65 Degree Magazine - Men in the Peninsula

Shot taken at the Lysakov Gallery in Pacific Grove

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FEATURE

34

The Gates of Opportunity

Opportunity flows freely for troubled teens who want to turn their lives around for the better, and they have Judge John M. Phillips to thank.

By Cameron Douglas

28 Life in a Two–Wheel Fastlane

12

By Don Huntington & Andrea Stuart

44 Carmel’s Vagabond Host

By Raymond Napolitano

66 At Home with the Sharks

CONTENTS

PERSONA

By Kristin A. Smith

54 Clothes, and Much More,

Have Made this Man

By Julie Engelhardt

58 The Man Behind the Mayor

By Barbra Alexander

78 Architect Extraordinaire

By Elizabeth Hermens

82 Horses Trump a

Learning Disability

By Charleen Earley

DEPARTMENTS

DINE

STYLE

49 Citronelle Restaurant

23 Khaki’s of Carmel

A hot new spot for simple but playful dishes

Men’s Summer Fashions

BY DAN SHAFER

SPECIAL

61 Putting on the Dog

SCENE

32 Pacific Grove Caught up in the moment

ABODE

73 Architectural Masterpieces

at Lysakov Gallery

The Santa Fe House

42 Salinas

Monterey County Bank Grand Opening

COLUMNS

18 Publisher’s Note

86 Pacific Grove

20 Partners in Creative Crime

An Evening with Alison Eastwood

22 Letters to the Editor

14

COMMUNITY

70 Apparel and Luxury Racing

Machines are No Child’s Play A modest endeavor by Khaki’s to give back to the community

By Andrea Stuart

COVER The Men of the Peninsula converged at Lysakov Art Gallery for the cover shoot of this issue.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRIS

72 Nap Time:

A Man Among Men

, the oldest locally Monterey County Bank bank in Monterey owned, locally managed ent to continue this itm m m co a s ha , ty un Co on. From Father to important family traditi g and nurturing to Daughter, the mentorin n to continue our prepare a new generatio ’re proud to offer to service is something we munity. our clients and our com Sincerely, rg, Jr. Charles T. Chrietzbere y County Bank President/CEO, Monte Member F.D.I.C. SBA Pre

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#1 SBA LENDER IN MONTEREY COUNTY Oldest Locally Owned & Locally Managed Bank in Monterey County - Over 31 Years!

Monterey 649-4600 Pacific Grove 655-4300 Salinas 422-4600 Carmel Rancho 625-4300 Carmel-by-the-Sea 626-6999

Photo by Batista Moon Studio

Construction & Commercial Lending Merchant Credit Card Services SBA Lending Comprehensive Business Banking

PUBLISHER

Richard Medel

rich@65mag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Linda Almini

linda@65mag.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Andrea Stuart

andrea@65mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

COPY EDITOR

Dan Shafer Barbra Alexander Cameron Douglas Charleen Earley Julie Engelhardt Elizabeth Hermens Raymond Napolitano Kristin A. Smith Gretchen Medel Clarissa Perez-Pacheco

ART CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Richard Perez-Pacheco info@blacksheepca.com

CREATIVE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Susan Agudo Leonel Calara Clarissa Perez-Pacheco Russell Byrne Gregory Harris Christine Muro D.M. Troutman

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Judy Carpenter judy@65mag.com

HEADQUARTERS MAILING ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL ONLINE

65° Magazine P.O. Box 1348 Brentwood, CA 94513 831-626-4457 info@65mag.com www.65mag.com

SUBMISSIONS: For article submissions email proposal to editors@65mag.com 65° Magazine is published quarterly, P.O. Box 1348, Brentwood, CA 94513. Subscription rate : $40, payable in advance. Single copies $4.99. Back issues if available, $15 (includes shipping and handling).

POSTMASTER send address changes to 65° magazine, P.O. Box 1348, Brentwood, CA 94513.

Entire contents © 2008 by 65° Magazine™ unless otherwise noted on specific articles.

All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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By Richard Medel You undoubtedly noticed the magazine’s appearance when you picked up this issue. Summer is upon us! And with the arrival of the summer solstice 65° Magazine gave birth to a whole new image; an image that allows us to captivate our readers as much with a visual feast of photographic splendor as with our stories. We at 65° Magazine are very excited about what lies ahead and couldn’t think of a better time to salute the Men of the Peninsula.

You see, men are not so unlike the roaring summer sun; deliberate in their intentions, powerful in their actions, and giving of light that motivates and heals others. The gentlemen we highlight in this issue encapsulate what it truly means to be a man on our peninsula. They are fathers, they are husbands, they are dreamers, and they are activators. It is these men who have textured our Monterey Peninsula with their creative minds and enriched the area’s history with their actions.

I am personally grateful for having met and learned from those whose stories and photos fill our pages this issue. We had a hectic agenda yet everyone adjusted their busy schedules to be a part of this project.

The Monterey Jet Center, home of Denny LeVett’s plane, was incredibly accommodating, maneuvering his plane around for her photo shoot. We couldn’t have asked for more. Also, Terra Norse, front office manager at Highlands Inn was of great assistance during the photo shoot with Jim Ockert of Khakis of Carmel.

I was humbled during my visit with Judge John M. Phillips and his wife, subject of our feature story about Rancho Cielo.

An individual who has devoted his life to helping at-risk kids who want to turn their lives around, Phillips and his team have truly created a haven for hope to thrive.

Inside this issue you will also trek through the private lives of Greg Jamison, CEO of the Sharks; Ryan Pullara, a teenage Arabian horse breeder whose national titles are awe-inspiring; Dennis Donohue, Mayor of Salinas; Denny LeVett, Carmel’s vagabond host; Al Saroyan, a man whose boyhood dream came true; Jim Ockert, the man behind peninsula fashion; and John Rossi, local motorcycle enthusiast. Plus, we have David Bernahl, co-founder of Pebble Beach Food and Wine, to thank for recommending Citronelle restaurant, a great find that will leave you hungering for more.

Take summer in stride this year. Open our newly designed 65° Magazine and take in the scenery with each turn of the page. °

tHiS iS tHE mONtEREy PENiNSulA

THE BRAND NEW 65º MAGAZINE HAS EVERYTHING YOU LOVE — AND MORE. 831.626.4457

l www.65mag.com

Partners in Creative Crime

CREATIVE VIEW

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By Black Sheep Design When the publisher of 65° Magazine, Rich Medel, approached us more than four months ago about embarking on a partnership to recreate 65° Magazine’s image we were at once flattered and thrilled.

Recognizing 65° Magazine’s loyal readership, we understood that the design had to be both intelligent and vibrant to accurately represent them.

After conducting much in-depth research for the redesign, we determined that the magazine could best tell its stories by following a non-traditional format. Thus, a cultured coffee-table style magazine was born. This format prevents the magazine from blending in with mainstream publications while allowing us to captivate our readers with creative edge.

The Monterey Peninsula—from the galleries and restaurants to the beaches, vineyards, and landscape— is like one large art exhibit; infused with mesmerizing attributes that inspire those who live here. 65° Magazine follows in the footsteps of the Peninsula by offering more than just fun stories and pretty pictures. We designed 65° Magazine to encompass the sophistication and excitement of the area by implementing a clean, artistic layout. We felt it was important to combine the intimacy of the stories with the vibrancy of the photography, creating a multidimensional narrative that takes the reader from the beginning to the end of each story. In short, 65° Magazine is a tribute to the Monterey Peninsula.

Every aspect of the magazine was done with the most deliberate precision. For instance, our prolific use of white space is not only intentional; it’s one way that we prevent cluttering our reader’s brains with a goulash of visually loquacious fillers. In fact, the new format uses fewer photographs and text while making a significant impact through stronger imagery and denser editorial content.

However, the project did not come without its challenges. For instance, the horizontal orientation of the book affords a dynamic experience and offers more photographic freedom; however, it also requires that we take into consideration the capacity of the cameras used to photograph our subjects so that the photos fit into the unique layout. This delicate balance of creative efforts has resulted in what you hold in your hands now.

To say that working on this project with Mr. Medel and his editorial team has been a pleasure is an understatement. The relationship that we have developed with them exudes an abundance of positivity. There has been a true meeting of the minds between us and this issue is the first offspring of our collaboration.

