Each year, it’s a challenge to determine a cover photo for the Summer/Fall edition. Most often, I have to choose between someone car related or a performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Both are worthy.
This year, I decided to mix it up with two different cover designs. The first one is of the late Phil Hill. An automotive world icon who raced and won here at the Pebble Beach Road Races multiple times, Hill still means so much to this area. He showed cars and won Best of Show twice at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance and was also a judge at the event for almost 40 years. This beloved man had a genuine passion for cars and an undeniable talent as a driver. Phil Hill is our cover for the first month of distribution.
Norah Jones returns to the Monterey Peninsula after performing at the Monterey International Pop Festival last year. This time, Jones is a headliner at the 61st Monterey Jazz Festival. Kudos to Tim Jackson for continuing to bring us these amazing lineups at the longest running jazz festival in the world. Jones is our cover subject for distribution beginning September 1st. All content is the same in both issues.
The Summer and Fall seasons offer a variety of options for locals and visitors alike. It’s definitely my favorite time of the year. So many things are going on and there is no way to do it all. Options include tons of live music, festivals of all kinds, art galleries, amazing parties, Car Week, great weather for outdoor recreation, wine tasting, beer tasting, fine dining, new restaurants and shopping options, and so much more.
This issue of Carmel Magazine represents our largest edition of the year and features a small sample of what makes this place so special. A big part of that is the people here. One example is actress Barbara Babcock who is genuinely one of the most interesting and amazing people who lives here. Having grown up watching her on television and films for most of my life, it is an honor to have her allow us into her home and let us tell part of her story. She is truly gracious, beautiful and articulate. If I could have afforded to do a third cover, Barbara would have been on it.
We love our four-legged friends here and our Carmel Beach dogs story features a few of the regulars enjoying the shoreline. You will now have a name to attach to the pup when you see them. Dogs are the best. I have four and love having them all with their unique personalities. They give so much more than they receive. If you don’t have a dog in your life, I strongly suggest you get one.
Also featured in this edition is Jesse Alexander, an iconic photographer who allowed us to share some of his historic automotive images. Alexander possesses a tremendous talent and many more of his images will be on display from mid- August until Sept. 2nd at Carmel’s Center for Photographic Art. Thank you to Jesse and his wife Nancy for the help and the amazing images.
Lastly, one of the greatest things we have to offer here is our golf courses. After watching the Open Championship in Britain recently, it made me appreciate our courses here more than ever. In contrast to the course at Carnoustie which was brown and bland by comparison, our courses are lush and green with incredible views. Tiger Woods sat atop the leaderboard briefly on a Sunday as we went to press. When Tiger contends at a major, on a Sunday, it is really something special. He adds a level of excitement that is something to behold. I for one hope Tiger plays the Open here in June 2019 and hope he contends. He has won here before and may again. Stay tuned.