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 are the benefits of 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.

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.  Next major meeting targeted for February 2024, to review new draft of the Guidelines, with supplemental items to follow.
Housing Element & RHNA Challenges - All meeting information, background and push back efforts are on our page. The final deadline for the State approval of our Housing Element is April 14, 2024. The Mar 1st Housing Element version received comments at the Mar 5 City Council, then revised and submitted to Sacramento/HCD Friday Mar 8th. The edited pages and final version can be found on our CRA HERE City's page on this project is HERE.   

Local Controls of Land Use and Zoning - This page provides lists of Sacramento housing legislation, local grass roots organizations with content and background helpful to understanding the potential impact in our Village and throughout California.  
ADU Ordinance (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Updates are required to reflect State mandates ideally also our local ordinances and ideally also embracing our Design Guidelines. Nov 15th was a Special Planning Commission Workshop with public review and comments of the initial draft.  City is planning to provide a public update shortly on the preliminary findings from HCD on our proposed ADU sizing model, given our Village small lots. 
Parking and Traffic Management Project - Paid Parking was briefly discussed at Aug 30 Strategic Priorities Meeting.  This item was pushed to 2024 for public report of findings at a City Council Meeting to be announced.  Note: see new legislation AB413 requiring no parking withing 20 ft of intersections - we are awaiting an update from our City teams on the impact on this bill to our Village.  It could be significant.
* 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.  This effort contiued scoping and refining proposals for location and facilities for future decisions of a potential $20-30 million dollar investments is being explored. Multiple meetings have been held for community input.  The City is hosting a facility tour on 3/29, that you must preregister by 3/15 HERE.

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. Community updates anticipated in 2024. 
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. 
5th&Dolores (aka Ulrika Plaza & The Pit) - At the Aug 9th Planning Commission meeting the newest project plan was approved. Next step is detailed plans to be submitted early in 2024. The 7th&Dolores (JB Pastor Building) requested to move the art/stone wall of the Annex, but at theOct 3rd City Council the decision was to retain it, in place.
* Addresses in Carmel Project - As per the Nov 7th City Council, an Ad Hoc Committee (with Council Member Ferlito) is continuing to compile added reasearch. More details, history and press articles plus Karen's February email exchange with USPS are provided on this page.
Trees in Carmel - Forest Master Plan update project is underway. Recent meetings and updates provided. Find a new article on the significance of our Monterey Pines here and a Community created Petition embracing our traditional Monterey Pines, Coastal Oaks, Monterey Cypress and Redwood Trees and influence the directions of the Master Plan update. Visit our page for documents and work in progress aligned with Forest & Beach Commission meetings.
* 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 errosion, Climate Change and much more. Revised research, plans and funding needs are being prepared. At the March 4 City Council an updated project request for budget approval of 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. Once again the planning for the upcoming FY 2024/2025 is underway beginning in March. Every fiscal year is July 1 to June 30. This page contains recent past and details on sessions beginning now. Participate to influence how our $ and people resources are being applied.  Next Workshop is scheduled for March 28th from 10-2 in Carpenter Hall. 

The Voice - Mar/Apr HERE 

Articles include: Flanders Mansion Past & Future?, Developing Theme for 2024, CRA Hosts Mary Adams April 24th, Pine Cone 25 years, 10 Owners & Counting, What Do You Think (Addresses), CRA Community Rummage Sale, Police Station Needs & Planning, Budget Season, Carmel Loves our Trees…, Storm Ready?, Village Events/Dates,  2024 So Far, CRA What’s Next, Carmel Reading, Cheers & Chides.

News You Can Use - February-March

Mar 10 Issue - HERE  Articles Include: Join Us Mon. Mar 11th 4:30-6:00 at The Annex for the CRA No-Host, Plus links to updates on Housing Element, Police Station, Budgets, CIP and Upcoming Events Apr 24th CRA Hosts Mary Adams, Apr 27 CRA's Community Rummage Sale

Mar 4 Issue - HERE  Articles Include: SPECIAL Wed. Mar 6th Police Station Project Listening Session City Hall 5PM, a new Mar/AprVoice, CRA No-Host Mon. Mar 11th 4:30-6:00 at The Annex, New CRA Webpages Hot Topics, Apr 24th CRA Hosts Mary Adams, Apr 27 CRA's Community Rummage Sale and more

Feb 12 Issue - HERE  Articles include: News You Can Use - Unexpected February Start - Prepare to Vote in the Primary Election, Police Station Project background webpage - upcoming CRA dates for your Calendar, Feb 21st CRA Hosts 4 City Directors panel discussion,  Mar 11th No Host at The Annex, Apr 24th CRA Hosts Mary Adams, Apr 27 CRA's Community Rummage Sale and more.

