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.  

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 is updated at least weekly containing 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 in 2023 & 2024 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 from Sacramento's HCD HERE and now the Adopted and Certified Housing Element as of April 2024 is HERE. At the July City Council by a 5/0 vote, Council agreed to prioritize staff work on a revision to our Housing Element  - with the goal of replacing the City-owned sites for state mandated affordable housing.  Ongoing updates are provided at City Council in conjunction with the AHA citizen team including the Dec 3rd City Council status report. 
* 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. Nov 21 and Dec 4 work on optimal photo's reconvene.  Also be sure to 
* ADU Ordinance (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. Nov 13th a revised local Ordinance Draft was reviewed at the Planning Commission. 
* Parking and Traffic Management Paid Parking was briefly discussed at Aug 30 Strategic Priorities Meetings in 2023 and 2024 - however was postponed to a date uncertain.   However, new legislation AB413 requires no parking within 20 ft of downtown intersections by Jan 2025. Nov 5th City Council approved ordinance to address this State requirement.  
* Police Station Replace/Rebuild Project - This contains city current and past reports, findings and press coverage on this proposed project - as led by City Ad Hoc Committee members Mayor Dave Potter and Council member Jeff Baron. Multiple meetings have been held for community input for this large capital project. July 9th Council Agenda OKed #1 remodel option request for draft schematics from the consultant team. Next public update is to review the draft schematics at January 7th  City Council Meeting.
* Security Cameras (Flock) Rollout - This project is now on hold with an established Ad Hoc Committee with Dramov & Richards Council Members as of Fall 2023, and met again June 10th. Community meetings were held Oct 8th and Oct 24th in City Chambers - knowing that a Flock agreement renewal/update is needed before March 2025. Session video's, slides, and other supporting materials are posted on this CRA page. 
* Addresses in Carmel Project - Ad Hoc Committee (with Council Member Ferlito, with City Staff) is continuing to compile added research. More details, history and press articles plus  are provided on this page. At the September 10th City Council, with a 3/2 vote, the decision was to hold Special City Council sessions for continued development and discussions on the possibilities, aiming toward a ballot vote in November 2025.  A helpful "No Address" How to Guide published - HERE. 
* Wireless/Telecom Ordinance - The August Drafts have now been approved by both Planning Commission and City Council in August & September respectively. This was approved via a second reading at City Council Oct 2nd; it then goes to the Coastal Commission for the final step, date to be announced. 
* Esperanza Carmel Projects 5th & Dolores (aka Ulrika Plaza & The Pit) - At the Aug 2023 Planning Commission meeting the newest project plan was approved. Next step is detailed plans to be submitted. And the 7th&Dolores (JB Pastor Building) new layout proposal was reviewed at the July 10 2024 Planning Commission requiring redesign to accommodate requirements and concerns. 
* 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. A Community Workshop was held May 22nd - with significant participation and comments provided by citizens.  City held two sessions to review the plan drafts on October 28th and October 29th; the documents and videos are on our Trees page.
* 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. At the March 4 City Council an updated project request for budget approval of the next phase was approved 3Yes/2No.
* 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. Details on these preparation meetings and updates are on our webpage - including the final budget approval at the June 4th City Council. A budget half year report with requested adjustments will be reviewed at the January 7th 2025 City Council Meeting.

The Voice - Dec/Jan/Feb  HERE    

Articles include: Wrapping Up 2024 - Enter 2025, Holding True - Then & Now, The Carmel Secret - Feb 1965, The Right to Vote is also a Duty to Vote, The Playhouse's The Thing, Village Staff, Council & Commissions, Tis the Season - Winter Storms Ugh, Enjoy Events December through February, Village Fun You Missed, CRA Board Needs You - Twice (Requesting Nominations for your CRA Board of Directors and for our Spring 2025 Citizen of the Year), A big CRA Fall Social Season, Here come CRA 2025 - Renewal Season & Programs Coming, plus Cheers & Chides returns.

News You Can Use - Oct/Nov/Dec

December 6 Issue HERE - Articles Include:  Today's 4PM Holiday Event (Tree & Menorah Lighting), Holiday Festivities, Civic Highlights, Swearing In Ceremonies Dec 9th, New Issue of the Voice and Renewal Season begins. Plus your nominations requested for the CRA Board and the 2025 Citizen of the Year.

