Today's vlog guest Ian Martin mentioned some books to read if you want to learn Carmel history. Thank you Ian for sharing your list with our readers. All are available at the Carmel library.

Creating Carmel: The Enduring Vision 

This is an excellent place to start if you'd like to learn more about Carmel-by-the-Sea history and gain an understanding of the various factors that make our village special.  

Carmel at Work and Play

Written by Daisy Bostick and Dorothea Castelhun. Bostick was an early Carmelite and Pine Cone columnist.

The Seacoast Of Bohemia by Franklin Walker provides a history of the first years of the 20th century in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel: A History in Architecture 

Noted Monterey Peninsula historian Kent Seavey provides an excellent overview of the astonishing variety of architecture found in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea.  

Storied Land: Community and Memory in Monterey

John Walton's book not only provides a history of the Monterey Peninsula, but also shows how popular historical narratives evolve overtime.

All City offieces, except Public Safety, will be closed on Thursday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. All offices will reopen on Friday, July 5.

Public Works staff will be on duty so if you see something that needs immediate attention please contact the Police Deparrment non-emergency line, 831.624.6403, and they will contact staff.

The Village will be very busy so please be patient as you make your way through town.

Summer is fast approaching, and while it brings plenty of fun, beach days, and BBQs, summer typically brings plenty of concern for the blood supply and that’s why we are asking for your help.

Summer is always a difficult time to collect blood. Schools are on break and not hosting their regular blood drives, which impacts about 20% of our community’s supply. Additionally, people are often traveling or on vacation during the summer months, and blood donation is simply not top of mind.

Unfortunately, while donations tend to drop, the need for blood increases as people are more active, and the risk of accidents and trauma climbs. Blood is perishable and always in demand. I wish I could say we have the luxury of having an infinite supply, but

one major traumatic event can put a strain on hospitals.

Please join us for the 4th annual Monterey County Pops! concert on the lawn in Devendorf Park.

• 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - open rehearsal
• 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir
• 2:00 p.m. - Monterey County Pops! performance with special guest soprano Judge Stephanie Hulsey.

If a hot dog is your traditional meal on the 4th of July the Carmel Host Lions have you covered. They will be selling hot dog meals for $7.50 and brautwurst meals for $12.00. The meal includes your choice of chips and soda or water. They will also be serving Carmel Bakery coffee.

Bring your chairs, blankets, picnic, and get ready for a good time!

For this event 6th between Junipero and Mission will be closed to through traffic. The alternate bus stops on Junipero (Thursday farmers' market) will be in use. The street will be closed at 8:00 a.m. and will reopen as soon as safely possible.

We are a group of performers who bring a great mix of musical talent that thrives on audience participation. Each show is flexible, and any age group can find a lyric to sing-along to in a set mix that runs from Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton to Linda Ronstadt and Fleetwood Mac. 

Monterey District 5 Supervisor,

Mary Adams – A Conversation

Wednesday, July 10 @ 6:30 p.m., Carmel Woman's Club

Mary offers her 8 years of insights on the workings on the Monterey County dais and beyond. In an interactive question format, we will cover topics including Mary’s experience and roles in County and Regional area committees and boards – covering AMBAG, Energy, Water, Transportation and more.

This program is free and open to the public.

Participating Carmel Galleries: 

Aaron Chang Gallery

Center for Photographic Art

Exposed?

Gallery Sur

Oficino Uno

Photography West Gallery

Robin Winfield Gallery

Weston Gallery

Curb Painting and Sidewalk Repairs

Public Works painted the curbs along Scenic and throughout the Village this week. Gilbert is pictured below grinding down the uneven concrete slab sidewalk on Mission Street and Seventh Avenue. 

Overgrown Brush Clearance and Tree Stump Removals

Forestry crews removed the overgrown brush, weeds, and bushes on the southeast corner of Valley Way and Monterey Street to prevent vehicle blind spots and obstacles. They also continued to grind tree stumps throughout the Village this week putting to good use our new toy, the City’s first ever stump grinder!

Vista Lobos Parking Lot Pavement Repairs

The City’s Consultant, MPE made repairs from tree root damage to the asphalt at Vista Lobos Parking Lot this week just in time for the upcoming busy summer season.

The Fourth of July is traditionally filled with beach days, BBQs, and family fun – and unfortunately, a lot of single-use plastic. This holiday weekend, celebrate Independence Day independent from litter by following these simple steps:

1.   Pack it in, pack it out!

If you're celebrating outdoors over the holiday weekend (or any time!), bring reusable items wherever possible to avoid producing waste, and always remember to pack everything back out with you when you leave. This can be as simple as packing cutlery from your drawer and reusing food storage vessels like jars from your refrigerator or pantry.

2.   Leave it better than you found it

Safely dispose of any litter you may find, even if you didn’t create it. If there aren't waste disposal vessels where you are, or they're already overfilled, bring trash with you when you leave and dispose of it at home.

3.   Pack extra pet waste bags, and throw away used bags in the

trash bin

Although the City provides free Mutt Mitts throughout the village, it’s a good idea to pack your own just in case.

As a reminder, fireworks are prohibited in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you witness any illegal fireworks, please call Public Safety at 624-6403.

Ian Martin and I had coffee and a walk before the vlog today. We talked about our dogs and our daughters, the urbanized forest, the built environment, and of course historic preservation. We agreed on the less dubious (in our collective opinion) topic of civil discord; especially when working toward maintaining healthy relationships. The artform of disagreeing while not letting ourselves become disagreeable made us both nod and smile. In light of the heady topics before the community at this time, as well as the upcoming election cycle, let's recommit to remaining civil, gentle people. I'll do my best as well. As always, take good care. CR.