CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA--"Happy Birthday" to Clint Eastwood, a multiple Academy Award-Winning, #1 Country Song Singing ("Bar Room Buddies"), Golf Swinging, Tennis Playing, former Mayor of this incredible, almost imaginary town.

I've never met Clint, but we do share a few things in common: We sure don't like to celebrate birthdays; we both spent time in San Francisco & Oakland; we enjoyed much of our stay in the Army at Ft. Ord; we honeymooned in Carmel; we still love writing songs, books and other stuff; we're fascinated by the Old West (he has acted in lots of Western TV Shows & Movies; I've written 16 books on miners & cowboys); we have fond memories of playing golf at Pacific Grove Golf Links & Carmel Valley Ranch; we enjoy having a tennis game whenever we can; we've eaten some fine meals at the Hog's Breath Inn (that he once co-owned), and we do what we can to try and save the environment.

Clint wouldn't want me to tell you his age or make a big deal out of it, so I won't (although the other media probably has already blurted it out). You see, to us, age doesn't really matter. It's a number that too often, too many people use to stick you in a category, often trying to put limitations on your life. Life is really about what you're doing and Clint is doing plenty, thanks very much, from making lots of movies to raising a family to serving as a leader of major golf tournaments....

Life also is about what you leave for future generations and he's leaving a lot, not only in terms of kids, movies, directing techniques, and world-class golf courses, but things we all can use, like the much-needed restrooms he helped get built in Devendorf Park (Ocean & Junipero), and saving several places, like the old dairy ranch (near the Mission), reportedly slated to be torn down for the construction of 66 condos.

While serving as Mayor, Clint purchased the Mission Ranch in 1986. He oversaw the repair & restoration of it--including an 1850s farmhouse that's the central building. There are rooms in converted barns and quaint cottages. There are 31 rooms at the ranch, which also is known for its tennis courts, superb food, ocean sunsets, wetlands and sheep-filled pastures. What a grand place to relax and unwind. Just walking the beautiful grounds restores you.

Why not come to Carmel and check out the ranch for yourself and thank Clint and his friends for all they've done to save a valuable piece of California. None of us could have a better birthday present than that. But then again, for most of us, today is not our birthday, it's Clint's. Thanks & Happy Birthday, Amigo!

(The author is a Pulitzer-Prize nominee, who appreciates what Clint and so many others have done and are doing to preserve beautiful Carmel-By-The-Sea.)

Advertisement