The push is on to get the siding up and get the house weather proofed before the first rains. This Labor Day weekend, come volunteer your labor. All help much appreciated for any or all of the three day weekend.

I’m playing tourist in Big Sur, today, starting with a great teriyaki hamburger for lunch at Lucia. From here, I head to Big Sur Valley and do a bit of shopping, the meet friends at River Inn, and eventually, head to Ventana for dinner. Lucky me.

The good thing about this is that I can use the wifi at various places to get some of the photos us I have wanted to get up for a this last week.

Here are a few:

I’ll be back later – on to touristy things!

I have been trying to post this photo I took last Sunday, showing the fire restrictions, but as those who follow me know, I’ve been besieged by internet and cell phone demons lately.

Tonight, the USFS came out with its official announcement, so I thought I’d give it a try:

Date: August 18, 2011 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Public Affairs Officer – Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759 http://fs.usda.gov/lpnf
or
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Fire Restrictions in Los Padres Take Effect August 18

GOLETA, CA…In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that Level 2 Fire Restrictions will be implemented throughout the forest beginning August 17, 2011. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.

Beginning August 18, 2011, the following restrictions will be in effect:

· No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (EXHIBIT A) even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free-of-charge at any Forest Service office). Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

· Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester.

“The heavy rains that fell over the winter and into the spring gave a boost to our forest vegetation,” Los Padres Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez said. “But as the plant moisture levels drop, we all need to be extra cautious when we’re spending time in the forest.”

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the Forest Service district office nearest you.

EXHIBIT A
Campfire Use Sites

Monterey Ranger District
Arroyo Seco Campground / Group Camp
Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
Bottchers Gap Campground
China Camp
Escondido Campground
Kirk Creek Campground
Nacimiento Campground
Mill Creek Day Use Area
Plaskett Creek Campground / Group Camp
Ponderosa Campground
Sand Dollar Day Use Area
Santa Lucia Memorial Park Campground
White Oaks Camp

Ed note: outside of those listed above, in other words, all the “informal” campgrounds, with or without a fire ring, campfires are NOT allowed, and building one is a federal misdemeanor which can result in a substantial fine, jail time, or both.

Energy Upgrade California Program comes to Big Sur,

Friday, August 19, 7 pm at Big Sur Grange

Big Sur Advocates for a Green Environment (B-SAGE) is hosting an Energy Upgrade California program on Friday August 19th featuring Ecology Action speaker, Aleah Lawrence-Pine.

California’s new statewide energy efficiency program, Energy Upgrade California, works to increase energy efficiency and create green jobs. This unprecedented program emphasizes a “whole house” approach, in which a home is viewed as a complete system. All of the elements and systems—heating, air conditioning, water, and structural features like windows, ducts and insulation—should work together effectively to minimize energy use. Typical upgrade measures include air sealing, attic insulation, low flow shower heads and duct sealing to name a few.

With homeowner rebates and incentives up to $4,000, Energy Upgrade California expects to upgrade 100,000 homes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create approximately 12,000 jobs statewide.

This “win-win” program is reaching out to on small communities, like ours, so make plans to come and hear how it can benefit you. For further info, see http://www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org. or email aleah Lawrence-Pine at alpine@ecoact.org.

Sorry it took so long to get this up, but as I said, I have been battling internet difficulties for a while. Seems to be sporadically good. I’m still working on it, but decided when I could not get on with my computer through one Verizon wifi card and 120v. booster, or with iPhone and a different 12 v. booster between 1 pm and 9 pm, that perhaps it is not me, but is Verizon and/or its tower(s). Mine is in San Ardo.

We will see how this goes, but next week, if it doesn’t substantially improve, I will try calling Verizon.