This Week on the Central Coast…
Elkhorn Slough gets funding, Sweet Elena’s changes ownership, a new bar in downtown Santa Cruz, and cruising in Salinas is back.
Monterey
Elkhorn Slough received a grant for restoration
“On April 21, NOAA announced $2.2 million in funding to go toward restoring coastal wetlands in the slough to help bring it back to its natural state, and ultimately, to weather sea level rise.” Across California, over ninety percent of wetlands have disappeared due to rising sea water. Federal funding will contribute to restoring the wetlands that have been lost over the years. “already, about 40,000 plants have been planted, and about 360,000 cubic yards of dirt have been moved to the 122 acres of the restoration project”
Restoring the slough is a small chip in the overall progress against growing climate issues in our area, but doing so will help maintain the incredible amount of biodiversity that makes it unique.
Sweet Elena’s changes ownership - to a familiar face
Elena Salsido Steele, the namesake of Sweet Elena’s, retired in 2022 and left her business in the hands of someone she trusted, someone she travelled to Europe with to taste croissants. That person is Katy Matias, an employee of Elena’s since she was sixteen. Matias had always been around the bakery as a girl. Her mom worked with Elena for many years. Now, she’s her own daughter’s “right hand”.
Matias says the hardest part is that she is a perfectionist. She wants to uphold the high standards that Steele always had while keeping the menu consistent. “If the croissants don’t look good, I don’t put them out,” Matias says. “This is what [Salsedo Steele] taught me. If it’s not good enough for you, it’s not good enough for your customer.”
Salinas
UPDATE: Salinas votes unanimously to lift the cruising ban
Salinas City Council votes unanimously to lift a 30-year ban on cruising within the city. The council originally planned to implement a probationary period, but decided to simply lift the ban altogether instead. The repeal goes into effect next month.
Santa Cruz
Firefly Tavern opens in downtown
A new bar has opened in the location of the former 99 Bottles. Firefly Tavern hopes to “create a destination, a hub downtown that will foster a sense of community and also boasts delicious food.” The scenery is familiar, yet made completely original under new ownership. Downstairs is dark painted brick and peacock wallpaper, while upstairs is more of a lounge, featuring antique chairs and a gallery.
The menu is diverse, featuring a mixture of Asian and southern dishes, such as Korean fried rice and shrimp & grits. While the Tavern currently only has a beer and wine license, the owners hope to get a full liquor license soon so they can show off their bartending experience. In the meantime, they plan on featuring beer and wine cocktails.
“Firefly Tavern, located at 110 Walnut Ave. in Santa Cruz, is currently open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to close on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, though hours are subject to change for the time being.”