Part of this article is republished from a 2015 Old Monterey Foundation blog post - Since 1956 the “Monterey Christmas Angels” have adorned downtown Monterey during the holiday season. (Thanks to the Monterey Herald for an angels shout out and historic photo in yesterday's Herald edition.) The first generation of 88 angels, commissioned by the City of Monterey in 1956, were painted by then local artist Erica Franke (Haba). Over the years they became tattered and faded and were disposed of in 1971. In 1972, again commissioned by the City of Monterey, Erica painted 40 more angels. Those angels are the same ones that hang today, but after almost 45 years, they are much in need of restoration, a project with much interest, and one that we hope can happen at some point post-pandemic. During your essential errands around town, perhaps the angels will bring you some joy this holiday season. Thanks to the Old Monterey Foundation for their help in keeping this project alive. To learn more, please see https://oldmontereyfoundation.org/events/christmas-angels-auction/

Everyone in our community should be able to enjoy a delicious holiday dinner. The Kiwanis Club of Monterey, Food Bank for Monterey County and City of Monterey are working together to offer a drive thru and walk up Community Holiday Dinner on Wednesday, December 23. Each meal kit will include all of the fixings to prepare your own traditional holiday meal for a family of 4 or 6-8 people. All meal kits will be pre-packaged and the same for everyone.

Due to COVID-19, this is a contact-less drive thru or walk up program and reservations are required. Space is limited.

The Community Holiday Drive Thru Dinner Flyer contains all the details and information on this opportunity. Face masks will be required for everyone when picking up Holiday meal kits. Please feel free to call 831.646.3866 or email montereyrecreation@monterey.org with any questions.

Give A Meal! The Food Bank for Monterey County needs your support to continue to help those in need during this challenging time. If you are able, please consider making a donation to the Food Bank for Monterey County - foodbankformontereycounty.org/donate/

The City of Monterey Parking Division is introducing a new, seven day a week, two-hour free parking program that works in three parking facilities: 1) Downtown Garages, East and West; 2) Cannery Row Garage; and 3) Waterfront Lot. All Monterey City residents or active military have to do is complete the application and obtain a permit. Call 831646.3953 with any questions. The new permit application form is available at:

Two of the highlights on tomorrow's City Council agenda are item #16, General Fund October 2020 vs October 2019 Unaudited Fiscal Report; and item #18, Receive a Report on the Monterey Police Department's Commitment to Equity in Policing by the Use of Fair and Impartial Policing Policies, Programs, and Practices. Item #16 will provide an update on where the City finances are in terms of the forecasted budget and shortfalls due to loss in revenue caused by the pandemic. Item #18 is part of the City's commitment to promoting social justice. The best way to participate in the virtual meeting is via youtube.com/cityofmonterey for real time and an opportunity to participate live. Instructions are explained during the meeting.

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