Major storms! Big Sur Valley reported 2 inches this morning. I am in SoCal with my dying mother, but the news reports are pretty amazing about the snow in the Rockies, the Sierras, and the rain every where – my daughter made it across the Rockies last night, just in front of the snow storm, and will hopefully be here this afternoon in time to say good-bye to her grandmother.
Next break in the weather is Sunday, looks like. Be safe, all.
I wish for all of you … love.
I am spending the day – on and off – with the first love of my life, my Mother. She is passing on faster than we thought. Back when I can.
Ah, time for a change. We had exceptional weather most of this year, so far, but that is about to change.
From NOAA: “A COOLING TREND WILL BEGIN TOMORROW IN EARNEST ACROSS THE DISTRICT AS THE WEATHER PATTERN TAKES A SHIFT TOWARDS A MORE UNSTABLE AND COOL ONE. BY SUNDAY AN APPROACHING UPPER LEVEL TROUGH WILL ENHANCE THE ONSHORE FLOW AS WELL AS INCREASE CLOUD COVER OVER THE STATE. RAIN IS FORECAST TO BEGIN ACROSS THE DISTRICT BY MIDDAY MONDAY WITH A STRONGER AND COLDER SYSTEM MOVING THROUGH ON TUESDAY. A COLD UPPER TROUGH ANCHORED ALONG THE WEST COAST WILL KEEP SHOWER CHANCES IN THE FORECAST THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK AS SYSTEMS ROTATE AROUND THE UPPER TROUGH. BY WEEK`S END…A COLD UPPER LOW IS PROGGED TO SLIDE SOUTHWARD OVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH LOWERING SNOW LEVELS.”
And from my SLO forecaster: “The cold front will cross the Central Coast north to south Monday night into Tuesday morning with scattered rain showers. Southerly winds will increase through the day Monday and will become gusty Monday night into Tuesday as the front passes.
Rain showers and gusty southwesterly winds will continue through Wednesday as an upper-level trough passes over our area. At this time, rainfall totals should range between 0.50 and 1.25 inches. Snow is expected across the Sierra, with snow levels initially at 6,500 feet, then dropping to 3,000 feet or possibly lower by Wednesday. Maximum temperatures late in the week next week will only range from the low to mid-50s, with minimums in the 30’s to low 40’s.
A break in the wet weather should develop on Thursday. However, another but stronger storm system is forecast to reach the Central Coast next Friday with gale force southerly winds and periods of heavy rain. Wet and cool weather could continue through the end of February, and possibly into early March.”
There is a LOT of smoke on the horizon out to sea. I’m guessing a controlled burn, probably at Ft. Ord, but will do some investigation and let you know.
And hour and a half searching, but can find nothing on this smoke, so I am going with a controlled burn. I remember the USFS notifying us that there was going to be a number of controlled burns on the Brazil Ranch through April, and of course, the old Ft. Ord is always a good bet.
BTW, the “shitty hang gliders” are back – you know, the “God is Awesome” Dodge Durango. I haven’t seen them, just been told about them. Let’s see if they clean up their prior mess – which despite rain and wind is still there!
Yesterday’s meeting was very informative, and led by Bill Monning, managed to stay on schedule and on time. It was nice to see our new Sheriff, Scott Miller in attendance, as well as PUSD Superintendant, Rayanne Thomasson. Here are just a few of the reports given by various attendees.
State Assembly Member Bill Monning reported on the current status of the Coastal Trail project, then called on other core members of the team developing the planning process document for their assessments. Mike Caplin and Jack Ellwanger both provided their positions, while members Honey Williams and Betty Withrow stood on Monning’s report. The current configuration of the trail process can be obtained from Noelle White, Monning’s aide. The next meeting of the planning process group will be held February 22nd from 3-5 pm
Of course, budgets, federal, state, and local were a great part of the reporting by various agencies. It affects services governmental agencies can provide. Sherry Tune, of the USFS reported that forest wide, the Los Padres National Forest is under injunction from a law suit filed by Los Padres Forest Watch preventing any road maintenance, until a more current up-to-date biological report can be created.
Bad news for me and other users of Plaskett, which hasn’t been graded in 10 years. South Coast Ridge Rd. was graded this past spring, so it should be alright this year. Willow Creek Rd. and Nacemiento Rd. are both county, so should not be affected.
Also of note to Big Surians, the AMAGEN bicycle race is back on Highway One this year, but it is to be held in May.
Finally, meetings which are of note coming up are: March 8th and 9th with the USFS regarding the proposed Milpitas Special Interest Area in and around The Indians, Junipero Serra Peak, and Merle Ranch. These meetings will be held in the King City USFS office. March 10th and 19th, CPOA and Sam Farr are hosting a meeting regarding HR 4040- the proposal to create the Monterey District Unit of the Los Padres National Forest. These meetings will be at 10am and held at the Conference Center at the Big Sur Lodge at Big Sur State Park.