November 22 Issue HERE - Articles Include: Last Call for CRA Holiday Gala Dec 8th, Village Craft Fair Saturday/Tomorrow Nov 23, Village Tree Lighting Dec 6, and City Meetings through end of Year, with a few pointers to CRA webpages with notable updates from recent meetings etc.

November 7th Issue HERE - Articles Include: Reminder for Nov 8th  No-Host, Early Election Results, Reminders for: Carmel Prepares Nov 16, Home Crafters Nov 23, Holiday Gala Dec 8th, and other City events

October 20 Issue HERE - Articles Include:  With Only days remaining until Nov 5th, with many activities/meetings before and after this 2024 critical election.  Halloween Events, Forest Master Plan Draft, Ad Hoc Meetings including Security Cameras, November 5th City Council, Election Day, CRA Members No Host Nov 8th at Carmel Links, CRA Members Annual Holiday Gala Signup and full roster of City and events through the early December.

And check out our Updated "Carmel Eats & Drinks" Listing HERE. ...as of 07/02/2024
Updated 2025 Members Village Incentive Program (VIP) Offers & Listing HERE

Archives of these email and printed publications 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 CRA Calendar:    

 Our next Citizen of the Year is coming in March/April of 2025...watch this space for details. Nominations are welcome now!

 The Nominations

  • Can be submitted by any Carmel person or organization
  • Include all relevant nominee details on the contributions to Carmel-by-the-Sea community.  The nominee must reside in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Sphere of Influence; they cannot be employed by our City or be on the CRA Board of Directors.
  • Sent to: CRA Citizen of the Year, PO Box 13, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca 93921 – or email to [email protected] and they must be received on or before February 20th 2025 
Past programs, past honorees and more nomination details can be found HERE 


We Need You to join the CRA Board of Directors! Nominations Welcome Now!  
Your CRA Board of Directors are passionate and committed volunteer residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Sphere of Influence. Some of us have been here for ages, others for only a handful of years. Today's Board Members are not all of like backgrounds and minds - except when it comes to our love for this amazing Village in the Forest by the Sea. We fully engage and collaborate on activities and programs to uphold our Carmel Residents Association Mission and much more. 

MISION: The Carmel Residents Association is committed to the protection and enrichment of the traditional quality of life in Carmel-by-the-Sea and
the preservation of its heritage and natural beauty through education, community activities and advocacy. 

We need you!  Yes, to join our Board of Directors. Please consider it or point us to others who would be a great fit too. Candidates for the Board must be a CRA member for 6 or more months and live in our area (Sphere of Influence). We look for your nominations to be sent in via email with a paragraph on the nominee's interest, talents and background. Self Nominations welcome.  Please submit your Board Candidate Recommendations by postal mail to our Nominations Chair, Janine Chicourrat, PO Box 13, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca 93921.  Or by email attention Janine at [email protected]. For more details on joining the CRA Board visit this page.  

...and more 2025 program dates and events yet to come.

Plus you can always find us at the CRA Beach Clean Up - every 3rd Saturday at the bottom of Ocean avenue from 9:30-Noon (March-October). 
And the at the Carmel Weekly Farmers Market - but we are there on the last Thursday of each Month at a Community Table (except November & December). 
Be sure to stop by!

CRA's & Carmel's Past Events

December 9 - Special New Village City Council - Swearing In Ceremonies! This is where it was made official for Dale Byrne as our new Mayor, and where Hans Buder & Bob Delves joined as new Council Members! We welcome their new insights and contributions as we support them on their journey in the days ahead.  Thanks again to all of those who ran for office and those who've served. Visit this page for more on our Nov 2024 election. HERE is the Special Meeting Agenda.  HERE is the YouTube from this evening.

    

December 8 CRA Members partied at our annual Holiday Gala at La Playa Hotel.  Great food, beverages and people too. Good times had by all - Happy Holidays to all CRA Members! Full Event details are available HERE.

November 7 - CRA's Members No-Host Gathering was held in the Carmel Plaza Links Club Golf. We are gathered at this auspicious time - when the 2024 election day was behind us with the local national results  were in!  Congrats to Dale Byrne, Hans Buder & Bob Delves for joining the City Council - to be sworn in on December 9th.  HERE is more info on these No-Hosts.

October 31 - CRA will be marching in our City's 108th Birthday and Halloween Parade - up and down Ocean Avenue - a Community Tradition for past years fun!  Plus a few from the Pumpkin Roll too.

