CRA News May 2007

Selected articles from the newsletter of the Carmel Residents Association

Pierre Prodis and Barbara Livingston enjoyed cocktails on La Playa's gazebo patio before dinner at the twentieth anniversary gala. Barbara looked happy and should have --thanks to her incredible organization, the entire evening was perfect in every way! Learn more about the event.

Carmel Residents Association's
Festival of Artists, Actors and Writers
Celebrating the Artist Amongst Us

Get ready for summer!

This is the final issue of CRA News until September. Below are scheduled Carmel Residents Association summer activities, which we hope you will put on your calendar now so you won't forget.

CRA Summer Beach Cleanups
Saturday, May 26, June 23, July 28 and August 25
Cleanups begin at 10 a.m. at the foot of Ocean Ave.

Fourth of July Community Celebration
CRA will again join with the city and a host of major civic groups for this Devendorf Park tradition. Our "Hot Dog" team works with a wonderful array of Carmel neighbors. To join the fun & roll your sleeves up with some great people, call Gene McFarland at 624-1781.

Twilight Members' Barbecue at Indian Village
Thursday, August 23
This is one of CRA's most popular events. Headed again by Susie and Don Carr, it will be another festive evening. A flier with details will be mailed to you in early August.

As city looks for economic vitality,
balance with residential needs is critical

Declaring that he wanted to "build on Carmel's unique heritage and beauty," and that "Carmel should be run like a world-class resort," the city's marketing consultant Jeff Burghardt presented to the City Council, at its March meeting, the recommendations of the ad hoc Economic Revitalization Committee.

The committee, composed of Burghardt, City Administrator Rich Guillen, City Clerk Heidi Burch, Community Services Director Christie Miller, Councilwoman Paula Hazdovac, Tom Glidden of La Playa Hotel and Tod Strain of Carmel Plaza, was formed to develop an economic plan for the city, specifically to jump-start sales tax revenues, which have not increased as quickly as hotel and property taxes and are projected to remain fairly flat. The group recommended improvement in hotel services and the quality and diversity of businesses, attracting "hip restaurants and bars," streamlining the permit process, more food/beverage celebrations and street-themed events, and more events involving biking, running, music, film or art.

The committee's meetings were not open to the public and, although residents are greatly affected by what happens in the commercial district, there was no representative of the residential community on the committee.

Included in the committee's suggestions was improving city ambiance by hiring a private landscape contractor and moving city Forest and Beach staff to other duties, as well as putting up Christmas lights earlier and leaving them up longer.

In addressing how to move shoppers beyond Ocean Avenue to other city streets, Burghardt remarked that "it is like running a mall." The most bizarre proposal in the written report was a "fine dining concession at Del Mar Beach." It turned out the council didn't like the idea either and said it should have been removed. The question remains, however -- how did the members of the committee ever allow it to be put on the list in the first place?

Many of the policies in the report, such as improving outreach to business, attracting and retaining quality business, addressing employee parking and improving service levels, are sound and would be helpful to the entire community. However, the total number of additional events planned should be monitored to ensure a balance with the needs of residents. And finally, it is important to determine exactly what is entailed in the recommendation to hire a landscape contractor and move city employees to other duties.

Although not yet scheduled, the City Council plans to hold a public meeting on this plan. According to Mayor Sue McCloud, the council wants to first get through the budget meetings and wait until the Innkeepers have been briefed. The Chamber of Commerce has already had such a briefing. We will alert members by e-mail when a date for the public meeting is announced.

President's Message
Something To Talk About

by Roberta Miller

Last month's message reviewed the necessity for our residential community to practice code compliance in our neighborhoods in order to maintain Carmel's charm, architecture and natural beauty. The connection between property value and community character is undeniable. The business community also plays a prominent role in practicing code compliance to maintain Carmel's natural beauty, ambiance, and traditions, which will continue to attract tourists and promote our village as a world-class destination.

