Deals & Freebies

When you live in a tourist town, it's worth seeking out discounts and freebies available to locals. Here are some I know about.

Parking

• Locals can get 2 hours of free parking at the Old Fisherman's Wharf parking lot Monday through Thursday. Show your ID with an address ZIP Code starting with 939.
• Get a decal from the City for either: two hours free parking OR half-price parking. Choose the better deal for you depending on how long you need to park.
  Permits are valid at the following garages: Downtown West garage (Franklin & Tyler), Waterfront attendant lot (Washington & Del Monte), and Cannery Row garage (Foam & Prescott). Decals are available from the Parking Division Office by showing proof of residency and current vehicle registration. There's a $10 per year "administrative fee."
• There's also free parking available after 4 pm for "939" ZIP Codes at the Cannery Row garage on Foam street. In December, free daytime parking is sometimes offered for locals. (Thanks to Katie at NatureID for this tip.)

Restaurants

• Some local restaurants offer a discount for locals. Jack's is one that does, as are most of the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf. Ask your server.
• Cafe Fina (on Fisherman's Wharf) offers a locals' special on Tuesdays and Wednesdays:  salad and an entree for $14.95.
• Cibo does a three-course locals' special for $19.95 nightly between 5-10. The menu changes every month: check out the latest at http://www.cibo.com/locals/
• Montrio Bistro, Tarpy's, and Rio Grill (all run by Downtown Dining Group) have a loyalty program. Earn points for every dollar spent at any of their restaurants, then redeem for "rewards bucks" you can use on your next visit. Every $250 spent earns $10 in rewards bucks. Ask for a reward card at any of their restaurants, then register here. (You have to get a physical card before you can register.)
• Jack's and Peter B's brewpub have a loyalty program. Earn points for every dollar you spend in either place, and redeem 150 points for a $5 discount on your next visit (or save up points for larger rewards.) Get a card at either restaurant, then register it online.

Entertainment

• Free popcorn Mondays at Lighthouse Cinema in Pacific Grove. 

Miscellaneous

• Military Mondays at Wharf Marketplace, 4-6pm. Active military (in uniform or with ID) can purchase a box packed with 20 pounds of fresh produce for $10. First-come, first-served until they run out.

Property Tax

• If you own and live in your home, you are entitled to a reduction in property tax. Second homes or rental properties don't qualify for the Homeowners Exemption.  To qualify, you must live in the home on January 1.  You can download the form online from the Assessor's Office, but you have to mail it in.

Legal Advice

• Seniors age 60 and over can get free legal help from Legal Services for Seniors. You must be a resident of Monterey County and age 60 and over. Legal Services for seniors can help with issues involving Social Security, housing, health care, wills, probate, guardianships, as well as assisting victims of frauds and scams. Their focus is on low-income seniors, but anyone who is a resident of Monterey County and 60 or over is eligible for no-cost advice.
  Phone 831-899-0492 or visit their website for more information.