There are moments in our community that truly capture the spirit of the Monterey Peninsula—where passion, purpose, and place come together in a meaningful way. This is one of those moments. A remarkable Pebble Beach resident has been honored with the prestigious Lucile S. Packard Award at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, recognizing her extraordinary contributions and lasting impact. It’s a celebration not only of individual achievement, but of a life deeply connected to the ocean, to stewardship, and to the vibrant coastal community we are so fortunate to call home.
Congratulations, Diane!
Green Sea Turtle, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Diane Hoffmann
“Whether sparking excitement for science and the exhibits with visiting students and guests, or ensuring that materials are autoclaved and sterile for next week’s microbiology sampling, Diane Hoffmann’s dedication to volunteering and commitment to the Aquarium’s mission are clearly on display.
Diane joined the volunteer program in 2019, serving in numerous roles, including volunteer guide, information center guide, conservation associate, education volunteer, and applied water quality volunteer. Diane distinguished herself early on and has accumulated over 7,000 hours in just seven years. During the Aquarium’s closure, Diane stayed connected with her volunteer guide shift and the Aquarium, becoming a familiar face on weekly Zoom calls. Upon reopening, Diane’s enthusiasm was exceptionally helpful during a time of uncertainty, and helped the interpretive programs team rebuild a strong core of volunteer guides.
As an education volunteer, she shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of ocean enthusiasts. In 2022, Diane joined the team in the applied water science lab and became a reliable anchor for them. Diane’s energy has a ripple effect: she’s always willing to share her observations, knowledge, suggestions, and positive experiences with staff and fellow volunteers.
From the beginning of her volunteer service, Diane has shown incredible dedication to the Aquarium staff, volunteers, and guests. Her passion for the ocean, for conservation, and for the well-being of those around her is obvious in everything she does.”
Stories like this are a beautiful reminder of what makes life here on the Monterey Peninsula so special—the people, the purpose, and the connection to something greater. It’s one of the many reasons I love sharing these moments through my work in the community and on American Dream TV, highlighting the individuals and stories that shape our community.
If you’ve ever dreamed of calling Pebble Beach or the surrounding coastal communities home, I would love to help you explore the possibilities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the lifestyle here, let’s connect and turn your real estate goals into reality.
Autumn at Lake Tahoe. We don’t have many autumn leaves here! 🍂 Autumn on the Monterey Peninsula Fall on the Monterey Peninsula is one of the best times of year—beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and a relaxed atmosphere that lets us truly enjoy our coastal lifestyle. If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling, autumn can be a wonderful season to make your move. I’d love to help you achieve your real estate goals, dreams, and desires here on the Peninsula.
🎬 Carmel International Film Festival
Autumn brings with it a full calendar of events—and this week is especially exciting! The Carmel International Film Festival takes center stage, filling our community with creativity, storytelling, and incredible films. It’s always a highlight of the season, bringing filmmakers, artists, and film lovers together. October 2nd – 5th. For more information and tickets, Clickhere .
🎷 Branford Marsalis Quartet – Sunday Night
Music lovers are in for a treat! This Sunday afternoon, the Branford Marsalis Quartet will be performing on the Peninsula. An unforgettable evening of world-class jazz awaits—don’t miss it if you’re looking for an inspiring cultural night out.
Allan and I will be there enjoying the jazz and then going to Little Napoli to toast our anniversary and have a delicious meal!
Allan and Susan at Schooner’s in the Monterey Plaza Hotel in Monterey Sometimes life on the Monterey Peninsula feels like an endless vacation—especially in this gorgeous fall weather! It’s the perfect time to get outside and soak it all in. Last week Allan and I treated ourselves to a wonderful dinner by the ocean at Schooner’s at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Sitting out on the terrace, just 10 blocks from home, we looked at each other and said, “Why don’t we do this more often?” A little reminder to seize the day and enjoy the beauty right in our own backyard. (And yes—the mussels were absolutely delicious!
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy Carmel cottage, a Pebble Beach retreat, or a spacious home in Carmel Valley, I’d love to guide you every step of the way. Fall is the perfect season to embrace change—let’s find the home that makes your Monterey Peninsula lifestyle everything you imagine it to be.
On this Veterans Day it’s our privilege and duty to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. Most of us have friends and family members who have served our nation in the armed forces and know what a hardship it sometimes is for those they hold dear. Veterans Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by our veterans to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.
How can we show our gratitude? Here are some ideas:
Express our thanks: Take a moment to personally thank any veterans you know. Your heartfelt appreciation means the world to them. If you are reading this and are a veteran yourself, Thank you for your service, and I mean that with all my heart.
Support veteran’s causes. We have the Veteran’s Transition Center here locally in Marina. Your contributions can make a significant difference in their lives.
Take the time to listen to their stories. Their insights and perspectives can be enlightening and inspiring. Growing up I heard stories about World War II from my uncles; one who drove a tank through Europe and Africa and the other who served on a battle ship in the Pacific arena. Fascinating stories of what it was like to be in battle. Personally, long ago I was a Pan Am flight attendant flying soldiers to and from Viet Nam while they escaped the battles briefly on R&R. Amazing and brave men and women – an experience I will never forget.
Purchase a wreath (s) to be laid on our veteran’s graves at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery December 14th. A service organization I belong to (Colonial Dames, NSCDA-CA, Monterey Peninsula Committee) is sponsoring wreaths through Wreaths Across America (a national non-profit organization) so every grave in our local veteran’s cemetery will have a wreath for the holidays. Please help us with this endeavor by going to this web site and purchasing a wreath. It will be laid on a veteran’s grave here locally 12/14. Thank you for helping!
Susan laying a wreath on a Veteran’s Grave in 2023.
To our friends and colleagues who are veterans, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your dedication to our country and your exemplary values continue to inspire us daily.
As we observe Veterans Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to a culture of respect, gratitude, and support for our veterans. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
As a special treat I hope you’ll watch this short video about one of our veteran heroes from World War II.
Pebble Beach Golf Links during the AT&T, photo by Bob Borden
It may be “Crosby Weather” (cold & rainy) this year, but the AT&T Pro Am Golf Tournament is a totally new format. Gone are the crazy days of Bill Murray’s antics and celebrity players that we could all ogle at, we’re into some serious golf now. The PGA has been under a lot of pressure lately to make their tournaments more attractive to pro golfers to prevent more exodus to LIV – but I’m not going to get into that story. Suffice it to say, the PGA has turned our “Crosby Clambake” into a Signature event with a $20 million dollar purse with the winner taking $5 million home. Not saying this is good or bad – it’s just different. Our local charities will still be the winner with hopes of topping the $18 million that went to local non-profits last year.
Carmel Realty Company will be there tomorrow entertaining some of our clients at a special VIP party at one of our luxury listings on the 12th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Take a look at last year’s event in this Short Video .
Pebble Beach Golf Links ~ photo by Bob Borden
Enjoy this new special AT&T Pro Am Golf Tournament edition of 1913 Luxury by the Sea. It features some of our special listings along with some interesting articles.
