Welcome to the Carmel Residents Association Website

Since 1987, the Carmel Residents Association has been the premier community civic non-profit organization for full and part-time residents and owners or renters in Carmel-by-the-Sea. AND, we welcome everyone to join who cares for, frequents and wants to stay connected to our "Village in the Forest by the Sea". You can join, renew and make donations to the CRA all online Here. And Here are the benefits of your CRA membership.  

Visit our Emergency Preparedness page HERE for more details on Defensible Space Inspections by Monterey Fire teams through September 2025 for High and Very High designated areas.   Carmel Prepares next Emergency Preparedness session is Nov 8th.

CRA's - Hot Topics, The Voice, News You Can Use, Events and More

Upcoming & Ongoing "Hot Topics"  We've compiled important history and background information on these pages.  Each of these receive frequent updates as these initiatives continue to receive Council or Board/Commission updates via City Teams.  Please check them out and provide your suggestions and comments.

* Local Controls of Land Use and Zoning This page contains a) resources on the expanding roster Housing State legislation, b) NEW recommended Videos pushing back on current Housing Legislation, c) strongly recommended grass roots organizations pushing back on the one-size-fits-all legislation, d) press articles on this topic, and e) a listing of the most critical laws impacting new housing statewide since 2019 - when the flood gates opened. 

* Housing Element & RHNA Challenges - All meeting information, background and more are on our page. On Apr 25th our Village Housing Element "Certification" letter was received and is officially a Certified Housing Element as of April 2024 HERE. Next, the July 2024 City Council agreed to prioritize staff work on a revision to our Housing Element. The Housing Element Amendment DRAFT requested comments in May 2025; the final version was reviewed in October by Planning Commission, then November City Council - prior to formal submission to HCD requesting approval.

* Architecture in Carmel - Design Traditions Project - Public Steering Committee meetings are continuing. Desired reinstatement of the Design Review Board and all of the Steering Committee Meetings are covered here. 

* ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Updates are required to reflect State mandates ideally also our local ordinances and ideally with Objective Design Standards. Plus a new "Considering an ADU" - guide published HERE based on today's State laws for residents (updated June 2025). A specific local Carmel-by-the-Sea Ordinance Draft/Revision was reviewed in a Special Planning Commission Sept 25, with video and documents provided. 

* Addresses in Carmel Project. This document provides tips on how to best manage today in this "No Address How to Guide" HERE.  On Aug 5th Mayor Pro Tem Delves provided a progress report on this Citzen/City Address search effort. Workshops were held Aug 27 and Sept 4 - details, videos and slides are posted on this page. Oct 7th City Council voted 5-0  to implement Standard Addresses over next 6+ months with supporting next steps. 

* Parking and Traffic Management Our village has struggled with limited parking and traffic congestion for decades. Nov 5th 2024 City Council approved ordinance to address the AB413 State requirement, that removes ~40 spaces and subsequently are complaining. As was explored in the June and July Council Meetings, the go forward guidance was only to pursue solutions for employee parking and increased enforcement. An approach on Employee Parking was presented August 5 with Vallet services to/from Larson Field implemented only during 3 days of Car Week. Another update expected before year end, including remote lot possibilties.

* Police Station Replace/Rebuild Project - This contains city current and past reports, findings and press coverage on this proposed project - as led by the City Ad Hoc Committee. Multiple meetings were held for community input for this large capital project. A right-sizing (smaller footprint) recommendation was made for these Police and Public Works facilities and approved by Council July 1st. On August 5th the Council approved a resolution on the smaller requirements and OK'd proceeding with an RFP for new Architect.

* Carmel's Harrison Memorial Library Building Project - the Carmel Public Library Foundation (with donations already in hand) and our City are partnering to update and restore the interior of this historic building - targeting completion in early 2028 for its Centenial Celebrations. Agreements between the Foundation, the Architect and the City have been approved. Details on this effort, meetings and more can be found on this page. Hands on Workshop held Aug 26, Oct 3 & Nov 10. A self-tour with comments doc link on this page.

* Emergency Preparedness - Covering Wildfires, Storms and more are driving increased effort of our City Teams and each of us as residents. Details on informational meetings, resouces and more can be foundon this page...for example Defensible Space Recommendations (flyer) from Monterey Fire. City Council also reviewed upcoming changes to laws, ordinances and more on May 5th - and gave the map final approval June 3rd.   Carmel Prepares program held Sept 6th, with the next one Nov 8th.  Additional meetings and reports on this page.