Let's talk about regulations in the business district. Did you know that we basically have three land-use districts? 1) a central commercial district; 2) a service commercial district; and 3) a mixed residential and limited-commercial district. These districts go from dense in the center of town to less dense near the neighborhoods. Their primary goal is to protect Carmel's residential character.

Did you know that the unique character of Carmel's downtown is a combination of its buildings, natural environment as well as its distinctive customs? As in our residential area, there is no mail delivery. The downtown does not have street lights or traffic signals. Most shops and businesses are built to face open sidewalks and exterior courtyards, offering opportunities for discovery. Second stories are intended for residential use. Sidewalks are often curving and interrupted by trees and mini parks. Open spaces between buildings are an integral part of community design.

Did you know that our code allows only four types of signs in the business community? -- hanging, wall, monument and interior. Signs are kept at a minimum to avoid visual clutter and must be approved in advance by the Planning Commission. They must be simple in graphic or pictorial design and made of natural materials. Only one sign per business is allowed, unless it has more than one entrance. Neon signs are not allowed. Balloons, streamers, moving displays and other attention-getting devices are discouraged.

Did you know that dogs rule? But, a license is required for all resident dogs. The use of doggie bags is required in all public areas. Dogs are allowed to run free on our beach, but need a leash to prance on the beach pathway. Nor can they run loose in the business district; they must be leashed, held or tied to a stationary object. Only guide dogs are allowed in Devendorf Park or in any grocery, meat market or restaurant. But, they are welcomed in downtown shops where they are treated to dog biscuits; and in Carmel Plaza they can stop at the dog fountain for a drink. Business owners or tenants can have a maximum of four adult cats and dogs, but--continuous or repeated loud noises including barks, howls and brays that can be heard within 50 feet are not allowed. What about other animals? Horses, mules or donkeys are only allowed east of the high water mark on the beach. No domestic animals are permitted to graze in or upon any public street or park. And, to protect the critters as well as the public, feeding of wild animals on any private or public property in Carmel is prohibited.

Did you know that wearing shoes with heels more than 2 inches high with less than a square inch of bearing surface is illegal on public streets without a permit? (Fuel for jokes, but it protects the city from lawsuits.) A permit is needed to erect any structure or tent on public property. Walking tours within the commercial district are limited from 2 to 21 persons with no voice amplification.

The business and residential communities have something to talk about. We both have a huge stake in preserving Carmel's uniqueness, eclectic nature and allure. Character matters. Thus our goals and commitments are intertwined. However, as a 1990 article in Monterey Life by Mark Merfeld and Sue Sanguinetti pointed out, these goals "cannot be reached via a divided highway. It requires a community willing to carpool on a common road, to observe the yield and merge signs along the way and to communicate throughout the journey."

Opposition to hospital redevelopment organized and fierce

Bombarding the Planning Commission on April 11, neighbors of Robert Leidig's proposed annexation, rezoning and redevelopment of the former Carmel Convalescent Hospital were passionate about the negative impacts they felt this development would have on the northeast area of Carmel. Almost all of the 35 speakers, as well as the standing-room-only audience, were opposed to the project.

The Board of Directors of the Carmel Residents Association, asking that the application be denied, pointed out that the current zoning allows high density residential buildings only in or near the center of town and that this project would set a precedent by allowing "an island of commercialism" in the single-family residential area. President Roberta Miller told the Planning Commission that the plan needed a full environmental analysis because of the severe potential impacts, including increased traffic congestion, crowded street parking, noise and light pollution and reduction in quality of life. In addition to these impacts, she said, "such a development will further strain the city's already overburdened police, fire, ambulance, public works and other public services."

The result: a unanimous vote by Commissioners Alan Hewer, Steven Hillyard and Robin Wilson (two members absent) to recommend that the City Council deny the annexation and pre-zoning of this property.

At the request of the applicant, the forwarding of this request to the City Council, along with the Planning Commission's recommendation, has been delayed. We will keep you posted.

