The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors:

OUR COMMUNITY

History, Location, Climate

Because of its climate and location, the Monterey Peninsula draws much of its revenue from tourism. The Monterey Peninsula has many opportunities for recreation and offers ample transportation for tourists and locals alike. But don't think we are just a tourist spot; the Monterey peninsula is an area of ever increasing economic and communal diversity. Monterey has three military installations, and an increasing number of educational facilities, in addition to its beautiful scenery. The Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas, the service area of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, possess many assets and faces many opportunities and challenges in 2004 and the years ahead. This community comprised of seven cities, and numerous unincorporated areas of Monterey County is world-famous for its majestic beauty, magnificent coastline, its golf and recreation facilities, and its educational leadership, particularly in the field of international languages. Traditionally, the economy of Monterey County has been comprised of three bases: Agriculture primarily in the Salinas Valley; Tourism primarily on the coastal areas; and Military comprised of the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey. With the significant downsizing of Fort Ord during 1993, and the relocation of its 13,000 soldiers and their dependents, the community looked to replace the Military “industry” with an educational industry, as a compatible third element of our economy. These efforts have far-reaching implications and impacts, but are strongly supported by a broad cross-section of the community.

HISTORY
Long before Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo “discovered” the Monterey Peninsula nearly 500 years ago, the region was settled by Native Americans who were attracted by the wealth of natural resources in and around the bay. Those hunters and gatherers found an abundance of wildlife, seafood, and plants to sustain themselves, and established several villages on the Peninsula. Although Cabrillo, who first spotted the stunning Monterey Peninsula on November 17, 1542 while seeking riches in the New World claimed it for the crown, he and his crew never actually set foot on Monterey’s shores. Rough seas prevented him from landing, and it would be 60 years before another European explorer—Spain’s Sebastian Vizcaino— stepped ashore. Vizcaino named the region after the Count of Monte Rey, under whose orders he was sailing. Europeans began colonizing the peninsula in 1770 when Spaniards Caspar de Portola and Franciscan Father Junipero Serra arrived. Father Serra established the Mission San Carlos de Borromeo in Monterey, while Portola and his crew built the first of four California presidios. Six years later, Spain, which controlled both California and the Baja Peninsula, named Monterey as the capital of California. In 1822, after Mexico seceded from Spain, Monterey became the Mexican capital. Land in the region was redistributed, huge cattle ranches were established, and the Port of Monterey was opened to international trade. English and American vessels arrived regularly to haul away hides and tallow, and Monterey’s Custom House was built in 1827 in response to the booming traffic. Nineteen years later, Mexico’s rule over California ended and Monterey, along with the rest of California became a United States’ territory. In 1949, 48 California delegates convened at Monterey’s Colton Hall to draft California’s constitution. California entered the Union the following year, becoming the 31st state of the Union.

LOCATION
Situated on the southern end of the Monterey Bay, the Monterey Peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, Carmel Bay to the south, and the Monterey Bay to the north. 125 miles south of San Francisco, the Monterey Peninsula is 345 miles north of Los Angeles. Encompassing 3,324 square miles (or 1,127,360 acres) Monterey County includes roughly 100 miles of California’s spectacular 840-mile long coastline. The elevation within the county runs from sea level to a towering 5,844 feet at its highest point, which is atop Junipero Serra Peak in the heart of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in the Big Sur area. Stretching inland for an average of 30 miles Monterey County shares a border with five surrounding counties; Santa Cruz County to the north, San Luis Obispo County to the south, and San Benito, Kings and Fresno Counties to the east. Its latitude runs between 36 and 40; Longitude from 121- 137.

CLIMATE
The Monterey Peninsula enjoys a unique weather pattern. In summer, fog is prevalent; in spring and fall, clear days are the norm. Average yearly rainfall, occurring primarily between November and April, is a relatively low 15 inches. Average summer highs are 68°F; winter lows average 61°F. The following chart indicates seasonal temperatures.