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) recommended Videos pushing back on current Housing Legislaton, 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 state wide 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.
* 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. This project currently pending hiring a new Planning Department Director.
* ADU Ordinance (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Updates are required to reflect State mandates ideally also our local ordinances and ideally with Objective Design Standards. City is preparing a November 13th Ordinance Draft review 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 withing 20 ft of downtown intersections by Jan 2025. Aug 28th Chief Tomassi presented his proposed approach that would only decrease downtown parking by 30 spots. Nov 5th City Council will see the proposed 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 draft scematics later in November or December.
* 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. 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 reasearch. 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 in 2024. And the 7th&Dolores (JB Pastor Building) new layout proposal was reviewed at the July 10 2024 Planning Commission requiring redesign to accomodate 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 proided 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 errosion, Climate Change and much more. 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. 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.

Articles include: Choices NOVEMBER 24 Choices, Your Vote-Your Right-Your Responsibility, Carmel Welcomes Unicorns?...Especially in Campaign Season, Customes-Personality-and-Landmarks, Standard Addresses in our Village?, Science and Native Trees - Reminders, Village Summer Music Abounds, Carmel's Housing Challenges Continues, Major City Initiatives Work in Progress, Upcoming City Events, Great CRA Programs looking back and coming up - especially Feast in the Forest Sept 8th, New VIP Offers from Local Businesses, Extra Special 90th and 100th Year Recognitions and Don't Miss CRA's Biennual Candidates Forum Sept 17th.

News You Can Use - Sept/Oct

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.

October 6 Issue HERE - Articles include:Next City Meetings & Events + Halloween, CHS Parade & Mock Trial Team Ask, CRA No-Host Nov 7, CRA Holiday Gala Dec 8 Signup Open, CRA City Thanks, New VIP Offers, CRA Forum & Voting reminders...and more. 

Sept 12 Issue HERE- Articles Include: Be sure to attend the CRA Candidates Forum Sept 17th, Sept/Oct Voice is Delivered, City Council Highlights, Feast in the Forest Thanks, and the September/October events coming up! 

And check out our Updated "Carmel Eats & Drinks" Listing HERE. ...as of 07/02/2024
Updated Fall 2024 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:    

Thursday, November 7th from 4:30 - 6:30 CRA's Members No-Host gathering will be held in the Carmel Plaza "Links Club Golf". We are gathering at this auspicious time - when the 2024 election day will be two days behind us, and if we are lucky both local and national results will be in!  We are gathering to "cry in our beers" and/or "toast the winners" and gather to have some fun.  

Sunday, December 8th from 4-7 PM - CRA Members Holiday Gala at La Playa Hotel.  Full Event details are available HERE. Registration is OPEN NOW - HERE. This year we are planning a new approach at our traditional location in the La Playa's Pacific Banquet Room and the Pacific Terrace.  We are hosting this Sunday at an earlier hour 4-7 PM, crossing our fingers to catch a great Carmel winter sunset.  All for the low per person cost of $75 each.

...and more 2025 dates yet to come.

CRA's & Carmel's Past Events

 

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. 

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.