For Immediate Release

Publicity Contact: Wendy Brickman

(831) 594-1500 or [email protected]

City of Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf Association and Gathering for Women Team Up to Distribute Free Paper Masks to Visitors to Old Fisherman’s Wharf During Weekends

June 10, 2020 Monterey, CA – The City of Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf Association and Gathering for Women are teaming up to conduct a special program to distribute paper masks to visitors to Old Fisherman’s Wharf who are not wearing them when they arrive at the Wharf. Volunteers from Gathering for Women will be offering a free mask to visitors without masks on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 3 pm at the head of the Wharf.

According to City Manager Hans Uslar, “The number one priority is the public safety of our community, followed by supporting a robust local economic recovery. The pandemic caused a sudden and devastating hit to our feature hospitality attractions, including Old Fisherman's Wharf businesses. By teaming up with Fisherman’s Wharf Association to offer free paper masks, we discourage the transmission of the virus, and encourage the restoration of our popular hospitality business, resulting in satisfied visitor enjoyment."

Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, President, Fisherman’s Wharf Association adds, “We encourage every employee and visitor to the Wharf and other public places to wear their own mask, yet we find that not everyone is doing so when they come to visit us. The best safety protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19 recommended by the Monterey County Health Department and other health officials is to wear a mask to protect both yourself and others and practice 6-foot social distancing whenever possible. We are very grateful to the City of Monterey and Gathering for Women for their help in implementing this important proactive safety program during our most popular time of the year for visiting the City of Monterey and the Wharf.”

Gathering for Women’s Executive Director, Staci Alziebler-Perkins adds, “We are delighted to volunteer on site on the Wharf over the weekends to provide free masks to those without them. We also look forward to having the opportunity to share information about the important programs for homeless women at Gathering for Women in Monterey with the visitors to the Wharf.”

For more information, visit www.monterey.org, www.montereywharf.com and www.gatheringforwomen.org.

About Old Fisherman’s Wharf

A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service, the Wharf was recently a main location for the filming of the hit HBO series, Big Little Lies, Season One, as Season Two now starts airing.

Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world that attracts millions of visitors per year, Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf features 13 restaurants, 3 candy shops, 8 gift shops, and several fish markets. The Wharf also features 4 whale watching firms, 2 fishing companies and sailing, glass bottom boat rides, Bay cruises (when permitted to reopen).

Enjoy award-winning dining, special events, viewing an array of marine life, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay on the only Wharf that features live theatre. Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, steaks including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Enjoy salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats

View sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, sea birds and other wildlife up close and personal that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”.  Celebrate the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. Check out the many fun shops to find the perfect memento of your visit and a variety of unique gifts. Take in the exquisite views and enjoy the “best place to walk and people watch” in Monterey County!  Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail.

By showing a local ID with “939” in the zip code, locals can park for free for two hours Monday through Thursday in the parking lot adjacent to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.montereywharf.com or call 831.238-0777.

About Gathering for Women

 Gathering for Women’s mission is to provide homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula supportive resources and a caring community. They provide the women we serve with hot, nutritious meals, clothing, showers, comprehensive case management support, limited emergency assistance, education to promote a woman’s health and safety, job training, access to free basic health care, and connection to other community services and providers

Their vision is for the unhoused and housing insecure women on the Monterey Peninsula to live a healthier more secure life that includes a pathway out of homelessness or housing insecurity. Along the pathway, Gathering for Women provides the care, the support, and the dignity a woman needs to remain safe and healthy as she seeks affordable housing and a more sustainable and secure future.