September 17 - CRA's Bienial Candidates Forum - A great overflow crowd and two panels for our Candidates. Panelists-Candidates: for Mayor included Dave Potter (I), Dale Byrne and Jeff Baron, then for Council Hans Buder, Bob Delves, Danny Hala, (Daniel) Parker Logan, and David O'Neil.   For full event details, press coverage and photo's visit this program page. And click each image to open relevant panel session video. 

   

September 8th  - CRA Members Annual- Feast in the Forest in Pebble Beach. This year it was a Western BBQ!  HERE is the webpage with all of the details including all of the great Raffle items from our Members and great Businesses around town!   Thanks to all for your participation. 

   

 

 July 10th CRA Hosted a Conversation with Mary Adams - our Monterey County District 5 Supervisor.  Mary provided 8 years of insights on the workings on the Monterey County dais and prior.  Mary spoke to her many Pubic Service roles on committees and  boards – covering locally on AMBAG, Energy, Water, Transportation and beyond including American Cancer Society.  CRA also recognized Mary for her Lifetime of Public Service. Details, photos etc. are available HERE. Youtube video is available HERE. 

July 4th - Carmel's Independence Day Celebration - Enjoy

June 6th CRAs Members Only Annual Meeting with Historic Photos  We introduced our CRA Board, we provided a breif update on our organization, we extend our yearly award of recognition to a Carmel Business, we mix/mingle with fellow members our munch & imbibe, plus as our keynote we explore Village worthy topics. For your enjoyment, this year we are explored the heritage of our amazing Village through the lens of Pat Hathaway, presented by James Perry, this collection curator and Executive Director of the Monterey County Museum. Visit this page for details, program video, PDF of slides, photos plus.

   

May 1st - Carmel High's Mock City Council Meeting. This was held in our City Council Chambers, as students take the roll of City Council and Department Heads to review budget items and more. This is a great opportunity to see our "Next Generation" of leaders in action. HERE is the YouTube Video.  Visit this page for more photos and prior year details.

April 27th - CRA's Community Rummage Sale was held in the south lot of the Sunset Center.  Donation days were Wednesday - Friday, and shoping on Saturday.  For more details visit this page.  

March 23rd - Jane Goodall on Carmel Beach sponsored by SPCA Monterey County

March 11th CRA Members gathered at our No-Host  at "The Annex" (behind 7th& Dolores). We casually connected, munched and imbibed.This was a full house - thank all for joining in. Details can be found HERE.

February 21st CRA hosted our “Carmel’s City Directors - On Point” Familiar staff names including Wright, Harary, Swanson, Tomasi and Wright shared updates and insights on projects and what's next in a moderated Q&A session.  Details can be found HERE. YouTube Link is HERE.

     

January 23rd CRA hosted Paul Miller for "The Carmel Pine Cone Inside/Out".  Paul the owner, publisher, editor of the Carmel Pine Cone, shared a Behind the Curtain view into what makes this our Village weekly “must read”.  Details & photos can be found HERE.   YouTube Link is HERE.

 

December 2nd - CRA Members' Annual Holiday Gala  We hope you were able to join us for this traditional dinner celebration of everything and everyone in our amazing Village in 2023!  We gathered once again at La Playa beginning at 5:30-6:30 for wine, cocktails and holiday cheer.  Then dinner was served between 6:30 and 9:00PM.  All of the evening details are HERE. And HERE is a video of images at this great gathering! 

November 14th - CRA Members Gather for a No-Host at Flaherty's - bwt San Carlos and Dolores on 6th.  Find more information and photos from No Host Gathering HERE.  Thanks to all who joined us!

October 31st - Carmel's 107 Birthday Parade - a Halloween Tradition. CRA Board and our Members joined us to march through our Village downtown with many other organizations. Tons of fun kids and adults alike  Photo's from this year and past years are available HERE. 

October 23rd - CRA Hosts "Carmel meets Sacramento - a Coastal Community Town Hall on California Housing Legislation"   We gathered over 100 community residents and guests, plus our honored panelists at the Carmel Highschool Center for the Performing Arts.  We heard from our California State - Sacramento Senator John Laird and Assembly Member Dawn Addis who represent our Coastal Community. Paul Miller, Publisher of the Carmel Pine Cone moderated this session exploring the latest in recent Housing legislation.  

Learn more about about critical housing laws and explore protecting Land Use and Zoning Local Controls in our Monterey Peninsula Community. Visit this page for a full transcript, press coverage, bio's, contact info and related information on our Town Hall.  YouTube video is available HERE.

