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) NEW recommended Videos pushing back on current Housing Legislation, 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 statewide 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.  The Housing Element Amendment DRAFT published for comments in May.

* 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. 

* ADU Ordinance (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Updates are required to reflect State mandates ideally also our local ordinances and ideally with Objective Design Standards. Plus a new "Considering an ADU" - guide published HERE based on today's State laws for residents. The next Ordinance Draft will be published for comment, with a follow-up public meeting - date to be announced.

* 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 within 20 ft of downtown intersections by Jan 2025. Nov 5th City Council approved ordinance to address this State requirement.  With this rollout by year end, businesses and residents are complaining with this new decrease in parking. 

* Police Station Replace/Rebuild Project - This contains city current and past reports, findings and press coverage on this proposed project - as led by the City Ad Hoc Committee. Multiple meetings were held for community input for this large capital project. City Council met March 27th to recieve an update of a downsized scope schematics and on the immediate needs will be implemented. Longer term plans will be covered in a future session.

* Automated License Plate Readers - (ALPR) Cameras. Preceded my mulitple public meetings, onFeb 4 2025, as approved the City will execute a modified 2 year agreement with Flock Safety Group Inc. for the continued use of ALPR technology, with provisions for the new smaller number of cameras leased (for main entry & exit points), and language added to the agreement to protect privacy of residents. Future, community requests include plublic review of placement of additional cameras as well as possible alternate providers.  

* Carmel's Harrison Memorial Library Building Project - the Carmel Public Library Foundation (with donations already in hand) and our City are partnering to update and restore the interior of this historic building - targeting completion in early 2028 for its Centenial Celebrations. Details on this effort, meetings and more can be found on this page.  Seperately, the Library's Strategic Plan Draft is seeking feedback in May.

* Addresses in Carmel Project - Ad Hoc Committee (with Council Member Ferlito, with City Staff) is continuing to compile added research. 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. In the Spring, City Council agreed, that a November ballot voted is not warrented at this time, and that a Citizen/Staff team is working on the details of a possible implementation with pro/con details and options. A helpful "No Address" How to Guide is available - HERE. 

* Emergency Preparedness - Covering Wildfires, Storms and more are driving increased effort of our City Teams and each of us as residents. Details on informational meetings, resouces and more can be foundon this page...for example Defensible Space Recommendations (flyer) from Monterey Fire. City Council also reviewed upcoming changes to laws, ordinances and more on May 5th - with more to come.  Carmel Prepares will be hosting a readiness program June 21st.

* Esperanza Carmel Projects 5th & Dolores (aka Ulrika Plaza & The Pit) - At the Aug 2023 Planning Commission meeting the newest project plan was approved. First step is to obtain permits for foundation phase (estimated to begin in late April),  And the 7th&Dolores (JB Pastor Building) new layout proposal was reviewed at the July 10 2024 Planning Commission requiring redesign to accommodate requirements and concerns. The revised 7th&Dolores design was approved at the April 9th Planning Commission meeting and as of 4/25 an appeal has been filed. 

* 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 provided 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 erosion, Climate Change and much more. At the March 3 City Council approved an updated project request of the next phase engineering work with project scope expansion.  Community Workshop on Beach Hazards May 15th 4-6pm in City Hall.

* 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 2024. At the March 24th Council Meeting the Capitol Project and early FY 2025/2026 outlook plus proposed Financial/Capital Budget Policy revisions were reviewed. Proposed FY 25/26 Fee schedule was reviewed at City Council 4/1/25. The next review of the Budget is May 21st. 

The Voice - May/June Issue HERE

Articles Include: Cover-Destination Carmel-by-the-Sea?, All about Tom-Citizen of the Year, a Beach Story-Is this You?, Another Villager's Life of Service, Pitching In with City Hall-a Team Effort, DRAFT of our Housing Element Amendment, Considering and ADU?, Addressing our Village?, Returning to her Regional Roots, In City Hall-Cups Runneth Over, Sadly It's Fire Season-Really, Soooo Many Village Happenings, Anniversaries of Amazing Nonprofits, Tourism & CRA's Annual Meeting, New CRA Board Member-Ross Kaplan, CRA's Annual Feast-in-the-Forest, CRA Goings On, Cheers & Chides.  [Note: the next Voice Issue is Sept/Oct]

News You Can Use - May/April

May 17 Issue HERE - Articles include: THREE important City Meeting/Workshops this week (Housing Element Draft, FY 2025/2026 Budget, Monterey County Roads), the new May/June Voice, CRA Annual Meeting highlights on Tourism plus Little Napoli/Pepe as Business of the Year, Carmel Library's Strategic Plan Draft seeking comments, Community Events coming through May, June and...with a special CRA discount for Carmel Culinary Week tickets, Carmel Prepares program June 21st and save the date for CRA's Feast in the Forest Sept 13th.

