PUBLISHER’S NOTE by Richard Medel
Each issue, I get the opportunity to meet extraordinary people who are who changing the lives of those they meet. This issue, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Silvia Panetta, who is demonstrating through example how serving the community can make our world a better place. Another pivotal person in the community is Randy Ferguson, a man who has made a life out of compiling experiences he’s garnered from years of legal service and wine growing. And Anna Weinberg, owner of Park Tavern, shares her love of food and city culture with us. We’re also happy to share Monterey Downs with you, a project that promises to bolster the equine culture of our peninsula. One of the personal highlights was when Nancy Scheid introduced me to Cooper John Bonessa, a young man whose strength is admirable. Fighting a life threatening condition is enough to weigh any person down. However, Cooper’s positive attitude continues to shine through, complementing his courage as he completes the maintenance stage of his cancer treatment. Another encouraging person is Shane Smit. Originally enticed to the United States by Dina and Clint Eastwood, the South African a cappella singer has travelled halfway around the world just to fall in love with Carmel, where he has chosen to reside. His story proves that while we can be changed by what happens to us, if we refuse to be reduced by it we can improve the world around us.
Many of you sports fans out there may recognize this next name. Mark Ibanez, an iconic Bay Area sportscaster for over three decades, shares his philosophy on sports, the effect it’s had on him throughout his life, and how it’s turned him into a Channel 2 staple. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the camera’s shining stars: Jax the dog. Out of all of the photo shoots we conducted this issue, he was by far the camera lens’ best friend.