Referred to as "Classic Car Week", this is the week that Carmel-by-the-Sea pretty much becomes all about some of the most fantastic cars in the world. For example, today Ocean Avenue, the main street of our story book town was closed for the annual Pebble Beach Tour d' Elegance. This is where practically all of  Sunday's entries in the Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance at Pebble Beach will take a drive around the Monterey Peninsula and end up parking on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea while its owners take in a lavish luncheon at Devendorf Park. This is the best bargain of this week's mostly VERY expensive festivities where one can see these incredible cars for FREE. And people flock to Carmel-by-the-Sea to do so.  And they can watch these million-dollar-and-more cars roar!And, of cou... 08/23/2018

Yesterday between about 5 and 7, the weather took a break from a succession of rainstorms. It was the perfect moment to walk down the hill from the Carmel-by-the-Sea business district where my office is located, to Carmel Beach.Amazing how the mental cobwebs melt away when the Pacific Ocean is right in front of you. Strange cloud formations and even stranger incoming waves that go around sand bars that have sprung up all up and down the one mile beach. Black clouds loom in the horizon, gathering strength for the next stormy onslaught.  But in this moment in time, everything was glorious. Residents and visitors, many of them with their dogs, are enjoying the beach. Some are bundled up, like me, others are wearing shorts. They must be visitors from the east coast where there is snow. Once... 03/20/2018

Will Clint Eastwood teach Robert Swetz how to Direct Movies?Robert Swetz will continue working as a Glazier (glass installer) in the Bay Area, Las Vegas and other cities on the west coast. And Robert Swetz will continue working as a Real Estate Agent in the Las Vegas, Henderson and the State of Nevada.While Robert Swetz continues to work construction and real estate he will be looking for a college later this year to start classes for directing movies. Some may say Robert your too old to go back to college and or start another career, no I'm not Clint Eastwood is 87 years old and he continues to direct movies.Robert Swetz admires the movies that Clint Eastwood directs and would love to sit in while Clint is directing and learn some of his technics.So Clint if you're out there, reading t... 03/19/2018

Clint Eastwood gives Robert Vegas Bob Swetz Hope At age 87 Clint Eastwood continues to produce and direct movies and his latest movie The 15:17 to Paris is full of action and suspense.Robert Swetz aka Vegas Bob has always dreamed of directing several of his own movies and Mr Eastwood helps give him hope because of his age. Robert Swetz knows he can never be as famous and or successful as Clint Eastwood but that is not his intention.Robert Swetz is working on college classes for directing films, etc and will be attending after he semi retires from construction & selling Real Estate.Thank you Mr Eastwood for your inspiration ;o) The 15:17 to Paris ...   02/16/2018

 Robert Vegas Bob Swetz finds JADE on Beaches in California   Well I would have to say February 3rd 2018 was quite a lucky day for Vegas Bob walking along the beaches. I left the house at about 7:00am yesterday to beat the traffic and walk the beaches with the tide out in search of Jade.  I started walking and looking as soon as I reached my destination because the tide was slowly coming in. Right away I came across the piece of Jade that's in my hand in the photo at the top of the page.  Followed by the other pieces just above this photo straight above where I had lunch after my find. Most of the jade pieces I found are around the size of a baseball and they are beautiful.  On the way home I came across this beautiful farm property with 1000's of Pacific Coast frontage. I am thinking i... 02/04/2018

Some Carmel-by-the-Sea residents like to live in-close to the downtown area, an area that is a fraction of the one square mile that is within its city limits.These residents just park their car and walk everywhere, including shopping for groceries at Bruno's or Nielson's markets who also offer fabulous deli sections if you don't feel like cooking. Within its borders you can find architects and builders to construct or remodel your home, renowned interior decorators, any number of places to decorate your home including Sabine Adamson's French County antiques to kitchen utensils, and landscape architects for your exterior spaces.And for everyday living, you can find a hardware store, an office supply store, a pharmacy, facial and spa salons, and pet boutiques for your pooch to browse thro... 06/26/2017

Lately, buyers have been clamoring to buy true "oceanfront" homes on the Monterey Peninsula. For the right location, money is not an object; or let's say, if you truly want a home where you don't have to walk across the street, have cars parked and people looking at the same sunset you are, then you need to disregard the price difference.In Carmel-by-the-Sea, for example, there is one road that meanders along Carmel Beach and it is heavily used by slow moving or parked cars on the road, and people walking along its path. This is Scenic Drive along one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the Monterey Peninsula.Homes across the street from Carmel Beach that are for sale right now range from $12,950,000 to $6,995,000 depending on the stretch of beach and, of course, the home itself... 06/24/2017

