Covid-19

Most of you have probably heard that the State of California and Monterey County lifted the indoor mask mandate on February 16 for people who are vaccinated for Covid.**

As of February 16, businesses in Monterey's Lighthouse District 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.

Please remember that each small business is run by someone who has a family and is dealing with challenges that you can't see. 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 help us 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.

**Not vaccinated? Please keep your mask on indoors. Want to get vaccinated and/or boosted? You can make an appointment here.

At this time, in order to be admitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, all visitors ages 12 and over must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result (either rapid antigen or PCR test).

Please note that, beginning January 10, those Covid-19 tests will need to be taken within 24 hours of your visit. Results from at-home tests will not be accepted. Find information on Covid testing sites in Monterey County here .

We have a new indoor mask mandate in California which began Wednesday, December 15. But while we'll all be wearing our face masks in Monterey's Lighthouse District, we'll still be bringing our hometown-style cheer to the holidays!

Visit us and wear your face mask over your nose AND your mouth, lovelies. We look forward to seeing your beautiful eyes.

Because of continuing concerns about Covid-19, Lighthouse Avenue businesses in Monterey will not be hosting our regular community trick-or-treat in 2021.

We wish all of you a happy Halloween this fall and we look forward to welcoming you back for sweet and ridiculous family fun with us in October 2022.

Beginning on November 1, Monterey Bay Aquarium will require all visitors age 12 and older to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their scheduled visit. View a full list of Covid testing sites in Monterey County here.

Staff, volunteers, and guests ages three and older are still required to wear a mask when inside at the Aquarium. Timed tickets remain available for purchase exclusively through the Aquarium's website .

To-Go Cocktails Helped Hula's Survive the Pandemic Closure, and Remain Popular as Business Picks Back Up
by Agata Popeda
Monterey County Weekly, 07/26/21

On July 19, Monterey County Health Department issued a new announcement:

"With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increased reports of the very infectious Delta variant, the Counties of Monterey, Napa, San Benito, and Santa Cruz recommend that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places. Out of an abundance of caution, people are recommended to wear masks indoors in places like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated.

"Businesses are urged to adopt universal masking requirements for customers entering indoor areas of their businesses to provide better protection to their employees and customers. This will also make it easier for businesses to be sure unvaccinated people are masked."

The Health Department also reminds us that fully vaccinated people are well-protected from infections and serious illness due to Covid-19 (including the Delta variant). Vaccinating as many people as possible continues to be our best defense! To find a vaccination site near you, please visit www.myturn.ca.gov or call 2-1-1.

The State of California is continuing its incentive program to get as many people as possible vaccinated for Covid-19. On July 1, 2021, all Californians over age 18 who have received the vaccine will be entered into a drawing to receive one of six dream vacations (including hotels, food, and entertainment for up to four people plus $2000 for expenses). Read details here.

Want to find out where to get a free Covid-19 vaccine? Find a location here.

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.

If you're vaccinated but still want to continue to wear a mask, you're welcome 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!

Are you looking for a gift for Dad for Father's Day? Stop by Fashion Trade Boutique, located at 554 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. We carry a variety of retro and vintage t-shirts for men and women. (Including this lucky find...

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 by a specialist 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, 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.

On The Beach Surf Shop now has new OTIS sunglasses in stock. This eco-friendly eyewear uses scratch-resistant lenses made of mineral glass instead of plastic, and OTIS's line of eco-acetate frames are made from renewable resources. Visit us at 693 Lighthouse Avenue.

Cypress Boutique Monterey is happy to announce that we now carry men's clothing from Jachs NY. Come and check out our selection at 800 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite C.

From classic outerwear to everyday shirts, chinos, and sweaters, Jachs NY makes essentials for daily life and adventures.

Pearl Hour invites you to join us for Lions and Pearls, an evening celebrating Sri Lankan cuisine and spirits. This pop-up engagement on June 9 at 7pm will feature Jasmine Senaveratna , a restaurant professional who loves storytelling and curating experiences.

The four cocktails for this evening will be paired with four Sri Lankan dishes. Fee is $125 per person. Seating is limited. Please reserve your table on our website.