If you ever get the chance to meet Mr. Medel, we are certain that you will admire the same positive attitude and resourceful mind that motivated us to embark on this adventure with him. Black Sheep Design looks forward to a long and prosperous future with 65° Magazine. °

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IN-BOX

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long and successful run I just picked up my first copy of your magazine, came home, and read the entire issue. As a professional writer and photographer who makes my home here in Monterey, I am thrilled that this magazine exists and that this issue focuses on some of the very talented women who live here. It is indeed a great place to live and work, and I have found my colleagues in the arts and business to be very supportive. I came here many years ago to study language and teach. I fell in love with the area at that time, but moved away until about two years ago. Having returned to live here permanently, I am glad to find a publication that focuses on the whole Peninsula. I intend to submit some proposals, and want to thank you for doing such a great job with the Spring, 2008 issue. Looking forward to a long and successful run for your magazine.

little more than plugs for their various businesses. Nice, but not relevant unless you plan to do business with them.

Lastly, the magazine overall seems to be intended for people living in Pebble Beach. We “normal” people haven’t the time, the inclination, or the money to indulge in all the “soirees” whose pictures grace the pages of your magazine. We have lives. I sometimes wonder if most of the people pictured actually exist; I have only met two or three of them.

At any rate, that’s what I think.

Have a nice day!

Your friend, Otis R. Needleman

Catherine Al-Meten

NO “community leaders” I just read the Spring issue of your magazine and had some observations.

First, there are NO “community leaders”.

People have supervisors at work and that’s about it. If leadership is defined as getting people to follow you, there’s nobody in the community I would voluntarily follow.

Second, from what I can tell, the ladies’ profiles in the Spring 2008 magazine are

65° CORRECTIONS Spring Issue’s Memorial Photo of Henry Benson was photographed By RitaCosta-Hollmann, Monterey Peninsula Photographer

BRAVO 65° 65° Magazine touches on and covers the unique stories of Peninsula residents like no other publication. I had the pleasure of participating in an issue entitled Women of the Peninsula this past spring. Not only was I thrilled with the positive attention from 65° Magazine, I was elated with the results my dental practice received from the coverage. Since 65° Magazine ran an article featuring my dental practice, Jeanette Kern, D.D.S., we have welcomed many friendly and wonderful readers as new patients.

I could not be happier with the results or the positive attention 65° Magazine bestowed on all of the well-deserving professional women that help drive our area’s economy. Bravo 65° Magazine for creating a publication that is smart, attractive, and sophisticated!

Dr. Jeanette Kern

We love to hear from our readers. Send letters to editors@65mag.com

23 STYLE

Casual Luxury to the Premier paradox of modern men’s fashion.

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24 STYLE LEFT: Diesel jeans, Ermenegildo Zegna jacket, Etro shirt MID: Ermenegildo chinos, Etro sweater, Etro paisley soft jacket, Agave t-shirt RIGHT: Diesel Jeans, Duchamp of England shirt, Scott Barber shirt, Etro leather jacket

EXCLUSIVELY AT KHAKI’S OF CARMEL

26 STYLE LEFT: Luciano Barbera of Italy Cream jacket, black shirt, grey pants, handmade Canali Shoes MID: Shoulder bag by Morgan Grays, Agave t-shirt, Duchamps floral shirt, Diesel Jeans accessorized with a Bill Lavin belt, Canali handmade ¾ suede boots RIGHT: Etro

of Italy, navy linen stripe jacket with stripe shirt also by Etro, cream pants

by Luciano Barbera

EXCLUSIVELY AT KHAKI’S OF CARMEL

BY DON HUNTINGTON AND ANDREA STUART

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRIS

29

The owner of Monterey Peninsula Sports Center, John Rossi, began his motorcycle sales and service business out of a Seaside basement after taking over a tiny dealership that had become a failing enterprise for the reason that it lacked coherent business operations and processes. The owner had been simply flying by the seat of his pants, selling bikes as a cigar shop operation, and ignoring unnecessary business frills such as accounting and inventory management.

PERSONA

Life In A Two-Wheel Fastlane

John discovered that the general dishevelment of the operation made the challenge greater than he expected. He felt like someone who had been thrown into a strange room with the lights, only discovering things by stumbling into them.

Fortunately, John wasn’t forced to learn everything this way. The single most important decision he made was becoming part of the Retail Powersports Management Group where people with a wealth of industry experience began to guide and educate him about such things as quality guidelines and standards.

Retail Powersports Management Group only permits top performers to join the group — dealers who indicate that they will make a contribution to the project. Limited to 20 members, the group represents various size dealerships across the country. The network is a true example of symbiosis because everyone supports one another with advice, warnings, and helpful marketing ideas.

PERSONA

30

Completing his baccalaureate degree in Economics from the University of Colorado, John was looking to put into practice all the lessons that he had learned from his course studies.

Meanwhile, John’s dad was in a period of transition, having sold a profitable business and gone into retirement. However, Dad was not the kind of person to get hooked on Daytime TV or shuffleboard. He was seeking new worlds to conquer.

Every month the members submit financials to one another and meet quarterly via conference call to share new ideas and information about industry trends. Each member submits a brand new idea and John then creates an implementation list of ideas to incorporate into his business.

Getting Down to Business

For example, John’s service department has four technicians, all with varying degrees of knowledge and experience. One idea was to create a lane called Gravy Work — repairs that can be done easily.

Neither man were knowledgeable about selling motorcycles when they began selling Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles — the two product lines that the original owner had been selling.

Repairs are less efficient if you mix gravy with heavy work. Assigning different people to each technical level of service creates a much smoother flow of repairs. The Gravy Work Lane results in quicker

turn-around because a leaking gas cap can’t get backed up behind a transmission overhaul that might take three days.

John and his father diagnosed the business structure and learned that the motorcycle industry has four profit centers including Sales, Parts & Accessories, Service, and Finance and Insurance.

They dissected each department, spending more than two years bringing each department up to high quality and efficiency standards.

When the business finally reached a stable operational point they still weren’t making wheelbarrows full of money, but they weren’t in the red anymore.

One way to get on the inside track for area motorcycle sales is by incorporating diversity. The Rossis formed a relationship with an Italian company called Aprilia, and received phenomenal sales action out of their products.

They purchased a second local underperforming dealership and overnight found themselves in the business of selling and servicing Ducati, Honda, and Kawasaki motorcycles. Able to apply their business model to the new company’s business challenges, the acquisition presented them with opportunities for synergy. They hired nearly all of the employees that had worked at the newly purchased company and moved both businesses into a single location, merging departments, and achieving economies of scale. To John’s knowledge, they now carry more products and product lines than any other dealership.

Selling an Experience The competitive industry of motorcycle sales is steeped with game theory. Success requires both developing good strategies and tactics.

CONTINUED ON PG 90

Santa Lucia CafĂŠ is a German Restaurant with an Italian twist.

Uwe Grobecker, Owner

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner they use authentic recipes and present unique dishes such as Bavarian Sauerbraten, Beef Rouladen,

Santa Lucia Cafe

Spaetzle, Schweinebraten, and Knoedel (dumpling), as well as Wild Boar Brats & Sauerkraut just to mention a few. Also try their German

484 Washington Street, Suite A, Monterey

Apple Pancake or one of their thin crusted pizzas, fresh from the wood burning brick-oven (that’s the twist). Their bar offers eight Bavarian beers on draft and provides a good selection of German, Italian, and local wines. Chef Uwe Grobecker is usually on hand to greet you and will make sure your dining experience is all that it can be.

(831) 333-1111

Photography by Greg Harris, Clarissa Perez–Pacheco, Christina Thurston The cover photo for this issue, shot at Lysakov Art Company Gallery courtesy of President and CEO, Randall Swanson, proved to be a fun affair for all involved.

Randall’s generosity lent 65º Magazine this beautiful backdrop.

33

Caught Up in the Moment

SCENE

PACIFIC GROVE

The Gates of Opportunity For troubled juveniles in Monterey County, the path to hope runs through Salinas.

It goes out Natividad Road past the county jail, the sheriff ’s and probation offices and across remote farmland to Old Natividad Road. A right turn there leads to Old Stage Road and the entrance to a 100-acre ranch nestled alongside the rolling San Gabriel Mountains. The land is open and vast, a peaceful place that was one of the first areas to be settled by early residents of the Salinas Valley. At the top of the long driveway, a clean, simple campus sits on high ground. There are horse stables on your left, and a sign on the right-hand side reads, “You have just passed through the gates of opportunity. Welcome to Rancho Cielo.”

