Fall - 2022

W elcome to My Carmel, where celebrities share their favorite Monterey Peninsula places and spaces. He’s a commanding presence with a muscular 6-foot-3 frame, broad shoulders and a firm handshake. But there’s always a wide, welcoming smile to go along with a greeting from Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera. Our own local football star is in his second season with the NFL franchise, his fifth professional post. Rivera grew up on the Monterey Peninsula, then enjoyed stellar playing careers at Cal Berkeley and with the Chicago Bears, including their legendary 1985 Super Bowl season. Rivera fought and beat cancer in 2020, and is grateful for so much in life—includ- ing the Carmel area. He and his beloved wife Stephanie spend most of the year in Virginia now, but their forever home is right here, and you’ll catch him on the golf course, or perhaps even strolling through town. Best Scenery: I love the white sandy beaches of Carmel.They’re so beau- tiful when the sun is out and you see all the people who come here to enjoy the them, as well as those who have dogs. It brings back very fun memories of growing up in the Monterey Bay Area. Best Art Gallery: We constantly walk in and out of all the art galleries in town. Recently we bought a bronze statue by Richard McDonald. It’s beau- tiful. And it’s hard to describe. It’s so finite in the detail of the human body and its movements. Best Eats: Anywhere! You can be walking along and come upon a bakery and, after choosing from the fresh baked goods, you might stumble on a candy shop, or ice cream parlor, or a restaurant. Some of these restaurants are little hidden jewels. There’s Italian food, seafood, steaks. We ate at Il Vecchio (in Pacific Grove) last time we were home and loved it. Best Store: J. McLaughlin. I bought some nice jeans there not too long ago. But all the clothing shops have great choices. Best Vibe: It’s a very relaxed, chill feeling in Carmel. I’ve always known it to be a very comfortable and welcoming community. It’s definitely not pretentious! We’ll never leave. We love it here. That’s why we always come back. 58 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 2 A Monterey Peninsula native, born on Fort Ord and graduated from Seaside High, Ron Rivera’s childhood as an army brat and career as a football player and coach have taken him all over the world, but Carmel will always be his forever home. M Y C A R M E L Photo: Emilee Fails R O N R I V E R A B Y D I N A R U I Z