I noticed a Cal Fire Engine parked on the side of the road. Was there some type of emergency?
Richard
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Monterey County could improve their budget by issuing tickets. At Point Lobos on Sunday, every inch of the No Parking area on the east side of the road was packed with cars.
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Soberanes Sunday – there was some emergency, fire truck, CHP, and the lifeguard truck was there.
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replying to Bruce Merchant – re: Pt. Lobos – I saw TWO CHP issuing tickets all along that east side….just a band-aid…..but it’s something. I’m in Bixby and absolutely NOT leaving home today (Monday)….!!
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There was a trail rescue 1 1/2 miles up canyon while I was there. First responders were definitely challenged getting on scene and finding appropriate places to park.
Traffic was also backed up from Point Lobos to Rio Road due to parking issues along highway at Lobos.
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it is an issue which really needs to be addressed. It’s unsafe for drivers and for pedestrians. Shuttles to both locations would help. The question is: from where? The other issue is hikers/pedestrians crossing the road at Soberanes. A tunnel would be the best solution, but pricey. I’m a painter, and so have seen those issues.
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My memory recalls when the state was making noises about building a parking lot in what’s forest,more or less to the east of hwy 1 opposite the park itself. Exactly why that was scuttled, Im not sure.
My dream choice regarding our once ok local scene now resembling Disneyland..return sanity as the norm..what? Turn back the clock? Sure..after all we do so twice a year! Halt the local governmental/ tourist industries from investing hundreds of thousands of big bucks to pay advertising costs heralding this area …Of course every restaurant, hotel, bar and liquor business will raise hell..oh maybe that’s the reason ! Lets begin a conversation about this..I for one have concluded Im no longer calling myself a local ( 1956- till 2015) was enough! I no longer find it behooves me to hang out here..& quickly ( relatively) have recreated a sense of my fresher home. Nope, not saying where🐢
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I think selling tickets like they do for Muir Woods in Marin would be a great idea and help reduce the number of cars. I, for one, am glad the idea to tear down a forest to put up a parking lot on the East side of the highway was scuttled. Maybe shuttles could be provided from the Crossroads???
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I was down there on Sat 31st and was actually pleasantly surprised. I headed down early (soon after 7am), and came back later than planned (around 5pm) and spent most of my time between Nepenthe and Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP and it seemed like a regular summer weekend rather than the first day of a holiday weekend, with the following few exceptions:
– I got asked if the road was “really closed” 4 different times
– Pt Lobos roadside parking was still very full when I came back up (and cars were parked in the northbound no-parking area – replete with envelopes under their wipers)
– Bixby Bridge was slower than its normal slow self and had two CHP stationed there. I’m sure it would have been gridlocked if the CHP presence hadn’t been there.
Based on these videos, I got lucky!
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How does the Monterey County Visitors Bureau think this is good for the economy when the greater likelihood is that no one can get anywhere, let alone safely!? Of course we want the businesses that have been here to thrive, but dying on the way there won’t help!
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We definitely don’t want to “pave paradise and put in a parking lot.” The Big Sur Land Use Plan has policies to make sure that doesn’t happen. It also has specific policies that state “existing facilities shall not be expanded unless standard and safe parking is met.” Unfortunately at Garrapata State Park (Soberanes) there was and continues to be expanded recreational development increasing it as a destination location causing traffic and safety issues. The generation before me, along with the Coastal Commission that certified the LUP, realized that to accommodate the increased visitation to Highway 1 in the future “visual access” (scenic recreational driving) has to be the main activity for visitors and the way for people to see an unspoiled natural coastline. Basically enjoying the coast while driving and occasionally pulling over in a turnout to take some pictures and enjoy the view. “Visual Access” is the Little Sur / Point Sur area where you have no traffic issues and the most beautiful untouched stretch of coastline in the world. Physical access is Soberanes where you have traffic congestion, viewshed violations, vehicle accidents and unfortunately a recent pedestrian death. How do we Keep Big Sur Wild and an enjoyable safe scenic drive for the now millions of visitors annually? We follow and enforce our incredible Land Use Plan! Otherwise we are just going to kill the goose that laid the golden egg!!!
