Tyler Street in Downtown Old Monterey, Bobalicious and Bites offers boba tea (with or without milk) and smoothies. Each drink is carefully handcrafted by the owner, who's dedicated to making sure the flavor is perfect every time.

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The Pearl Works, located at 288 Pearl Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is seeking art for their next show, Resonance, a juried exhibition of two-dimensional work by emerging artists from around Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties addressing the theme of resonance.

This exhibit will explore the synchronistic interactions between neighboring organisms and objects, and how these connections spark empathetic understanding. Please note: no AI-generated art will be accepted.

Get more information and submit your art here by Thursday, September 19, 2024.

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New Menu Items at Nacho Bizness!

Posted on August 19th, 2024 by Nacho Bizness

Variety is the spice of life! In addition to everyone's menu favorites, Nacho Bizness is introducing mouthwatering new menu items including the loaded nacho dog, the loaded nacho burger, Mediterranean nachos, and a Mediterranean bowl . Come try them at 470 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

New Menu Items

Loaded Nacho Dog
Halal hot dog on a bun with jalapeño cheddar, pico de gallo, crushed nachos, jalapeños, ketchup, and mustard

Loaded Nacho Burger
Halal beef patty on a bun with jalapeño cheddar, pico de gallo, crushed nachos, jalapeños, and ketchup

Mediterranean Bowl
Choice of halal gyro meat or pinto beans along with Spanish rice, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and tzatziki sauce

Mediterranean Nachos
Taco Works chips with choice of halal gyro meat or pinto beans, choice of cheese sauce (jalapeño cheddar, chipotle jack, vegan), plus pico de gallo, jalapeños, and tzatziki sauce

Special Deal

For a limited time, get 20% off your entire order at Nacho Bizness when you try one of our new menu items.

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Learn how to be to be self-sufficient and support others in a disaster until help can arrive! The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides community members with important skills that are essential in an emergency such as an earthquake.

Skills You'll Learn

The CERT program is a nationally-recognized program with a well-defined curriculum. Learn: emergency first-aid, disaster preparedness, shutting off your utilities, rescue techniques, use of a fire extinguisher, communications when phones fail, assessing your home or workplace after an earthquake or storm, neighborhood search, and working as part of a team.

When Is CERT Training?

The next CERT training is scheduled 8am-5:30pm on the following Saturdays: 9/21, 9/28, & 10/5 in Downtown Old Monterey. Training is free and open to all Monterey residents! Attendance at all 3 sessions is necessary to complete the training and graduate. To enroll, please email CERT.

Community Service Credit for Students

CERT provides 24 hours of community service credit to students. (Students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)

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Webster Street Art Gallery presents an exhibit of paintings by Monterey artist Cyndy Davis. The collection, consisting primarily of paintings from her travels and the people, animals, and scenery she's encountered, will be on display through September 2024 at 188 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

About Cyndy Davis

Cyndy Davis's love of travel began as a child - by the time she was 18 she had lived on 4 continents. Travel, learning, and exploring are her passion. She taught art in the public schools for apx. 37 years in places such as Oklahoma, California, and Queensland, Australia. She is now retired and lives in Monterey.

About the Travel Series

Cyndy writes: "My Travel Series began with travel journals that included drawings of places I visited. The drawings evolved into picture composites to help me remember and understand where I was visiting. This travel series was inspired by those black and white drawings. People I meet impress themselves into my memory while the landscape flows through design. One painting often takes many months to work out - they are not random, but thoughtfully composted to tell my story of a place."

About the Animal Series

Cyndy writes: "My series of animal paintings is entitled the Defaunaion Series. The definition of 'defaunation' is the depletion and extinction of animal species due to human population growth. I've had personal experience and contact with each of these animals. In the paintings, you will notice the human figures in the negative space. I have pieced the canvases together in a patchwork fashion to symbolize out worldwide social and legal efforts in wildlife conservation."

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Cha-ya Monterey Teahouse Boutique will be closing for good when their lease ends at the end of August 2024. As a result, they are offering 20% off your entire purchase on all items, including tea, tea cups and tea pots, art, furniture, and more. Come take advantage of some great deals at 118 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Ariel Wolansky, the current owner of Cha-ya, thanks the community for all its support. The shop is open Tuesday - Thursday, 11am-3pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11am-4pm.

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Venture Gallery presents the paintings of Deborah Russell, our featured local artist for August and September. Her latest exhibit, Tangled Treasures, highlights her unique and colorful style.

Deborah's paintings reflect the beauty of nature and the symbiotic relationship between plant life and the insect and animal worlds. Hidden among the branches, vines, and florals, you'll find avian, reptilian, and other wild beauties. Come into the gallery and experience the wonders of this visual garden of tangled delights!

Venture Gallery is open 10am-6pm daily. Deborah Russell's artwork will be featured through September 2024. Venture Gallery is located at 260 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey. Visit our website to shop online for work by our local artists.

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Johnny Wicks Candle Studio's founder, Johnny Foster, is holding a School Supply Drive for local foster kids through August 10, 2024. All donations will go directly to children who need them, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to start the school year off right.

School Supplies Needed

We are now seeking donations of: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, binders, folders, new clothing (all sizes), shoes and socks, personal hygiene products, and lunch pails. Or you can make a financial donation here.

Donation Drop-Off

Donations can be dropped off 12pm-5pm daily through August 10 at Johnny Wicks Candle Studio, 499 Calle Principal, Suite H in Downtown Old Monterey. For more information, please visit the webpage for our Foster's Fosters project or call Johnny Foster at 831-224-0269.

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Spa on the Plaza, located at 201 Alvarado Street, is offering summer specials including a Brightening Facial (60 min., $170) and a Spa Renewal Massage (80 min., $195). To learn more and make an appointment, please phone us at 831-647-9000.

