Debris Flow Evacuation Order For Areas Of River Road

WHAT: According to the National Weather Service an Atmospheric River will be impacting Monterey County from Sunday evening, 12/12/2021 to Tuesday morning, 12/14/2021. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning from 12/13/2021 1:45 PM to 8:00 PM PST for the River Fire, Carmel Fire, and Dolan Fire Burn Scars.

Due to weather forecasts showing rainfall amounts likely to meet thresholds for increased risk of debris flow activity, the County of Monterey is upgrading the Evacuation Warning for areas of River Road in Salinas, CA to an Evacuation Order.

Properties and people located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Areas that have experienced increased runoff, flooding, debris, and/or mudflows since the fires in August 2020 will likely experience similar or worsened impacts. Please remain vigilant and be aware of any land movement. If weather patterns change or land movement occurs, additional evacuation warnings or orders may be issued. If you are concerned about your safety or feel that your life is threatened, leave the area; do not wait for officials to tell you to do so.
WHEN: December 13, 2021 effective immediately

WHERE: Evacuation Order:
• Pine Canyon Rd, Salinas CA, including: Trimble Hill, Mesa Rd, Manzanita Way, Wildwood Way, Redding Dr, Belmont Circle, and the southwest end of Berry Drive.
• Limekiln Rd, Salinas CA
• 800 Block of River Rd, Salinas CA

NOTE: Highway 1 will be closed at Deetjen’s Big Sur Resort (Postmile 42.1) and Ragged Point beginning 12/12/21 at 08:00pm. For large animal evacuation resources and information contact the SPCA for Monterey County at 831-646-5534.

DEFINITIONS:
• Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. This area is lawfully close to public access.
• Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
• Debris Flows: Debris flows are fast-moving masses of mud, rocks, boulders, trees and sometimes homes or vehicles. They move quickly and are often deadly to those in their path. The only way to avoid debris flows is to move to safety prior to any debris flow event.

SAFETY MESSAGE: The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current incident conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closure and any evacuation warnings. The weather forecast anticipates high winds and potential for downed trees. Residents should exercise caution when leaving their homes during the storm. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 9-1-1.

Orden de Evacuación por Derrumbes y Flujo de Escombros para el Área de River Road

QUÉ: De acuerdo con el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, un río atmosférico impactará áreas del condado de Monterey a partir de la noche del domingo 12 de diciembre, 2021 hasta la mañana del martes 14 de diciembre, 2021. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional emitió una alerta de inundación repentina de la 1:43 pm a las 8:00 pm Tiempo del Pacífico del día 12/13/2021 para las áreas de los incendios River, Carmel y Dolan.

Debido al pronóstico que muestra niveles de lluvia que incrementan el riesgo de derrumbes y flujo de escombros, El Condado de Monterey aumenta la Advertencia de Evacuación en el área de River Road en Salinas y emite una Orden de Evacuación para esta área.

Las propiedades y las personas ubicadas bajo corriente en las áreas incendiadas corren un mayor riesgo de inundaciones y derrumbes/flujos de escombros. Las áreas que han experimentado un aumento de derrames, inundaciones, derrumbes y/o flujo de lodo a partir de los incendios en agosto del 2020 probablemente experimentarán impactos similares o mayores. Manténgase alerta y esté atento a cualquier deslizamiento de tierra. Si los patrones climáticos cambian o se producen deslizamientos terrestres, se emitirán advertencias u órdenes de evacuación adicionales. Si está preocupado por su seguridad o siente que su vida está en riesgo, abandone el área; no espere a que los oficiales/funcionarios le digan que hacer.

CUANDO: 13 de diciembre del 2021 efectivo inmediatamente

DONDE:

Advertencia de Evacuación:

Pine Canyon Rd, Salinas CA, incluyendo: Trimble Hill, Mesa Rd, Manzanita Way, Wildwood Way, Redding Dr, Belmont Circle, y el suroeste de Berry Drive.
Limekiln Rd, Salinas CA
La cuadra 800 de River Rd, Salinas CA

NOTA: La autopista 1 estará cerrada a partir del hotel Deetjen’s en Big Sur (después de la milla 42.1) y Ragged Point a partir del 12 de diciembre del 2021 a las 08:00 pm. Para obtener más información y recursos sobre evacuación de animales y ganado, comuníquese con el SPCA del condado de Monterey al teléfono 831-646-5534.

GLOSARIO DE TÉRMINOS: Orden de Evacuación: amenaza inmediata de vida. Esta es una orden legal para evacuar inmediatamente. El área es legalmente cerrada al acceso público.

Advertencia de Evacuación: amenaza potencial de vida y/o bienes. Aquellos que necesiten más tiempo para evacuar y aquellos con mascotas y ganado deben evacuar inmediatamente.

