My mother was born in 1929 – the beginning of the Great Depression. I have the family stories from those times, and the years beyond. The “gist” of those stories is that families and friends pulled together, and pooled resources. Families moved in together. Generations moved in together. Parents, grandparents, children, cousins, aunts and uncles lived in the same house. They all contributed to the stew pot that all would eat from. We entered the same era a while back, but no one is talking about it. It is time to talk about it. It is time to see “family” for the support we can provide one another.
CPOA and PelicanNetwork say that “community” is dying or being squeezed out. Not true, says I. Our community on the South Coast continues. We are a multi-generational community, unlike the North Coast. We have children and grand-children who will take over the stewardship of our land. We may be surrounded by USFS, but most of us will not “sell out.” Our children and grandchildren will continue our traditions. Sometimes, we ARE the children or grandchildren of those who came before.
Primarily, the South Coast, which had traditionally been from Anderson Canyon south, has only asked to be left alone. But, of course, as population explodes, that cannot happen. Now, after 80 years, CPOA has suggested that the “South Coast” is only from Limekiln south. I am a life time member of CPOA, but I am in complete disagreement on this issue, and at this writing, so is everyone on the South Coast, who has been here for 20 years or more. New comers disagree, because they are new comers, and do not understand the history and purpose of who we are.
I urge CPOA, PelicanNetwork, and other organizations to rethink the patriarchial positions they are assuming for the coast, particularly, our neighborhood.
I am relatively certain that I will be completely “blackballed” by certain people and organizations in Big Sur. So be it. I disagree with some people whom I completely respect. But North Coast values are not South Coast Values.
Same can be said of North Korea and South Korea, but during times of single issue items, like the Federalization attempts of B S , both the North Coast and the South Coast did come together and unify on that issue.
“Homogenization” sucks. Each culture should be able to carry on its traditions and ways, without being “absorbed” (Borg style) ny others. Kudos to you for voicing your true thoughts (as you always do), even though they may be unpopular. That’s the only way we can carry on I think, if we want to maintain and protect what we value. New generations will come along and try to change how things are done, but until we are gone, we can stand strong for tradition and history.
I have not lived on the coast for ten years, but when I lived there (for almost 30 years), I lived in a variety of places from North to South: Upper Garapata, Palo Colorado, Partington, Gorda Mountain, Plaskett, Esalen, Nepenthe, Fernwood and more….and experienced all the things each of those places offers. Each is unique.
The “South Coast” community has developed ways and means to live in the unique environment it is, based (in my experience) on what the LAND requires. It is rugged and remote and one is tested in living and surviving there. It’s unconsciabale for people to come in and try to override the people who have passed the tests and done the work to create community.
So…there’s my 2 cents, for what it’s worth! Carry on Kate…I admire and respect your strength and dedication.
Kate, I like what you’ve written about community. I get that part entirely. But as a complete outsider I’m at a loss as to the larger context that might result in you being black balled for your views by some. I read Tzila’s comment and that added to some of my comprehension–but I have the feeling I’m missing some important piece of information here. So, my question is–what is at the heart of this conflict between North and South?
Next week i’m on the south coast for 38 years. Ever since I got here, the “buy-out” issue has been on the table and it has a life of its own.
Truly the ways of life here are different, and th experience unique. We have pulled through many an emergency, and we have our pride. All good.
Nice to think we will ll be able to hold out, and I agree with the comments of how life is different here.
However we do need to defend ourselves in a legal sense from continued acquisition by the USFS., which for some will be the only option unless we do defend ourselves successfully. It’s not only a matter of where the defining line of the region is, it’s about countering a move to create greater leverage for the continuing attrition, which involves decreasing option for us as a community..
I have some very extensive personal experience about what this leverage may involve, and it has been a central process in my own relationship with the region as a property owner. A long fight, my friends…
Personal values are one thing. Keeping our actual ability to define our own future is a larger point that will be lost if we allow ourselves to be ignored, and lose the united focus that is our strength..
I do not want the USFS to gain another inch of ground ANYWHERE. They do not take care of the land they have, and this country is not well served by throwing away money on increasingly rundown “recreation areas”. The policy of continuing property acquisition by the USFS is irresponsible and wrong-headed.
Best thing we can do for ourselves is keep talking. Thanks