Salinas residents enjoying first Friday night in red tier
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) It is a Friday night closer to normal in Monterey County as residents there enjoy the first weekend in the red tier ever since the pandemic began.
It's been a long wait for movie theaters, restaurants and bars, who have had a difficult time staying afloat during COVID-19.
Maya Cinemas in Oldtown Salinas has reopened for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions took effect over a year ago.
"Feels really good. It's been pretty much a year exactly since we last came here, so as soon as we got the opportunity, we definitely wanted to come back," said Danielle Vargas, a Salinas resident who watched a movie at Maya Cinemas.
The movie theater is playing a selection of newer and older films. Popcorn was once again popping inside, and even the movie posters have been updated.
Just one store front down, patrons at Villa Azteca enjoyed a taco or two sitting inside the restaurant. Like movie theaters, indoor dining at restaurants is limited to 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
That is why there was still plenty of outdoor seating.
"Usually we always have a line all the way to Maya Cinemas, but today it's a little shorter than normal, but it's still good. We're still doing good," said Adilenny Alvaraz, an owner and manager at Villa Azteca.
While the red tier provides for more economic wiggle room for businesses, these restaurants are still waiting for the day when customers do not have to brave the cold outdoors.
"It kind of sucks a little bit. I understand though that we have to go through phases, I understand that we have to go little by little. I mean, whatever they give us right now, I'm happy with. If 25 percent they can do, then 25 we take," said Alvaraz.
But not all nightlife staples in Salinas are back open. 201 Main's typical disco lights are still off now and the Farmers Union Pour House still looks closed. Dubber's Bar and Grill had plenty of patrons enjoying some beer inside.
Some visitors, however, want to take a more cautious approach.
"I don't want us to go too fast and then everybody get sick again or whatever," said Susan Dice, who was visiting Salinas on Friday.
