Twenty-one years ago, while strolling along Carmel’s Ocean Avenue with his wife, Doug Freedman saw potential. “I said to Genie, ‘We need to put cars on these streets,’ ” he remembers. When the Atlanta resident floated the idea in 2001, city officials said it couldn’t be done. “But I believe that if you have a dream, you should pursue that dream—and we pursued and pursued,” … [Read more...] about A Concours by the Sea
A Green Thumb and a Generous Spirit
Ask Salinas Valley CEO Andy Matsui about his personal history, and he refers to a collection of newspaper clippings, magazine features and photographs showcasing his ventures with Matsui Nursery and the Matsui Foundation. Often, he also hands over a copy of the 2005 Po Bronson book, “Why Do I Love These People?” Sixteen pages of the book chronicle Matsui’s life, starting with … [Read more...] about A Green Thumb and a Generous Spirit
At Your Service
Guests at Carmel area restaurants are spoiled. Crisp, locally grown produce fills our plates throughout the year. Meat and seafood options come fresh from area farms and fishing boats. More than 41,000 acres of Monterey County grapes are crushed and made into wines that consistently earn acclaim, and the views at many restaurants—overlooking the Monterey Bay, Santa Lucia … [Read more...] about At Your Service
A Jazz Label’s Rebirth Near Cannery Row
No obstacles will stand in the way of your success this month,” says Rhett Smith, reading a narrow paper pulled from a fortune cookie. He pauses, shaking his head. “I just wish we had more time left in the month.” In reality, Smith needs no fortune cookie motivation. The industrious Carmel native worked in home building, design, and sound installation before establishing The … [Read more...] about A Jazz Label’s Rebirth Near Cannery Row
Adventuring toward the Self
When she first learned about Artista Creative, Newport Beach resident Debi Yao hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in 20 years. Still, the opportunity to spend a week creating ar t in Carmel felt right. “I was in a place in my life where I really needed something like that,” says Yao. “Suddenly, I found myself in tears. The ad was calling to me.” Artista Creative is one of three … [Read more...] about Adventuring toward the Self