No respect—I don't get no respect!" If Custom House could speak, the old adobe might very well utter Rodney Dangerfield's famous one-liner to describe its place in contemporary Monterey. The building is well-preserved, and contains curated displays of trade goods common during the Mexican era. A gift shop beckons, as do engaging State Parks staff members and volunteer docents. … [Read more...] about Custom-Made
Archives for Winter 2025
Intricate Art With a Twist
The Wood Fine Art of Craig Lauterbach
One day, thousands of years ago, one of our human ancestors discovered that the wooden branch of a tree could be shaped using a sharpened tool. Obviously, that precise date is lost to time, but what is known is that over the millennia, humans have used this extremely versatile material to craft a myriad of objects ranging from the rudimentary to the sublime. Wood artist Craig … [Read more...] about Intricate Art With a Twist
Growing Wings to Fly
Hijos del Sol Supports Children With Art and Community
José Ortiz grew up in Mexico, in what he describes as a "box city," working as a newspaper delivery boy at age four and very aware of the marginalization those of his indigenous culture experienced. His mother had left to work in the U.S. as a migrant farmworker, and he wouldn't be reunited with her for many years. On a fortuitous day, a nun saw young Ortiz out delivering … [Read more...] about Growing Wings to Fly
Rory McIlroy Overcomes Hazards
Ready to Defend His AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Title
Standing on the 18th tee of Pebble Beach Golf Links last February, Rory McIlroy had a decision to make—wow spectators with a risky drive on the fairway adjacent to Carmel Bay or play it safe. He played it conservatively, hitting a 5-iron onto the imposing fairway, laying up and knocking a short pitch shot onto the green for a par and a two-stroke victory. He pocketed $3.6 … [Read more...] about Rory McIlroy Overcomes Hazards
The House That Bing Built
A Youth Center for Carmel Since 1949
Upon entering the upper level of the Carmel Youth Center (CYC), one is greeted by a large black and white portrait of a smiling man sporting a jaunty bow tie. Being more attuned to the music of Drake and Taylor Swift, the kids who visit CYC will be forgiven if they have no idea who that gentleman was, but their grandparents are sure to know. His name was Bing Crosby, one of the … [Read more...] about The House That Bing Built