Storybook Neighbors
Reader Submissions
We asked, you answered. In celebration of neighborly love—the everyday acts of kindness that bring us closer together—we wanted to know, how have your neighbors shaped your idea of home? From the smallest moments of care (borrowing a Band-Aid), to the biggest acts of love (showing up in times of grief), to a shared spirit of coastal kinship and generosity (boxes of vegetables at your door), your stories show just how much community matters. Tell us about your neighbor. Send your story to editor@conceptcarmel.com to be included.
Location: Carmel Valley / Neighbor: Katie Levitt / Submitted by: Josh Dahn
“At this year’s Tularcitos family camp out, my 4 year old woke up screaming at 2 a.m. because his yellow jacket sting flared up. Trying, unsuccessfully, not to wake up hundreds of other sleeping families, I carried him away from the tent, but didn't have much of a plan after that. Thankfully, our neighbor and friend Katie Levitt was awake. She found a Band-Aid, let me borrow her car to drive my son home, and waited by our tent to make sure our other son wouldn't wake up in a panic. Without a second thought, Katie saved the day and gave the type of neighborly love that makes all the difference.”
—Josh Dahn
Location: Carmel Valley / Neighbor: Spencer Reade / Submitted by: Sarah Simms
“One of my best friends since childhood still lives next door to my mom. In the two years since my dad passed away, he checks in on my mom often, helping her with physical tasks like moving her garbage cans. He keeps an eye out for her always and there is so much patience and care in his kindness towards her. My dad loved him like one of his own children and the way he shows up for my mom since my dad's passing has been really beautiful. From helping her catch ground squirrels (something my dad handled!) to texting her about neighborhood safety issues, he has been so steady and lovely towards her.”
—Sarah Simms
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea / Neighbor: Bonnie Jean / Submitted by: Jess Beauchamp
“When I opened Lighthouse earlier this year, I introduced myself to my next door neighbor, Bonnie Jean, of Earth Cura Apothecary. We share a passion for helping others find self-care rituals that feel supportive. We work through the challenges of early stage business ownership, collaborate on workshops and experiences. I pop in when I need to borrow a candle or matches (the wellness version of borrowing sugar) and we hold space for each other, particularly as women-owned businesses. Our street is nicknamed "Self-Care Street" because of the new businesses on our block, like Owl & Kitty Cat, Eco Carmel, Planted, The Inspired Muse. I'm so grateful for the reciprocal kindness and support of our neighbors.”
—Jess Beauchamp
Location: Oakland / Neighbor: East Oakland Garden Network / Submitted by: Sana Javeri Kadri
During the early months of the pandemic, I was living in East Oakland and had about 40 square feet of outdoor space. Like many people, I started growing things. Even though we couldn’t really gather, neighbors would pass plants over the fence. One neighbor gave me mint and cilantro starts, another shared strawberries, and someone else gave us zucchini. Over time we all started trading produce and leaving boxes of extra vegetables outside our doors for each other. We created these little neighborhood crop swaps without ever formally planning them. It was such a beautiful moment of community in the summer of 2020, and I still think about that little East Oakland garden network a lot.
—Sana Javeri Kadri via Like A Local