1:40 Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf expects a rush of tourists now that the county is in the Red Tier. Credit Douglas McKnight After what feels like a year-long slumber, the Monterey Bay area is beginning to reawaken. COVID-19 infections are falling, vaccinations are increasing and businesses are reopening. Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel recently surprised those attending a news briefing with this very optimistic prediction, “We hope that we can reach some level of herd immunity statewide and locally by late spring.” The prediction was obviously great news, but came with some very important “ifs.” Newel says herd immunity is possible “if” the assumption that 20 to 30 percent of Californians are already immune is true, and “if” the state can vaccinate another 40 to 50 percent of the population. Then, herd immunity, at 60 to 70 percent, can be achieved.