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Makes me
Glad the south end is closed off! It’s staying pretty mellow down here
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This is gonna be a long one, but not quite as long as the line at Rocky Creek on Sunday. Having lived for decades in Big Sur and now the last five years doing the commute from Monterey to Big Sur for work I’ve seen about every type of road situation imaginable. I think a big part of what’s happening now is mentality, to include a severe lack of common sense and the inability to see beyond the iPhone and often just not giving a shit. Many of the visitors are from the Bay Area. I probably drive up to that area about once every month or two. Imagine if I was to drive 45 miles an hour in the fast lane on Highway 101 between Morgan Hill and Palo Alto. I would probably make front page news on the SF Gate. I really don’t know what the answer might be. I hear they’re going to close the old Coast Road parking access to Bixby that will probably just move the nightmare to another pull out. I think another of the big issues is lack of enforcement overall. Although I will say to see 2 CHP officers at Bixby this last weekend was a welcoming sight. To help sooth the nightmare of commuting on busy weekends. I just try to leave early. I have my audible books and try and breathe deep And not let it get to me too much but it really is ridiculous and it’s not getting any better and I don’t know what the solution might be. A shout out to Keep Big Sur Wild and Big Sur Kate and everyone else who loves our land and wants to make it better! Safe travels.
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I would like to add to my comment above. Other than the Carmel pinecone, it would be nice to see one of the other news agencies like KSBW news post something about these issues instead of like pretending there’s not an elephant in the room.
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Do they help pay for the maintenance of a highway built in an impossible place? Tax them?
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* Accessing Point Lobos by way of pre- purchased tickets ( possibly navigated with a lottery system to avoid any issue of unfairness) is THE only way to prevent the traffic and over-use of the park issues! Preferably these tickets would specify the allotted visiting time. However, the latter might be difficult to manage.
* Limited parking on highway 1
This could be a pilot program of 3-5 years with data gathered ( a lucky student could definitely be hired to execute this). Based on the outcome of this database the county could assess future needs.
It is TIME to take action!
Here in Carmel Valley we have worked hard over the last five years to fight the commercial Short Term Rental issues in residentially zoned neighborhoods. With community input the county has just certified a new ordinance which will go into effect this month!
Same at Pt Lobos
It wasn’t just Soberanes. It’s everywhere. . .
I noticed a Cal Fire Engine parked on the side of the road. Was there some type of emergency?
Richard
Monterey County could improve their budget by issuing tickets. At Point Lobos on Sunday, every inch of the No Parking area on the east side of the road was packed with cars.
Soberanes Sunday – there was some emergency, fire truck, CHP, and the lifeguard truck was there.
replying to Bruce Merchant – re: Pt. Lobos – I saw TWO CHP issuing tickets all along that east side….just a band-aid…..but it’s something. I’m in Bixby and absolutely NOT leaving home today (Monday)….!!
There was a trail rescue 1 1/2 miles up canyon while I was there. First responders were definitely challenged getting on scene and finding appropriate places to park.
Traffic was also backed up from Point Lobos to Rio Road due to parking issues along highway at Lobos.
it is an issue which really needs to be addressed. It’s unsafe for drivers and for pedestrians. Shuttles to both locations would help. The question is: from where? The other issue is hikers/pedestrians crossing the road at Soberanes. A tunnel would be the best solution, but pricey. I’m a painter, and so have seen those issues.
My memory recalls when the state was making noises about building a parking lot in what’s forest,more or less to the east of hwy 1 opposite the park itself. Exactly why that was scuttled, Im not sure.
My dream choice regarding our once ok local scene now resembling Disneyland..return sanity as the norm..what? Turn back the clock? Sure..after all we do so twice a year! Halt the local governmental/ tourist industries from investing hundreds of thousands of big bucks to pay advertising costs heralding this area …Of course every restaurant, hotel, bar and liquor business will raise hell..oh maybe that’s the reason ! Lets begin a conversation about this..I for one have concluded Im no longer calling myself a local ( 1956- till 2015) was enough! I no longer find it behooves me to hang out here..& quickly ( relatively) have recreated a sense of my fresher home. Nope, not saying where🐢
I think selling tickets like they do for Muir Woods in Marin would be a great idea and help reduce the number of cars. I, for one, am glad the idea to tear down a forest to put up a parking lot on the East side of the highway was scuttled. Maybe shuttles could be provided from the Crossroads???