May 10 Issue HERE - Articles include: Reminder for CRA's Annual Meeting May15th - on Tourism, City Council Meeting highlights from this week - May 5 & 6 with Addresses & Budget and Fire Zone Maps & Regulations, Upcoming City Meetings including subjects Draft Housing Element sessions - May 14 & 20th, Carmel Coastal Hazards Local Program Update May 15th, Important City FY2025/2026 Budget Workshop May 21st, Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week 2025 May 30 - June 7th with a Special CRA Members Discount, and our usual full listing of local meetings, activities, events and more through June!

April 13 Issue HERE - Articles include: This Weeks Two Recent Ceremonies - on for Tom Parks and the other for Chief Red Eagle, Two upcoming CRA programs, CRA Board Letter to the Editor and other upcoming dates for your calendar!

April 3 Issue HERE - Articles include: Citizen Of The Year..is Tom Parks..Join us Thursday 4/10 5:30 to Celebrate, recent 5 City Meeting Highlights, Save the Date for May 15th CRA Members Annual Meeting - where we recognize our Business of the Year requesting your Nominations and finally with an updated Calendar for April & May.

And check out our Updated "Carmel Eats & Drinks" Listing HERE. ...as of 3/5/2025
Updated 2025 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:    

CRA's Annual Feast in the Forest for CRA Members and their Guests - Saturday September 13th - at Indian Village in Pebble Beach

Be sure to save the date.  This year's theme will be tropical/polynesian - and once again Tim Wood will be our Chef/Caterer!  Registration and other details to follow. 
HERE is our 2025 Event page, your one stop for registration and contributing to our auction and more.  Prior Year Feasts in the Forest - HERE for 2021,  HERE for 2023,  HERE for 2024.

CRA's & Carmel's Past Events

May 15 - CRA's Members Annual Meeting & Tourism

At this year’s Annual meeting we explored Tourism with how the local business & tourism organizations are funded, how their efforts complement each other and how tourism and our residential community mix. In the Q&A panel, led by Graeme Robertson and leaders from Visit Carmel, Carmel Chamber and See Monterey, insights were shared.  This annual meeting also provided introductions to our newest Board Members, our organization health and benefits, and our Board’s engagements with City Staff, City Council, and our area non-profits. We honored our Business of the Year - Little Napoli & the Pepe Family. All of this plus enjoyed - finger foods, wines, and waters – with the great view of Point Lobos and our Village through the windows of the Carmel Youth Center.

HERE is the YouTube of this program. 
HERE are the details from this and the past 4 years of CRA's Annual Meetings.
Our thanks to our members who joined us live.

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April 26 - Carmel's Arbor/Earth Day Celebrations & Bench Dedications

Great Community Gathering and Celebration of Earth/Arbor Day. With dedications to the refresh of the landscaping of the Ocean Avenue Medians and the two memorial benches - for Jan Reimers and Barbara Livingston - two ladies full of Carmel Passion and Service for our Village.  HERE is a YouTube of the dedication.  Learn more about Barbara former Councilwoman and President of CRA HERE. Thank you to everyone who participated.

    

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April 23 - Carmel High "Mock" City Council Session

See how CHS students hold the position of Council + and City Department Directors to host a "Mock" City Council session.  Great fun for all and learning experience.  The teams proposed new projects including: Parking Empty/Used Sensors, 3 day Holiday Fair, CPD Jet Ski for water rescue, Beach Bon Fire Gatherings, CHS Students teaching local residents on technology/socialmedia etc, New Pickle Ball Courts where the Forest Hill Park basket ball courts are now. 

HERE is the YouTube of this session, and below a few pictures of the full team!  Prior year's sessions are posted here. 

  

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April 10 - CRA honored Tom Parks as Citizen of the Year 

Our agenda, fact sheet, programs, videos, proclamations and much more can be found here. Congrats Tom!

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April 7 - Carmel Rededicates the Chief Red Eagle Trail Sign 

Check out this redidication reveal of the refreshed Red Eagle Trail Sign on SE of Ocean on San Carlos on the back side of the Wells Fargo building. 
HERE is the brief Video of this ceremony for more great history of this notable character in our Village.
For more on both locals Chief Red Eagle and the Countess Kinnoull who originally cared for the Chief in his later years here in town, read "Wealth, Sorrow, Redemption" by local author Katheleen Ambro published 2017. Plus Here is more from the Carmel Public Library History department.

