The Legend and Lore of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby

Courtesy of The Pebble Beach Company Spanning over half a century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone changes in latitude as well as attitude. But the core of the tournament remains not only the exceptional golf by the world’s best players, but also the lore surrounding each yearly winter extravaganza. It is the pull of this lore that helps account for the tournament’s continued popularity. Part sporting event and part Northern California social event, the AT&T has a devoted following, including thousands of volunteers who give of their time year in and year out. Many have been inducted into the Forty Year Club for their volunteer service. The concoction of roughly four parts professional golfers to one part show business and sports celebrities has gone down as smoothly as a well-chilled libation in The Tap Room. Entertainer Phil Harris, a pal of Bing Crosby’s, is credited with setting a certain tone by accompanying his golf with a glass of his favorite whiskey. One year Harris announced that he was the pro from “Jack Daniels Country Club.” The fun actually began at the very first tournament, in 1937 at Rancho Santa Fe, near Del Mar. It rained so hard for three days, some tournament contestants wound up shooting ducks on a pond near the 18th green. And when the ducks flew away, the players shot at Larry Crosby’s hat. Sam Snead won that first tournament, but when he saw a $500 winner’s check coming his way said, “If you don’t mind, Mr. Crosby, I’d rather have cash.” In 1948—the tournament’s second year on the Monterey Peninsula—Lloyd Mangrum won and put in solid nightly sessions at two long-gone bistros, the Blue Ox and Biff’s EI Estero. In 1951 Harris sank a 90-foot putt at the Pebble Beach 17th green to win the Pro-Am with partner Dutch Harrison. “How about that, Bing. Ain’t this a helluva blow to clean living?” Harris said. Ed “Porky” Oliver’s name became part of the lore in 1953 when he took a 16 on the famous, over-the-water 16th at Cypress Point. A 50 mile-an-hour gale—just another chapter in the book on “Crosby Weather”—was blowing at the time. In 1952 golfing dentist Cary Middlecoff, complained to Scottish-born Pebble Beach golf pro Peter Hay that windy conditions precluded the use of tees. Hay replied: “Show me in the rule book where it says you have to tee up the ball. Now get back out there and play.” In 1969, ABC’s Jim McKay told a nationwide television audience: “And now here’s Jack Lemmon, about to hit that all-important eighth shot.” When the rains hit in 1960, Pro-Am contestant Johnny (Tarzan) Weissmuller, once the world’s greatest swimmer, declared: “I’ve never been so wet in my life.” And in 1962 golf pro Jimmy Demaret got off one of the tournament’s most famous lines. Peering out from his room at The Lodge at a blanket of snow on the ground, he said, “I knew I got loaded last night, but how did I wind up at Squaw Valley?” It was in 1915 that Samuel F. B. Morse, distant relative of the inventor of the telegraph, first envisioned a golf course on the shores of Pebble Beach. Since its opening on February 22, 1919, Pebble Beach Golf Links has been recognized for its superb layout and incredible beauty. More than eight decades later, it is a course lauded worldwide by professionals and amateurs alike. Click here for details for the 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Feb. 3-9.

#1 Reason We’re Not In A Housing Bubble; Life Events & Housing Courtesy of Jay Voorhees Founder/Broker | JVM Lending, NMLS# 335646

I am asked every week by friends, family, team members and clients if I think “now is still a good time to buy” and “do I think we are in a housing bubble.” Even though I blog about this often, everyone still wants reassurance. And some of the strongest reassurance I have yet to see surfaced again in  The National Real Estate Post  with our old friend, Barry Habib (market-watcher, prognosticator, advice-seller). Mr. Habib has been surprisingly accurate with his predictions over the last several years, so we tend to take his information seriously. Here are a few takeaways: WHY WE’RE NOT IN A BUBBLE The #1 reason we are not in a bubble is …. record low inventory! Bubbles require massive levels of excess inventory – like we saw in 2006 and 2007, just prior to the meltdown, when there were 3.8 million properties on the market. Today, inventory levels are at all-time record lows – with only 1.8 million properties for sale in Q4 of 2019. LIFE EVENTS DRIVE HOME OWNERSHIP Mr. Habib also trotted out his now familiar “life event” data, again pointing out how demographic trends indicate that demand is all but guaranteed to increase. MARRIAGE One life-event that makes homebuying far more likely is marriage. Millennials now get married at age 30 on average. And, the largest chunk of millennials from the early 1990s baby boomlet is just now hitting 30. KIDS The life-event that makes a couple most likely to buy is having a child. For married couples with no kids, homeownership rates hover around 38%. For married couples with a child, homeownership levels jump to 80% and to 82% if there are two kids. This is significant b/c all those marriages likely to soon take place will very likely result with kids – increasing the demand for properties that much more. GOOGLE SEARCH DATA Habib also explains how Google search data is an excellent indicator of future housing trends.His example is searches for baby registries, which are up markedly – indicating that there a lot of expecting couples/future homebuyers. His other example is the much more obvious search for “Homes for Sale.” These searches are currently at all-time record highs as well.