I was down there on Sat 31st and was actually pleasantly surprised. I headed down early (soon after 7am), and came back later than planned (around 5pm) and spent most of my time between Nepenthe and Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP and it seemed like a regular summer weekend rather than the first day of a holiday weekend, with the following few exceptions:
– I got asked if the road was “really closed” 4 different times
– Pt Lobos roadside parking was still very full when I came back up (and cars were parked in the northbound no-parking area – replete with envelopes under their wipers)
– Bixby Bridge was slower than its normal slow self and had two CHP stationed there. I’m sure it would have been gridlocked if the CHP presence hadn’t been there.
Based on these videos, I got lucky!
How does the Monterey County Visitors Bureau think this is good for the economy when the greater likelihood is that no one can get anywhere, let alone safely!? Of course we want the businesses that have been here to thrive, but dying on the way there won’t help!
We definitely don’t want to “pave paradise and put in a parking lot.” The Big Sur Land Use Plan has policies to make sure that doesn’t happen. It also has specific policies that state “existing facilities shall not be expanded unless standard and safe parking is met.” Unfortunately at Garrapata State Park (Soberanes) there was and continues to be expanded recreational development increasing it as a destination location causing traffic and safety issues. The generation before me, along with the Coastal Commission that certified the LUP, realized that to accommodate the increased visitation to Highway 1 in the future “visual access” (scenic recreational driving) has to be the main activity for visitors and the way for people to see an unspoiled natural coastline. Basically enjoying the coast while driving and occasionally pulling over in a turnout to take some pictures and enjoy the view. “Visual Access” is the Little Sur / Point Sur area where you have no traffic issues and the most beautiful untouched stretch of coastline in the world. Physical access is Soberanes where you have traffic congestion, viewshed violations, vehicle accidents and unfortunately a recent pedestrian death. How do we Keep Big Sur Wild and an enjoyable safe scenic drive for the now millions of visitors annually? We follow and enforce our incredible Land Use Plan! Otherwise we are just going to kill the goose that laid the golden egg!!!
Makes me
Glad the south end is closed off! It’s staying pretty mellow down here
This is gonna be a long one, but not quite as long as the line at Rocky Creek on Sunday. Having lived for decades in Big Sur and now the last five years doing the commute from Monterey to Big Sur for work I’ve seen about every type of road situation imaginable. I think a big part of what’s happening now is mentality, to include a severe lack of common sense and the inability to see beyond the iPhone and often just not giving a shit. Many of the visitors are from the Bay Area. I probably drive up to that area about once every month or two. Imagine if I was to drive 45 miles an hour in the fast lane on Highway 101 between Morgan Hill and Palo Alto. I would probably make front page news on the SF Gate. I really don’t know what the answer might be. I hear they’re going to close the old Coast Road parking access to Bixby that will probably just move the nightmare to another pull out. I think another of the big issues is lack of enforcement overall. Although I will say to see 2 CHP officers at Bixby this last weekend was a welcoming sight. To help sooth the nightmare of commuting on busy weekends. I just try to leave early. I have my audible books and try and breathe deep And not let it get to me too much but it really is ridiculous and it’s not getting any better and I don’t know what the solution might be. A shout out to Keep Big Sur Wild and Big Sur Kate and everyone else who loves our land and wants to make it better! Safe travels.
I would like to add to my comment above. Other than the Carmel pinecone, it would be nice to see one of the other news agencies like KSBW news post something about these issues instead of like pretending there’s not an elephant in the room.
Do they help pay for the maintenance of a highway built in an impossible place? Tax them?
* Accessing Point Lobos by way of pre- purchased tickets ( possibly navigated with a lottery system to avoid any issue of unfairness) is THE only way to prevent the traffic and over-use of the park issues! Preferably these tickets would specify the allotted visiting time. However, the latter might be difficult to manage.
* Limited parking on highway 1
This could be a pilot program of 3-5 years with data gathered ( a lucky student could definitely be hired to execute this). Based on the outcome of this database the county could assess future needs.
It is TIME to take action!
Here in Carmel Valley we have worked hard over the last five years to fight the commercial Short Term Rental issues in residentially zoned neighborhoods. With community input the county has just certified a new ordinance which will go into effect this month!