AUTHOR'S NOTE: This past winter, I traveled to China to document two of the most beautiful and iconic animals of our natural world, Giant Panda bears and Siberian tigers. My goal was to examine and document two successful animal breeding/re-introduction programs, one for each of the respective animals. I felt comfortable seeing the animals in large enclosures because of the … [Read more...] about Wild at Heart
Lifestyle
You Can Go Home, Again
Being a homeless or injured pet is no fun on any day, but thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers at Animal Friends Rescue Project, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are pretty good places to be rescued. The Pacific Grove-based rescue group was started 10 years ago by Monica Rua and Kelly and Dave Lehrian, and is now under the leadership of Alexandra McCabe. Since … [Read more...] about You Can Go Home, Again
The Legend and the Beauty
At press time, Clint Eastwood was putting the finishing touches on his upcoming film,“Changeling,” starring Angelina Jolie. Jolie plays the part of a mother whose son is abducted, and then supposedly returned to her by the Los Angeles Police Department. When Jolie’s character, Christine Collins, protests that the boy who has been brought back to her is not her son, she is … [Read more...] about The Legend and the Beauty
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
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