Derrumbes/Flujo de Escombros: Los derrumbes o flujos de escombro son masas de lodo, rocas, piedras gigantes, árboles y, en ocasiones, casas o vehículos que se mueven rápidamente. A menudo, son mortales para quienes se encuentran en su camino. La única forma de evitar los derrumbes/flujos de escombros es moverse a un lugar seguro antes de que suceda cualquier evento de derrumbe.

MENSAJE DE SEGURIDAD: Se recuerda al público que estén atentos a las condiciones actuales del incidente. Continúe respetando el cierre de carreteras y las advertencias de evacuación. El pronóstico del clima anticipa fuertes vientos y la posibilidad de árboles caídos. Los residentes deben tener cuidado al salir de sus hogares durante la tormenta. Si en algún momento se siente en peligro, llame al 9-1-1.

Just a taste. Note Big Sur and Mining Ridge. Wowsa.

Due to weather forecasts showing rainfall amounts likely to meet thresholds for increased risk of debris flow activity, the County of Monterey is issuing an evacuation warning for the Dolan Burn Scar and areas of River Road in Salinas, CA. Properties and people located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Areas that have experienced increased runoff, flooding, debris, and/or mudflows since the fires in August 2020 will likely experience similar or worsened impacts. Please remain vigilant and be aware of any land movement. If weather patterns change or land movement occurs, additional evacuation warnings or orders may be issued. If you are concerned about your safety or feel that your life is threatened, leave the area; do not wait for officials to tell you to do so. Note: Highway 1 will be closed at Deetjen’s Big Sur Resort (Postmile 42.1) and Ragged Point beginning 12/12/21 at 08:00pm.

From NOAA NWS:

One thing which has emerged is increasing agreement among both deterministic guidance and EC/GEFS ensemble members in slowing the progression of the AR along the Central Coast. This trend, should it persist, points towards potentially higher rain totals for the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia ranges, in addition to coastal portions of Monterey County. Thus confidence for higher rain totals in these areas has increased. Please see below for more details on timing, amounts, and potential impacts from this AR event.

Light warm advection rains which began late Saturday night should persist into Sunday morning for the North Bay, while spreading towards the San Mateo coast and the remainder of the greater San Francisco Bay area by Sunday afternoon. The system should then stall/weaken over the Bay area into Sunday evening before intensifying on Monday with the greatest rain focus for the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Range, and Monterey Bay areas. While rain chances may persist into Tuesday, it still appears that the best window for meaningful rainfall (along with possible moderate and/or heavy rain rates at times) should be from about midday Sunday into Monday afternoon.

Given the previous mention of the slowing AR on Monday some adjustment to rain totals were made to reflect model trends and known topographic effects. This includes decreasing amounts for rain shadowed valleys while increasing them for the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia ranges. With that said the latest thinking on storm total amounts is as follows:

North Bay Valleys: 2-3"
North Bay Mountains: 3-6"
Greater San Francisco and East Bay: 2-3"
South Bay valleys: 1-2"
Santa Cruz/Santa Lucia Ranges: 3-6"; locally up to 10"
Monterey Bay: 2-3"
Inland Monterey and San Benito Counties: 1-2"

Keep in mind that adjustments to these forecast amounts are possible with additional information as we head closer to this rain event. Stay current with the latest forecast information. With rain on the way now`s a good time to take proactive measures like clearing gutters and storm drains of debris.

From John Chesnut:

High likelihood of Central California rain beginning Thursday this week. These are trailing rain bands from low pressure systems crossing the high North Pacific.

Genesis: a nearly stationary low near Kauai, Hawaii was blocked by persistent high pressure centered over the Western states. This high pressure will drift westward and displace the low. The movement of the high pressure opens a channel along the west coast for shortwave rain bands to be pushed south.

On an even broader scale, the movement of the high and low pressure couple is a consequence of the periodic progression of the “Madden Julian Oscillation [MJO]” eastward across the tropical Pacific.

The MJO is a paired pattern of high convection (thunderstorms) and dry descending air linked in the Indian and Pacific Ocean along the equator. It moves eastward from the Horn of Africa to the coast of Peru in a 30-90 day cycle. The eastern most phases (near the coast of South America) of the MJO weaken or split the North Pacific jetstream, which allows the prototypical western North American high to detatch from the western desert and drift westward across the Pacific.

The El Nina pattern (with high Ocean temperatures) has been observed to strengthen the impact of the MJO ( whereas the El Nino (Pacific storm)pattern overpowers and suppreses it). The El Nina pattern (and general climate warming) slows the eastward drift of the MJO in the Pacific (and shortens its residence in the Indian Ocean).

As of 8 am this morning, 12/9, Big Sur has had between .20 and .25” since last night.