By the time a teenage boy or girl gets here most have been in trouble, gone to court and been identified as an at-risk youth. They have probably met Joe Grammatico, the Probation Department officer who works on-site and supervises 18 probation staff members. The teen goes through an intense screening process to determine whether or not they are willing to cooperate before becoming one of more than 50 kids currently in the program.

I first met Judge John M. Phillips, the president and founder of Rancho Cielo, in 2005. This year, I went back to check in and see how things have progressed.

Novum fierent detraxit ne sea. Sea adipisci accusata interesset in, suas invidunt quo an, eos velit error.

BY CAMERON DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUSSELL BYRNE

FEATURE

34

John Phillips hoists a workboot-clad leg onto his desk and faces you with the frank, open stare of a man always looking for the truth. He can’t help it: that stare served him well during his career as a Superior Court judge. Newcomers to the ranch take one look at him and know there’s no “wiggle room” with this man. It’s total honesty or nothing.

It’s also the look of a visionary. John saw the potential in this land long ago. Over the past eight years, his dream has become reality.

CD How did you find the land?

JP I knew this property existed. It was the old Boys’ Ranch. I used to come here and play basketball with the kids when I was a district attorney back in the 1970’s. After that, the property was pretty much abandoned and lay here dormant for about twenty years, except for some use by the county for dumping and Animal Control. I always thought it had all kinds of potential as a place of hope for young people.

CD How did things look when you started building Rancho Cielo?

JP We took over the property in 2000. We couldn’t raise sufficient funding then to get anything going here. So we started the Silver Star program with the County Education and Probation departments down at the old Natividad Hospital.

We couldn’t do anything with this property until the construction industry got behind me. John Anderson of Woodman Development and Don Chapin were major contributors who brought in their connections.

We really started working on things in 2003. We hauled off over 750 end-dumps of trash and tore

CD Now the gym is finished and it looks great.

What’s next?

JP We’ve cleaned up the kitchen and it’s ready to be revamped into a culinary school. I need to raise more money for that project. We’ll have to make handicap-access bathrooms and bring in all new kitchen equipment. The plans have been completed and they’re at the county now. The architect who designed it donated all his time.

A mechanical engineer also donated his time.

Bert Cutino from the Sardine Factory is heading a committee to decide what kind of programs we’ll run in the culinary school.

CD So far, what was the hardest thing to get done and why?

JP The hardest part was getting the initial buildings done. People were very reluctant to get involved in this project because my own feasibility study—which I paid for—concluded we could never do it. So Don Chapin and I came up with a strategy to do what we had to do in order to get the buildings finished enough that we could bring the kids in.

Now the county administration is totally supportive of what we’re doing. Also the Harden Foundation.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation has given us more money to keep going. For every buck we

37

JP I got tired of sending young people to prison for thirty, forty, fifty years. I mean, you’re basically discarding a life. I saw an obvious need for early intervention with things like job training and education.

down old dilapidated houses, carports and fences.

When we moved into the facility in 2004, the administration and educational buildings had been completed but the gym was still in disrepair.

FEATURE

CD What drove you to build this place?

get, we try to stretch it into three with labor and materials that are donated. It’s become easier as people have seen our successes.

CD How is Rancho Cielo different from a group home?

CD You’ve mentioned people who have helped you.

Any others come to mind?

JP It’s an entirely different concept. For one thing, the kids don’t live here—which is sometimes unfortunate.

Some go home to an environment that’s not as healthy as we would like. But we keep their days pretty full. We have a teacher’s aide in every class, so it’s a very intense educational program. We do drug tests three times a week. We have a gang intervention program and alcohol counseling.

JP There’s been a multitude of people here. Just looking at the administration building: Cinderella Carpets donated all the carpeting along with installation, and Pete Scudder of Scudder Roofing donated all the roofing material and labor. The Association of General Contractors has been very helpful. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation and the AT&T people were instrumental in rebuilding the gymnasium. AT&T gave us a $100,000 matching grant for that. The construction industry has been phenomenally supportive.

CD How do the horses fit in with all this?

FEATURE

38

JP Horse programs have been used in prisons and juvenile facilities. We have about twelve head of horses and the program is expanding. We call it “Gaits of Hope.” It teaches the young people boundaries. Certain kids go down and take classes there. They learn to deal with the horses and learn a lot from them. Some of them adopt a particular horse. It’s very beneficial.

CD What other programs do you have going on?

JP We have health education and an aggressive therapy program with social workers on site. We have a music program and an art program. We have First Aid classes. We’re starting a drama class as well as a journalism class, plus a robotics program and a wood shop. We’re going to have an auto body shop in our vocational school when it gets done. Lyceum has partnered with us to do some supplemental classes.

We introduce these kids to good things in life they haven’t seen before.

Each year, we go to the Aquarium. Whale watching. We took them to a Giants game. After graduation, we take them to a nice restaurant. A lot of them haven’t ever been to a nice restaurant in Monterey. We work the Quail Lodge car rally every year as a designated charity.

Last year, we brought in over $10,000. I put some of that money back in the kids’ Student Council account so they could decide what to do with it.

CD Do you interact with local law enforcement?

JP Probation is the mainstay. They provide all the transportation and supervision. We have some other law enforcement people involved, but very few. That’s an area we will probably explore with the Salinas P.A.L. program and with the Salinas

Police Department.

Frankly, I would like to get more officers up here to work with the kids as volunteers and mentors.

It’s good for young people to learn to deal with law enforcement in ways other than the time they’re getting arrested or up against the side of the car. If they get to know cops and deal with cops on a personal level, it’s beneficial to them and the officers.

CD There’s a new road near the parking lot. Where does it go?

JP We’re finishing up a restoration of two small lakes. We brought in base rock that was donated by the Chemical Lime Company, put roads in, CONTINUED ON PG 88

Protecting the environment one mortgage at a time.

Christine Handel, Realtor chrissy.handel@CAmoves.com

Dana and Chrissy have good lives and they will be the first to admit it! Calling the Monterey Peninsula home for over 25 years, Chrissy and

Dana Bambace, Realtor

Dana are passionate Realtors with Coldwell Banker who understand that in this changing real estate market it is important to affiliate with real

dana.bambace@CAmoves.com

estate professionals who will guide and protect you from the start to finish of the home buying and selling process. That is what Dana and Chrissy do for their clients and will do for you. With Dana and Chrissy, you come first. Living and working in this unique community Dana and Chrissy are involved in environmental preservation and conservation and have their EcoBroker速 Certifications.

Coldwell Banker, Del Monte Realty (831) 626-2222

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SALINAS

Monterey County Bank Grand Opening

SCENE

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Photography by D.M. Troutman The grand opening of Monterey County Bank’s Salinas office was a well–attended event comprised of the area’s political movers and shakers as well as local entrepreneurs. The ribbon cutting preceded the festivities, which included delicious cuisine, a raffle, and an introduction to the facility.

1. Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue 2. Brenda Roncarati, Pacific Grove Mayor Dan Cort, Beth Cort, David Armanasco 3. County Supervisor Simon Salina 4. Sandra, Charles, & Stephanie Chrietzberg 5. Nader & Nadia Agha 6. Larry Balentine, Doug Lee, Barbara Balentine 7. Charles & Sandra Chrietzberg, Joan & Gary Vincenz

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Carmel’s Vagabond Host

As I sit in Cypress Inn awaiting the arrival of owner Denny LeVett, I notice a grand looking gentleman briskly ascending the hill. Within seconds the impeccably attired package of relaxed power is inside, greeting me with the familiar disarmament of a seasoned human relations pro. LeVett shared stories at a cozy table inside Terry’s Moroccan Bar, Cypress Inn’s popular watering hole, named after his longtime friend and partner, Terry Melcher, whose fondness for all things Moroccan came while spending a year there as a boy while his mother, Doris Day, was filming “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” Here is a small taste of one of one of Carmel’s most flavorful characters.

BY Raymond Napolitano

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRIS

PERSONA

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Self–proclaimed lover of all things exotic, LeVett stands with two of his favorite toys.

”I was awarded worst of show in two of [the Concours events].”

“My father died when I was about 13 or 14.

My mother, a teacher in Owasa, Iowa, moved to California with my brother in tow, and tripled her $4,200 dollars a year salary. I stayed behind with my grandfather for a few years until my mom suggested I attend the University of the Pacific, the most beautiful college I’ve ever seen.”