Today, I am going over my long list of what needs to come together for the 24th Annual Carmel Art Festival starting Friday, May 19 and running through May 21. As one of 3 organizers, we are double checking each other right now to make sure everything is ordered, done, etc. Such as:1. Tent, fence, tables, chairs, stages, etc. ordered? Check.2. Porta toilets ordered? Check.3. Trash containers ordered? Check.4. Liquor license for Friday night for the reception? Check.5. Food ordered and servers coming for reception? Check.6. Wine ordered and pourers coming for reception? Check.7. Music ordered? Check.8. Raffle items coming in? Still need more.9. Engraved glasses ordered for VIP guests? Check10. Mayor invited for "Mayors Choice Award"? Check.11. Advertising, public relations, invitations, w... 05/16/2017

This is a letter I just wrote to the publisher of the weekly Carmel Pine Cone newspaper, and I hope they print it in its entirety. This "granting" process (a city grant that covers its own use fees) was an arduous process, involving going in front of the City Council several times, and working with the cultural commission and others for many hours over a period of months. But in the end they came through for us, and we can continue to bring this quality event to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Dear Editor:On behalf of the Carmel Art Festival, I would like to thank Mayor Steve Dallas and all the council members for working out the difficult grant situation for our non profit, all volunteer,  FREE annual event. As you know, we have not been able to pay the high Devendorf Park city use fee... 05/04/2017

The Carmel Art Festival held on May 19-21, 2017 in Carmel-by-the-Sea will once again include exhibits and activities in Devendorf Park adjacent to the closed-off street between Mission and 6th Avenues.Besides the juried plein air event that attracts some of the finest artists of our generation to participate in the Carmel Art Festival, organizers this year will once again offer Sculpture-in-the-Park exhibits and exhibitions of the artistry in Devendorf Park.Founded 24 years ago by a group of gallery owners in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Carmel Art Festival has become one of the most prestigious plein air events in the country, attracting art collectors year after year. It was started not only to have artists immortalize the beauty of the scenic Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur Coastline throug... 02/19/2017

 Tuesday, November 22, 2016 Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (Carmel Misson)    Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (Carmel Misson)   Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo, also known as the Carmel Mission or Mission Carmel, is a Roman Cathlic mission church in Carmel-by-the-Sea California    The mission was the headquarter of the Alta California missions headed by Saint Junipero Serra from 1770 until his death in 1784.  The mission buildings and lands were secularized  by the Mexican government in 1833, and had fallen into disrepair by the mid-19th century. They were partially restored beginning in 1884.   In 1886 it was transferred from the Franciscans to the local diocese and has continued as a parish church since then. It is the only one of the California Missions to ... 11/22/2016

  Some healthy looking sheep at the Mission Ranch Carmel California   The Mission Ranch has around 20 sheep fenced in behind a very large field where they can graze and live the life. These animals are carefree and protected within the Mission Ranch for motel guests to few when they are taking a stroll around the grounds. Here are a couple of wonderful photos I took on my last visit to the Mission Ranch owned by Clint Eastwood "Dirty Harry" himself and stay tuned for more photographs and posts on the Mission Ranch.          Photographs by Robert Swetz 11/19/2016   [VIDEO]Mission Ranch Carmel Clint Eastwood & Robert … www.youtube.com/watch?v=44fFK4PbKqI BY HOMES FOR SALE HENDERSON LAS VEGAS 2 MIN 16K VIEWS Jun 13, 2012 · Mission Ranch Carmel Clint Eastwood & Robert (Vegas Bob) ... Videos... 11/21/2016

 Good morning from the Mission Ranch Carmel California Robert Vegas Bob Swetz and his wife Lin had the chance to visit and stay at the Mission Ranch in Carmel which is owed by Clint Eastwood.The photo above is just one of the many beautiful homes and buildings that have been converted into a motel, restaurant by Mr Eastwood many years ago when he purchased the property.The Farm House above was built in 1850 and Vegas Bob will post many more photos of his recent stay at the Mission Ranch this week.   Mission Ranch Carmel Clint Eastwood & Robert (Vegas Bob) Swetz... www.youtube.com/watch?v=44fFK4PbKqI Jun 13, 2012 ... Carmel Valley Ranch | CarmelValleyRanch.com www.carmelvalleyranch.com/ Enjoy a Luxurious Family Getaway in Carmel, California. Mission Ranch Clint Eastwood Carmel By The Sea... 11/20/2016

The Mission Ranch Carmel California by Robert Swetz Robert Vegas Bob Swetz had the privilege of staying at the Mission Ranch in Carmel California which is owned by Clint Eastwood.Robert Swetz has been visiting the Mission Ranch and taking photographs and videos for around 5-6 years now.The Mission Ranch is a photographers wonderland with it's old farm like rustic scenery.Vegas Bob and his wife Lin had a wonderful stay at he Mission Ranch. There was a large wedding that took place on Saturday and after dinner Sunday night we enjoyed looking at the coming tonight of the full "Super Moon" ...  Please stay tuned for great (New) photographs of the Mission Ranch and also photographs of the Mission Church in Carmel California by Robert Swetz ;o)   11/14/2016

