From Jasmine Horan: “Those of you that drove the south coast during the road closures or slides, likely knew Arleen. Most likely she made you laugh and smile more than once. Sad to learn she passed away of cancer, but happy we have a slide named after her to remind us to give thanks for what’s in front of us because you never know what’s around the corner. Thank you for all the warm smiles and welcome greetings.
RIP Arleen.”
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Arleen was never without a smile and a wave. I can see her now. What a loss and yes, her sign will always be a great reminder for all who knew her. Thanks to whoever made this happen.
Wow! I loved Arleen! :(
Sad to hear this, happy she is not suffering any longer
So sad. I haven't seen her in a couple of years, it seems, but her smiling face beneath the cowgirl hat is clear as day ! I was told that part of Mud Creek was named after her because she was the who noticed the cracks at that part of the slide. RIP, Arleen.
Who is Arleen? Perhaps some of you on this forum who were fortunate enough to know her can (thankfully) offer the rest of us some insights into who she was and your thoughts on what legacy for Big Sur she leaves behind.
Arleen was a flagger who worked on the South Coast for years, especially during slide events, etc. She was not an employee of Cal Trans but of a company that provided flaggers to the contractor for all the slide/special projects. She drove up from Arroyo Grande every day, leaving before dawn to start her day, and getting home after dark. She loved every minute of it...the drive, working the South Coast of Big Sur, and she always had a smile, a wave, or some great conversation if you had to stop for her. She dealt with the worst of the assholes trying to drive through when the road was closed, and did it with grace and compassion. She is the one that was flagging this area and first noticed the slide. This is across from Sea View Ranch driveway. We would bring her treats or cold drinks sometimes. That’s the kind of lady she was. You wanted to do for her.
To me, she was Arleen, Arleen, the Traffic and Welcome Queen. I would be listening to KPIG's Eileen, Eileen, the Traffic and Weather Queen when I was heading north and arrived at the Ragged Point closure point that Arleen manned. She was friendly to everyone, apologizing so sweetly to tourists when she had to tell them that only locals were allowed through. Her sweetness melted the ire of even the grumpiest drivers. The last time I saw her was at Cookie Crock, after Mud Creek had collapsed and she was relocated from Mud Creek back to Ragged Point. By then, I was driving the long way around via 101/Nacimiento and never saw her again.