While at Pacific, Denny signed up for a real estate program taught by a Professor Brombaugh: “He made me a deal: If I got my real estate license, he’d give me a top grade. He said Palo Alto would be the greatest place for real estate in California history. It was, ‘Thank you Pacific U, hello Palo Alto.’ I just couldn’t wait to buy buildings and really got into that in downtown Palo Alto.”

This dapper gentleman will travel anywhere in the world they have an old grand hotel. “When you grow up in Iowa and all you have is Post, Life and Holiday Magazine you look at these grand hotels and say, ‘ahh, someday.’ The Benbow Inn in Garberville, about an hour south of Eureka, was just the most romantic beautiful hotel. Owner Art Stadler and I became great friends. When he had a heart attack he told me, ‘Den, you’re buying the Benbow Inn, you’re the only one that loves it the way I do.’ I commuted back and forth in little rinky-dink planes with patches on the wings—I’d be forced down here and there—there were four different weather patterns between Palo Alto and Garberville.”

LeVett always dreamed of the Flying Leathernecks: “I love flying. I’ve flown since I was 22 or 23.

All I wanted to do was be an adventurer. I’ve got stories—like flying a broken down Cessna into Mexico, but lately, the instruments are so much

more sophisticated and you have to be pretty careful where you fly, so I started hiring a pilot.”

Opportunity often serendipitously redirected LeVett’s life: “Chuck Watts owned Vagabond House and loved the Benbow Inn. He said, ‘LeVett, sell it to me,’ so I took Vagabond’s in the down payment. Hence, I moved from Palo Alto to Carmel.”

He has also exhibited in a few Concours where as he jokingly put it: “I was awarded worst of show in two of them,” LeVett is a self–proclaimed, “car lover, a collector, anything that’s exotic, fun, sporty, 1950’s, 40’s too.” He’s also an antique arms collector: “I did a book on the original Colt Patersons. Since I was a little tot I’d buy toy soldiers, mostly British so at Vagabond’s House we just started displaying them in the office, along with some of the antique firearms and a few trains.”

Denny’s love of Carmel radiates a warming glow.

He realizes that, “we have to fight a little harder for our share of tourism. This town is still every bit as gorgeous, as enchanting as it ever was. It’s so important that we have the best stores in Carmel, in my humble opinion. You need to have Gucci, Armani as well as the heavenly, delightful one-ofa-kind stores. We should have always done an art week, like Santa Fe does. How can they get away with it and Carmel doesn’t have one?” That’s a grand idea indeed Denny LeVett. °

Smile! It can light up a room and warm the heart.

The memory of a beautiful smile lasts forever. Dr. Jeanette Kern helps people from all over the Peninsula improve the health and appearance of their teeth. Dr. Kern is an expert dentist who has completed post-doctoral training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. She is a compassionate practitioner with 25 years of experience and a commitment to community service. At Dr. Kern’s office you’re treated like a VIP. To make visits especially comfortable, Dr. Kern designed a zen-inspired office space with creature comforts like paraffin hand dip and entertainment systems. New patients are welcome and smile consultations are always complimentary.

Schedule by calling 372-8011or at www.jkerndds.com.

Jeanette Kern, DDS 660 Camino Aguajito Suite 201, Monterey

(831) 372-8011 www.jkerndds.com

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Citronelle

A hot new spot for simple but playful dishes served in sheer elegance.

BY DAN SHAFER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRIS

Anchored in playfulness, the dishes at Citronelle are an edible artform.

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50 DINE Violi and Keene bask in the sophistication and thirst– quenching presence of their extensive display of wine.

If you decide to enjoy a night out at the recently opened Citronelle by Michel Richard at Carmel Valley Ranch and you don’t find the food to be fun to eat, Anthony Keene wants to know about it.

Keene, the Executive Chef at Citronelle, describes his philosophy of cooking as “anchored in playfulness” designed to create “fun and excitement” in the diner. Based on my first experience at this outstanding addition to a worldclass restaurant scene on the Monterey Peninsula, I’d say Keene succeeds magnificently.

Citronelle was inspired by the nation’s most famous restaurant of that name located in the nation’s capital.

There, world-famous chef, Michel Richard, has dazzled an international audience with his kitchen magic for many years. Keene has enjoyed the many times he has been able to work alongside, chat with, and learn from Richard,

both in D.C. and, on many occasions, at Carmel Valley Ranch. According to the ranch’s general manager, Joseph Violi, the association between Richard and Carmel Valley Ranch’s management company, LXR Luxury Resorts, has already paid great dividends.

The upscale restaurant opened its doors in February as a key piece in a $12 million renovation the ranch resort has undergone over the past three years, all of it under Violi’s direction. It is one of several fruits of a strategic alliance between the resort’s owners and Chef Richard, who owns two famous D.C. eateries, including the Central Michel Richard, a bistro-style eatery.

Keene says he first met Richard about 18 months ago while planning for the local location moved into high gear.

“He’s a really fun person and a highly innovative chef,” Keene says, “but he’s also very serious about what he does.” Richard’s influence on the menu is somewhat hands-on. He and Keene talk over new ideas and

innovative approaches to cooking regularly. “We collaborate back and forth a great deal,” Keene says.

“I’m quite fortunate to be associated with a man of his expertise and wisdom.”

As you enter the main lodge at Carmel Valley Ranch and stroll past the lobby area, you encounter Citronelle in a

series of pieces tied together by décor. After you move through the 35-seat lounge area, you find yourself passing the 17-seat bar before angling past a 12-seat chef’s table and passing into the light and airy 54-seat dining room.

There is also a private dining room which seats up to 24.

Chasing Seasons, Following Trends Like most professional chefs, Keene says his primary interest in his profession is the creativity it allows him to express. “That and I really like the instant gratification of seeing the results of my creativity every day,” he says with a wry chuckle.

53 DINE Citronelle features a 35–seat lounge area, a 17–seat bar, a 12–seat Chef’s table, and a 54–seat dining room.

Part of the fun for him at Citronelle is what he calls “chasing the seasons” in the lush Northern California countryside. “In the spring, you get to think about new ways to incorporate morels, asparagus, fresh peas, and peaches, into the menu. Then comes summer and you turn your attention to tomatoes and melons. In the fall,

you focus on things like apples and mushrooms. It’s just a never-ending range of variety of choices.”

Keene also tries to keep abreast of trends in his profession, particularly when it comes to different cooking techniques. “We are evolving into a whole new way of

cooking right now,” he says with enthusiasm. “We’re looking at using liquid nitrogen in some fascinating ways.

There’s an intriguing trend toward sous-vide cooking.

That’s a style that uses cooking in a bag in which a vacuum is created.” He enjoys experimenting with cooking approaches that are variations CONTINUED ON PG 89

54 PERSONA A fresh approach: Ockert merges fashion with philanthropy.

Clothes, and Much More, Have Made This Man When you hear the word “fashion,” images of willowy models strutting down runways draped in women’s clothing comes to mind, but in reality, there’s also a sector of high end, impeccable clothing styles that are also available to men. Enter J. Lawrence Khaki’s Men’s Clothier of Carmel.

BY JULIE ENGELHARDT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRIS

“I had a dream of a better men’s clothing store and a newer, fresher approach to men’s clothing,” For the past sixteen years this exquisite men’s store has been an anchor at the Barnyard Shopping Village, offering their loyal customers American luxury brands as well as top brands from

Italy and Europe. Khaki’s has only had one owner during its existence, entrepreneur and visionary, Jim Ockert, who works side-by-side overseeing every detail of the store’s operation with his wife, Connie.

It’s not surprising that Ockert has done so well with his own clothing business for nearly two decades.

Retail is ‘in his blood,’ so-to-speak. His parents owned their own store while he was growing up, so he was around the business at a very early age. Ockert’s career path has included performing as a professional drummer in a rock band and working in timber mills, but he eventually invested his time and talents in the clothing business. He honed his skills and gained invaluable knowledge while working in the fashion denim business, at JCPenney and for Nordstrom. Ockert said that while working at Nordstrom the idea of maintaining a career in the clothing industry really ‘clicked.’

“I had a dream of a better men’s clothing store and a newer, fresher approach to men’s clothing,” Ockert said.

Ockert says that Khaki’s was a success from the start, and there’s definitely no sign of its popularity ever waning. Khaki’s has been honored as one of the 100 Best Men’s Clothing Stores in America, and by MR Magazine as one of the top 25 men’s clothing stores. But besides being a savvy businessman, Ockert also has a generous, charitable side as well, and has done what he can to help others throughout the years, both personally and professionally.

