When retired Monterey County Superior Court Judge John Phillips first explored the idea of turning the abandoned Natividad Boys' Ranch into a facility for at-risk and underserved youth, he spent $26,000 researching whether such a project could succeed. "Even my own feasibility study said this was too daunting of a task. It seemed impossible," he remembers. Still, Phillips … [Read more...] about The Sky’s the Limit
Reel Legends
When Canadian-born cinematographer James H. White set up his Edison camera outside Monterey's Hotel Del Monte in 1897, he directed one of the country's earliest silent films, and, in the process, became the first of many influential filmmakers to set movies in Monterey County. The jumpy, black-and-white "Hotel Del Monte" footage, which features well-dressed guests waving as … [Read more...] about Reel Legends
Goodbye to a Goddess
Bert Cutino was bartending at the former Cerrito's on Fisherman's Wharf one afternoon in 1964, when a breathless Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton burst through the door. "She said they were being chased. People were bothering them. They hadn't had a chance to eat, and they wondered if we could take care of them and not let anybody in," Cutino remembers. "I said, 'For you, … [Read more...] about Goodbye to a Goddess
Destinations
The recent renovation of Carmel Valley Ranch included the addition of a 10,500-square-foot spa, the restoration of hiking trails, the expansion of fitness and swimming facilities at the new River Ranch complex, and the creation of a fire pit where busy days wind down with s'mores under the stars. But even with all these whimsical, wonderful new activities, it's one of the … [Read more...] about Destinations
Protecting Those Without a Voice
In her search for a dog that would make a good running and biking companion, Stephanie Oh spent six months visiting animal shelters. The San Jose resident competes in off road marathons, so she wanted an athletic breed that would be big enough to play, but not too big to handle. Oh was ready to give up when she came to the Monterey Peninsula for a cycling event and, on a whim, … [Read more...] about Protecting Those Without a Voice