Lots of information this past week, and will be covering the upcoming storms next week, but I would love to post some photos and art for a change of pace the next few days.
I am publishing this here as a service to CPOA and the Big Sur community. I am not supporting or endorsing the positions advocated in this open letter, and in fact, personally disagree with the demographics issue. The population of Big Sur in the first decade of the 1900’s was approximately 1100, it remains about the same today, not including those whose existence here is basically “invisible.” While the boundaries of “Big Sur” in 1911 and 2011 may be different and population demographics may have changed also, these demographics are changing throughout the state, and the nation, and world-wide, not just here in Big Sur. I think there is a deeper issue that is not being presented.
Open Letter to Congressman Sam Farr
from the Coast Property Owners Association on the
Big Sur Management Unit Act 2/10/2011
Dear Congressman Farr,
CPOA’s bylaws state that the organization’s purpose “shall be to protect and defend the rural and residential character, and to preserve the natural and esthetic beauty of the Big Sur coast; to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the Big Sur Community; to encourage community service and otherwise act in the interests of the residents and property owners of the community.” CPOA is committed to a collaborative approach towards responsible land
stewardship. CPOA believes that an effective partnership between private and public property owners is essential for a healthy and sustainable community.
This is the Mission of CPOA.
Congressman Farr, CPOA would like to support the reintroduction of the Big Sur Management Unit Act. However, after carefully considering the bill as it read when introduced during the last session of Congress, and the proposed amended version, CPOA’s board believes substantial changes are required.
CPOA is concerned about issues related to the long-term sustainability of our community. Some of these problems have been caused by previous federal legislation. For example, ongoing acquisition of land by the US Forest Service, and expansions of wilderness that have interfered with maintenance and use of firebreaks. Should the bill be written to solve these and other critical community issues, we believe it could be of great benefit to all of Big Sur. We have prepared a list of issues and proposed solutions that we hope you will include in the bill before it is introduced in this session of Congress (attached).
We would greatly appreciate an opportunity to work with you or your office on the specific wording of the bill.
Changes Proposed to the Big Sur Management Unit Act
by the Coast Property Owners Association (CPOA)
1/31/11
Background for the proposed changes:
In the 1980s, the Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan (LUP) was adopted, dramatically downzoning all of Big Sur. As a result, in areas west of Highway 1 the minimum parcel size for subdivisions is 40 acres. East of Highway 1 the minimum parcel size is based on slope, with most land having a minimum parcel size of 320 acres, and the smallest parcel possible by subdivision (on essentially flat land) is 40 acres. A coastal commission staff person has estimated there is potential for about 12 new parcels to be created by subdivision in the 234 square mile Big Sur coastal planning area. The LUP also contains a critical viewshed policy, which effectively precludes development visible from Highway 1 for most areas where the highway passes through Big Sur.
The LUP’s minimum parcel sizes and critical viewshed policy were calculated so that at total buildout, with all potential subdivisions completed and every parcel using the maximum development allowed, the rural and scenic character of the Big Sur area would be retained. These policies remain in place and continue to accomplish their intended purpose. Big Sur is not threatened with overdevelopment.
However, new threats have arisen in Big Sur since the LUP was written. Conservation groups have made millions of dollars by buying private land and reselling it to public agencies, including the US Forest Service. About 1/3 of the roughly 60,000 acres of private land that existed when the LUP was adopted in 1984, or about 20,000 acres, has been acquired by various agencies. Many in Big Sur are concerned about the community’s long-term survival if the acquisitions continue.
While there is money for agencies to acquire land, there seems to be little money for agencies to properly care for land once acquired. For example, some have criticized the loss of old growth Redwoods on public lands during the Basin Fire as being due to poor management of public land.
Related to the shortage of money to maintain public lands, several years ago the Forest Service advertised commercial uses for the 1,200 acre Brazil Ranch, which it acquired in 2002. One brochure described the ranch as a place for such events as “corporate retreats, film location, weddings and family reunions.” The concept was to
make the ranch a commercial enterprise to make money to help pay for maintenance. Local businesses expressed concern about unfair competition by the Forest Service, funded with their tax dollars, and commercial use of the Brazil Ranch was not consistent with local planning policies. The Forest Service has apparently stopped commercializing the ranch, but concern continues over this kind of competition with local businesses in the future.
There is a shortage of affordable workforce housing for people who work in Big Sur. The rising cost of land has contributed to this problem. Government agencies now own about 75 percent of the land in Big Sur. If government land were made available for low cost housing the situation might improve. Wilderness advocates have lobbied to expand wilderness close to and over critical firebreaks, hindering them from being maintained before fires, and from being used during fires, threatening Big Sur and other communities with being burned out when wildfires inevitably start.
CPOA includes a list of suggestions, which will be handed out at the BSMAAC meeting, but which is much too long to include here on my blog. For those interested, send me a private email, and I will forward them.