Ockert has two grown children, Nick and Amy, who are doing very well in their own respect. Ockert dearly believed in making the family home an open haven for anyone who wanted to visit. Many

of the young men who’d come to the house were kids who played sports with Nick.

“There were always guys at the house; it was a revolving door,” Ockert explained. “Some of them stayed there for awhile.”

He always took the time to spend with his son’s friends, especially when they were encountering difficult situations in their lives. Ockert said that if he weren’t in the clothing business he would love to be a coach, but admits he doesn’t have the training. “My version of that is, I do what I do, and people come my way,” he explained. A part of his benevolence comes from witnessing his parents giving to friends and the community, but they never expected anything in return, and neither does he.

Several years ago Ockert expanded his philanthropic efforts and decided he wanted to do something that would benefit both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association as well as the Carmel Valley Youth Center. That was just the beginning of the highly successful Khaki’s Ferrari fundraising event which is held during the same week as the Concours d’Elegance. All proceeds go directly to the two charities; about 80 percent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association and 20 percent to the Carmel Valley Youth Center.

“We want to raise as much money as we can,” he said. “The interesting thing is we’re a store, a clothing store, and there’s no clothing store in the United States that tries to do this. We do it and we tie it to a cause. Anything that comes into the event goes directly to those two causes.” °

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Tracy Cruysen, Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Specialist A native of the Monterey Peninsula, Tracy has been a hair designer for the past 15 years. After serving an apprenticeship with Paul Mitchell, he spent several years with Aveda in Monterey, Carmel, and Rocklin, California and has managed five salons. With specialties in extensions and color correction his prominent area of expertise is non-surgical hair replacement. After meeting Chris Buzbee and discovering that they were bookends to the same philosophies, Tracy joined the salon. The salon specializes in corrective hair color from the finest color lines and also offers the finest in non-surgical hair replacement and alternatives available in the market today. Proud to be a part of Buzbee Studio, Tracy encourages anyone suffering from hair loss to contact them today for a confidential evaluation.

BuzBee Studio

3 NE Mission at 4th, Carmel-by-the-Sea buzbeestudio@aol.com

(831) 622-9691 www.buzbeestudio.com

The Man Behind the Mayor While inadvertently learning to be comfortable as a leader of baseball and basketball varsity teams, or in his role as Valedictorian of his class at the University of San Francisco, becoming a politician never occurred to the charming and energetic Dennis Donohue, Mayor of Salinas.

BY BARBRA ALEXANDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Christine Muro

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60 PERSONA

He saw himself more as the captain of a high-tech company. Or, while obtaining an advanced degree in Religious Education, perhaps as the spiritual head of a distinctive, metropolitan parish.

to who he is,” somewhere during that process he also came to understand that “perhaps faith doesn’t make any sense unless you can live it out through your daily routine.”

It’s equally unlikely that he pictured himself married to the proverbial farmer’s daughter, using his sales talents in a variety of agricultural businesses. But, alas he and his wife, Paula, a teacher at Harden Middle School, celebrated their 25th anniversary on June 11th of this year.

Donohue credits his wife with having the “patience of Job” by allowing him the freedom to pursue his various career interests more or less at will. That meant he wasn’t home much — something he says he would never have done if “home and children would have suffered by his many absences.” It also meant that he was able to conduct his business efforts globally, making him a two-million-mile American Airline flyer.

Their daughter Emily, who at the moment works in produce, loves to travel, has taken a semester of courses at Oxford, and is planning to study in India. Meanwhile, their son Allan is now headed for the Navy and will begin his military career studying at the Defense Language Institute, after earning a degree in business administration earlier this June.

Considering his lack of interest in the produce industry and his vacillation over whether or not to become a priest, Donohue’s decision to marry and raise a family won the inner battle mainly due to the “indelible mark Salinas had made on his soul” during his formative years. Though he continues to appreciate and enjoy his faith because he sees it as one of the “key elements

It seems that Donohue has been working for the betterment of Salinas since he took the helm at European Vegetable Specialties. The interesting part is that he did it right. Not by protest or opposition but rather, through a systematic rise in public visibility through his efforts on everything from volunteering for the Steering Committee for Rally Salinas, to his political appointment, and work on the Planning Commission; as well as participating as a Director on a veritable plethora of Civic Boards. That said, he does have a penchant for rising to the top in all of his endeavors; once he set foot into the political arena it made perfect sense

that he would eventually arrive at the pinnacle position of his chosen city.

Salinas has many challenges for its newest Mayor but he’s up to it and well prepared. Speaking at the third annual faith luncheon he told the audience that he likened the city to the story of David and Goliath, which, in this case, means a collection of gang-related social difficulties. Additionally the growing city is faced with upgrades and changes unlike any that were faced by previous leaders.

Donohue’s vision is included in the title of his weekly radio broadcast “Imagine a Great City.”

He is amazingly approachable to constituents as long as they are willing to talk through whatever problem occupies their minds. If they’re willing to discuss a challenge, it can be solved. When asked recently if he wants to go to the state legislature after being a Mayor, his answer clearly exemplifies his working style and enthusiasm for his current job: “Why should I take a demotion?” °

61 SPECIAL

Putting on the Dog Photography by D.M. Troutman

Todd Harris of Suds ‘N Scissors PRESENTED BY Suds ’N ScissorS

Owner Sarah Bardis with (from left) Allie, Trixie, and Riley.

John Saar of John Saar Properties with his smiling lab, Ian.

Scott Salyer with his King Charles Spaniel, Louie.

We pride ourselves on being a local business and member of the community.

Opened in July of 2006, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery offers a myriad of plumbing fixtures and faucets, appliances, and lighting.

If you are building or remodeling, a visit to Ferguson is a must. Ten thousand square feet of elegance make this showroom the premier showroom on the Monterey Peninsula. Catering to architects, contractors, designers as well as home owners, Ferguson has working kitchens and bathroom vignettes on display. Ferguson’s knowledgeable sales staff will be delighted to help with the selection process and consultation appointments are available for larger jobs. Come see all the newest innovations and the latest products. Experience weekend cooking demos while you browse. Ferguson… “Delivering Your Dream.”

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery 1144 Fremont Boulevard, Seaside

831-394-SHOW (7469)

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At Home with the Sharks

If you ask Greg Jamison where he’s from, the answer changes daily.

Today it’s Washington, tomorrow Oregon. Next week he might say Colorado.

That’s because Jamison moved constantly as a child, attending a total of thirteen public schools before he graduated.

BY KRISTIN A. SMITH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUSSELL BYRNE

ing, and achieving below grade-level. He says that there was “no teaching until March. There was just survival.” But slowly he transformed the class. “We came a long way. I taught them and they taught me,” he says, while tossing an apple into the air.

He catches it without looking.

With the heart of a teacher and the mind of a businessman, Jamison was on the fast track to becoming a principal. He began pursuing a master’s degree in education administration, but midway through graduate school, he took a personality test that changed everything. “It came out that I love two things—sports and business,” says Jamison, who sits comfortably in a tailored suit on the locker room bench.

Growing up, Jamison was personally involved in sports—he ran cross-country and track in high school and played tennis in college. In high school, Jamison ran a 4:35 mile and he looks like he could still win a race or two.

Jamison took the advice of his high school track coach about running the 8000m and applied it to his career life — you have to sprint the first lap, sprint the second lap, and rest in between. Having

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”It’s hard to get a class of fifth graders to be quiet [but not harder than winning the Stanley Cup].”

“I don’t advise that for everyone,” says Jamison, “but I learned a lot from the experience. I learned that wherever I am, that’s my home.”

As an adult, Jamison has found his home in the classroom, the NBA, and now the NHL, where he serves as CEO and President of the San Jose Sharks.

Before entering the world of professional athletics, Jamison was an elementary school teacher. In his first year, he taught the fifth grade class that nobody wanted — they were disruptive, challeng-

raced through the education lap, Jamison quickly moved on to sports. Within a year of taking the test, he had completely changed his direction from education to athletics.

At the time, Jamison says he didn’t even know if jobs in professional athletics existed. But they do.

And he’s had a few of them, including Director of Marketing at Athletes in Action, a Christian sports organization, and Vice President of Operations for the Indiana Pacers.

Jamison says his most exciting job is the one he has now. Before taking a position with the Sharks in 1993, he had only ever seen two hockey games.