Big Sur Health Center Hosts Online Fundraiser In-Lieu of In-Person Auction at 2022 Foragers Festival

BIG SUR, CA. (Dec. 4, 2021) — While The Big Sur Foragers Festival will be back for an in-person festival from Thursday, Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, the popular in-person auction will be replaced by an online Marketplace. 

All items in the online store have been donated by supporters of Big Sur Health Center, and all of the sales go to Big Sur Health Center. To purchase an item at the online auction site, go to https://www.bigsurhealthcenteronlinestore.org/.

You can either pay the published price or go with several discount options depending on your ability and desire to pay:

PUBLISHED PRICE: This is just above retail value for those who want to give a little extra.

Code HEALTH: This will take 25% off the highest price.

Code BIG SUR: This will take 35% off the highest price and still allow folks to support Big Sur Health Center.

Code COMMUNITY: This will take 50% off the highest price and will allow the purchaser to get the items for an amazing deal while still giving to Big Sur Health Center.

There will also be a “Hike With The King Of Mushrooms,” Todd Spanier, on Jan. 22, 2022, and a “Beer and Brunch” following the hike at the Big Sur River Inn. Whether you take the hike or not you are still welcome to attend the brunch. Hikes and brunches are not available to be discounted due to the high demand. All proceeds of the hike and brunch go to the Big Sur Health Center.

To participate in the hike and/or the brunch, go to https://www.bigsurhealthcenteronlinestore.org/hikes-brunch.

Hike With The King of Mushrooms

Join us for a memorable foraging experience in the Big Sur woods with Todd Spanier, known by many as the “The King of Mushrooms,” within the food industry. Spanier is considered to be a pioneer of the “sustainable“ and “wild food” movements in California. He is an expert chef, mushroomer and forager.

Lisa Haas and her crew will start the event with their now-famous and very popular and extensive wild mushroom display and educational introduction.  Lisa and Maryia Hyrharenka are the ultimate “backyard mycology” team.  Their knowledge and support along with their artistic flair has been a highlight of our event for years.

The hike is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Meet at the Big Sur River Inn parking lot, north of the gas station, on Highway 1.

Tickets are $60, with 35 spaces available. This popular event fills up rapidly.

The Beer and Brunch, a 3-course meal paired with craft beer (wine available for non-beer drinkers) will be held at noon at the Big Sur River Inn.  This is a perfect post-hike brunch. Tickets are $50.

COVID-19: All CDC recommendations will be followed in order to protect the health and safety of participants during both events.  More information will be available as events are updated.

If you would like to donate an item to be sold at the online auction, please contact Kara at kara@therandompickler.com.

If you would like to donate money directly to Big Sur Health Center please click here: https://www.montereycountygives.com.

The Foragers Festival has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community’s non-profit health center will receive 100% of proceeds from the various events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area. In 2020, the last time the festival was held in-person, more than $31,000 was raised at the event.

Call (831) 667-2580 for more information.

I stayed neutral on this issue for years, but after watching what it has done to our community — done away with former housing for teachers at our school (one of the illegal STRs) and now watching our USFS LEO struggle to find ANY housing for a single guy with no pets, and the unavailability of housing to support our basic community services, I changed my position a few years back. I am speaking out today by posting a recent weekly newsletter from the Carmel Valley Association, that faces the same issues Big Sur does, and a notice about the Board of Supervisors Meeting next week and how to join in.

Attached you will find the Final Agenda for the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.. The agenda(s) and agenda packet(s) can be found online by visiting the following link: https://monterey.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx Due to the size limitations the agenda packet could not be attached to this e-mail, but can be found by visiting the following link.  Once there, you can navigate to the agenda packet by:

1. Locating the correct legislative meeting body followed by date.
2. On the same row, you will find a list of available options be sure to select “Agenda Packet”
3. If the option is not presented, the packet may be located by selecting “Searchable Meeting Details.”
4. You will be taken to a separate page and the packet may be found under the header entitled, “attachments”

you may participate through ZOOM. For ZOOM participation please join by computer audio at:https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/224397747OR to participate by phone call any of these numbers below:+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)+1 253 215 8782 US+1 301 715 8592 USEnter this Meeting ID number: 224397747 when prompted. Please note there is no ParticipantCode, you will just hit # again after the recording prompts you.

There are a substantial number of issues that will be addressed at both meetings that may be of interest to you. 

Item 7 – December 8, 2021 Agenda (physical page 7) PDF page 8

Consider a comprehensive analysis in response to revised Board Referral 2016.02, regarding enforcement of existing County regulations relating to transient use of residential properties, also known as short term rentals or vacation rentals, and provide direction to staff regarding unauthorized vacation rentals and potential funding sources to cover costs.