Winter 2025

I wondered what it would be like to use AI or ChatGPT to create my Publisher’s Note this time. I found it tempting, as the tool would save me time which I don’t have nearly enough of, but it would not be an authentic human expression, which is what this mag- azine is all about. The power of AI is both intriguing and scary to me. I recently watched a documentary about AI robots being created in var- ious countries and they are looking and acting increasingly more lifelike. Still in their infancy, time will tell what they will become. Fascinating, but disturbing on several levels. I am no expert on AI technology by any means, but I am intrigued by it and afraid of what impact it will have on the public and our kids’ and grand- kids’ futures. I think the computer (cell phone) most of us carry around has had some super negative impacts on society and I am sure future genera- tions will judge this era harshly, as it will be a major contributor to a shift towards a more socially awkward society. One that has dam- aged young people in their formative years as well as adults. Regardless of—or perhaps in spite of—all of this advanced technology, I hope we can all do our part to protect and preserve this place we get to call home, as I believe it is the best place to live on the planet.We have it all.The incredible natural beauty, the diverse climate and the amazing people who live here. I was inspired reading the latest from the local writer and photographer Robert Feist who we featured in the Fall 2025 issue. His latest missive talked about a recent experience he had in downtown Monterey. As he was heading to his favorite breakfast spot, he observed a large amount of garbage strewn about by the garbage cans of a bank near the restaurant. The big mess was the handy work of seagulls who were looking for a nice meal. He contemplated cleaning it up, as he often does in his own neighborhood, but then he thought, “there’s too much and it’s too gross” and hoped someone from the bank would do it. Upon exiting the restaurant, he noticed a woman in pink picking up the last piece of garbage, and when Robert thanked her, she exclaimed “I didn’t want it to end up in the bay.” He told her she was an angel. We are lucky here, where we have so many passionate vol- unteers and residents who feel a sense of responsibility to keep this place special.We have a philanthropic, generous and com- passionate base who are of like-mind. Helping those who are less fortunate, preserving and maintaining—as well as improv- ing—all aspects of our habitat for those that live here, for visi- tors and for future generations. In this issue of Carmel Magazine , I hope you enjoy the sto- ries—we have some great ones. Our cover story on Rory McIlroy and his grand slam year, starting with his first-place win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year, is a dramat- ic one. Our history piece on Monterey’s Custom House has amazing historical photos and will likely educate you on this local treasure.We are honored to share the story of Hijos del Sol which is a community-based group out of Salinas which provides professional art instruction to underserved youth. It is a powerful story that we are happy to showcase, and the murals they create can be seen all over Monterey County. Check out our featured artist, Craig Lauterbach, and his incred- ibly detailed and unique creations. Read about the vibrant Carmel Youth Center which was founded by Bing Crosby in 1949.There is so much more to read about the people, places, events and nonprofits, so please enjoy, and happy and healthy holidays to all! 52 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 PUBLISHER’S NOTE S T E V E S N I D E R Preserve the Past for the Future We are lucky here, where we have so many passionate volun- teers and residents who feel a sense of responsibility to keep this place special.