The Spirit Behind the Charm

Balancing Charm and Community Life

When people think of Carmel-by-the-Sea, they usually picture the storybook cottages, windswept cypress trees, and breathtaking beach and ocean views. And they’re right. Those are part of what makes our village so special. But the real magic of Carmel isn’t just how it looks, it’s how it feels.

Lately, there’s been no shortage of ways to experience that magic. Nearly every week, in addition to our normally bustling village, there’s something special happening. This includes events like the Farmers’ Market, concerts, festivals, theater performances, and community celebrations, and the big one coming up, Car Week. It’s a wonderful challenge to have so many joyful events in such a compact village. But with that abundance comes a responsibility to ensure these activities reflect who we are, support our residents and businesses, and deepen the sense of connection that defines life here. That’s the spirit behind the charm.

A Commission Reawakened

One of the most important roles of our city government is to help thoughtfully shape the spaces and experiences that bring us together. That’s why I’m excited to share that our Community Activities Commission is back with fresh energy, clear direction, and a renewed commitment to enriching life in our village in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

Selecting Leaders with Purpose

For years, this Commission has helped shape the events that define our local spirit. But over time, as appointments lagged, it fell below quorum and became inactive. That changed this year, when Mayor Pro Tem Bob Delves and I had the privilege of interviewing and recommending five new commissioners.

We didn’t just look to fill seats. We sought people with energy, vision, relevant experience, and a deep connection to community life. We also looked for collaborators with bonus skills that could benefit the broader mission of the city. The result? A high-capacity team ready to serve.

Taking Ownership and Taking Action

This Commission has hit the ground running. Ashlee Wright, our Library and Community Activities Director, came to their first public meeting exceptionally well-prepared with strong ideas and a thoughtful process. Her leadership set the tone for a productive, motivated group. They’ve even committed to holding weekly special meetings to build momentum and lay the groundwork for the future.

What They’re Working On

Mission & Strategic Plan:They’re updating their mission and drafting a new strategic plan. The previous one expired in 2024, and the new version will align with City Council priorities and our evolving community needs.

Listening to Residents:They’re launching surveys to hear directly from you. What events do you love? What’s missing? What could we imagine together?

Balancing Joy with Practicality:Their goal is to energize the community without overwhelming it. That means right-sizing gatherings and embedding sustainability into every effort.

Exploring Quasi-Recreation:They’re exploring low-impact, high-enjoyment activities like poetry readings, artist talks, or intergenerational workshops in the many special venues around town.

Hands-On Involvement:These commissioners aren’t staying behind a desk. They’re out in the community—volunteering, listening, and bringing real-world insights to the table. Their creative and professional backgrounds are already shaping thoughtful new ideas.

An Invitation to Join In

This is a proactive, service-minded team eager to make a difference—and they’re looking for others who care about community life. You’re warmly invited to attend their Commission meetings at City Hall, share your thoughts in writing, take a survey, or volunteer at an upcoming event. Because the real strength of Carmel isn’t just in its beauty. It’s in the care we show one another and in our ability to connect, celebrate, and grow together.

Community doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people show up and reimagine what’s possible. To hear an AI-generated podcast based on this column go to: cli.re/community.

Dale Byrne

Mayor, Carmel-by-the-Sea

dbyrne@cbts.us