Let’s take a look…

Meg Whitman

Meg Whitman, former president and CEO of EBay, and a gubernatorial candidate in California funded her family Foundation in 2006 with $39M.  Yet despite her public declaration to spend most of 2008, after her eBay retirement, working for the Foundation, it still has no Mission Statement.  The only monies that can publicly be found to have left the Foundation was around $300,000 to fight her opponents over Delta fish and another $3M wired to tax haven Cayman Islands as well as a bit to the Bahamas.  Jump forward to 2010 and we find Ms. Whitman has already self-funded her campaign to the tune of $68 million. The impressive figure shows extreme dedication and a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude.  Wish she would have used that drive…and money to help others win in life, not just her passion for winning her election.

Tyra Banks’ TZONE Foundation

Tyra Banks’ Los Angeles-based Foundation was set up altruistically enough – to help disadvantaged teenage girls and to empower young women. Yet in 2006 the organization blew through more cash on salaries and internal costs than it gave out in grants to community groups. TZONE also listed questionable tax deductable expenses for “employee benefits”.

Madonna

One of Hollywood’s more controversial celebrities, Madonna gives money and time largely to two causes: Kabbalah, the ancient practice of Jewish mysticism, as well as to orphans in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest nations. The queen of pop underwent a lot of scrutiny whilst fast-tracking her adoption of a boy from Malawi.  But to her credit she went on to found Raising Malawi, and has continued to support Make A Wish, and the American Foundation for Aids Research.  So, while her methods have raised eyebrows, Madonna has also raised awareness and five and a half million for her charities. For the future, we can only hope that Madonna and Raising Malawi will make certain that the funds are well spent.

Larry Ellison

Listed by Forbes as the sixth richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $28 billion, Larry Ellison is the former CEO of Oracle and self-proclaimed do-good philanthropist. turned out to be a little less generous than touted.   After selling nearly $1 Billion of Oracle stock resulting in an insider trading lawsuit, Ellison was allowed to donate $100 million of it to his own charitable Foundation, all without admitting any wrongdoing.  Ironically, a California judge refused to allow Oracle to pay Ellison’s $24M in legal fees. More recently, Ellison announced that he would not honor his earlier pledge of $115 million to Harvard University, claiming the departure of former President, Larry Summers, relieved him of the obligation.

Wyclef Jean: Yele Haiti Foundation

The most recent charitable controversy arose after the devastating earthquake in Haiti when an Associated Press review of tax returns and independent audits provided by Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation showed that it was (too) closely intertwined with Jean’s businesses. It seems that a portion of the funds that were to be dedicated to the Haitian people were being used in non-related areas. Jean has since stated that he had never profited personally through his work with the organization, and that he has committed significant amounts of his time and money to the charity.  Despite the speculation, Yele Haiti still managed to raise $1.5M for the earthquake victims from Americans donating $5 through text messages, and will continue their efforts to support and rebuild the Haitian community.

PETA- Pamela Anderson, Lea Michelle

Pam Anderson, a former spokesperson for PETA’s “I’d rather go naked”… campaign, is a perfect example of a celebrity endorsement gone sour. Her Ambassadorship for PETA didn’t stop Anderson from sporting Uggs, driving her leather-seated car, or from becoming a spokesperson for Vivienne Westwood- who uses leather and feathers in her lines. More recently, Khloe Kardashian was also spotted wearing fur after committing to her role as their fur-free spokesperson.  Let’s just hope that Glee cutie, Lea Michelle, will make PETA proud by positively representing their fur-free efforts as their most recent spokesperson… because in our opinion, if you’re going to be a public spokesperson for a cause, you have an obligation to set an example.

Well our family’s answer has to been to take a few days away in North California, enjoying the outdoors life, the change of season and, of course, the good food that is essential to a Thanksgiving break.

Last year we spent the holiday in Big Sur. We started off driving to Monterey, arriving in time for a light lunch on the pier. We followed this by an easy walk along the beautiful bay, starting at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and walking out to Lucas point. Before getting back into the car, the teens grabbed ice creams and enjoyed the spectacle of the divers going through the final trials of gaining their scuba credentials.

We continued on to our home for the next three nights, the Big Sur Lodge. The lodge is great for families. With large rustic cabins set amongst the redwoods. Lots of space, decks and log fires — perfect for Thanksgiving. That evening we dined at the casual but friendly Big Sur River Inn.

Next day we decided upon a hike. The lodge is set within the Pfeiffer-Big Sur Park, so after a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we didn’t even have to get in the car to start our walk. Gathering walk guides from reception, we began the hike with a short 2-mile warm-up walk, to see the Pfeiffer Falls. We circled back to the lodge and continued our walk across the meadows and gradually climbed through redwoods, conifers and oaks to the ridge where we enjoyed spectacular views of the Pacific Coast.

Pfeiffer Falls

Returning to the lodge we got in the car and headed south. We stopped at the Big Sur Centre Deli and picked up the ingredients for a rustic picnic before continuing on to Sand Dollar Beach. After our light el fresco lunch we took a gentle stroll along the beautiful white sands of the beach. We returned to our cabin in time to relax and get ready for our dinner out.

