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Carmel-by-the-Sea commission adopts new mission, approves 2026 calendar and reviews holiday events
Summary
The Community Activities Commission adopted a new mission statement (Option B), approved its 2026 meeting calendar, and reviewed recent holiday events and the Home Crafters Marketplace, while discussing logistics such as seating, stage lighting, and potential drone footage for future events.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Activities Commission adopted a revised mission statement and approved its 2026 meeting calendar at a hybrid meeting on Dec. 16, 2025, after staff reported on recent holiday events and the Home Crafters Marketplace.
Leslie, commission staff, read three drafted mission options and the commission voted to adopt Option B. Leslie summarized Option B as: "inspire connections and strengthen community bonds by creating safe, inclusive events that foster belonging through shared celebrations and gatherings." Commissioners said the wording best reflected the commission’s role in supporting community events.
The adoption followed a short discussion in which commissioners compared the proposed options and emphasized community-building. The motion to adopt Option B was moved and seconded and passed on a roll call vote.
Earlier in the meeting Leslie reported on the Home Crafters Marketplace and the holiday celebration. The Home Crafters event had 75 vendors sign up, with six late cancellations; staff added extra booth space to accommodate demand. The holiday celebration included a Santa arrival and parade, menorah lighting, and music from the Del Monte brass ensemble associated with the Naval Postgraduate School; Leslie said there were no major incidents and she thanked volunteers and partner organizations.
Commissioners used the events report to raise operational questions for future planning. One commissioner asked how performers are selected; staff said the program has traditionally included local school groups along with individual performers and that time limits are enforced. Several commissioners urged adding more chairs for older attendees and adjusting stage lighting so performers’ faces are visible; Leslie said she would explore chair rental options and will pass lighting requests to the stage vendor. Commissioners also proposed exploring drone footage or live projection to improve visibility and promotion at large gatherings.
The commission reviewed its proposed 2026 calendar and agreed to a date change to avoid Car Week conflicts: February’s meeting was moved to Feb. 17. Commissioners approved the calendar by motion and roll call and asked staff to circulate the final schedule.
The commission closed the meeting after noting upcoming items — including budget review and event planning for early 2026, an update on AT&T Pro-Am activities and a possible sister-city discussion following staff’s January trip to Mornington, Australia — and staff said she would follow up on scheduling a second Car Week listening session with Chief Treyer.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved November minutes, adopted the Option B mission statement, and approved the 2026 meeting calendar. Staff will circulate the calendar and pursue the operational follow-ups discussed at the meeting.