October 18th - CRA No-Host  Members connected in the bar at Little Napoli - NE Corner of Dolores and 7th.  Pictures and details of all of our No-Hosts are available HERE.
October 14th - With the PacRep Board, we celebrated Ken White as Bohemian of the Year 2023 - at Forest Theater. It was a great time to honor this extrodinary Carmel Citizen.  And Learn more of Ken's contributions to our Village and beyond, with pictures and more click here.  
 

September 22nd  Carmel High Homecoming Parade - where CRA has sponsored the Class of 2027!  Join in the fun on Ocean Ave as everyone celebrates our next generation of Carmel-ites! 

September 9th our Feast in the Forest in Pebble Beach, this year with a Greek theme - OLA!  Enjoy the photo's and event details HERE

 Summer 2023 CRA Membership Survey - Thanks to the 132 CRA Members who provided your views on these Carmel hot topics making headlines and influencing the future character of this Village where we choose to live, play, or work and always enjoy. The full report, background and coverage on this Survey can be found HERE. 

July 4th Celebration in Devendorf Park - Great music, munching and mingling.   Thanks to Monterey County Pops fitting holiday tunes and a barbershop performance by the Monterey Peninsula Cypressaires.  Plus thanks to City Staff and Volunteers who produced this event for our enjoyment.

Mar 26 - Citizen of the Year Celebration -  was our biannual award & recognition program celebration. For more information on our program this year and Donna Jett as well as the past 2021 year program, nomination process and prior honorees please visit this page HERE.

Fred Bologna, President of CRA says "Donna is an extraordinary example of a sustained committed volunteer for our Village. With over 25 years on nonprofit boards and event leadership, her contributions are almost too many to mention. ... We are pleased to add her to our honor role of Citizens of the Year."
(the first image below is a fast pace slide show,
click on the second image to view the video of this ceremony)

   

 Sadly, the CRA family extends our warmest thoughts to all of the Family and Friends of Skip Lloyd who passed in March of 2023.  Skip was a co-founder of Carmel Residents Association and its President in 1989. He was a Carmel and area Champion throughout his life and will be missed with lasting memories.  Learn more about Skip HERE. 

Sadly Carmel lost a former Mayor, former CRA Board Member, Citizen of the Year and long term champion for our Village on 10/31/2022 - Charlotte Townsend, may she Rest In Peace.   Video interview and 4 articles on Charlotte's life and times are available on this page.  She will be missed.  

CRA Beach Clean Up Season - every 3rd Saturday at 9:30AM - See You in June

This year marks our 30th Anniversary of this great community volunteer event.  We are starting a month early this year, beginning in April through October. 
Join us from 9 AM to Noon, every 3rd Saturday, at the bottom of Ocean Avenue.  We'll provide the buckets and scoopers; you bring your gloves and sunscreen.  Visit this page for more information

Farmers Market Serving Carmel Area - Weekly

Thursdays - from 10 AM to 2 PM  In Carmel by the Sea - just behind Devendorf Park on Sixth Avenue between Junipero and Mission Streets on 6th.

PLUS - CRA leadership hosts the Community Table there at the corner of 6th and Junipero - EVERY LAST THURSDAY of EACH MONTH!  (taking off Nov & Dec) Please stop by to pick up your reusable, free "Loving Carmel-by-the-Sea" shopping bag. 

Enjoy local certified organic fresh farm produce, plants, fresh cut flowers, baked good and various specialty items...and some entertainment too.

    

Please Support our VIP Business Members

Take a look at the list of the local businesses with offers for our membership that are participating in the CRA's Village Incentive Program here.  All current CRA members receive a yearly new VIP card with their renewal or when they join. For more information on this program and membership benefit visit this page.

Carmel Chamber of Commerce Catalyst Newsletter 

Sign Up for the Chamber's Catalyst online newsletters here.  It provides great information on and to our valued local Businesses.

Sign up for the Weekly Carmel Friday Letter

Our Village City Administrator and Staff produce a weekly update with a highlight video and other key info on the current week and week to come.  Be sure to signup for this important information here and check out past issues there too.

COVID19 in Monterey County

To see the latest detailed charts and tables from the Monterey health department, click here. 

Here is an expanded list of Online Resources from Local to Global on COVID-19. 

More... 

As always, please stay safe and healthy.

Thank you for working to keep our community strong. (see Carmel Code)