Sand Dollar Beach

Dinner that night was at Deetjens Big Sur Inn. This really is the perfect spot for a large, comforting fall dinner, which we felt we well deserved after our day of hiking. The restaurant is cozy and friendly. We had a wonderful table beside a roaring open fire and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious hearty food.

The next day we headed south to visit Hearst Castle. Sadly, I regretted that I had not heeded the travel guides recommendation and had not pre-booked tickets. So although we arrived mid-morning, all tours for that day had been sold. I can only say, learn from my mistake and pre-book your tour online!

Hearst Castle

However, all was not lost. The road trip there was spectacular. We decided to head further south to Cambria for lunch. Cambria is a quaint artists’ colony; a worthy destination in itself. We took our time wandering around the little shops selling local artwork and antiques. The teens chose pizza for lunch at the casual but good Mustache Pete’s.

On our return trip we stopped to gaze in awe at the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas beach. This is one of the most amazing natural wildlife scenes and to see it so up close is a real privilege.

We stopped for dinner at Nepenthe. Dinner was fine but the views and atmosphere were what made the place worth the stop.

The next day we headed home, stopping for lunch and meandered around the fabulous art galleries of Carmel. What a fabulous holiday and a great weekend — all within driving distance!

[Photos from vgm8383, Fritz Liess, monkeycat!, Ed Yourdon and jimg944 via Flickr]

Coast with the Most – Cruising Highway 1 and Beyond

When I attended the Pebble Beach Food and Wine in April, I decided to continue my journey of exploration down the coast along the picturesque Highway 1 en route to Big Sur. From there, I ventured to LA, and then back north stopping in Santa Barbara before returning to San Francisco. Herewith, I bring you my favorites along the way topped with insider tips.

Sur Thing

If a resort were an exclamation point, it would be Post Ranch Inn, which perfectly punctuates all that I love about California. With sweeping views of the Pacific, this destination gem is as breathtaking as you’ve heard. Insider notes: They saved the real estate with the views for the infinity hot tub while the swimming pool is situated next to the gym so you ideally want to stay when it’s chilly so you can take a heated plunge on the edge of the cliff. The restaurant is beautifully appointed with floor to ceiling glass walls allowing for ocean views and a telescope on the deck for your nocturnal viewing pleasure (Saturn was visible during my stay). They serve a lovely breakfast buffet and dinner is prix fixe (which I think is important to share given that is the only option on the property). The property is essentially divided into two parts: the older, funkier bungalows, and the new, sleek duplexes. I stayed in a suite in one of the new two-story duplexes which had a fireplace, a terrace overlooking the ocean, and a complimentary mini bar (quite impressive, I might add). If you want to feel like you’re in a tree house, book one of the older bungalows. If you want contemporary luxury, then opt for a duplex. (Note: no TVs in any rooms so bring reading!). Don’t miss the gorgeous hiking trails, spa, and morning yoga.

I then spent my second day and evening across the highway at Ventana Inn and Spa, which does not share the same views but is still a gorgeous resort, nonetheless. We spent the day at the ‘clothing optional’ pool which has a shared hot tub adjoining the men’s and women’s locker rooms which is cleverly designed. I highly recommend a massage after submerging yourself in it as I can honestly say theirs was one of the best I have ever experienced. The restaurant is currently undergoing a renovation so we dined in a temporary facility but it’s my understanding the new eatery will be quite extraordinary. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that this property has recently fallen under the supervision of Joie de Vivre, who is noticeably taking great strides to make this a first-class destination. No complimentary mini bars but you can happily watch movies on your flat screen above the fireplace.

City of Angles & Demons

After hearing all of the buzz about the new Philippe Starck hotel in LA, it was certainly entertaining to absorb what one could easily describe as a feast for the senses at the recently opened SLS at Beverly Hills. In true Starck fashion, there’s no shortage of eye candy from the tricked out lobby to the mirrored bathrooms and state-of-the-art gym. While dinner at Jose Andres’ Bazaar is not to be missed, you’ll want to make your first reservation at Cecconi’s just near Robertson in West Hollywood. Arguably LA’s hottest of-the-moment eatery, the Italian concept is the latest from the group behind the Soho House properties which will soon open a new club on Sunset Boulevard. I also had the pleasure of attending a Supper Club dinner on the back terrace of Michael Mina’s XIV which overlooks Sunset. For a private cocktail party or otherwise, this is a fabulous locale.

SLS Pool

Cecconi’s

XIV

Beachy Keen

Dubbed the American Riviera, I can now see why anyone would dream of likening the Santa Barbara coast to a French or Italian equivalent. Upon arriving at the Four Seasons Biltmore, I could not help but fall in love with the exquisite Mediterranean architecture and scenic waterfront placement of the property. Ty Warner, the resort’s owner, recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation on the hotel as well as the legendary Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club across the street. With its majestic palm trees, lush courtyards, and tastefully designed guest rooms, I can emphatically say this is my new favorite hotel in California. But if you go for no reason other than to be granted access to the newly re-opened Coral Casino (Santa Barbara’s ultra-exclusive members only club), I can’t say I’d blame you. Warner spent another gazillion restoring the club while maintaining the integrity of its original DNA. It oozes glamour in an impossibly subtle way and once you’re lounging poolside while overlooking the ocean, you may never want to leave.

Four Seasons Biltmore

Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club

Just remember to pack the one accessory you can’t afford to leave without: a convertible.