Beach Cleanup

CRA PROFILES
by Kay Ambro

Charlotte Townsend --
a woman of many talents

Charlotte Townsend first discovered Carmel while on vacation with her family from her hometown of Tacoma, Washington. After the Depression of 1931, the family decided to move to the tranquil village by the sea.

Charlotte became involved in her new community through school activities-- writing for the Pine Cone Cymbal, performing at the Golden Bough Theatre, and participating in the Girl Scouts and annual Pet Parade. She would hitch her black and white pony called Charm to a chartreuse cart for the parade, offering rides to her friends.

Townsend attended Carmel schools, then went on to graduate from Stanford University. She also attended the Universities of Zurich, Heidelberg and the Sorbonne in Paris. While attending school in Europe, Charlotte tutored, managed a restaurant and worked as a civilian running service clubs for the military in Austria, Germany and France.

Locally, Townsend has held a variety of interesting jobs, including manager of the Blue Bird Restaurant in Carmel, assistant to the county school librarian in Salinas and office manager of the Pine Cone. One of her favorite jobs was assistant to the director of the Laguna Seca Race Track, where she participated in many races with her own Porsche 356, winning several trophies.

"I've always enjoyed challenges and have been involved in many competitive sports," said Ms. Townsend, who has competed in several tennis tournaments and still plays today. Her adeptness at skiing led to her winning the Girls Ski Champion of California Award in the under 15 age category and a medal in the Woman's Intercollegiate Championships.

Charlotte indeed has a zest for life, but not without risks. Once while skiing, she was swept over a cliff and buried in snow up to her armpits. Luckily she was skiing with friends who climbed back up the mountain and dug her out.

Charlotte's fascination with the sea and enthusiasm for sailboats brought an invitation to become a crew member on a schooner sailing from Monterey to Hawaii. But this trip wasn't without its share of danger. "We were out in the middle of the ocean and a week away from Hawaii when the schooner sprung a leak," said Charlotte. "The water was spilling in through a loose plank, but the captain was able to repair it with two screws and a piece of canvas." To make matters worse, the largest sail had a huge triangular rip. But, they managed to repair that with freezer tape. Then they almost missed the Hawaiian Islands when their navigation was off because their radio was on the blink. Despite the misfortunes during this voyage, Charlotte still enjoys the sea.

"I've been influenced by my many close calls." "They've made me appreciate the joys of everyday living. For instance, when in France, I often rent a riverboat and pilot it through the canals for my friends," said Ms. Townsend. Her house in France was built 200 years before Columbus discovered America. Fluent in both French and German, she tries to travel to Europe at least once a year.

Those who only knew Ms. Townsend as a former Mayor of Carmel might wonder why a woman with such joie de vivre would be drawn into the political arena. It all began when she married Squire Claude Hurst in 1965. "We obtained permission for our wedding to be held in Carmel's City Hall, which used to be an Episcopal church," she explained.

Her husband's work took them to Chicago where they lived for about eight years. It was during this time that Charlotte grew interested in politics while observing the blatant corruption that existed there.

"When I moved back to Carmel, I recognized what a great privilege it is to live here and I wanted to leave something behind as a legacy," said Charlotte. And indeed, she has left quite an impressive legacy. Her first position in city government was an appointment to the Library Board. In 1975, she became the first woman elected to the Carmel Sanitary District Board of Directors (now the Carmel Area Wastewater District) and continues to serve on that board to this day. Her commitment to the Carmel community diversified over the years with involvement in the Carmel Citizens' Committee (predecessor to the CRA), the League of Women Voters, the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, as well as the County Hazardous Waste and Citizens for Water Committees. She also served as president of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, the Carmel Sanitary District and the Special Districts Association of Monterey County.

During her lifetime, Charlotte has come full circle from that wedding day in Carmel's City Hall in 1965 to overseeing City Council meetings in that same hall as a two-term mayor from 1982 to 1986. Probably her proudest accomplishments as mayor were two surveys sent to residents asking for their input. The response was overwhelming and the council acted upon the results. Near the end of her term, Mayor Townsend was told that her administration had accomplished more in four years then in the previous forty.

