March 13, 2021 marks one year since the City Manager declared a local emergency due to the coronavirus. In heartfelt memory of the community lives lost to Covid-19, and in admiration, appreciation, and care to healthcare workers, public safety workers, teachers, all frontline workers including those in grocery, farm, non-profit, businesses, partner agencies, as well as anyone struggling financially or otherwise due to the pandemic, the City of Monterey City Council and Staff wish to say, “We care and we hope you feel supported. Thank you for helping us get through this crisis. We continue to make good progress, as we start to see signs that the end of the pandemic is in sight. Monterey remains strong, thanks to so many local community heroes.”
In this honor, five hundred hearts will be hung on the magnolia tree in Friendly Plaza by March 12. Residents are encouraged to stop by the “Tree of Hearts” between March 13 and April 13. Bring a permanent marker and write the name on one of the hearts of someone you are remembering or appreciating. Please ensure mask wearing and social distancing. Take a photo next to the tree and email it to webmaster@monterey.org. The photos will be posted on the City website. The hearts will be collected on April 14 and made into a framed, mosaic collage and hung in the City Council Chamber.
In addition, a dedication tree planting event will take place along the Recreation Trail near the basketball court at Foam Street and Cannery Row. Three blossoming cherry trees will be planted: one in memory of the lives lost to Covid-19, one in honor of all healthcare workers, and one dedicated to all frontline workers and community partnerships for working together to end the pandemic. The site may later be dedicated as a Covid-19 memorial, after we are out of the pandemic.
The observance and dedication will culminate in a video tribute and Colton Hall lit in gold! The video will premiere on Saturday, March 13, 2021.
“This is really a healing exercise as we as individuals and as a community work past this unprecedented chronic world crisis,” said Mayor Clyde Roberson. “As President Biden said, ‘to heal we must remember.’ We greatly encourage participation in the ‘hearts on trees’ dedication, and for people to take a walk to see the newly planted, beautiful, blossoming trees at the Recreation Trail. We hope both observances help bring some tranquility, unity, and comfort while we continue this fight to the end.”
