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O n a recent morning, overcast but still warm, I dropped my youngest daughter and her friends off at Wahine Surf Camp at Casa Verde Beach in Monterey. The bay was glassy and still, and other then a few kids on the beach, it was virtually empty for miles. About 10 yards offshore were a group of dolphins per- forming an aquatic ballet. Their graceful leaps and sleek bodies were nothing short of amazing. The next day when I dropped the girls off, there were even more dolphins closer to shore, maybe 10 feet out. It was sur- real watching them playfully jump out of the water so close to humans. I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to call this place home. The Monterey Bay is a treasure for those of us who live here, and a world-class destination for many lucky visitors. My friend Henry Kaiser is a master scuba diver who travels all over the world. He did a presentation last year for some young kids at the International School of Monterey. He was asked, "What is your favorite place to dive in the whole world?" His answer:"I guess it would be Antarctica first and then Point Lobos." The fact is, we have the best of everything here, and not all of it is on land. See our story about a CSU Monterey Bay Scuba program (pg. 134), which uncovers the mysterious world beneath the sea. The summer and fall months offer up so much to do that you really have to prioritize your what, when and where. The Car Week events offer an absolutely amazing display of the world's finest automobiles scattered throughout the county at various locations. Legendary parties, auctions and events abound. Check out our Car Week calendar to figure out how to pace yourself (pg. 160). The transformation of the county in general is really impres- sive. It seems like all the cities are upgrading and culturally improving, as evidenced in Sand City. This little community houses amazing artists and craftsmen and celebrates with the West End Celebration, an art and music festival that is held during the third weekend in August. (See story, pg. 66.) Speaking of cities undergoing changes, Old Town Salinas is amidst a huge makeover. The world-class Patria restaurant is wor th the tr ip alone . Owner s Paolo Kautz and Glor ia Magdirila have poured their hear ts and souls into this place, and once again, Paolo has proven to be one of the top restau- rateurs in the County. He brought us Taste Bistro in Pacific Grove and Café Rustica in Carmel Valley, but this is his crown- ing achievement. From the food to the service and décor, the bar has been raised and it's very high. The Steinbeck Center, the new Taylor Farms building and the addition of some great little boutiques and a bevy of outstanding restaurants includ- ing newcomer Giorgio's, make Old Town Salinas well wor thy of a visit. This September, the Monterey Jazz Festival comes back to us for the 58th consecutive year and once again offers an amazing lineup. One of the personal highlights for me will cer- tainly be Friday night when the "Tribute to Jaco" takes place on the main stage. Read about the incredible Jaco and the band that will be performing his music (pg. 210). Get there early and see the super talented local bass player, Dennis Murphy, and his awesome quintet, appearing on the Nightclub stage. Lastly, I wish everyone success and most importantly, good health. As I get older and see more and more friends and loved ones passing or declining in health, I cannot say it enough: enjoy yourself, live life and don't just let time pass you by. Take time to make things in your life matter to you and the ones you love, including your pets. Have a Happy End of Summer and a Wonderful Fall! 40 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 PUBLISHER'S NOTE S T E V E S N I D E R As I get older and see more and more friends and loved ones passing or declining in health, I cannot say it enough: enjoy yourself, live life and don't just let time pass you by. Timing is Everything