"Some people don't want the village to change, but without change it will stagnate. Change can be channeled and focused in directions that can benefit everyone," said Ms. Townsend. "One of the most extraordinary places in all the world is the Carmel area, and it is most important that persons seeking positions of public responsibility should know this and try to see that some of the wonder of what we have all known should remain for the future and thus for posterity."

Thank you, Charlotte Townsend for your many years of public service. We can all learn a lot from this incredible woman of many talents.

Twentieth anniversary gala
a smashing success!

Thanks to the enormous amount of energy and creativity of Co-chairs Barbara Livingston and Shirley Humann, the Carmel Residents Association's 20th anniversary evening of celebration and awards received rave reviews. Many said it was the finest event they had ever attended! The evening was truly a salute to the spirit of the founders of the organization.

The hard-working committee included Morley Brown, Dorothy and Greg Cole, Greg D'Ambrosio, Karen Nelson, Suzanne Paboojian, Jean Southern and Beth Wright.

Cocktails on La Playa Hotel's gazebo patio, complete with Bob Phillips' keyboard music and magician Richard Myer's unfathomable card tricks, were followed by a delicious dinner in the Poseidon Room at tables artistically decorated with trees and seashells. CRA President Roberta Miller introduced Mayor Sue McCloud, who presented CRA with a certificate in honor of the anniversary. Congressmen Sam Farr presented two Congressional Record Commendations to co-founder Francis "Skip" Lloyd and the late J.S. "Jim" Holliday, whose widow Belinda accepted the award.

Skip then presented Honor Awards for ongoing dedication and commitment to the village: Forest Rangers -- Joyce Stevens and Steve Brooks for their environmental efforts; Keepers of the Purse -- former treasurers Peggy Purchase and Lou Ungaretti; Carmel Originals -- former council members David Maradei and Mike Brown; Constant Guardians -- Melanie Billig and Anne Bell for preservation efforts; Carrying the Torch -- Roberta and Monte Miller for being vital voices in support of Carmel.

The keynote speaker, introduced by former Mayor Charlotte Townsend, was Doug Schmitz, Carmel city administrator from 1983 to 1992. His inspirational talk, "Remembering the Beginning," traced the history of early Carmel leaders whose philosophies and actions helped shape the thinking of CRA founders. Read Doug's keynote speech, which drew a prolonged standing ovation.

Finally, Schmitz presented five Perry Newberry Awards -- bronze Monterey Pinecone sculptures -- designed by CRA member and well-known artist Eleen Auvil -- to "individuals who have marched in the footprints of Perry Newberry." The awardees were: Path to Enlightenment -- Greg D'Ambrosio, for designing the Beach Walkway, parks and paths; Spirit and Voice of Carmel -- Clayton Anderson, for working to protect the forest and the beach and Linda Anderson for editing the CRA Newsletter; Speaker for the House -- Enid Sales, for efforts to preserve the Murphy House and Sunset Center; Defender of the Magna Carta -- Jim Wright, for long involvement in the governing and protection of our village; and Liaison for our town and country -- Congressman Sam Farr, for continuing efforts to defend our coastline from development and pollution.

The perfect evening ended with closing remarks by Co-chair Barbara Livingston, who said, "In celebrating our 20th anniversary, we tried to show how deeply we respect the founders, the current and past presidents and all of you who work so hard to keep our village in a forest by the sea a very special place. Perry Newberry would be proud of you! One thousand eight hundred and twenty five tomorrows will too soon disappear and we will all, hopefully, meet again in year 2012 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this remarkable and enduring organization."

OLD CARMEL
by Connie Wright

Notes from the Underworld

Recently instead of going to the Local History Room of Harrison Memorial Library to do research for this column, I found myself instead at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) and then at a convalescent hospital. So I decided to take notes of what happened there, since I could not follow my normal pattern.