 Vegas Bob's 4 day weekend started 2 hours ago That's right Robert Vegas Bob Swetz has a 4 day weekend and he will be enjoying it with his wife around the Monterey Peninsula.Vegas Bob will be picking up his wife at the San Jose airport early Friday morning and then we are headed to the beaches of California.  Early Saturday afternoon we will be eating at Phil's fish Market and I will be eating fresh Halibut from Alaska. Then it's off to La Selva Beach, Capitola, Rio del Mar and other beaches in the area.  Early Sunday afternoon we will be headed over to the Mission Ranch at Carmel-by-the Sea and staying the night. Later Sunday afternoon we may be taking a short drive south to Big Sur and have a little picnic.Monday & Tuesday more sight seeing along the beaches ...  Vegas Bob and his wif... 11/10/2016

  Meet Clint Eastwood and Vegas Bob at Mission Ranch Robert Vegas Bob Swetz is flying his wife down from Alaska for one week to stay with him in Northern California.Vegas Bob has booked several nights at the Mission Ranch at Carmel-by-the-Sea located at the Monterey Peninsula.  Now Vegas Bob can't guarantee that Clint Eastwood will be at the Mission Ranch this following weekend, but Vegas Bob is hoping so.Clint Eastwood has been know to mingle with motel quests eating at the restaurant from time to time when he's not working on movies.   Now maybe people just want to meet Clint Eastwood and not Vegas Bob, and in that case well I guess I can't help you out there.Vegas Bob will be taking new photographs when he stays at the Mission Ranch with his wife, and if Clint is there this weekend y... 11/09/2016

 Clint Eastwood, former Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea and who many people think still is, was the Grand Marshal of the city's Centennial Parade today, riding in style on the Wells Fargo stagecoach.Starting the event near the staging ground was local Myles Williams who sang "Misty" from "Play Misty for Me",  Eastwood's 1971 film that was filmed here in town.I really love this town. You would think that in a city where real estate prices start at $1 million (if you can find one) but is more in the $2+ million range and up), that the town has an "attitude".Not so.Although, for the first time, the City actually hired some outside talent to help with floats and such, it was still pure Carmel-by-the-Sea. In fact, most of the actual residents seemed to be in the parade itself. Whether marching fo... 10/29/2016

  The weather could not have been more beautiful today on Carmel Beach for the 56th Annual Sandcastle contest. This is an event sponsored by the local AIA members.The theme is "A Century of Memories" on this, Carmel-by-the-Sea's 100th birthday this month on October 29, 2016.As usual, the judges can be bribed--yes, you heard correctly--bribed but not with money. Contestants set up a wonderful spread for judges to munch on while they deliberate. They also tend to make up rules as they go along, so it's anyone's guess who will win this year.I went down to the beach to take photos of some of my favorites--and I went with SIZE. Anyone who can spell out "CARMEL" like that in sand has gotta be good. The other one that caught my eye is the one that spells out "Carmel-by-the-Sea" behind the actu... 10/23/2016

 Every morning is different on Carmel Beach. This morning I couldn't walk where the beach meets the ocean because of high waves. So I walked along Scenic Road at the top of the bluff that is lined with beautiful homes on one side, and a fabulous view of the ocean on the other.As I had passed the Frank Lloyd Wright House (that's it's hedge on my right) going south, pretty much where Carmel-by-the-Sea ends (how do I know, because the houses start having numbers on them rather than NAMES--no, Carmel-by-the-Sea does NOT have house numbers so each home owner gives their house a NAME),THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW IN FRONT OF MEAs I turned the corner, I could see that it extended from behind the homes out over the ocean. And then part of it turned into a DOUBLE RAINBOW.Here are the various ph... 10/14/2016

 Exercise doesn't have to be boring when you walk on Carmel Beach. I used to walk from my Carmel-by-the-Sea office to the beach at the end of the day at sunset but, wow, the sunrise this morning!! The light on beach and ocean, is just magical especially this time of the year. Oh, and there a few people out and about, mostly those who are walking their dogs. Rather, the people are walking, and the dogs are having a blast running up and down that mile of beach.Below are some photos I took looking south towards the Frank Lloyd Wright house. Photos were taken within a few minutes virtually from the same spot, unless a wave chased me up the beach. Don't you just love the way the waves come in and change the sand's reflection of the light.WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE? Mine is the one at the top, ab... 10/13/2016