Here is the agenda for Friday’s meeting. Note: while the agenda states it is to end at 1 pm, it rarely ends before 2 pm. This is a quiet meeting, so maybe we will be lucky.
BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Congressman Sam Farr and Supervisor Dave Potter, Co-Chairs
FRIDAY, February 11, 2011 10:00 A.M.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge Conference Center
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur
AGENDA
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER Congressman Sam Farr
II. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS
III. APPROVE MINUTES OF October 22, 2010
10:15
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
10:25
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. PG&E Big Sur Condor Retrofit Project,PG&E and Sherry Tune, USFS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Public Health Planning Ray Bullick, Dir. of Health
2. Update on Coastal Trail Project Assemblymember Bill Monning
11:00
VII. REPORTS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES
(please bring written report)
Big Sur Resident Member
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
Coast Property Owners’ Association
Monterey County Planning Department
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
California Coastal Commission
Caltrans
State Parks and Recreation
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
United States Forest Service
27th District, State Assembly
15th District, State Senate
United States Congress
12:30 p.m.
VIII. REPORTS FROM OTHER AGENCIES
1:00 p.m.
IX. NEXT MEETING ON : April 15, 2011
Dates for 2011: July 15, 2011, October 21, 2011
(10:00 a.m. Pfeiffer Conference Room, Big Sur Lodge)
1:05
X. ADJOURNMENT
Minutes from October Meeting:
BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2010
47225 HIGHWAY 1, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA 93920
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Dave Potter (Monterey County, 5th District) at 10:20 am. Role call and introductions were made. Attendees are: Congressman Sam Farr, Noelle White for Assembly Member Bill Monning, David Meyerson for Representative Sam Blakeslee, Supervisor Dave Potter, Mat Fuzie (State Parks), Sherry A. Tune, (USFS), Laura Lawrence (County Planning), Joe Donofrio (Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks), Rick Aldinger (Chamber of Commerce), Ned Callahan (CPOA), Richard Ravich (Resident of Big Sur).
PROCEEDINGS
I. Minutes:
• Minutes of July 30, 2010 trailed for approval until next meeting as not all pages copied for everyone.
II. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:
• Bill Nye – A golf tournament fundraiser for the proposed Veteran’s Cemetery will be held at Blackhorse Golf Course on November 12, 2010.
• Ray Bullick – Director of the Monterey County Health Department) – Introduced himself to the council and members present and said he looks forward to working in the Big Sur community.
• Scott Miller – introduced himself as a candidate for Sheriff.
• Kat Steele – Esalen Institute will be hosting “Ecoliteracy in Action.” Cost is $75 (food included).
OLD BUSINESS
I. Route One Bilingual Interpretation Study Report / Jeff Kline:
• Jeff Kline gave an update on the report.
• Proposal to establish a low-power transmitter to provide Big Sur information to tourists.
• Information could also be downloaded onto cell phones as an audio tour.
• Signage could be provided at turn-outs along the highway, although this may be discouraged by the Coast Highway Management Plan and the Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan.
• Content would be developed by the Monterey County Scenic Byways Committee; content could be bilingual too.
• Federal funds are available to implement the project.
• Congressman Sam Farr was in favor of the proposal; new technology could allow for greater dissemination of information.
• Alan Perlmutter expressed that he feels there are generally negative feelings toward the proposal in the Big Sur Community and that the LUP and CHMP discourage additional signage. He commented that if there was a real desire to help the Hispanic community in Big Sur that efforts could be made to fund a pediatric dental clinic. Alan then read a letter from Mary Trotter who commented on the spotty radio frequency, that signs are not wanted are discouraged in the scenic viewshed. Discussion followed between Mr. Kline and members of the community about a wi-fi hotspot being one solution to how to get information out.
NEW BUSINESS
I. Doud Appeal Options: Land Swap or Takings / Aengus Jeffers:
• Aengus provided a handout that summarized the history of the Douds parcel.
• In order to resolve the issues with the parcel left over from the conveyance of a portion of their land to Garrapata State Beach, the Douds are proposing a land swap with the Coastal Conservancy’s holdings at the Victorine Ranch.
• The Douds propose to relocate their equity to a portion of the Victorine Ranch.
• The Coastal Conservancy is not interested in the land swap; Noelle White, representative for Assembly Member Bill Monning stated that the Coastal Conservancy cannot be forced to do what the Douds want.
• Honey Williams stated that she thinks it is unfair how the Douds have been treated and encouraged both Senator Blakeslee and Assembly Member Monning to encourage the Coastal Conservancy to work with the Douds. Congressman Sam Farr indicated that he would be happy to make phone calls on behalf of the Douds.
• Mike Caplin suggested that there might be a legislative solution; Aengus stated that would take too long.
II. Discussion of Bicycle Events on Highway One / Martha Karstens:
• Bike events on Highway 1 are impacting the communities along the coast.
• The support wagons are slowing traffic on Highway 1; people are concerned about accidents and the impact that will have on local resources.
