Carmel Magazine

I n August, community mem- bers dedicated a bench and memorial honoring the late Bill Bates, a Pulitzer-nominated artist known for his playful cartoons inspired by the characters and culture of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bates, who passed away five years ago, published a number of books and penned drawings for the San Francisco Examiner. The adventurous spirit sailed the world as a Royal Viking Line dance host, and counted artists Eldon Dedini and "Dennis the Menace" creator Hank Ketcham as friends. The Carmel Pine Cone still runs Bates' witty cartoons each week, and his work also hangs in the Carmel Post Office — not far from the memorial. Bates' wife, Lei Lei, and his daughter, Chelsea, attended the August ceremony that was organized by the Friends of Bill Bates and the Carmel Residents Association. Twenty-five years ago, Tony Tollner was on the board of a nonprofit that needed a fundraising boost. The restaurateur and avid runner decided to organize a fun run through some of Carmel's most scenic areas. The race took off, and today, more than 1,200 runners a year register for the Rio Grill Resolution Run that takes place each January 1. "It starts the new year off right," says Tollner, managing partner for Downtown Dining. His restaurant group includes Rio Grill, Tarpy's Roadhouse and Montrio Bistro. The 5- and 10-kilometer Resolution Run races start at Rio Grill and trav- el along Rio Road, through Mission Trail Park and into Carmel. Walkers, strollers and on-leash dogs are welcome to par ticipate in the family-friendly event, which includes age divi- sion awards, raffle prizes and giveaways for children. Paid registration also comes with a complimentar y t-shir t and brunch at Rio Grill following the race, plus additional festivities celebrating the 25th anniversary. Each year, Rio Grill Resolution Run proceeds benefit one char- ity: The 2015 event again raises m o n e y f o r t h e N a t i v i d a d Medical Foundation's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Since its first presentation, the run has raised more than $500,000 for local nonprofits. "Locals are really the back- bone of our business," Tollner says. "The relationships we have are impor tant, and this is our way of cementing those relationships and giving back to the community." To register for the 2015 Rio Grill Resolution Run, visit www.riogrillsresolutionrun.com. For the first time in event history, a Ferrari won Best of Show at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This year's winner, a 1954 BEST OF THE CARMEL POLICE LOG… Reporting party stated that someone entered his backyard and harvested his apricot tree, which was bearing fruit. No other items were taken or disturbed. There were no witnesses or investigative leads. SHORTCUTS CARMEL CONFIDENTIAL Bill Bates Honored with Memorial Bench Late cartoonist Bill Bates has been honored with a memorial bench near the Carmel Post Office, where some of his beloved cartoons are hanging. Photo: Kelli Uldall 46 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4

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