Did you see the daily COVID-19 update from the Monterey County Health Department today? If not, you can see the numbers at the bottom of this email with a link to more details - 315 new positive cases recorded today! While this news is discouraging, we can all help do something about it. The image above by local photographer Jerry Loomis reminds us to keep a distance, and it kind of shows how delicate the situation is in terms of doing what we can to slow the spread. The pandemic situation is a little precarious right now, just like these "stilt" birds look like they feel, wading through the water. But as we have said before, we can do this. Please stay in your household bubble for the holidays, and we will get through this together - faster.

When shopping this holiday season, please support your local retail shops instead of ordering from major online retailers. Celebrate Small Business Saturday by supporting local businesses! For fun and creative gift ideas visit these local websites:

It was fun to see the traditional event of the light installation at Colton Hall today. Workers are busy preparing the tree for the season with lights and other ornaments. While the tree lighting event won't happen this year, there's still an opportunity to share in the spirit of the holidays and enjoy the beautiful lights at Colton Hall. The tree is scheduled to be lit each night throughout the year starting December 1. We hope you can stop by and enjoy!

Don't miss out on this fun opportunity and show you're effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 even during a holiday. Three postcards available in Spanish!

NEW! California Department of Public Health Guidance Documents - the latest information on guidance about stay at home orders, mask wearing, reopening the economy and more,

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