• There have been issues with some events: one support wagon took over the post office parking lot for a rest stop. This impeded regular traffic. No porta potties were provided for the riders. They need to find better, more appropriate places for rest stops and the rides need to provide sanitary facilities for their riders.
• She wondered why permits from Caltrans were not required.
• Congressman Sam Farr said that a permit process was needed to regulate these events.
• Some events get a permit from the CHP when the CHP is involved in traffic control (i.e. the Best Buddies and the Amgen rides)
• Ray Faulk from the CHP reported that bicycles are allowed on public highways as they are considered vehicles under the Vehicle Code; however, the riders are not allowed to impede traffic. CHP will cite riders if they violate that, and emphasized that the main focus of the CHP is public safety.
• Bill Nye encouraged the agencies to think of public notification and standards on what types of bikes are allowed, noting that recumbent bikes are hard to see in cars. Ray Faulk responded that there is no restrictions in the vehicle code that deal with recumbent bikes. Dick Ravitch echoed the request to have the state agencies develop a permit and notification process.
• Mat Fuzie stated that the State Parks can notify other public safety agencies once they see a ride setting up at Monastery Beach heading south.
III. Presentation on HR 4040 – Big Sur Management Unit Act / Congressman Sam Farr
• Need for more local control; the Los Padres National Forest is a huge tract of land spanning down to LA County, and is managed in Santa Barbara County.
• The Act would create the Monterey Ranger District to provide more local control and interface with the community. Understand that the community does not want a national forest, and that is too expensive to provide as a new entity. There is language in the bill that states that National Park Service is not warranted here.
• Cong. Farr stated that in the future, we won’t know what the Congressional district will look like, or who will have that seat, this is an effort to provide local control and one that Cong. Farr believes addresses many of the issues raised through the years by the Big Sur community.
• Arden Handshy wondered if there was a bigger map to see more detail.
• Alec Arago, aide to Congressman Sam Farr, stated that there was a link ton the website to Google Earth to see more detail.
• Mike Caplin thanked Sam for amending the Act; he still thinks it needs work with regard to maintaining the fire breaks and more input from the broader community.
• Sam will consider the comments and agreed to host a community meeting to have the public review and comment on the maps.
• Alan Perlmutter cautioned the community to not forget about fire issues, and Cong. Farr noted that the goal is to make Big Sur and USFS more active partners.
• Local public meetings should be held to get input on the minor boundary changes to the wilderness areas.
• Nikki Nedeff noted that she strongly supports the bill and all that is does to support management. The proposed Jeff Norman Botanical Area features species that live no where else in the world.
REPORTS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES
Dick Ravich (Resident of Big Sur):
• It has been a quiet fire season.
• NOAA predicts a drier winter, but individual sever storms are likely.
• Still working with NOAA on the weather alert transmitter; finding as location is the problem. They need a 15 year commitment in order to qualify for grant funding.
• The CWPP went before the Board of Supervisors on September 21, 2010 to allow comment before the Board; County staff will present at the Board hearing on November 9, 2010.
• was formed by parents to develop a cohesive way to address educational and funding needs for schools in the Big Sur area.
Martha Karstens (Big Sur Chamber of Commerce):
• The 30th Annual Big Sur River Run is on October 23, 2010.
Ned Callahan (CPOA):
• Urges the Board of Supervisors to adopt the CWPP.
• The CPOA Annual Meeting is on December 6, 2010 at the Grange.
Laura Lawrence (Planning Dept):
• Caltrans has pulled a permit for emergency work on the river, and to shore up the Lucia hillside which was moving.
• Projects lists are available in the back.
• Permit applications are down.
Dave Potter (Monterey County Board of Supervisors):
• Optimistic that the General Plan will be adopted on October 26, 2010; many discussions surrounding water supply, Carmel Valley traffic and development on slopes.
• After the General Plan is finished, we will start on the Local Coastal Plan Amendments.
Lee Otter (California Coastal Commission): absent
Steve Price (Caltrans): absent
Joe Dinofrio (Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks):
• Joe will be retiring.
• He remembers the first BSMAAC Meeting in August 1998 had a lot of tension and anger.
• There was a need for the agencies and the community for forge better relationships; he is proud of the small role he played in changing that dynamic.
Mat Fuzie (State Parks):
• The new budget will be similar to last year’s year.
• Hopes that major project continues to move forward and start on April 15 and that the general plan efforts for Pt. Lobos and Hatton Canyon will be funded.
• A member of the public thanked State Parks for opening the Limekiln campgrounds, noting that this is a little jewel on the coast.
Paul Michel (MBNMS): absent
Sherry Tune (USFS):
• FireSCAPE is a priority for the Los Padres National Forest
• Funding has been secured for people to start working on it.
• The Big Sur Multi-Agency Facility staffing is at a minimum.
• Stimulus dollars funded trail work; more work utilizing the CA Conservation Corps is anticipated next year.
