~SPOILER ALERT~ In late July, throngs of men, women and kids outfitted in shades of pink—many rocking cat eye sunglasses, with sweaters tied nattily around their necks and sparkly accent pieces—eagerly made their way to the Warner Brothers "Barbie" movie premiere. Some posed in photo booths to take Barbie and Ken themed photo strips; other theaters had life-sized Barbie … [Read more...] about Powerful in Pink
Fall 2023
2023 Monterey Jazz Festival
An Exciting Blend of Old and New
The 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival's slate of performers is the final one to be curated by outgoing Artistic Director Tim Jackson. He's stepping down after 32 years with the organization and programming his swan song has been a bittersweet experience, "depending on the day." "I'm looking forward to a great year with a ton of great artists I've worked with for years. I've chosen … [Read more...] about 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival
Saving Wild Lives
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Cares for Critters of All Kinds
It might have a beak, whiskers, claws, fangs or fur, but it'll be well cared for and likely returned to the wild if it's taken to the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The center, which is run under the umbrella of the greater SPCA, is a place where lives are saved and controlled chaos is a daily occurrence. The seasoned professionals there are used to it. … [Read more...] about Saving Wild Lives
Volunteer Divers Hard at Work
Saving the Giant Kelp Forests of Monterey Bay
Most people think of the giant kelp seen along Monterey Bay's shoreline as "seaweed," but the truth is, it's not a weed—it's not even a plant, but a form of algae. Scientists refer to it fondly as Macrocystis pyrifera and it is one of the planet's fastest-growing species, shooting up two feet a day in optimal circumstances, sometimes reaching lengths of 175 feet. Kelp is found … [Read more...] about Volunteer Divers Hard at Work
Designing Wild
John Chappell's Art Incorporates the Natural World
Artist John Chappell's Carmel home and garden are an eclectic wonderland of pots, plants, jewelry, paintings, photographs, lamps, sculptures, handmade furniture, ceramics and rescued cats. One of the cats makes a special meow to let Chappell know when she's dragging him a cloth to polish up his many creations. Fossils, shells, frogs, dragonflies, leaves, fish, lizards and … [Read more...] about Designing Wild