Summer Specials 2024

Brightening Facial
$170 for 60 minutes
This anti-aging brightening facial is designed to revitalize, hydrate, and repair your skin. The products we use are packed with antioxidants to prevent aging and protect your skin barrier, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy glow.

Spa Renewal Massage
$195 for 80 minutes
The luxurious package includes an aromatherapy massage with back treatment that gives your back a deep cleanse and glow. Invigorating scents will leave you feeling grounded and relaxed.

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High Scores Arcade has Laserdisc games on the floor ready to play at 459 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey!

What's a Laserdisc Game?

A Laserdisc game is basically an interactive movie. These games are pretty challenging because you have to execute perfect timing to move the story forward. The buttons on the control panel are simple, it's the timing that makes them complex.

Laserdisc Games at High Scores Arcade

At High Scores Arcade, we have an instruction card on top of each Laserdisc game to help you better understand how to play it. And our pricing allows you to play an unlimited number of games within a given amount of time, so you can improve your skills with repeated tries.

Hours & Pricing

Price is $10 for 1 hour of unlimited gaming, or $22 for a full day of unlimited gaming with in-and-out privileges. Summer hours are Sun-Thu, 12:30pm-10pm, and Fri-Sat, 12:30pm-11pm.

About High Scores Arcade

We're a family-owned business focused primarily on the golden age of arcade gaming, mostly featuring games from the early to mid 1980s. Our collection of classic arcade games is much bigger than our physical arcade; of 170+ games, we feature apx. 40 on the floor at any one time. If you're itching to play one particular title, give us a call to see if it's currently being showcased, 609-468-3083.

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Training to run distance is easier (and more fun) with friends! Fleet Feet Monterey's full marathon and half marathon training programs, both beginning Wednesday, August 14, include a comprehensive schedule of running workouts, cross-training, and rest days that will ensure a gradual progression of mileage and speed building to make sure you're at your peak for race week.

Both programs are designed for all skill levels and can be modified for all ages and running styles. All programming is written for you by a knowledgeable running coach so you can focus solely on completing your goal. Find more information and register here.

Half Marathon Training

Training begins on August 14 and runs for 12 weeks. We run together Wednesdays, 6pm -7:30pm (meet at MPC track) and Saturdays, 7:30am-9am (meet at Fleet Feet). More information and register.

Full Marathon Training

Training begins on August 14 and runs for 16 weeks. We run together Wednesdays, 6pm -7:30pm (meet at MPC track) and Saturdays, 7:30am-9am (meet at Fleet Feet). More information and register.

About Fleet Feet Monterey

Fleet Feet, located at 472 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is a locally-owned store that's part of a network of specialty running, walking, and fitness stores across the country. We serve walkers, runners, and everyone in between.

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Haute Beauty Guide Skin Care Studio has introduced our latest service - Hydrafacial Keravive scalp treatment. This treatment is designed to target dry scalp, oiliness, and clogged follicles, leaving your scalp feeling rejuvenated and healthy.

About Hydrafacial Keravive Treatment

This is a three step treatment which deeply exfoliates the scalp and applies nourishing serums. It stimulates the scalp, exfoliates to remove dead skin, dirt, and buildup; and promotes a healthy hair growing environment. Even better, there's no discomfort or downtime.

Appointments

Book your appointment today to experience the ultimate scalp pampering with esthetician Doran at the Haute Beauty Guide Skin Care Studio, 71 Pearl Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

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The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Mercedes-Benz have chosen Monterey County Youth Museum as one of the local nonprofit organizations to benefit from their annual car drawing. The winner of the drawing will receive a beautiful new Compact Luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV GLA 250 (MSRP $46,150).

MY Museum has been given 1,500 tickets to sell for $100 per ticket. All funds raised will be used for MY Museum's educational programs and will provide subsidized museum visits for schools and families in challenging circumstances.

The drawing will be held on August 18, 2024 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (you need not to be present to win). Tickets can be purchased in person at MY Museum, over the phone at 831-649-6444, or by reserving tickets online - we will call you for payment. Once payment is made we will mail you your tickets and receipt.

Help us bring joy and learning through play to children! Be assured that every time someone buys a ticket (or two or three) for the car drawing, MY Museum staff do the happy dance in the office.

Please note: winner of the car will be responsible for all applicable taxes, licensing, and transfer fees. Delivery is limited to within the USA only.

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2024 4th of July Photos Now on Old Monterey Website

Posted on July 10th, 2024 by omba

Another fantastic 4th of July celebration is in the books! The Old Monterey Business Association wants to thank everyone who attended and marched in our annual 4th of July Parade. We hope you had as much fun as we did.

There are photos on our website from the 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey, pancake breakfast at the fire station, and music and food fest in front of Colton Hall. We encourage you to go there to see the special moments captured by photographer and OMBA web developer Sheldon Chang.

Nacho Bizness Under New Ownership

Posted on July 9th, 2024 by Nacho Bizness

Big news, Monterey food lovers! Nacho Bizness, located at 470 Alvarado Street in Monterey, has changed ownership.

After 8 years of very hard work, the brilliant duo behind the creation of all your favorite Nacho Bizness recipes, Steb Montez and Brittani Reid, have made the decision to sell the restaurant to another very hard-working, talented team, the Manasiri family. Does the name sound familiar? It's the same friendly family that's been serving up fantastic, mouth-watering dishes at Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches down at 321 Alvarado Street for years.

You'll find that Nacho Bizness still has the same delicious menu and fun atmosphere. Come on down and show the new owners some love! It won't be hard to do once you take a bite of the nachos...or the burritos...or the mac and cheese...

Nacho Bizness is now open Sun-Thu, 11am-9pm, and Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm.

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