• The Jade Festival went well even though parking was an issue.
• The Kirk Creek Campground will be converted to a dry site; the well does not meet water quality standards and there is no money to drill a new well. Vault toilets will be installed and campers will need to bring in their own water.
• Stan noted that the parking was opened for the Jade Festival and that made a huge impact and he appreciated USFS helping in that way.
Noelle White for Bill Monning (27th District, State Assembly):
• Coastal Trails meeting will be held on December 14 at the Monterey College of Law Community Justice Center.
David Meyerson for Representative Sam Blakeslee (15th District, State Senate):
• Looks forward to working with the group on issues.
Congressman Sam Farr (United States Congress):
• Congress is not in session.
• Not much will get done.
Next meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2011. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 pm.
July Minutes
BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 30, 2010
47225 HIGHWAY 1, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA 93920
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Dave Potter (Monterey County, 5th District) at 10:20am. Role call and introductions were made. Attendees are: Assembly Member Bill Monning, Supervisor Dave Potter, Reed Russell (Caltrans), C.L. Price (State Parks), Sherry A. Tune, (USFS), Kirk Gafill (Chamber of Commerce), Richard Ravich (CPOA), Paul Michel (MBNMS), Rito Guerra, Alec Arago, Frank Pinney, Kate Novoa, Lee Otter (CCC-present even though on furlough).
PROCEEDINGS
III. Minutes:
• No comments and minutes were approved as submitted without change.
IV. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:
• Dick Ravitch – Unfortunately, we received a 60k grant but can’t find a private location that will accept a 15 year grant. No NOAA emergency radio beacon in Big Sur. Alec and Sherry are willing to try and work on another grant cycle. Buzzard’s Roost was location we were looking for, but can’t quite determine who owns the land.
• Scott Miller- Introduced himself as a candidate for Sheriff.
• Lawrence Miracle – Adler Ranch property. Currently the Adler’s access is across his property on Palo Colorado. They are trying to file quiet title action to force access, but I am trying to block. Please see me if you know details.
V. Old Business – Update on the Monterey County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
• Frank Pinney – work going on for several years. 6-8,000 hours have been coordinated
and donated to benefit land. Idea is to get concentrated stake holders focused on five
issues. We can expect more fires when state dries out. Now ready to approve, 18
stakeholders signed, but county needs to sign. Every stakeholder has had opportunity to
provide input. Will put into place the fuel mitigation plans. From fire point of view – Basin Fire made clear that fuel mitigation is critical in a Wildland Urban Interface. We are at risk of creating fire or becoming overcome by wildland fire. Fire has a specific job to do in our
ecosystem. Road access and ability to take equipment up was often impeded by poor road
conditions and overgrowth. This is a community based plan and we want the Board to
move forward. Will be circulating a petition to get the Board to sign doc. Millions
available to areas that have CWPP.
• Mike Caplin – my understanding is Sierra Club has threatened to sue if BOS signed. We
need a general meeting of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club to explain why this should be signed. The steering club has not been interested in participating. Ventana Wilderness and Sierra Club invited to participate, but did not.
• Martha Diehl– we received specific mentions of the CWPP to not slow down the GPU. The GPU needs to move forward, and be amended to deal with CWPP.
• Frank Pinney – hoping Board presentation will provide another opportunity for
community to tell their story. CEQA and NEPA are being adhered to. Tie into Healthy
Forest Restoration Act, to allow money to come into the community.
• Mike Caplin – also allows Monterey County to apply for fuel mitigation funds, be sure to
include that in your balance sheet. We are using DeShutes Co., OR. as a model. Greatly
improved their fuel mitigation program and reduced their buildings lost to zero.
• Sherry Tune – In proposed federal budget, there are requirements to only fund grants in
places that we have identified Wildland Urban Interfaces (WUI) and a CWPP.
• Mike Caplin – HR 4040 needs to be amended to not lose benefits in the wilderness. Sherry Tune and Mike will discuss with Alec.
• Butch Kronlund – HR 4040 has to be amended to allow use of mechanized tools.
• CPOA would like to continue working with Farr on HR 4040.
• Alec – to be reintroduced in January.
• Mike Caplin – hopes it won’t be backed into omnibus bill at last minute.
• Alan Perlmutter – has Congress or State Assemblyman support of CWPP and can they help with the Sierra Club?
• Mike Caplin –Alec, I heard you had Tom Hopkins ask federal agencies to remove their signature.
• Alec Arago – There are portions of the plan that call for federal law to be changed, and federal agencies can’t lobby Congress, unless done by their senior leadership. I merely pointed that out.
• Frank Pinney – we saw unintended consequences and will ask for those laws to be changed.