“I wasn’t always a hockey fan, but I am now,” says Jamison, running his fingers across the awards that line the locker room wall. “I like basketball,” he says, “but I really like hockey.”

Jamison says that in many ways teaching prepared him for his current job— it taught him presentation skills and the ability to inspire a group.

“It’s hard to get a class of fifth graders to be quiet,” he jokes. But not harder than winning the Stanley Cup, which Jamison says is the ultimate goal of the Sharks.

Perhaps the greatest lesson Jamison learned in the classroom is that if you show people you believe in them, they’ll work hard for you. When Jamison began, the Sharks was a struggling team with a poor record. Today they have a shot at the championship. Jamison stares at a picture of the Stanley Cup. Beneath it is a piece of metal begging to be engraved.

“But you still have to have luck on your side,” he says, pushing open the heavy locker room door.

On the way out, Jamison passes a janitor pushing a cart of supplies. “Good afternoon, Mr. J,” says the worker. “Afternoon,” says Jamison, flashing a kind smile. Then he leans in and whispers, “Mr. J, that’s what my kids used to call me.” °

Apparel and Luxury Racing Machines are No Child’s Play

BY ANDREA STUART IMAGES FROM KHAKI’S OF CARMEL Khaki’s of Carmel is dressing for success as it prepares for its 10th Annual Ferrari Event to be held on August 16th.

What began as a modest endeavor to give back to the community in which they live, Connie and Jim Ockert, Luxury Merchants and Owners of Khaki’s

of Carmel, have watched their Khaki’s Ferrari Event mature from a fledgling affair into an event that rivals the sophistication and popularity of the Concours D’ Elegance — taking place the same week as the Concours each year as well.

Brimming with exotic Italian automobiles, from Lamborghinis and Maseratis to Ferraris, the event offers fantastic eye candy, thirst-quenching libations from award-winning Monterey County wineries, savory food from local restaurants, and live entertainment to boot.

The Ockerts’ goal when creating the Ferrari event was to produce a non-commercialized local event

that would invite people from around the country to revel in the fine elegance of Italian cars while contributing to a noble cause.

The Ockerts financially sponsor the entire event themselves, donating all of the proceeds to their beneficiaries, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Association and the Carmel Valley Youth Center.

Jim makes it very clear that they do so simply for the love the community.

“We decided on Juvenile Diabetes because it’s a disease that is hard to understand. It strikes such young people and it’s very difficult to manage.

We wanted to give back, and we wanted to do it

right and because of Connie, the engine behind every organized detail of this event, we can and we are,” Jim said.

juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes, strikes children and young adults and occurs as an organ-specific autoimmune disease.

When one looks at the staggering statistics that follow this brutal disease, it’s not only easy to understand why Khaki’s chose Juvenile Diabetes Research Association for their primary beneficiary but it becomes obvious just how important this annual event really is.

This means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that are needed for producing insulin. The body’s inability to produce insulin then results in too much glucose remaining in the blood, which is life threatening for the youngsters who are diagnosed with it.

The Department of Health and Human Services states that diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2002.

If only this were but a mere factoid. Unfortunately,

Yet, Khaki’s’ responsibility to help to improve quality of life extends beyond the medical world. Following suit with their commitment to children, Khaki’s’ other beneficiary this year is the Carmel Valley Youth

Center, where they believe in the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. With activities ranging from swimming to family dinners, the Carmel Valley Youth Center offers a positive environment for social growth and healthy extracurriculars.

Guests who attend the Khaki’s Ferrari fundraiser are not only lovers of stylish Italian automobiles; they are philanthropists contributing to greater causes. And while the Ockerts prepare for another whirlwind event, they welcome everyone with open arms. °

Nap Time: A Man Among Men

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By Raymond Napolitano Welcome to the first and possibly only episode of Nap Time, a mildly twisted look at our world through my eyes. In this issue, devoted to men…give me some men, be they stout hearted men and I’ll bring to you 10 thousand more…sing along with me. As my man James wailed: “This is a man’s world,” and don’t you forget it (isn’t that right darling). We decide what happens, where and who to. Especially who to (each of my former English teachers, all women, are cringing at that manly, virtually illiterate sentence).

You see, it is we men—hell, you can’t say we men, sounds so, so wee—us men (that sounds better)—don’t have a problem breaking the rules when we need to. We can always create new ones. Even if the rules stand up, we can do the time, suffer the consequences, bite the bullet. We’re men. We can give and take punishment. Matter of fact, we enjoy it, we derive our identities from it: “Cut it, cut the eye open,” says people’s champ Rocky Balboa to his grizzled (men get grizzled) corner man played by Burgess Meredith.

We’ve got Testosterone baby; hair, muscles, deep booming voices, predatory instincts—at least for a while, until our bodies start drastically reducing the production of it and then, even if we use something like testosterone cream, it actually metabolizes as estrogen unless we add aromatase inhibitors to the mix — but this is all barely clinical in its explanation and probably somewhat inaccurate (I’m a man, I can say what I want). If you want real facts, go see Dr. Abraham Kryger on Cass Street in Monterey, he’s the expert on hormones. I’m too busy to see a doctor, besides, I’m a man with unlimited virility, power, and dynamism, why would I need to see some doctor?

I’ll just dye my hair, buy a faster car, date a slew of young chickies and talk louder when I tell my war stories about whatever life’s mythical battles I’ve been a part of. What, you’ve already heard those stories, you say? I say, shut up and listen again.

I’m a man and you’ll hear me and love me…sing along, “I’m a man yes I am and you can’t help but love me so,” apologies to Stevie Winwood. Used to call him Little Stevie Winwood, you see, he’s a man and men can have titles like Little, or Big, or Buster or Mac or Buck or Butchie.

Me, I’m Nap, like take a nap…a good practice for aging gentlemen. Oh yeah, sometimes, if the conditions are right, if life conspires more with us than against us, we become kindly older gentlemen; gray, proud, wise, grandfatherly, like Gandolph The White, Walter Cronkite, Jimmy Carter, Morgan Freeman. The kind of men you want your children interacting with, the kind of men who most likely shared the same unifying component of their spiritual development; they each were influenced by powerful, intelligent, loving women. °

73 ABODE

The Santa Fe House

A new construction, the Santa Fe House is a two-story Montana hunting lodge-style craftsman with high levels of detail in design, finishes, and materials. The 1,800 square-foot home with a one-car garage sits on a hill, peers out over the Pacific Ocean and offers a spectacular view of the town at sunset.

Carmel–by–the–Sea

Details Hand hewn timber tresses, exposed throughout the interior, accent the detailed floor, which was done in a parquet pattern. The pattern is also carried through the design of the entry door and detailing of tile work, which reflects the X pattern (a strong element used in craftsman style). The exposed board and batt wood ceiling with timber truss further accentuates the home’s uniqueness.

Reflecting the same rustic air, the cabinets are made from walnut with inlaid burl wood.

Luxurious amenities include bathrooms detailed in Brazilian granite slab, steam showers, and heated floors; hand-blown Italian glass accent lighting throughout house and bathrooms; as well as Century Furniture and décor by Lenox Hill Fine furnishings and Design.

Taking a step outside, the exterior imparts unique details specific to this house including horizontal plank-style siding with copper flashing detail between each plank and wood trim, aged and faux painted for a rustic look.

Finally, all of the hand rails on the balcony and stairway are a custom post and beam with hammered wrought iron brackets—a perfect greeting following a drive up the extended driveway, which is made of flagstone with river cobble stone retaining walls and entry columns.

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77 ABODE Entertainment Features The home has an elevator that goes specifically to the wine cellar and full home theatre—complete with rear projections and a 10-foot screen. The home also has whole house audio. Every room has a keypad to select type of music, source of entertainment, from XM, Sirius, Radio, and stereo, to digital music from television. Volume control from each room allows ultimate jurisdiction.

The house also has a Control 4 system – a remote system that allows you to do everything you want to do from any room, from dimming the lights to arming the alarm.

Desire outdoor entertainment? Soak in the hot tub or bask in the warmth of the outdoor stone fireplace.

Contact Al Saroyan’s office at (831) 393-1800 for more information.

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Architect Extraordinaire The nature of Al Saroyan’s mind is at once reflected in his latest project, a home in Carmel. Creating a balanced and cohesive whole, the effect of his creation is luxurious without being lazy, close without confinement, and elegant without elitism. Saroyan manages the same air, never condescending or intimidating while possessing a keen intellect and wealth of experience.

