This Week on the Central Coast…
The First Theatre reopens, the Aquarium turns 40, Point Lobos takes the top spot in the state, and Monterey County gets its first Blue Zone city.
Monterey
The First Theater Opens to the Public
This week California’s First Theatre officially reopened to the public. Several improvements were made in order to preserve its historical integrity while adding important safety features. The theater updated the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, installed a new fire suppression system, added ADA accessibility, as well as other modern structural improvements.
Originally built in the mid 1800s, The First Theatre was used as lodging as well as for early theatrical performances put on by the U.S. Army as a money-making venture. As its name implies, it was the first theater in California, marking a start of theatrical performances in the state.
Over the years, it’s served as the site of various events, becoming a key cultural hub for Monterey County. Now, it is part of the Monterey State Historic Park system and gives locals and visitors alike the chance to experience a piece of California’s history.
Be sure to keep an eye on the theatre’s website for upcoming events.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Celebrates 40 Years
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has announced a special celebration for its 40th anniversary on October 20. To celebrate, the aquarium has several events planned.
On September 14, there will be a special morning event from 8am to 10am for donors.
On October 19, the aquarium is holding a member and donor party from 7pm to 10pm which will include a “strolling dinner, and live entertainment”.
A special members’ Halloween party will be held on October 26 and 27 from 7pm to 10pm
On top of all these events, Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering a limited number of free tickets to Monterey County residents. These tickets can be claimed on two days:
The first batch will be given away on September 10 and can be used for a visit between October 1 through 15.
The second batch will be given away on October 8 and can be used for a visit between October 16 through 31.
Each resident can reserve up to six tickets. The free tickets allow entry between 12pm and 4pm on the specified dates.
Point Lobos Named Most Beloved State Park
The California State Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Point Lobos is the most beloved state park in California. The declaration was based on tens of thousands of user reviews and ratings and compared to over 280 other state parks in California.
Point Lobos is a state natural reserve and its waters are protected by the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve and the Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area designations. This protects the natural beauty of the area and allows plants and wildlife to flourish, making it a prime spot for all sorts of recreational activity.
The name comes from the Spanish name, Puntos de los Lobos Marinos or Point of the Sea Wolves, named after the many sea lions and harbor seals in the area.
The park boasts some of the best views for nature photography, interconnected trails that offer access to its most scenic spots, plenty of fish and aquatic wildlife for scuba divers, and relaxing tide pools.
If you’re visiting, remember that park hours are generally 8am to 7pm and entry is $10 per vehicle, or free to those on foot.
Salinas
First Certified Blue Zone Community in Monterey County
This week, Salinas was named the first city in Monterey County to be recognized as a blue zone. Places participating in the Blue Zones Project aim to make the healthy choice the easy choice. In order to qualify as a blue zone, several key requirements must be met:
First, at least 20% of citizens must make the Blue Zones Personal Pledge and complete one action.
At least half of the top-twenty businesses in the area must also make the pledge to become Blue Zone worksites.
At least a quarter each of all restaurants, schools, and grocery stores must follow the Blue Zones guidelines.
Participating cities must help form and nurture social groups that promote healthy habits and reduce stress.
The city must also make changes and improvements to the city that will promote physical activity, healthy eating, and general well-being.
Finally, any changes made for the Blue Zones project must be sustainable and have a long-term positive impact on the community.
Areas that are declared Blue zones have a higher quality of life and longer life expectancy. The first cities that achieved the declaration were found all over the world, including Japan, Greece, Italy, and Costa Rica. The trio of Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beaches in California are called The Beach Cities by the Blue Zones Project. Salinas now joins that list of California Zones.
The initiative was started in 2018 by Montage and Salinas Valley Health, and Taylor Farms.