• Sherry Tune – I am reviewing very carefully the CWPP and we are committed to following all federal laws and regulations. We will be forwarding those comments to the Fire Safe Counsel.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Anderson Peak Telescope Presentation
• Pat Barthelow – we have been working for a year to try and save the telescope and transfer to another use. Would like offer this great asset to the Big Sur community to encourage young people in science, math, engineering technology. Can be used remotely. Would like to encourage local youth to help run the telescope. There are some access issues and some owners aren’t there yet. History has been contractors using road daily. Shares site with FAA, AT&T and county communications has repeater sites. The land is owned by the USFS, we are looking for permittee agreement, and we want to keep it in use for long term. Revenue generated by government grants and educational grant. You can also rent telescope time. Group to run it has not been decided.
• Pat – Esselen Institute – we are interested in expanding our program in this area and would be interested in speaking with you.
• Pat Barthelow – Air Force is obligated to tear it down. Traffic history has decreased dramatically. Once we get it automated, necessary traffic would be reduced. Once operational, may be traffic once or twice a month.
• Bill Nye – I knew the guy who ran it went up daily. We would greatly reduce that. Are you open to MIRA being the lead?
• Pat Barthelow– Our missions are slightly different, but there is room for discussion. No intent to bring school kids to sit on site, more of a in classroom experience. Willing to let community be involved in the plan.
• Sherry Tune – USFS needs to do NEPA analysis to remove telescope. We can’t consider any future use without agreement of Coast Ridge Road.
• Pat Barthelow – I have already received one return call.
• Sherry Tune – You can hike.
• Pat Barthelow – Over a million taxpayer dollars have been used over the last 30 years to maintain use. Doesn’t seem right that taxpayers have paid for road and private landowners can block access. We would reduce the traffic. FAA has 35 year lease remaining.
• Bill Burleigh – We’ve talked. I don’t agree that any homeowner can block it. I don’t agree with legal interpretation. I don’t own the road; I don’t know that anyone owns Coast Ridge Road. Get an independent legal opinion.
• Mary Trotter – Unanimous agreement along this section; against proposal.
• Pat Barthelow – I disagree.
• Dave Potter – Get more information.
2. Milpitas Special Treatment Area
• Sherry Tune – There are several key goals in developing management plan, including
protecting cultural resources. The Salinan people believe this is their “Washington Office.”
We want to preserve those characteristics. Doug Stevens of my staff is working on this.
We will be setting 2 public meetings in September.
VII. REPORTS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES
Frank Pinney (Resident of Big Sur):
• CWPP- we are developing our own CWPP, we’ve essentially completed with Steve? and will bring that forward in next few months. BSLT funded $60k effort, will need county approval on that. Will make it publicly available at library and through internet. There are numerous other areas that need fuel mitigation efforts other than the west side that we are working on. Plan goes to the Little Sur. Palo, Highland are being encouraged to develop their own plans using our research. CHFPD has just received a grant to do a CWPP.
• Fire Safe Council last Thursday of the month at Cal Fire
Kirk (Big Sur Chamber of Commerce):
• Having a terrific summer, building off strong spring. Coastal community doing quite well in the leisure market , drivers travel independently, not corporate or group.
• Health Care is provided to their employees and the new federal law will have an uncertain future in 2014 to see how we will respond to that?
• To Caltrans- can you update us on what is going on with project just north of here?
• Lance – we’ve been working with planning and with CCC and have permits from Fish & Game. The County determined that we need a CDP. Will look at August 29th. We know what we are going to do. Start after Labor Day and be done in a couple of working days.
• Mary Trotter – Going before LUAC on 8/10.
• Kirk – How is CHP housing going?
• Bill Perlstein – Sacramento decided to allow us to start 18 month review process. There might be small problem with contract on treatment plant, but were working on that. Have meeting to get CHP to join MAAC. I’m very encouraged on process.
Dave Potter (Monterey County Board of Supervisors):
• Board on break.
Lee Otter (California Coastal Commission):
• Consolidate CDP – rebuild rock at Limekiln Creek Bridge. We did whole process, experiment seems to be moving well. Contractor does not want to operate equipment in sea water. We did approve some low tide evening work.
• Next CCC is August 11-13, SLO Board Chambers. No Big Sur items.
• Amateur photo contest – deadline for entry is 8/31/10. Four categories, great work that comes from that. Go online http://www.coastal.ca.gov
• 26th Annual Coastal Clean Up Day, Saturday 9/25/10.
• Mike – there’s language in our CDP that allows removal of vegetation. You had said that intent was that work could be done anywhere.
• Lee – that was the intent, will say so on the record. Community made it clear that idea was to make it easy to remove those plants you didn’t want. Idea was to ID bad actors. That is in the plan that has been certified by CCC. County had to define removal of major vegetation – that’s important because that is also the definition of development so a CDP would be required. County did not make effort to define that. Mike – my recollection was that big debate was trees 6 or 12” without permit. We decided on 12”. Lee – the zoning ordinance 12” at breast height (4.5’ average grade). County did 6” for coast live oak in North County. Mike – someone in the County has decided to interpret that differently and I don’t recall any CEQA. County requiring permit to remove dead trees. The work in Big Sur was proposed to be done so that they would need a CDP. Now they are saying that they want another type of permit. They are making this stuff up. How do we get the county to issue letter saying they’ve been complying with environmental regulations. We’re waiting for county to issue permitting. Lee – could it be for CEQA reason? Mike – CEQA only applies when a discretionary permit is needed. Cal Fire is doing work because they are doing work, so CEQA is being done.