BY ELIZABETH HERMENS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUSSELL BYRNE

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80 However, understanding the prospects of a kit drummer, Saroyan tried his hand at architecture following a high school drafting class. In his words, “Do you know why no good drummers have surfaced in the last 15 years? Because Al Saroyan became an architect.”

Indeed, after studying for five years, Saroyan received a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1970. Yet, the degree was hard won.

Throughout his youth, Saroyan struggled to read, barely passing subjects such as English and history. In high school, when he told his dean of his desire to study architecture in college, the dean chided that Saroyan should attend a trade school instead. Nonetheless, Saroyan worked hard in junior college and transferred to Cal Poly. There, he encountered a variety of peripheral issues that threatened to slow his achievement.

Born in Sanger, California under ordinary circumstances, Saroyan was left to investigate the world in a way not possible today. Part of the

Falling behind in trigonometry class, Saroyan’s teacher recommended a tutor with whom Saroyan worked diligently up to three times per week studying the problems the instructor warned would be on the final exam. Saroyan received a 96% on that test; however, the instructor refused to believe the score was the result of “hard work,” and issued Saroyan a “D” in the class for cheating.

”Do you know why no good drummers have surfaced in the last 15 years? Because Al Saroyan became an architect.” baby boomer generation, he was left to his own devices much of the time. This helped him foster a sense of independence and curiosity that would later advance his successes. But for then, it led him in other directions, the most constant, being drumming. Playing in diverse bands, with styles ranging from jazz to rock, music was “his life.”

It wasn’t until Saroyan’s eldest son was diagnosed with dyslexia that Saroyan was able to put a name to the difficulty that offered him such challenges in school.

Nevertheless, Saroyan pioneered his own architecture/construction business, wherein he eschews assembly-line production and does everything in-company, overseeing projects from land or

building purchase, to design, to construction, and finally, to sale. Much like his musician days, he directs every snare and cymbal and wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course, this requires extreme dedication and focus, to the partial exclusion of other interests. Excellence requires it, and Saroyan is willing to pay that price, not wanting to be the proverbial jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

Saroyan’s completed a variety of projects both commercial and domestic. His favorite piece, however, is “always the one I’m working on.” He relishes new projects as opportunities to express his latest inspiration or idea, despite the temptation of recycling a previous success.

Yet, Saroyan doesn’t forgo all activities beyond building design. He does manage some time for his most recently explored hobbies, be they painting, golfing, or attending his youngest son’s baseball games. He just doesn’t take it as seriously as he does his work, because there are simply not enough hours in a lifetime to pursue everything to the fullest extent he’s capable of.

Once upon a time he would be termed homo unversalis, that rare person who pursues all knowledge, driven by his own hunger for acquiring skills and understandings. Today, he is content to be termed master builder.

And after talking to Saroyan, one realizes that architecture is one of the few careers that could occupy the man for long. His plans for retirement include taking his business abroad; in other words, not retiring at all. This is entirely fitting for Saroyan, however. One does not imagine his drive to create diminishing, but rather, refining.

So goes the man as well, becoming more distinguished, with each endeavor, avoiding the one sorrow, which is, according to John Bradshaw, not becoming who we were meant to be. °

83 PERSONA

Horses Trump a Learning Disability Ryan Pullara isn’t just following in his dad’s footsteps when it comes to working with horses; he’s showing all those around him how to become a leader even with a learning disability.

BY CHARLEEN EARLEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUSSELL BYRNE

84 PERSONA

Diagnosed with dyslexia in the second grade, Pullara, now an eighth grader at Palma High School in Salinas, an all-boy Christian school, had his share of learning disabilities. Yet the moment his grandfather bought his family an Arabian horse, everything changed.

Three horses later, and somewhere between learning to take care of and show Arabians at competitions, not to mention place nationally, Pullara’s self-confidence blossomed.

“It’s been great for him,” said mom Genevieve Pullara. “The horses were for his self-esteem more than anything else. It’s helped him out as a person.

It’s even helped him get into other sports. It’s always been a positive thing for him.”

His difficulty with reading and spelling at an early age was soon overshadowed by Candelariavf, Vinnie, and Conquistadorvf, his three Arabians.

“I struggled with it (dyslexia) at school,” said Pullara. “But I believe in pushing yourself and don’t give up. If you keep pushing, it’ll eventually pay off.”

Pay off, it did for Pullara, who, to date has garnered three Canadian National titles in Western Pleasure, one second place, and two U.S. National titles in Country Pleasure Driving. He’s also won a reserve U.S. National Championship in Western Pleasure.

It’s not a prejudice, more like a preference when it comes to his horse-of-choice. It’s Arabians, 16.1 hands-down.

“I like their personality and how different they are from all the others,” he said. “They’re a little calmer and a little prettier.”

Born and raised in Carmel with his younger siblings Austin and Lauren, whom he says are “not into horses,” Pullara spends as much time with his hoofed-buddies, of course, after the homework is done.

“I’m with them after school and on the weekends,” he said. When he grows up, he’ll carve out a living with his best friends. “I want to ride horses for a living and train Arabian horses!” said Pullara.

But life isn’t all about horsing-around for Pullara, who enjoys other extra curricular activities. He plays football (defensive tackle and center), weight training, and baseball playing first base, and left and right field.

His idol though, is his trainer Jim Lowe, owner of Lowe Show Horse Centre in Somis, California, near Los Angeles.

“He’s won so much and he’s such a good trainer,” said Pullara. “He teaches me how to ride and he trains the horses.”

Pullara’s dad, Chris, who got his first horse at age four and said the entire family travels with his son to all his competitions. He’s happy it’s taken his son to new personal levels.

“It’s been phenomenal,” said Chris. “He spends all his time with the horses and it’s taught him a lot of discipline. He’s a hard-working son-of-agun! It gives him something to do and the family to watch.”

While the family’s farm also includes three dogs, one cat and a tortoise, Pullara said some of his classmates are afraid of his thousand-pound pets, and he gives advice on how to calm the nerves.

“If you’re afraid of them, they’ll be afraid of you.

They can sense it,” said Pullara, who’s endured his share of falling off. “If I’m nervous, they’ll be nervous. So just be calm and don’t freak out.

They’re not trying to hurt you.”

In addition to horses and sports, Pullara also enjoys dirt bike riding, going to the movies and just plain old hanging out with his friends, but when it comes to horses, there’s no other thrill quite like it.

“The adrenaline and the fact that anything can happen,” he said. “You have to think before the horse thinks. It’s a lot of fun, I love it!” °

Veins, veins, go away‌don’t come again another day.

Dr. Robert Cushing received his undergraduate, medical school, and surgical residency training at the University of Michigan and served as both a Staff Physician and Director at the CHOMP Emergency Department. For the last five years, he has specialized in Phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. Vein care has undergone marked advances, which have increased the effectiveness and decreased both the invasiveness and risk of treatments. Almost all vein care (including the treatment of spider, facial, hand, breast, and varicose veins, venous insufficiency and ulcers) can now be safely accomplished in an office setting using local anesthesia. Dr. Cushing personally performs all treatment procedures and is a member of the American College of Phlebology.

Robert Cushing, M.D. (831) 646-8346

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PACIFIC GROVE

An Evening with Alison Eastwood

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Photography by D.M. Troutman A salute to her film directorial debut, Alison Eastwood’s screening of Rails and Ties concluded with audience questions and answers and a formal reception.

1. Stephen Schareaux, Lisa Brown, Alison Eastwood,

SCENE

Christopher Zaferes 2. Char Carter, Charles Carter, Maggie Eastwood 3. Dan, Corey and Keyo Tocchini 4. Alison Eastwood, Clint Eastwood 5. Bill Huggins, Janet Filo 6. Steven MacDonald, Erin Gray

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The Gates of Opportunity CONTINUED FROM PG 38

reshaped the lakes and shored up the dock on the lower lake. Tom Adcock of Alco Water brought in a line to supply water. Fish and Game worked with us to help design the lower lake for fishing. We’ll stock it and offer programs to all the kids in the community. It’ll be the only place around here where young people can come and learn to fish. The Salinas Valley Fly Fishers Association is partnering with us.

The upper lake will be more of an environmental habitat. I’d like to see those lakes used, at times, as biological classrooms.

CD You mentioned a vocational school. What will that entail?