* Esperanza Carmel Projects 5th & Dolores (aka Ulrika Plaza & The Pit) - At the Aug 2023 Planning Commission meeting the newest project plan was approved. First step is to obtain permits for foundation phase (estimated to begin Fall 2025).  And the 7th&Dolores (JB Pastor Building) newly revised design was approved at the April 9th 2025 Planning Commission meeting. On April 24th an appeal was filed and was heard by Council on Aug 4th and Sept 8th. Reports, videos and press coverage on this page. Any project resubmission requires an alternate approach for parking and landscaping as decided on Sept 8th.  More updates are shown on this page.

* Trees in Carmel - Forest Master Plan update project is underway. Visit our page for documents and work in progress aligned with Forest & Beach Commission meetings. Relevant documents and videos are on our Trees page.  A Community Master Plan Draft Workshop was held Oct 21.

* Carmel Beach - The Carmel City Beach is nature's gift to our residents and visitors from destinations far and near.  But it requires tasks including waste pick-up, oversight of its use and policies and the critica maintenance tied to impact of waves, King tides, storms, sand erosion, Climate Change and much more. A Community Workshop was on Beach Hazards May15th in City Hall.

* Strategic Planning (and Budget Updates) - Our Village has a multi-phased public approach to setting strategic priorities and annual budget cycles - annually, plus half yearly updates. Every fiscal year is July 1 to June 30. The most recent final OK/approval was held at June 3rd 2025 City Council Meeting.

The Voice - Nov/Dec Issue Coming Soon

Previous Summer Issue HERE. Articles Included: Cover-Destination Carmel-by-the-Sea?, All about Tom-Citizen of the Year, a Beach Story-Is this You?, Another Villager's Life of Service, Pitching In with City Hall-a Team Effort, DRAFT of our Housing Element Amendment, Considering and ADU?, Addressing our Village?, Returning to her Regional Roots, In City Hall-Cups Runneth Over, Sadly It's Fire Season-Really, Soooo Many Village Happenings, Anniversaries of Amazing Nonprofits, Tourism & CRA's Annual Meeting, New CRA Board Member-Ross Kaplan, CRA's Annual Feast-in-the-Forest, CRA Goings On, Cheers & Chides. 

News You Can Use - October & November

November 1st Issue HERE - Articles Include:  November Monday/Tuesday City Council and Events Coming Up in November/December, plus Village October's Halloween Fun!  Specifically, Thusday November 6th CRA No-Host Gathering at Hogs Breath Inn, Wednesday December 3rd CRA Holiday Gala at Anton & Michel, Octobers' Pumpkin Roll and Anniversary/Halloween Parade, our Thanks to Chip, plus many more events/meetings to through year end...so far! 

October 25th Issue HERE - Articles Include: More October, November and December Events to Participate and October Civic Meeting Findings. Register for Dec 3rd Holiday Gala, Join our CRA Board marching in the Halloween Parade, Join us for a CRA Members No-Host Gathering at Hogs Breath Inn Nov 6th, and so many more events and meetings before year end. 

October 11th Issue HERE - Articles Include: Memories of Denny Levett, City Council Results (including Go Forward on Address Project 5-0 Approval), Forest Master Plan Meeting, Coastal Commission ADU Survey, October Events to Enjoy - including Halloween and beyond.

October 3 Issue HERE - Articles include: Police Chief Ceremony Today, October's City Council, Local Events & Meetings, Reminder - the Nov 4th Election, plus Seeking Contributions to CHS Mock Trial Team Travels.

And check out our Updated "Carmel Eats & Drinks" Listing HERE. ...as of September 16, 2025
Updated 2025 Members Village Incentive Program (VIP) Offers & Listing HERE

Archives of these News You Can Use emails and printed Voice's can be found HERE.   
Plus Our CRA Facebook page will also contain the most recent news, events, photos and open engagement with fellow locals - please join this page.

For Your Upcoming Calendar:    

CRA's & Carmel's Recent Events 

    

• September 6 - Carmel Prepares Community Program in Carpenter Hall (for images & details visit this CRA page)
• September 18 - Carmel Community Day & Third Thursday 4-7pm at Devendorf Park
• September 20 - CRA's Beach Clean Up - 9:30 am - noon at the West end of Ocean Avenue
• September 25 - CRA Table at Farmers Market 10am-2pm surrounding Devendorf Park

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September 14 2025 - Carmel's 62nd Sand Castle Context - a Great CommunityTradition

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September 13 2025 - CRA's Annual Feast in the Forest at Indian Village in Pebble Beach

This year's theme was tropical/polynesian - and once again Tim Wood was our Chef/Caterer!  HERE is our 2025 Event page, for all of the details and more!  Our extra thanks goes to those who donated great items and certificates for our Auction supporting Carmel Residents Association.

 

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We celebrated Village Notables Jim & Paul for their decades of service to our Village and toasted their retirement!  HERE is the photo/video of theses worthy acknowledgements.