And check out our Updated "Carmel Eats & Drinks" Listing HERE. ...as of 12/26/2023
Updated December 2023 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:    

Wednesday April 24th - CRA Hosts a Conversation with Mary Adams - our Monterey County District 5 Supervisor. On April 24th at 6:30 doors open at the Carmel Woman’s Club, as Mary offers her 8 years of insights on the workings on the Monterey County dais and beyond.  In an interactive question format, we will cover topics including Mary’s experience and roles in County and Regional area committees and  boards – covering AMBAG, Energy, Water, Transportation and more.  Details are available HERE

 

Saturday April 27th - CRA's Community Rummage Sale in the south lot of the Sunset Center.  Mark your calendars to donate Wednesday - Friday before, and shop till you drop on Saturday.  For details visit this page.


And More CRA events and programs coming your way in 2024

Thursday June 6th - CRA's Members Only Annual MeetingHere are the prior years Annual Meeting details.

Saturday September 7th - CRA Members - Feast in the Forest in Pebble Beach.  Here is the 2023 Feast in the Forest detail.

Tuesday September 17th - CRA's Residential City of Carmel Candidates Forum, open to the public. Here is the 2022 Candidates Forum detail.

Saturday December 7th - CRA's Members Holiday GalaHere is last year's 2023 Holiday Gala details.

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

March 11th CRA Members gathered 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.


June 11th CRA Members Only Beach Gathering. We met at the bottom of the 13th Avenue stairs in Cooke's Cove on Carmel City Beach for Wine or Beer on us.  More details and past year's picture's can be found here. Good times had by all...2 legged and 4 legged too!


May 18th was our CRA Members-Only Annual Meeting - where we held a Q&A Session with Chip & Dave (our Village Mayor Dave Potter and Administrator Chip Rerig). We also honored Café Carmel as our Carmel Business of the year and our Carmel Public Library with a Lifetime Achievement.  More details and past years programs can be found here


Apr 19 - Mock City Council Session. CRA Board Members Ken White & Graeme Robertson supported the City Council, City Staff and Carmel High School (CHS) Leadership to create this Student Government Day. 12 CHS Students engaged in a serious relevant (and definitely humorous) meeting for our annual budget approval. HERE.   Here is the YouTube Video from this year!

  


TWO Fun in Devendorf   (yes, pun intended)

Apr 20 - "Third Thursday" in Devendorf Park - City Activities & Farmers Market teams host this every third Thursday April through October, with Fun, Food, Music and Activities for all.  Your CRA Board Members hosted the adult beverages section this month.  Good times had by all.   

Plus April 22nd was was Carmel's Annual Earth Day Celebration, tree planting, activities and more, also in Devendorf Park.   

   


Apr 5th - CRA's Members Only No-Host Gathering was held at La Balena. This and prior No-Host Gatherings pictures plus, can be found HERE.


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)

   

Feb 22 2023 - CRA Hosts, the coauthor of "Humbled, How Monterey Bay Escaped Industrial Ruin" with Katheryn McKenz  Program details are available HERE.  


Feb 2 2023 - CRA's No-Host Gathering at Seventh & Dolores. Once again a great gathering!  All of our recent No-Hosts & pictures are shown HERE.  


 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


Jan 26 2023 - CRA proudly Hosted "Experience the Monterey Bay as Seen by early California Artists" at the Carmel Woman's Club.  Full details are available HERE.


Dec 9 2022 - We help our Annual CRA Members Holiday Gala & Dinner at La Playa - Details are available HERE.   


Nov 3rd 2022 - CRA's No Host Gathering was held at Edwin's - Details are available HERE.


Oct 31 2022 - Halloween - CRA Board, our Members & more marched in the Carmel-by-the-Sea Anniversary Parade.  Pictures from 2022 and 2021 can be found 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.  

Oct 19 2022CRA Hosts - John Sanders with new insights on 17 Mile Drive and Del Monte Hotel  Details are available Here   

Sept 21 2022 - CRA Hosts - Our 17th Biannual CANDIDATES FORUM - Details are available Here.

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

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)