Carmel Beach on 12/28 by Steve Abrahms. (Previously credited to Rose Welch in error.)

And from West Cliff, Santa Cruz by Ruby Rose Perry-Swick:

UPDATE...
Issued at 823 AM PST Fri Dec 29 2023

Southerly winds are on the increase with gusts up to 60 mph in the
region`s highest peaks. As such, a Wind Advisory remains in effect
until 7 PM this evening. Rain will increase in coverage and
intensity throughout the afternoon and evening with a slight chance
of thunderstorms. Post frontal showers and isolated thunderstorms
will linger into Saturday morning. Otherwise, no updates are
anticipated at this time.

Key Messages:

* Coastal Flood Advisory for the coastal North Bay to the Big Sur
  Coast until 2 PM today due to sea water inundation from high  tide
  and large waves and the incoming storm.
* High Surf Advisory for the coastal North Bay to the Big Sur Coast
  until 6 PM today due to breaking waves up to 15-19 feet.
* Stay out of the water, and off of jetties, piers, and rocks!
* Next rain system arrives today into Saturday, rain totals of 2-3"
  with isolated 5" in the coastal ranges and 0.5-1.5" inland.
* Wind Advisory in effect for widespread strong southerly winds
  today with gusts generally to 20-30 mph, up to 50-60 mph along the
  coast and at ridgetops.
* Active pattern continues for the first week of the new year.

Here is an update on the Carmel Lagoon.

—Lagoon has stabilized at approx 12-ft NGVD29. 

—Flooding contained onto 16th st.

—Pumps will be operating throughout the night to keep the lagoon water out of the neighborhood.

—Excavators coming tomorrow at 0900 to assist with pilot channel management unless lagoon level drops.

—Given the height of lagoon and resident concerns, there was another effort tonight to hand dig the channel. Photos attached. (From Monterey County)

Key Messages:

* High Surf Warning for all Pacific coastlines from 3 AM Thursday to
  3 AM Friday due to breaking waves up to 28-33 feet.
* Stay out of the water, and off of jetties, piers, and rocks!
* Coastal Flood Advisory along the Pacific coast through 3 AM
  Friday, and on the San Francisco Bayshore from 10 AM to 1 PM today.
* Next rain system arrives Friday into Saturday, rain totals of 2-3"
  with isolated 5" in the coastal ranges and 0.5-1.5" inland.
* Widespread strong southerly winds on Friday with gusts generally
  to 20-30 mph, up to 40-50 mph along the coast and at ridgetops.
* Active pattern continues for the first week of the new year.

As of 7:45 am:

For further information on the project see: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/district-5-current-projects/05-1f510

Look at these before and after photos. First one by Barbara Ray before it was completely cleared and the second one is by Adam Slawter taken today.

Nice job by Caltrans and State Parks (and a few locals as I recall).

For Immediate Release

December 20, 2023

Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 895-0841
andrew.madsen@usda.gov

http://www.facebook.com/lpnf

Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Fire restrictions lifted on Los Padres

SOLVANG, Calif.— The recent rainfall across Los Padres National Forest has provided sufficient moisture to reduce fire restrictions on the forest effective immediately.

Under the reduced fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbeques will be allowed in all areas of the Forest. A California Campfire Permit is required to build a campfire outside of a designated Campfire Use Site. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Forest website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf). A list of Campfire Use Sites is available at all Forest offices.

Visitors who construct wood or charcoal fires outside of designated Campfire Use Sites also must clear all flammable material for a minimum of five feet in all directions; have a shovel available for preparing and extinguishing the fire; have a responsible person in attendance at all times; and extinguish the fire with water, using the “drown, stir and feel” method.

The following restrictions will remain in effect:

• Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment.
• A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives.
• Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times.
• Fireworks are always prohibited in Los Padres National Forest.
• Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except for the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club that operate under special use permits.
• Campfires are always prohibited on National Forest System lands in the Santa Barbara Front Country from Gaviota to the Santa Barbara/Ventura County line.

Visitors are encouraged to call the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.

For additional information, please visit the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/.