FEATURE

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JP The next big piece we want to do is a large vocational building. It’ll be called the Ted Taylor Vocational Center and will cost about three million dollars. We’ve raised almost half the money for it already. Joanne Taylor-Johnson, whose family founded and owned Fresh Express, has been leading the charge.

We want to have a farm out here and grow our own vegetables. The kids will learn to process them in the vocational center, and then prepare and serve them in the culinary school. We also plan to have welding, fabrication, tractor mechanics and a carpentry shop. The Taylor family and Taylor Farms have made major contributions to this project, along with the D’Arrigo family and Howard

Leach, the former ambassador to France. Between those people, we have a commitment of about 1.3 million dollars towards our vocational school. I’m hoping to have the culinary school open at the end of this year and the vocational school open at the end of next year.

CD How are the kids coming along? Any success stories?

JP Success stories? We’ve got a lot of them.

Our latest statistics show a 57 percent reduction in recidivism after six months and an 87 percent reduction after one year. And we’re following through on what the kids do after they’re done here. A few have gone on to college; some are going into the trades. I got one young man a job at Salinas Steel Builders and he’s worked there for a year and a half, doing excellent. He came and spoke at our gymnasium opening.

We have job slots for kids when they leave here— which no one else offers—and we want to expand that. The D’Arrigo Brothers Company is setting up an internship program. Don Chapin has hired some of our people. We have a lot of connections that give us good resources.

CD Thanks for talking with me. I hope this article helps keep you visible.

JP We’re getting a lot more visibility than we ever had before. People are realizing that the problem of these young kids going the wrong way isn’t necessarily just a police problem or the court’s problem. It’s a problem for all of us. I’m seeing more and more positive response from Peninsula organizations and businesses. People are

starting to realize that we’ve been locking up our workforce! They’re less inclined to try and isolate the problem as “those kids over there,” and are now saying, “Hey, this is our future generation.”

The concept of building more prisons and increasing the prison budget isn’t working. No one feels any safer. And the prisons aren’t doing a very good job of getting people trained so they can come out and be productive members of society. It makes a lot more sense to put money into programs early on. And in the long run, it’s cheaper. ° You can learn more about Rancho Cielo by calling (831) 444-3503, or visit their website at: www.ranchocielosalinas.com

Citronelle

Meanwhile, his customers in the Citronelle’s nicely appointed dining room enjoy the forest-like experience while they listen to haunting and enchanting music with a strong European jazz flavor. The wait staff are well-trained and service-oriented. Our waiter, Brian, was solicitous and humorous at the same time as he and the rest of the dining room crew made sure our meal experience was seamless.

We found the menu contained no dishes that one could call “ordinary.” We began with an appetizer duo consisting of an escargot crumble and a fascinating dish that looked like a quarter

Reflecting the playfulness of the menu, I enjoyed an exquisite dessert dish labeled simply “Chocolate” with a sub-title “Le Kit Kat Bar” while my wife took great pleasure in a stand-alone Mango soufflé.

for a restaurant in the Keys before offering him the Carmel Valley Ranch opportunity.

He enjoys biking and gardening and also loves golf, which he doesn’t get much chance to play despite working on the site of one of the better courses in this golf-rich area. “I’m here from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” he says, “which just doesn’t leave time for much of anything else.” °

Deep Family Roots Interestingly, both Violi and Keene trace their roots back to the hospitality business. Keene’s mother ran a hotel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while he was growing up while Violi’s parents were the owners of Violi’s Restaurant in Massena, NY. His two brothers still own and operate that restaurant, which has been in the same location for 60 years.

Violi has spent his entire career in the hospitality business, the first 14 years after graduating from Cornell working for the Hyatt chain, followed by six years with Ritz-Carlton. He came to Citronelle from a five-year stint running the Swissotel in Chicago.

A bachelor, Violi spends the vast majority of his time tending to the Carmel Valley Ranch property and its 250 employees.

Keene began his career working for the RitzCarlton chain in D.C., Atlanta, Arizona, Hong Kong, and finally at Laguna Nigel. After working at the Ojai Valley Inn in Santa Barbara, Keene enjoyed a four-year stint as chef on a private island in the Florida Keys. It was there that LXR recruited him

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While he is pledged to “avoiding excessive sauces,” he knows and teaches that a key to successful cooking is understanding how to build a sauce.

Starting with the right stock and knowing what kind of dish the sauce will be served with, Keene says, allows one’s creativity to play imaginatively with taste combinations and is a great joy. “I like to create excitement while I’m cooking good food,” he says.

of a hard-boiled egg but which Brian assured us was white mozzarella cheese wrapped around a yellow tomato “yolk.” After asparagus soup and abalone warm-ups, my wife ate the aforementioned short ribs with great enthusiasm while I thoroughly enjoyed a delicate Sable Fish prepared with a misobased sauce that was perfect for the seafood.

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on the more traditional. For example, Keene offers a braised short rib cooked for 72-hours dish that he says “eats like a filet.” (My wife agreed with him after trying that dish.) He also cooks the abalone that makes regular appearances on the Citronelle menu for an hour and a half to create a tender and moist alternative to the usual quick-cook approach.

Life In A Two-Wheel Fastlane CONTINUED FROM PG 30

They must sell more than motorcycles, they must sell their store, their service department, their parts department, even themselves…

People who buy John’s motorcycles buy into the dealership and become like family. Bringing your motorcycle in for repairs entitles you to an introduction to the technician who will be working on your bike.

Continual change is their only constant. Nobody in this business ever outgrows the need to learn and improve. Dealerships must keep adapting just to stay even. It’s a different business now than it was five years ago.

PERSONA

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They’re not selling your grandfather’s motorcycles, or even your older brother’s. Technology itself is always moving forward. Advance is relentless because the industry is continually reinventing itself. Every year their plants, systems, materials, and designs raise the technology bar; thus, marketing and sales programs must evolve every year.

John had to learn to focus upon customer experiences more than any practical consideration. John learned to capture customers’ energy, to sell them dreams and visions.

At Monterey Peninsula Sports Center, the dealership is big, but it has heart. They will never succumb to the temptation of becoming big box retail. They remember who their customers are; they remember the names of their regulars.

Instituting a practice called Customer Relationship Management, they keep in contact with their customers, following up with and taking care of them. John and his staff continue in various ways to develop relationships that were formed at the time of purchase.

Monterey Peninsula Sports Center has actually become some customer’s Third Place where they can drink coffee, share experiences, and engage in some “bench racing.” John feels it’s a privilege to share in other people’s enthusiasms. Talking shop with these guys is a pleasant part of the business, which is partly why they sponsor special events called Bike Nights, complete with BBQ, a band, and shop talk.

John’s customers actually represent a wide demographic range from younger sport bike enthusiasts to more mature cruiser devotees. In light of the current gas crisis, Peninsula residents are also starting to get the idea of commute bikes. A Vespa scooter might get 70 miles per gallon while some of the smaller scooters might get 110 miles per gallon. Some people who have never been motorcyclists are throwing off the shackles of the Ford and GMC psychology.

On to the Future Monterey Peninsula Sports Center is in a good place but the fact remains that a business like this demands constant attention. They’re always thinking about what’s ahead and are moving into an exciting and undifferentiated future. One of John’s heroes, Wayne Huizenga, began with a single garbage truck and grew his Waste Management service into the country’s largest waste disposal company, and leveraged the company in founding three Fortune 500 companies.

Following Huizenga’s business model, John plans to acquire other underperforming dealerships, make them profitable, and then sell them, leveraging profits for ever-more-ambitious acquisitions.

John is an ambitious 20-something-year-old who has found it tough to be as young as he is and lead such a sizable company — managing people who are, in some cases, three times his age. He has hidden his age, even grew a mustache and a beard to look older.

Fast forward six years to today and John’s dad is pleased with the results of his investment. Present during the struggles and challenges, Dad is now retired, but John consults with him. John never imagined while growing up that he would have such a phenomenal relationship with his father.

John doesn’t have much personal time but manages to get away to Laguna Seca on some days. He gets on his 170 HP Ducati 1098 Superbike and on one of the straight-aways, when he’s hitting 140 MPH, caught up in the grace of the experience; he understands what ballet must be like.

It’s these times especially that John’s one with the experience and becomes brother with their customers. He’s with them and shares in their passion for the power and freedom that motorcycles provide. ° To learn more about John and his Monterey Peninsula Sports Center go to www.sports-center. com, call 888-286-4890, email him at sales@ montereypotheyrsports.com, or visit him at 1020 Auto Center Parkway Seaside.