• Pam – would CCC draft a memo clarifying the intent behind that language?
• Martha – Let’s get people in the same room to talk. Let’s get people in the room to talk.
Reed Russell (Caltrans):
• List of projects at the back.
• Lance Gorman is also in attendance today.
• Traffic personnel are working to coordinate lane closures to maintain flow.
• Starting to prepare for furloughs.
• Frank Pinney – 1983 slide south of Hurricane Point. That divot has returned, are you observing that? Just hoping that you are making that one be on your radar. North side of Hurricane Point, Coast mile 57.3.
• Bill – there is a similar problem south of Little Sur river maybe undermined by water.
• Lance – these scalloping areas are monitored by the maintenance crews. Handled locally when possible.
C.L. Price (State Parks):
• JP Burns Bridge to waterfall trail will be open.
• Pfeiffer Group Campground will be reopened.
• Jack – can any sound dampening be done to control sound?
• Martha – Garrapata? Monterey sector. Impacts how people park along Highway One.
Sherry Tune (USFS):
• Received stimulus $ and beginning road brushing project today.
• Did work on 27 miles of trail. Brush grows fast and the Redwoods fall.
• Thanks to Ventana Wilderness Alliance for their help.
• Fire Scape is our #1 priority, so we are working on that.
• Hope to start public meetings in October.
• Developing budget for FY 10-11. We won’t be hiring seasonals or extending staff contracts. Want to work to staff front desk at MAF.
• Kirk Creek water system – we aren’t meeting county requirements on quality. We need $80k to fix problem otherwise that and Plaskett Creek will have to close. If funding is done right money from CWPP can be used to help fund environmental docs for Fire Scape. Visitors Center can be staffed with volunteers.
Noelle White for Assemblymember Bill Monning (27th District, State Assembly):
• Coastal Trail Working Group met in June- have defined our working ethics.
• CWPP – we welcome further dialog. Mike – thanks to Monning for his help in the Coastal Trail – agreement to use community based approach will be used. Won’t be planned across private land unless invited, maintenance of trail is part of the plan. Odds are greatly improved that this will be good.
Alec Arago for Congressman Sam Farr (United States Congress):
• Many emails and calls regarding local post office. Mr. Farr called the Regional Manager; he was to call Andrew about keeping him here. Biggest hurdle is union bargaining rules over seniority guidelines and who gets what post. Mr. Farr expressed that Andrew was important to this community.
• To Mike – if federal local agencies are recommending federal regulation changes that needs to come from Secretary level.
• Sherry – Kate brought to our attention abandoned campfire. Region 5 will receive $160 million in claims where it was shown that there was someone responsible. That work starts on the ground to do investigation properly to recover funds from those who are responsible for fire.
Next meeting is scheduled for 10/22/2010. The meeting was adjourned at 1.:15 pm.
For those of you who were not able to attend the meeting on Feb 5th:
Citizen Participation in South Monterey County,
By Susan Raycraft
On Saturday, February 5, Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas, County Planning Staff, BLM staff, a Western States Petroleum Association representative, citizen groups, and Planning Commissioner Chair Jay Brown, addressed a public meeting at Lockwood’s Community Center at Harden Square, responding to citizen concerns about the expanding oil and gas development in the Third District of Monterey County. The use of chemically injected deep formation hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” of the Monterey Shale in Lockwood, Jolon, Old Jolon, San Antonio, Bryson-Hesperia, San Antonio Lake, and Hames Valley, was just one of many issues on which the Supervisor Salinas and Planning Director Mike Novo focused on in leading the discussion.
The citizens and public officials gathered are not opposed to drilling, per se; they are concerned about new methods which may be unregulated and potentially destructive over the long term. What citizens really want is for their elected officials to be good managers of the public good, and participating in meetings like Saturday’s is one way to help them do that. The approximately 75 attendees asked questions for over an hour, following presentations by the county and BLM Field Office Manager, Rick Cooper. Mr. Cooper revealed the location of pending lease sales in Hames and Lockwood and provided detailed information about owner-oil company relations on “split estate” parcels (those where one owner controls surface rights and the federal government controls mineral rights).
BLM is planning a lease sale of approximately 2600 acres in the Hames Valley, where Venoco has already been issued permits for exploratory wells using the chemically injected hydraulic fracking technique, a process that is distinct from the steam injected shallow well drilling common in San Ardo. Though BLM has never inquired of its lessees what kind of drilling is planned, as the wells are to be over 8,000 feet deep, they will of necessity use the deep well chemical injected fracking technology. In the past, the wells in Monterey County, especially in San Ardo, have all been what are considered shallow wells, utilizing conventional methods.
