A look at three important fixtures of Monterey County in an anniversary year.

Jo Mora was drawn to Carmel because of its bohemian reputation. Five years after he arrived in Monterey County, the growing village built its first schoolhouse, which became Sunset Center. A road race took place through the pines of Pebble Beach in 1950. Organizers of that event decided that a car show – a Concours d’Elegance – would be a nice addition.

A person, a place and a thing. Each one has become a Monterey County institution. Of course, the status can become an issue. Officials removed an oak statue of Father Junipero Serra carved by Mora in 2020 during a national wave of protests over symbols of colonialism and racism. Over the past few years, social media influencers and sideshow events have created unwelcome problems during Car Week.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Mora’s birth, the 100th anniversary of what is now the Sunset Center and the 75th anniversary of Concours d’Elegance, the event that expanded into Car Week (there was no Concours in 1960 due to muddy fields).

In this issue, we take a look at each institution. Mora’s life and work will be celebrated in three local exhibits. His work continues to resonate, but contributing writer Tonia Eaton gives us a glimpse of the artist as a family man. Sunset Center has invited the community to an upcoming party. Staff Writer Agata Popęda tells how the facility grew to be a performing arts destination. While Car Week is past, a new book discusses its current state. I spoke with the author about change.

We can describe the past, but these institutions exist for us in the present. Our interaction with each will have an influence on what they become in the future.