Tag Archives: Community events

Why Do I Love being An American Dream TV Host?

Pacific Grove Coastline

When people hear that I’m a host for American Dream TV, they often assume it’s simply about showcasing luxury homes. While beautiful homes are certainly part of the experience, what I’ve discovered is that being an American Dream TV host is really about something much deeper — it’s about storytelling, community, and helping people connect emotionally with a place they may someday call home.

Susan, Tyler DeWhitie and Luis Contreras (LC1 Productions), my amazing videographer.           F

For me, the most rewarding part of hosting American Dream TV has been the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible people, businesses, nonprofits, and hidden gems that make life on the Monterey Peninsula so special.

Whether I’m walking along the breathtaking coastline of Pacific Grove watching whales pass by offshore, touring a spectacular Pebble Beach property, interviewing a local chef, or highlighting the inspiring work being done at Rancho Cielo, every segment is an opportunity to tell the story of our community through a more personal lens.

Real estate has always been about more than square footage and statistics. People aren’t just buying homes — they’re buying a lifestyle, a feeling, and a dream. Through American Dream TV, I’m able to help viewers experience what it feels like to live here. The sound of waves crashing against the shoreline. A sunset walk along Ocean View Boulevard. Golf at world-famous Pebble Beach. Dining at a new local restaurant with friends. The warmth and charm of our small coastal towns.

That emotional connection matters.

One of the things I love most about American Dream TV is that it allows me to support and promote our local community in an authentic way. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing local business owners, nonprofit leaders, artists, restaurateurs, builders, and entrepreneurs who are all contributing to the unique character of the Monterey Peninsula. These stories deserve to be told.

I also believe viewers can tell when someone genuinely loves where they live — and I truly do. After decades in real estate on the Monterey Peninsula, I still feel grateful every day to call this extraordinary place home. Being an American Dream TV host gives me the opportunity to share that passion with a much larger audience.

Susan with Karen Vidales, General Manager of Crema at Lover’s Point

Another important aspect of hosting the show is building relationships. Every interview and every collaboration creates new connections within the community. Over time, these relationships become incredibly meaningful both personally and professionally. I’ve found that when you approach people with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, wonderful opportunities naturally follow.

Julie, graduate of Rancho Cielo, tells Susan about her experiences here.

Perhaps most importantly, American Dream TV has allowed me to position myself not just as a Realtor®, but as a trusted local resource and community advocate. My goal has never been to simply “sell” real estate. Instead, I want to help people discover the lifestyle, beauty, and sense of community that make this area so extraordinary.

Photo by Bob Borden, photographer

At the end of the day, being an American Dream TV host means telling stories that inspire people, elevate local businesses and nonprofits, celebrate our coastal lifestyle, and create meaningful connections.

And honestly — I feel very fortunate to be able to do exactly that.

— Susan Clark

Feast of the Lanterns ~ Pacific Grove, CA

Feast of the Lanterns! July 26 -29th

Feast Court – From left to right: Bottom Row: Princess Ruby Juliana Aliotti, Princess Sapphire Jenna Hall, Princess Amethyst Serena Paci Top Row: Master Rooster Thor Birch, Princess Tourmaline Rachel Sands, Queen Topaz Caroline Evans, Princess Emerald Caroline Coen, and Master Horse Elias Yevdash                                                                                                                                       This is one of the  big festivals during the year held in Pacific Grove – that is SO Pacific Grove.  PG, as we locals call it affectionally,  is called “Americas Last Hometown”,  because it’s like the hometown that many of us grew up in across America in an earlier day.  And, yes, it’s still pretty much like that now.  
Pacific Grove coastline

My hometown was kind of like Pacific Grove – but lose the coastline.  Now I live 4 blocks away from the water and love it – matter of fact it’s my Xanadu!  In my estimation, Pacific Grove has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world – and I’ve seen a lot of them – but that’s really a different subject!

Feast of the Lanterns – Opening ceremony

Back to Feast of the Lanterns.  I’ll let you click the link to learn all about the story and the wonderful young women and men who are lucky enough to land on the court.  They will spend all year doing service for their community and receive academic scholarships.  I have to give a shout out to Juliana Aliotti who is the daughter of Dominic and Mary Aliotti who own the very popular Pacific Grove eatery known as “Victorian Corner”.  Not only great food (you will find my husband and I there most Saturday and Sunday mornings), but just a welcoming atmosphere that never fails to make you feel like you just walked into “Cheers’ and everyone yells your name.

Dinner at the Beach House

Another place we love is the “Beach House” and love to take advantage of their Sunset Special (read Early Bird special by 5:30PM).  As I looked out onto the beach this evening as we were being seated, I literally asked my husband to sit in the chair that faced the beach, so I wouldn’t have to look out at all the blankets that some people have put down 3-4-5 days before the event — so they can have a front row seat. It drives me crazy!  The event isn’t until Saturday night 2 days from now and the blankets have been on the beach for days!

Lover’s Point Beach covered with blankets by people saying Me First!

I know this may be a controversial subject, but it raises the hair on the back of my neck every year!  I usually try to stay away from controversial matters on my blog, but my Social Media Guru, Katie Lance, says one shouldn’t stay vanilla on your blog – express your opinion – so here goes.  Look at this photo above.  There are 20-25 people who have spread out blankets -as they do every year – 3-4 days – maybe more – before the big Saturday night event and fireworks. They have decided, Me First – doesn’t matter if someone might actually want to enjoy the beach this week like our locals and the many visitors that bring income to this lovely resort town.

I am really interested in how you feel about this.  Am I the Lone Ranger here?  I would love to hear your comments and what you think on the subject.

But don’t worry, I’ll get over the angst of the beach taker overs and enjoy Saturday night and the fireworks! I love this town!

Thinking of buying or selling in Pacific Grove?  I’m your gal. I love it here and know you will too!

Susan Clark, Alain Pinel Realtors 831-320-6801