Featured Properties

CHUALAR 30050 Chualar Canyon Rd. New Price: $1,850,000  83 Acres 2,873 sq ft home built in 2000 2,800 sq ft shop currently used for woodworking Custom, Tradesman home Contact: Amber Russell 831.402.1982

CARMEL VALLEY 26300 Rinconada New Price: $550,000  7.5 Acre Lot Woodside Estates with water and utilities Colera Canyon Views Contact: Monica Browning 831.601.9038

Click HERE for an arial tour .

Click HERE for an aerial video.

CARMEL Lot 3072 Serra Ave. Price: $724,900 7,613 Sq Ft Residential Lot Well On-Site & Mal Paso Water Preliminary plans show 4 BR 3.5 BA Contact: Amber Russell 831.402.1982

PACIFIC GROVE 810 Lighthouse Ave. #102 Price: $548,000  Single Level Living Garden Views, Private Patio 1 BR 1 BA, Lives Larger Contact: Amber Russell 831.402.1982

Click HERE for an virtual tour .

PACIFIC GROVE Country Club Gate 2 BR 2 BA Single Level Living Private Community Contact: Amber Russell 831.402.1982 or Monica Browning 831.601.9038

SEASIDE LaSalle/Ord Grove Area 3 BR 2 BA Single Level Living Corner Lot Contact: Matthew Harris 831.250.3757 or Amber Russell 831.402.1982

SALINAS Indian Springs Ranch 3 BR 3 BA 3 Car garage Private Community Contact: Monica Browning 831.601.9038

Testimonial Corner

"Shannon is a highly experienced, helpful, and honest Realtor. We feel so lucky to have worked with her. She never pressured us but instead took the time to ensure we found our dream home. We highly recommend her!" The Holt Family

"Amber and Monica did an amazing job selling our home in Pacific Grove. They went above and beyond what they were expected to do. We had to move out of state and left our home in their hands and they transformed it from a decent looking house into something from a real estate magazine. They expertly negotiated the best deal possible and made the whole process completely stress free. I highly recommend Amber, Monica and their team!" The Turczansky Family

Property Preparation To the Rescue

Amber and Monica, along with the help of Rob, took a 3 bedroom home with city permit issues, overgrown gardens and dated decor - that could have been marketed as a fixer upper - and transformed it into a 4 bedroom home that received multiple offers. You've read the glowing testimonial from our client. Enjoy some of the before and after photos below.

February Is Black History Month

Courtesy of CNN Staff February marks Black History Month, a federally recognized, nationwide celebration that calls on all Americans to reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in shaping US history. But how did this celebration come to be -- and why does it happen in February? The man behind the holiday:  Carter G. Woodson, considered a pioneer in the study of African-American history, is given much of the credit for Black History Month. The son of former slaves, Woodson spent his childhood working in coal mines and quarries. He received his education during the four-month term that was customary for black schools at the time. At 19, having taught himself English fundamentals and arithmetic, Woodson entered high school, where he completed a four-year curriculum in two years. He went on to earn his master's degree in history from the University of Chicago and later earned a doctorate from Harvard. How the holiday came about:  Disturbed that history textbooks largely ignored America's black population, Woodson took on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. To do this, he established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He also founded the group's widely respected publication, the Journal of Negro History. In 1926, Woodson developed Negro History Week. He believed "the achievements of the Negro properly set forth will crown him as a factor in early human progress and a maker of modern civilization." In 1976, Negro History Week expanded into Black History Month. Why he picked February:  Woodson chose the second week of February for his celebration because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population: Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and became an abolitionist and civil rights leader; though his birth date isn't known, he celebrated it on February 14. President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in America's confederate states; he was born on February 12. For his work, Woodson has been called the Father of Black History.