There was a great deal of discussion as to whose responsibility protecting water below the surface around any of the new wells actually is, and both agencies represented are working on clarification. Citizen concerns that the exemption of natural gas and oil drilling chemical injection fracking from provisions of the Federal Clean Water act and Safe Water Drinking Act, and hence oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency by the Bush-Cheney Energy Act of 2005 (called the Halliburton loophole), insures that no federal or state agency is authorized to monitor the water quality effects of chemical pressure fracking. The attending agencies conceded the situation was confused though efforts are being made to work around the loopholes to protect local water quality. Testing of local wellwater prior to expansion of fracking techniques was also of concern. At this point, the county is certain that at least one chemically injected fracking well is being drilled by Venoco, and nine more are on appeal by local groups in an appeal that will be heard in late March before the Planning Commission.
Many sides of the complex issues were discussed, including the reliance of Americans on oil to fuel their cars and homes, and the political expediency of reducing U.S. reliance back on imported oil. Concerns about use of large quantities of ground water depleting local aquifers, unknown mixtures of chemicals being injected deep into the shale underlying agriculture lands adjacent to our rivers and lakes, and how contaminated water is recycled and disposed of were all expressed. Unfortunately, a representative of Fort Hunter Liggett was not present and so how such drilling may or may not be done on Base lands was not clarified, though citizen groups are pursuing a clarification this month from the Base. At this time, all oil drilling is prohibited on the Monterey District of the US Forest Service.
A representative of major oil companies presented the industry viewpoint that fracking is safe for our type of deep shale, which differs from some of the areas of Colorado, Wyoming, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania experiencing groundwater contamination from the process, as documented in the film, “Gasland.” All conceded that it is in the public interest to switch from reliance on foreign oil to other forms of fossil fuel, to enhance CAFE (fuel efficiency standards by an act of Congress) and to move toward use of more natural gas rather than coal or nuclear power. However, whether such gas can be withdrawn from the formations in our area safely without depleting or contaminating ground water aquifers, based on the very limited available science so far disclosed to the public, is unclear. A citizen asked why there wasn’t more attention to cleaner, non carbon releasing alternative energy sources, like solar and wind power, and to conservation, and to her question, Planner Novo responded that the county has some permits pending for alternative energy development.
All speakers answered the many questions that came from the floor in a round-robin that balanced opinion from industry experts and representatives and the planning staff and BLM. Everyone left with a clearer understanding of both the issues and the processes in place (or not) to address them. There are a number of undecided issues about regulation, such as whether pending BLM land leased for wells will include County permitting of well operations. The BLM Environmental Assessment of their upcoming sale, which is of parcels right above and upgradient from San Antonio Reservoir, should be available around April 1st. The BLM representative made it clear that Congressional action could be taken to protect at least parts of southern County from any future BLM related oil and gas development (such as the Pinnacles, lands near the Forest Service Monterey District, and Fort Hunter Liggett).
As meeting Chair Susan Raycraft expressed in her Introduction, “It is only through thoughtful consideration of options that we can prepare for responsible action.” Many people, including the spokespersons for the county, BLM and the oil industry thanked the meeting’s organizers, a loose coalition of concerned local people linked mainly by email who came together as HOLD (Halt Oil Lease Drilling) to organize the gathering and create a forum for education and discussion on issues that affect us all. The group now plans to seek citizen involvement in formation of a South Monterey County Citizen’s Planning Association, modeled after the every effective CPA in Santa Barbara County. The goal will be to broaden public participation in ALL issues affecting the public.
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CAPTION FOR PHOTO: The serious looks on the faces of BLM Hollister Field Office Mgr. Rick Cooper, Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas, Planning Director Mike Novo, Planning Commissioner Jay Brown, HOLD spokesperson Steve Craig, Dave Smyser of Western States Petroleum Association, and Panel Moderator Fred Kenyon (standing) suggest the gravity of the issues, and the depth of the discussion held at Saturday’s meeting in Lockwood.
NYTimes Article on Fracking & Earthquates published yesterday!
Both my SLO forecasters, and the Monterey NOAA group are predicting rain mid-month. NOAA says: “MEDIUM RANGE MODELS ARE STILL INDICATING A PATTERN CHANGE BY THE END OF THE OPERATIONAL RUNS. AT THIS TIME THE RAIN CHANCES ARE STILL OUTSIDE OF THE FORECAST PERIOD…BUT THEY ARE EDGING CLOSER AND CONFIDENCE CONTINUES TO INCREASE THAT RAIN WILL BE BACK IN THE FORECAST BY THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH OR SO.”
In the mean time, temps are progged to reach the 80s by Monday. Enjoy a beautiful weekend! Airship photos later today or tomorrow.
Here is a nice photo of the river by Dan Danbom for you to enjoy. Thanks, Dan!
