This Week on the Central Coast
The Aquarium and Museums begin to reopen and downtown Santa Cruz green-lights an interesting pop-up shop program.
This week, the Monterey Bay Aquarium opened admissions to members from May 1 through May 14. Then, starting on May 15, it will be open to the general public. Also, the Monterey County Fairgrounds published its new list of drive-in movies and concerts playing now through June 16.
Throughout the month of May, participating museums are offering free or reduced admission. Museum month began as a way to bring attention to local museums that showcase the history of the local area. Last year, due to the pandemic, museums could not open This year, the California Association of Museums has made improvements and developed new safety measures to ensure the museums are safe to visit during this time. The museums also developed plans to help each other during times of crises, such as during the pandemic and fires.
A special Museum Month website has been created to further explain which museums and galleries are participating and what perks they are offering.
Downtown Santa Cruz Pops program aims to help new local businesses grow.
Throughout the pandemic, 18 businesses in downtown Santa Cruz have shut down. In response, the city has green-lighted a new program which will allow local businesses to rent the empty spaces for 6 months at a guaranteed low rent. After the trial, the pop-up businesses will have the opportunity to stay long-term if they work out. The program is focusing on diversity and is “prioritizing women-owned businesses, Black, Indigenous, people of color owned businesses”. “Applications should be available toward the end of May.”