Pick of the Week: Grooms by the Bay  By Emma King

Last October, a couple of days before Halloween, a very welcome addition to the businesses in downtown Pacific Grove opened on Forest Avenue, catering to those of us with four-legged friends.  Grooms by the Bay is a comfortable, peaceful, well-designed and smoothly-run dog grooming salon and boutique, across the street from Grove Market and a few doors from Pavel's.  For owners Charli Romel and Jesse Meuller, creating Grooms by the Bay has been a labor of love, which shows in every carefully thought-out detail. It's clear how much the two care about providing exceptional service and treating your dog as if it were their own. The space is a stylish, inviting and calming oasis, which feels almost like a salon or spa for humans. On the day of my visit, I found myself wishing they offered services for people too. Even Charli and Jesse's Husky (and shop mascot) Kaia, is featured on their modern logo and in a large photograph when you enter the salon. The walls are lined with artistic portraits of dogs and the grey and black color scheme creates an industrial chic aesthetic. While I was there, happy clients dropped in "just to say hello" and pick up a treat.  The dogs being groomed seemed relaxed, there was lovely music playing and Charlie was genuine, kind and helpful. Grooms stands out because it provides express services, meaning that your dog has an appointment time and will be seen without having to endure a long wait. Furthermore, there are comfortable areas with cozy dog beds, so your pet can lounge before or after an appointment. The salon uses high quality products and the groomers stay up to date by taking continued courses in grooming education. There is also a well-curated selection of pet toys, ID tags, collars, dog coats and bowls, as well as healthy treats by Farm Hounds, a company which uses ingredients sourced from small family farms that practice regenerative farming. You can see some of their beautiful work on Instagram (@groomsbythebay) or Facebook and a website is in the works. Call to make your best friend an appointment. You won't be be sorry. Over the Moon's Roman the Frenchie and his two brothers have standing appointments! 223 Forest Avenue Pacific Grove 831-324-4248 groomsbythebay@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pg/groomsbytheba y

Spread Your Wings Scholarship Update: Amadeus Soria, University of Chicago

"I want to thank you for your support through the scholarship! In all honesty, my first quarter of college here at UChicago was full of incredible new experiences and insight to career and academic opportunities I have never even considered. While there definitely have been moments where I doubted my career path, thankfully, I have met a community of supportive peers who are in a similar point in their lives. Now, a couple weeks into my winter quarter, I honestly feel as if I have established a new home in Chicago. I am planning on majoring in Physics, and possibly math, or a specialization in astrophysics. However, my goals right now are simply finding research positions and focusing on exploring the amazing resources of UChicago. Again, thank you so much for your support!" Best, Amadeus Soria (Marina High School Scholarship Recipient)

Pic Of the Month: by Emma King  When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty.   -John Muir

Events From This Week in History: Courtesy of ThePeopleHistory.com

1925 Sears, Roebuck Opens Its First Store 1926 First Doughnut Making Machine 1931 Banks Go Bust by the thousands following losses during the Wall Street Crash 1943 Frank Sinatra makes his singing debut on the popular radio show "Your Hit Parade" 1949 First 45 RPM vinyl record released 1959 Rock 'n' Roll singers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) died in a plane crash 1959 Barbie Doll Invented By Ruth Handler 1974 Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is kidnapped in Berkeley, California 2004 Facebook, a mainstream online social network is founded by Mark Zuckerberg

Full Moon Watch: Mark Your Calendars

Moon photo courtesy of timeanddate.com

February : Snow Moon  The  Snow Moon  is the Full Moon in  February , named after the snowy conditions. Some North American tribes named it the Hunger Moon due to the scarce food sources during mid-winter, while other names are Storm Moon and Chaste Moon, but the last name is more common for the  March Full Moon . When? February 8

Over the Moon always appreciates your photos of the moon. Please email them to us or share on Facebook.