Some people seem to talk non stop in these surroundings; others turn out to be night talkers. At CHOMP the man in the next room screamed, mostly at night. After I listened to him for some time, I concluded that he was not in pain, but perhaps bored and simply venting. He did, however, wake me up nine times one night, and when the nurse put some skin lotion on him one morning, he reacted to the cold of the liquid by doing something like yodelling.

After several days I moved to a convalescent hospital where things took on a much more complicated character. In many cases the source of the sound was not visible; the identity of the speaker was unclear.

Physical therapist: "Wake up, Betty, and pedal."

Baritone voice: "AAAAAaaaa," female voice replying, "It's okay, Jim." (repeated a number of times)

P.A. system: "Last breakfast cart to the elevator."

Alto voice: "I didn't do it! I didn't do it! I didn't do it!"

Tenor voice: "Aahoooo" (wolf howl).

P.A. system: "Alex, please pick up on line #2."

Nurse: "Wake up, Mary, and eat."

Soprano voice: "Mama, help me, mama; help me, help me."

Alto voices: "Bubbles, Bubbles, I want you, Bubbles," to a white Standard Poodle who was visiting.

Unknown speaker: "Hiss, Hiss" like a big cat.

Baritone voice: "Ha, ha, ha, ha" on a descending scale.

By far the greatest performer was the speaker of a native Philippine dialect, who began singing or intoning one midnight and continued almost non stop for twenty-four hours. She seemed to be intoning blocks of text in a highly artificial manner. The delivery was studied like that of an opera singer. Initially, her voice sounded rusty at the beginning of each phrase, but broadened and deepened as she went on. She seemed to be in a murderous rage. After lying there in the dark imagining the most gruesome things she must have been singing about, I found out from one of the nurses that she was singing a love song: "Only you, my love for you will never change. Believe me, you're the only one I love." After this initial performance, subsequent appearances from this woman were limited in length. When I returned home, I was habituated to strange voices speaking to imaginary persons.

When my cleaning lady stepped into the linen closet and started talking, I thought, "She's talking to the towels." Then it occurred to me that she was using her cell phone. I finally overcame my aversion to strange sounds by turning off the TV.

OUR FAVORITE PLACES

CRA member Lisa Bryan's studio
is one of a kind!

Every day Carmel Residents Association member Lisa Bryan can be found painting in her atelier, Lisa's Studio, in the Court of the Fountains, west side of Mission near 7th Avenue. Here you will discover this talented lady's oils and watercolors -- originals and prints -- as well as her imaginative Sketches Collection, including the first souvenir village guide of its kind, complete with a frameable map. This guide, with Lisa's charming illustrations, includes detailed maps, calendars, even post cards and recipes, and is chock full of fascinating historic information about Carmel. It is impossible to go through this collection without discovering things you didn't know about our village. We urge you to experience Lisa's Studio, just to browse, or to find that perfect gift for a friend or for yourself.

You can also visit her web site -- www.lisasstudio.com -- where you can learn about commissioning a pet portrait.

Kids by the Sea a special place

Sue Jarman writes, "A few weeks ago I wandered into Kids by the Sea for the first time. I was tremendously impressed with the children's and baby clothes. Even the accessories were adorable and unusual. Decent prices too! I felt very comfortable in the charming and well-organized rooms and owner Querida King was both knowledgeable and gracious."

All of you grandparents out there should visit this charming store, located on the south side of Ocean Ave. between Lincoln and Monte Verde, upstairs above PortaBella Restaurant.

READABLE READS

Nancy Collins recommends When Elephants Weep by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson and Susan McCarthy. "I picked it up," she says, "at our library because it is on the reading list for my next EarthWatch trip. I really enjoyed it. The book challenges many of the old myths and demonstrates that animals feel and react much like humans do." Nancy quotes Jane Goodall as saying, "This is not only an important book, it's marvelous! If animals could read they would be filled with joy and gratitude to the authors -- as I am. It is scholarly, vivid, and compelling, Please read it."

Remember that your City Council is on T.V.

City Council meetings are taped and re-broadcast
Sundays, 8 a.m. - 12 noon on
KMST Channel 26