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The Carmel Residents Association follows a long tradition of Carmel
volunteer organizations, which for 75 years have taken the lead in protecting
and enhancing the unique quality of life and character of our forested
village. CRA bylaws affirm, as the City Charter states, that Carmel
"... is primarily, essentially and predominately a residential community."
The natural beauty, open space and small-town atmosphere which CRA strives
to preserve is also attractive to visitors, who contribute to the city's
economic base.
Members
Residents or homeowners living in Carmel or its
sphere of influence who believe it is important to preserve Carmel's quality
of life are welcome to join. Local business owners are also welcome. With
nearly 700 members, this is the largest residents' organization in Carmel.
See Join CRA for an application form to become
a CRA member.
Our newsletter, CRA News, is a cohesive
force for CRA members, keeping them informed of city issues and events
and focused on the purposes of the organization. Editorials often express
the opinion of the Board of Directors. CRA News is published and
mailed to members monthly, except for the summer months and December.
Summer events are publicized through mailed flyers, e-mails and this web
site.
Service to the City
  Since
1991, a volunteer beach cleanup program has contributed over 13,000 hours
of community service and made a significant difference in the maintenance
of Carmel beach. The public is invited to join in this effort from 10
a.m. to noon at the foot of Ocean Avenue on the fourth Saturday of March,
April, May, June, July and August and the third Saturday of September
and October. Coffee and cookies are donated by Carmel Coffee House and
Safeway Stores, Carmel. The Carmel Pine Cone donates a display ad the
Friday prior to each event. Because of holidays and weather, the event
is not held in December, January or February.
 The
CRA also has made a significant financial contribution to city departments–over
$34,000. In 1994, Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, as a favor to a CRA member,
came to Carmel for a talk which, along with a silent auction, raised $29,000
for the Carmel Public Library Foundation.
Civic Activities
Meetings:
CRA meetings are held on the fourth
Thursday of each month from September through May in the Vista Lobos
community meeting room. All meetings are open to the public and feature
speakers of local interest. Typical programs include local elected officials,
city department heads, newspaper editors, interesting CRA members, and
community members of note. Notice of programs is given to the local
newspapers and can be found on the calendar
of this web site.
Every two years, the Carmel Residents Association holds the popular
"Celebrating the Artist amongst Us" at the Carl Cherry Center
for the Arts. The event involves an art, sculpture and photography show
of members' work, as well as readings in the theater by CRA authors.
Hors d'oeuvres and wine are served in the Cherry Center's Sculpture
Garden.
Citizen of the Year Celebration:
In January, all Carmel organizations and individuals are invited to
nominate a Carmel resident, not necessarily a CRA member, to be given
the Citizen of the Year Award. The winner is announced at the Citizen
of the Year Celebration held in the Carmel Woman's Club in February
or March.
Candidate Forums:
During local elections, the CRA sponsors impartial forums at which residents
have the opportunity to hear and question candidates for city and county
offices.
Carmel Residents Association Board members review and carefully evaluate
issues under consideration by the City Council and Planning Commission
and regularly attend these meetings. They often speak for the board
on issues of importance to residents.
Social Events
  Following
designated monthly meetings, 70 to 90 CRA members enjoy a prearranged
dinner at a local restaurant. This program, "CRA Dines Out," has been
extremely popular with members and helps to promote Carmel's many excellent
restaurants.
In August, CRA holds one of its most popular events–a twilight
barbecue at Indian Village in Pebble Beach.
The CRA is a participant in the city's annual Halloween parade.
A Gala holiday dinner for members is held annually at La Playa Hotel.
It is a joyful occasion, with festive food and decorations. Best of
all is the high spirit and conviviality of our members.
Support of Local Business
  CRA's
Certificate of Appreciation program gives special recognition to individuals
or local businesses which have done an outstanding job of "... making
Carmel a better place to live ... preserving and protecting the special
qualities of our village in a forest."
The monthly newsletter features
a column, "Our Favorite Places," where members recommend their favorite
business, restaurant or service in Carmel. Members are encouraged to
shop locally.
The CRA "Dines Out" program, discussed above, acquaints members with
and supports local restaurants.
Looking to the Future
The goals articulated in the CRA bylaws by its founders in 1987 remain
relevant today:
- Maintaining Carmel-by-the-Sea's unique quality of life for all residents.
- Promoting resident-oriented businesses that serve the needs of
residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Controlling the impact of tourist-oriented commercial activities on the
residential quality of life in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Developing creative solutions to the problems caused by tourism and
excessive development, both commercial and residential; also, advancing
the common interests of residents, property owners and businesses
consistent with Carmel-by-the-Sea's residential character.
- Preserving Carmel-by-the-Sea's architectural and village character.
- Protecting Carmel-by-the-Sea's environment and its open space resources.
As it continues to pursue these goals, the CRA will remain a positive,
responsible force for the preservation and protection of our neighborhoods
and the residential values of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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