The National Weather service has issued a red flag warning - a warning that another weather system is in the forecast that includes potential lightning storms. The warning for erratic winds, dry lightning, and possible thunderstorms is effective now through 5:00 PM, Monday, August 24 (see graphic below). NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

In an unprecedented joint statement, authorities from beach communities located around Monterey Bay today announced the intended closure of all beaches over the Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 5, through Monday, September 7, 2020. Subject to input and potential ratification by each of the jurisdictions’ elected leaders, beach access would be prohibited during the anticipated busy holiday weekend.  NEWS RELEASE IN PDF | MAP

The City of Monterey today announced a partial beach closure for San Carlos and McAbee beaches on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2020.  The partial beach closure will allow for essential activity only, including ocean access, but prohibits sunbathing, lounging and group activities. This temporary measure provides additional health and safety assurance during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency shelter in place order, particularly on Monterey’s smaller beaches. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF | EMERGENCY ORDER

 The Monterey City Council will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, August 19 at 4:15 p.m. to discuss physical distancing and crowd management for Municipal Wharf 1, also known as Fisherman’s Wharf.  In response to the reported increase in the number of patrons to the popular dining, retail, and recreational destination, the City Council will consider potential solutions that may be able to reduce overcrowding on the wharf. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

A City of Monterey sister city since 1984, Tainan, Taiwan, reached out to the City of Monterey with concern over the significant spread of the coronavirus in the United States and graciously donated 2,900 medical masks and 300 medical goggles. The supplies arrived at Monterey City Hall on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. They will be added to inventory in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), shared with City first responders including Police and Fire, as well as other staff, and may also be shared with other community first responders as needed. NEWS RELEASE AND PHOTOS

The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting all City of Monterey operations, service levels and budgets. The City is acting rapidly to jumpstart the economy and safely reopen City services and facilities. To that end, effective July 2020, the Finance Director established a shorter reporting period from bi-monthly to monthly to ensure prompt collection of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), also known as Hotel Tax, Conference Center Facilities District Tax (CCFD), and Tourism Improvement District Tax ( TID) per City Code section 35-15(b).    

            Moving to a monthly remittance period will provide the City with more timely cash flow and budget data, and help staff make more informed and effective decisions about the ability to reopen facilities, and bring back staff along with the services and programs our residents are used to enjoying.  Also, starting in July, in an effort to streamline operations, the City’s TOT remittance form will be posted online and the City will discontinue mailing TOT forms to operators.  NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

Yesterday’s announcement of an emergency order to close Monterey beaches over the 4th of July weekend has been advanced to include Friday, July 3. The order closes all beaches to the public from 12:01 AM on July 3, 2020 to 11:50 PM on July 5, 2020. Exceptions include all recreational uses of the ocean as outlined in the Order. People found in violation of the beach order are subject to a $100 fine for the first violation, $150 for a second violation, and $200 for a third violation. The Order also closes or limits nearby parking. Parking violations are subject to a $125 fine. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

NEW MASK ORDER: The City of Monterey announced today a new emergency order adopting the California Department of Public Health’s guidance for the use of face coverings to be enforceable by administrative citation within the City of  Monterey. As of today, July 1, 2020, the City will enforce the mandatory wearing of face coverings in business districts both inside and outside, with a fine of $100 for the first violation. 

NEWS RELEASE IN PDF