It's a Date - Local February Events

CHAMPIONS OF THE ARTS 2020 February 1, 5:00 - 9:00 PM Portola Hotel & Spa Please join the Arts Council for Monterey County and local dignitaries in honoring the 2020 Champions of the Arts! There will be a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner, performances, awards ceremony, live auction items and dancing! Purchase tickets at: arts4mc.org AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM February 3 - 9, Pebble Beach Resorts The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA TOUR golf championship dating back to the 1930's when Bing Crosby gathered a few friends to raise money for charity... and have a little fun. Top Tour professionals team with Hollywood celebrities, world-renowned musicians and the captains of industry as they compete for a $6.1 million purse. Foursomes rotate to MPCC Shore Course, Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach Golf Links Thursday through Saturday. AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM SHUTTLE SERVICES February 5 - 9, 8:00 AM - 6:00 AM Shuttle Schedule: 2/5 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, 2/6--2/8 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, 2/9 6:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets for the shuttle are sold online and at the Chamber office located at 584 Central Avenue and depart from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Stay in Pacific Grove and catch a shuttle to the event. More info: (831) 373-3304 or www.pacificgrove.org. ROLLING STONE REPORTS: THE YEAR IN MOVIES February 6 Sunset Center Rolling Stone Reports  features the writers and editors of  Rolling Stone  bringing their thought provoking and engaging content to audiences in the form of live storytelling and visual media. VALENTINE PASSPORT February 8 Various Wineries The sweetheart of all wine tastings! The 7 artisan vintners along Monterey's River Road Wine Trail want to share the love! Receive a souvenir glass, entry into a grand drawing, special discounts, fun, food, and celebrate all things amore. Each winery will be hosting their own wine and food pairing, specifically to suit the love surrounding Valentine's Day. JAVA WITH A LIFEGUARD February 9 Asilomar Conference Grounds Join California State Park Lifeguards for some coffee and learn about the seasonal waves known as "King Tides". Lifeguards will be speaking about ocean safety and showing some of the equipment they use in their job. TAKE 6- GEORGIA ON MY MIND: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES February 9 Sunset Center Featuring 10-time Grammy and Award Winner and Gospel Music Hall of Famers  Take 6 , Emmy Award Winner Clint Holmes, Award-winning vocalist Nnenna Freelon, Stellar and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum Gospel Choir and more! BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL February 11 - 12 Sunset Center For over five years,  BEAUTIFUL , the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical, has thrilled Broadway with the inspiring true story of one woman's remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From the string of pop classics she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, chart-busting success with  Tapestry , BEAUTIFUL takes you back to where it all began – and takes you on the ride of a lifetime! CIRQUE ÉLOIZE: HOTEL February 20 Sunset Center Cirque Éloize: Hotel   is the story of a place and its transient travelers. A stopover where lives intersect briefly, just long enough for tales and memories to be forged…Let acrobatics, theatre, dance and live music guide you through this intimate refuge, styled with an avant-garde scenography inspired by the elegance of only the greatest hotels. Cross the lobby doors and discover the grandiose and poetic universe of  Hotel ; Cirque Éloize' new creation celebrating its 25th anniversary! HARDCORE NATURAL HISTORY- CONVERSATION WITH THE ARTIST February 20 Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Join us for a conversation with Natalie Arnoldi, whose artwork is featured in our Special Exhibit Gallery - “Depths of Monterey Bay.”

SPCA Featured Dog: Annie

Age: 1 year 3 months Breed: German Shepherd / Australian Shepherd Gender: Female Color: Black / Brown Size: Large I came to the SPCA because my owner could no longer care for me. I know I look really active right now but that's just because I'm trying to get your attention. I would prefer to live in a home with adults only.

POMDR Featured Dog: Matilda (aka Molly)

Breed: (looks like) Jack Russell Terrier Mix Age: 13 years Weight: 23 pounds Gender: Female Matilda, aka Molly, doesn't wear a watch, but you wouldn't know that the way she keeps to a schedule. A walk at this time. A meal at that time. Cuddling with you at another time. These are all part of Matilda's plan to live her best life, and she doesn't want to miss a thing. Matilda loves her regular walks and knows how to use a doggie door. She has Cushing's disease, which is treated by medication she will need for her lifetime. Matilda originally came to us from Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter after her previous guardian entered hospice care. She was adopted from POMDR in October 2017, but her person passed away. She has been bounced around a lot but it is her turn to find her forever home now!

AFRP Featured Dog: Remi Breed: Chihuahua Mix Age: 2 years Gender: Male Got a lap? Remi is an absolutely adorable 2-year-old longhaired Chihuahua mix that weighs about 7 pounds. With a perky personality and soft blonde fur, Remi is bound to bring smiles and sunshine into your life! This little guy came to AFRP from the Salinas Animal Shelter after arriving as a stray. He gets along nicely with other dogs and he enjoys making friends with every person he meets. This charming little dog will be a wonderful addition to a family that can give him lots of love and attention and can continue his training.

Zuri's Corner

A little reward for reading the entire newsletter . . . my favorite photo (or two) of the month of my granddaughter, Zuri Annette!

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