Big Sur Information

Header photo by bigsurkate

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AS OF 3/10/26 — HIGHWAY ONE IS OPEN ALL THE WAY THRU FROM CARMEL TO CAMBRIA. There are a number of areas that have only one lane due to maintenance and/or construction with wait times of up to 15 mins.

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Links for phone users who can’t see the links to the right without scrolling through two years of posts. I’ll start with just a few, but if you have others you wish to see here, let me know.

Big Sur Maps (3) with slide names, locations, etc.: https://bigsurkate.blog/big-sur-interactive-highway-maps-with-slide-names-mile-markers/

Caltrans Interactive Map: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

CHP dispatch: https://cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx

 

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Interactive Highway Map with Mile Markers and slide names is to the right, under “Pages” first one *Big Sur Interactive Maps... if the following link doesn’t work. *Big Sur Interactive Slide Maps will answer any questions you may have about where something is in relation to something else.

MY DIRECT EMAIL IS: kwnovoa(AT)mac(dot)com

 

Want to help the Tassajara Zen Center? Here is how

To our beloved community,

Thank you so much for your outpouring of love and care about the Tassajara zendo fire, and for the people there. We want to ensure you are as up-to-date as possible during this difficult time. Here is what we know so far:

Again, most importantly, no one was physically hurt.

The fire broke out toward the end of the final sesshin of the Winter Ango, led by Abbot David Zimmerman, who was one of the five Fire Monks who helped save Tassajara during the 2008 Basin Complex Fire. The sangha has been practicing closely together for nearly 90 days and is now taking time to process what has happened together and to care for one another.

Deep bows to the Cachaqua Volunteer Fire Department and to Steve Scarlett for their efforts to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Everything in the zendo was destroyed, including the restored Buddha statue that had survived the Tassajara zendo fire of 1978. It is too early to know if anything can be recovered.

The outpouring of offers to help has been deeply moving and greatly appreciated. We will need a few days to determine next steps and will share more information as soon as we can.

We do have insurance, but it is not yet clear what will be covered or what the full impact of the fire will be. At this time, we still hope to open for the summer guest season, but a full assessment is needed before we can confirm.

Many have asked about making a donation. While the full extent of the damage is not yet known, there will be significant costs to SFZC, even with insurance. We are grateful for your care and support, and we have created a fundraising page for those who wish to contribute.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a precious part of our history, and at the same time, we recognize that it could have been much worse. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

With deepest appreciation and gratitude,

SFZC Sangha

Zendo Fire Donations: giving.sfzc.org/zendo-fire

No Kings Day Big Sur

In case you missed it a few days ago when I posted the MoCo protest place and times, Big Sur is 11-1 at the Pfeiffer Pull out, tomorrow.

No Kings Day tomorrow!

Count down to No Kings 3!!!!!

We are officially on top of the map for the “No Kings” event! Please join us on Saturday, March 28, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at Cambria Drive, along Main Street and the Highway. We will line the streets to defend our communities with signs, props, and costumes.

We will have our new party box amplifier for songs and chants, and we can even plug in guitars. Singing Resistance will be heading us in four songs. Extra signs will be available.

Please sign up for the event here: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905289/ (https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905289/)

Our past “No Kings” events have seen incredible growth:

  – No Kings 1: 1,200 participants

  – No Kings 2: 2,200 participants

  – No Kings 3: Our goal is 3,200 people!

In the meantime, our weekly schedule of rallies continues. We will use our rally on Friday, March 27 at 3:00 PM as a dress rehearsal for “No Kings.” Please see the graphic below for our full weekly schedule.

Additionally, our “ICE Out Of SLO” Rally and Vigil continues every Sunday at 10:00 AM at the corner of Highway 1 and Kansas Avenue to call attention to ICE abductions at our county jail. You can find the flyer attached and sign up on Mobilize here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/876592/ (https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/876592/)

Also we will be showing up to call for ICE out of SLO County at the Board of Supervisors Meeting April 7. The task force report on making our County ICE free is due to be presented that day. Sign up below or just show up or send in a written comment. We won’t stop until ICE is Out of SLO County!

https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/875402

Below are flyers for upcoming area events.

Tassajara Zen Center

The Tassajara Zen Center posted this to Facebook this morning:

At around 11:30 pm last night, the Tassajara zendo caught fire. No one was hurt, but the zendo burned down completely. Some of the library was also destroyed. Our gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to contain the flames, including local firefighters who were on the scene.

We will share more information as it comes in.

Sunday Photos, 3/22/26

This used to be a common sight on Plaskett Ridge Road — poppies, lots of poppies. Today, there are few left due to human disruption. I spread poppy seeds in two areas each fall/winter before a rain, but give them no supplemental water. Next year, I will add a third area. They are filling in nicely, don’t you think? This is my second year. I this new area this year. My first year was just the orchard area. (Last photo) I intend to continue this practice for as long as I can.

No Kings Day, 3/28/26, SLO Co

I am sure there is also one in Cambria and I will try to get info on it and post here. There are probably others. I will post all that I find. Here sCambria, thanks to Wayme: Yes, March 28, in Cambria from 3:00 to 4:30 pm (not 6).

No Kings Day, March 28th, 2026 – MoCo

No Kings 3.0 is coming Saturday, March 28th. We hope you will attend and bring a friend so we can reach 3.5%, the threshold after which every protest movement, across the world, has been successful. (Chenowith, Erica)

Screenshot

Peaceful Protests around Monterey County:

No Kings MontereyMarch 28th, 2-4PMWindow on the BayTo Attend: Sign up HereWANTED: No Kings Peacekeepers and other volunteers!To volunteer: Sign up HereTo Help Cover Rally Costs: Donate HERESound System, DJ, Water, and a Port-a-PottyNo Kings Monterey will be collecting  items the below for All In Monterey County:Laundry detergent, cleaning products, shampoo, paper towels, toilet paper, and nonperishable/unexpired food items.
No Kings SalinasMarch 28th, 12-2PMSouth Main Street & Blanco Road
No Kings Big Sur March 28th 11am-1pm Pfeiffer Pullout Highway 1Sign up Here No Kings AromasMarch 28th, 11:30-1PMAromas Town Square at Carpenteria & Blohm, Aromas305 Carpenteria Rd, Aromas, CA 95004Sign Up HereNo Kings Aromas Overpass EventMarch 28th, 9-10:30AMSan Juan Road 101 Overpass in AromasCole Road & San Juan Road, Aromas, CA 95004Sign Up Here No Kings Pajaro ValleyWatsonville City PlazaMarch 28th, 12-2PM358 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076

BTW no need to sign up for any of the protests. I will try to get the protests being held in SLO Co up tomorrow. Blessings and keep up the good fight.