National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning effective immediately until 6 PM PST Tuesday for all beaches and coastline in Monterey County including Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay, and Big Sur Coast.

Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions and significant shoreline erosion can be expected. Numerous roads may be closed, and sand berms over-topped. Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock even for the most experienced swimmers. Cold water shock can result in dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, greatly increasing the risk of drowning in rough open waters.

For more details, visit: alertmry.org

by Thomas Hamel…The keyhole

Winter Solstice

It is my favorite day of the year, as it signals the end of the solar year, and the beginning of the new one. It signals the return of the sun as each day hereafter gets longer — more sunlight, until the Summer Solstice in June. And for a house run on solar, I will be especially glad to welcome longer days!

Press Release

Contact: Big Sur Fire Administration – info@bigsurfire.org, (831)667-2113

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17th, 2024

Big Sur Fire Launching New Fully Funded Hand Crew Program to Enhance Community Safety and Local Economy in 2025.

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Big Sur, CA – Big Sur Fire is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new 21-person hand crew firefighting program for the 2025 fire season.  This new division marks a significant expansion of the organization’s 50 year history of firefighting and emergency response.  The program, which is fully funded for the next two years, represents a comprehensive investment in community safety and local workforce development.

The new hand crew program includes complete outfitting of personnel with firefighting gear, specialized tools and other essential equipment and a fleet of dedicated vehicles.  This investment positions Big Sur Fire to respond more effectively to wildfires and of equal importance, conduct critical fuel reduction and preventative work throughout the region.  The hand crew will also be available as a statewide resource participating in California’s Master Mutual Aid Plan.

“This program represents a major step forward in protecting our community and creating meaningful career opportunities for local residents,” said Matt Harris, Fire Chief of Big Sur Fire. “With the increasing challenges posed by climate change and longer fire seasons, having a dedicated hand crew significantly enhances our ability to protect lives and property along the Big Sur Coast.”

The program will create 21 new seasonal firefighter positions, providing employment opportunities for local community members while building critical firefighting capacity in the region.  Crew members will receive comprehensive training in wildland firefighting techniques, emergency response, and forest management practices.  The hand crew will complement our current volunteer firefighters who will continue to respond to structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, rescues, medicals, and all other 911 calls in Big Sur.

Beyond emergency response, the hand crew will conduct essential fire prevention work, including fuel reduction, chipping, pile burning, creating firebreaks, and maintaining emergency access routes throughout Big Sur.  This proactive approach will help create a safer, more fire-resilient community while preserving the region’s iconic landscape.

For more information about the hand crew program or employment opportunities, please contact Big Sur Fire via email at info@bigsurfire.org or by calling our office at (831)667-2113.

If you haven’t seen this from Caltrans yet:

The installation of girders for the Rocky Creek Bridge on Highway 1 began during the overnight hours with the arrival of nine girders between 35 and 65 feet on large trucks. This work will continue throughout the day. A full closure remains in place 12 miles south of Carmel until 10 PM, this evening – Sunday, December 15.

It is the dog in the bottom left, the brown and white one. It is at Hitchcock Road Animal Services. Please spread the word, or if you recognize this dog, let the owner know where it is.