   
Jim Pingree – with  36 years  of service to our Village as our master Village street sweeper at o’dark thirty weekdays – this shift supported his passion  for coaching girls' softball.
Paul Tomasi – with 15 years of  Police Services for our Village, initially as Seargent, then Commander and as we’ve known him in recent years as Chief and formally Director of Public Safety.  Note: Our thanks to Commander Trayer who stepped in on behalf of Paul who was out of town.
This retirement community pre-music gathering was hosted by the Carmel Residents Association & the Carmel Chamber of Commerce, with our thanks to the Carmel Plaza too!

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July 4th 2025 - Independence Day Celebrations - Music in the Park

Amazing weather, attendance, music and hot dogs too for our annual community experience. Thanks to everyone who helped packaged this great village event.  Good times had by all!

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June 21 2025 - Carmel Prepares - Wildfire prevention and the following October and November sessions too

Our first responders updated attendees on requesting an inspection, creating 5ft + Defensible Space, Home Hardening, plus a Fire Extingusher demonstration. More details and resources are available on our CRA Emergency webpage, and the City's Carmel Prepares webpage. Thanks all for your efforts to keep us safe!

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May 26 2025 - Memorial Day Village Gathering

Our thanks goes to our Carmel American Legion Post 512, City Activities & Pulbic Works for hosting this traditional ceremony. Special honors extended to all womem who service  and to our one and only Margaret (Peggy) Purchased who served as a WAVE in WWII (and will be 101 this coming September). 

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May 15 2025 - CRA's Members Annual Meeting & Tourism Management

At this year’s Annual meeting we explored Tourism with how the local business & tourism organizations are funded, how their efforts complement each other and how tourism and our residential community mix. In the Q&A panel, led by Graeme Robertson and leaders from Visit Carmel, Carmel Chamber and See Monterey, insights were shared.  This annual meeting also provided introductions to our newest Board Members, our organization health and benefits, and our Board’s engagements with City Staff, City Council, and our area non-profits. We honored our Business of the Year - Little Napoli & the Pepe Family. All of this plus enjoyed - finger foods, wines, and waters – with the great view of Point Lobos and our Village through the windows of the Carmel Youth Center.

HERE is the YouTube of this program. 
HERE are the details from this and the past 4 years of CRA's Annual Meetings.

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April 26 2025 - Carmel's Arbor/Earth Day Celebrations & Bench Dedications

Great Community Gathering and Celebration of Earth/Arbor Day. With dedications to the refresh of the landscaping of the Ocean Avenue Medians and the two memorial benches - for Jan Reimers and Barbara Livingston - two ladies full of Carmel Passion and Service for our Village.  HERE is a YouTube of the dedication.  Learn more about Barbara former Councilwoman and President of CRA HERE. Thank you to everyone who participated.

    

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April 23 2025 - Carmel High "Mock" City Council Session

See how CHS students hold the position of Council + and City Department Directors to host a "Mock" City Council session.  Great fun for all and learning experience.  The teams proposed new projects including: Parking Empty/Used Sensors, 3 day Holiday Fair, CPD Jet Ski for water rescue, Beach Bon Fire Gatherings, CHS Students teaching local residents on technology/socialmedia etc, New Pickle Ball Courts where the Forest Hill Park basket ball courts are now. 

HERE is the YouTube of this session, and below a few pictures of the full team!  Prior year's sessions are posted here. 

  

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April 10 2025 - CRA honored Tom Parks as Citizen of the Year 

Our agenda, fact sheet, programs, videos, proclamations and much more can be found here. Congrats Tom!

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April 7 2025 - Carmel Rededicates the Chief Red Eagle Trail Sign 

Check out this redidication reveal of the refreshed Red Eagle Trail Sign on SE of Ocean on San Carlos on the back side of the Wells Fargo building. 
HERE is the brief Video of this ceremony for more great history of this notable character in our Village.
For more on both locals Chief Red Eagle and the Countess Kinnoull who originally cared for the Chief in his later years here in town, read "Wealth, Sorrow, Redemption" by local author Katheleen Ambro published 2017. Plus Here is more from the Carmel Public Library History department.

  
 

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February 6 2025 - CRA Hosts "Wildfires and Emergency Preparedness - Live Q&A with the Chiefs" at the Carmel Woman's Club

With the devastation in Southern California, this raises local concerns to know how our Village is prepared and preventing the possibilities including property owners, residents, businesses and the City teams. The fomat for this community session was an interactive Q&A with our Police Commander Todd Trayer, Fire Chief Andrew Miller and City Administrator Chip Rerig. Videos, resources and more can be found HERE. 

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And back into 2024 for select sampling of Village and CRA programs and events