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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 home page of
this web site.
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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