  
 

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March 11 - CRA Members No-Host gathering at Bar Napoli - NE Corner of Dolores & 7th for thier choice of food and beverages for this early cocktail hour.  Past No-Host gatherings can be found here.

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February 6 - CRA Hosts "Wildfires and Emergency Preparedness - Live Q&A with the Chiefs" at the Carmel Woman's Club

With the devastation in Southern California, this raises local concerns to know how our Village is prepared and preventing the possibilities including property owners, residents, businesses and the City teams. The fomat for this community session was an interactive Q&A with our Police Commander Todd Trayer, Fire Chief Andrew Miller and City Administrator Chip Rerig. Videos, resources and more can be found HERE. 

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December 19 - Special Village Parade Celebrating our Carmel High State Football Champions !

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December 9 - Special New Village City Council - Swearing In Ceremonies! This is where it was made official for Dale Byrne as our new Mayor, and where Hans Buder & Bob Delves joined as new Council Members! We welcome their new insights and contributions as we support them on their journey in the days ahead as they join Council Members Alissandra Dramov and Jeff Baron.  Thanks again to all of those who ran for office and those who've served. Visit this page for more on our local Nov 2024 election. HERE is the Special Meeting Agenda.  HERE is the YouTube from this evening.

    

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December 8 - CRA Members partied at our annual Holiday Gala at La Playa Hotel.  Great food, beverages and people too. Good times had by all - Happy Holidays to all CRA Members! Full Event details are available HERE.

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November 7 - CRA's Members No-Host Gathering was held in the Carmel Plaza Links Club Golf. We are gathered at this auspicious time - when the 2024 election day was behind us with the local national results  were in!  Congrats to Dale Byrne, Hans Buder & Bob Delves for joining the City Council - to be sworn in on December 9th.  HERE is more info on these No-Hosts.

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October 31 - CRA will be marching in our City's 108th Birthday and Halloween Parade - up and down Ocean Avenue - a Community Tradition for past years fun!  Plus a few from the Pumpkin Roll too.

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September 17 - CRA's Bienial Candidates Forum - A great overflow crowd and two panels for our Candidates. Panelists-Candidates: for Mayor included Dave Potter (I), Dale Byrne and Jeff Baron, then for Council Hans Buder, Bob Delves, Danny Hala, (Daniel) Parker Logan, and David O'Neil.   For full event details, press coverage and photo's visit this program page. And click each image to open relevant panel session video. 

   

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September 8th  - CRA Members Annual- Feast in the Forest in Pebble Beach. This year it was a Western BBQ!  HERE is the webpage with all of the details including all of the great Raffle items from our Members and great Businesses around town!   Thanks to all for your participation. 

   

 

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 July 10th CRA Hosted a Conversation with Mary Adams - our Monterey County District 5 Supervisor.  Mary provided 8 years of insights on the workings on the Monterey County dais and prior.  Mary spoke to her many Pubic Service roles on committees and  boards – covering locally on AMBAG, Energy, Water, Transportation and beyond including American Cancer Society.  CRA also recognized Mary for her Lifetime of Public Service. Details, photos etc. are available HERE. Youtube video is available HERE. 

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July 4th - Carmel's Independence Day Celebration - Enjoy

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June 6th CRAs Members Only Annual Meeting with Historic Photos  We introduced our CRA Board, we provided a breif update on our organization, we extend our yearly award of recognition to a Carmel Business, we mix/mingle with fellow members our munch & imbibe, plus as our keynote we explore Village worthy topics. For your enjoyment, this year we are explored the heritage of our amazing Village through the lens of Pat Hathaway, presented by James Perry, this collection curator and Executive Director of the Monterey County Museum. Visit this page for details, program video, PDF of slides, photos plus.

   

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May 1st - Carmel High's Mock City Council Meeting. This was held in our City Council Chambers, as students take the roll of City Council and Department Heads to review budget items and more. This is a great opportunity to see our "Next Generation" of leaders in action. HERE is the YouTube Video.  Visit this page for more photos and prior year details.

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April 27th - CRA's Community Rummage Sale was held in the south lot of the Sunset Center.  Donation days were Wednesday - Friday, and shoping on Saturday.  For more details visit this page.  

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March 23rd - Jane Goodall on Carmel Beach sponsored by SPCA Monterey County

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March 11th CRA Members gathered at our No-Host  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 21^st 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.

     

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January 23^rd 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.

 

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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! 

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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!

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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. 

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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.

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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.

 

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.