Sunday Photo, 6/29/25
Author: bigsurkate
Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.
Full Overnight Closure at Rocky Creek, Sunday, 6/29/25
| District: | 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties |
| Contact: | Kevin Drabinski or Celeste Morales |
| Phone: | (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE #48
FULL OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK
SET TO START SUNDAY, JUNE 29 AT 10 PM
MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans is continuing with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel.
Full Overnight Closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Sunday, June 29
Travelers will encounter a full overnight closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek starting Sunday, June 29 at 10 pm until Monday, June 30 at 6 am. Crews will take advantage of this full overnight closure to use a crane to deliver materials down to the shoreline in support of efforts to reconstruct a seawall below the new viaducts.
Overnight Traffic Control at Rocky Creek Set for June 25
Travelers will encounter overnight traffic control with flaggers at Rocky Creek on Wednesday, June 25 from 8 pm until Thursday, June 26 at 8 am. Delays should not exceed 20 minutes.
The North and South Coast of Big Sur Remain Open and Accessible Via Hwy. 1
Travelers are reminded that over 100 miles of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remain open and accessible. Travelers from northern California will find easy access to historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities. Travelers from southern California will find that the highway brings them directly within reach of the unparalleled views, lodging amenities, and natural wonders of Lucia, the Camaldoli Hermitage, Gorda, Treebones, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria. Highway 1 remains closed at Regent’s Slide, 40 miles south of Carmel.
The estimate for final completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025, with that date dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.
Summer Solstice
Sale of Public Lands?
“Western Watersheds Project (WWP) map of public lands at risk of being sold off under the U.S. Senate’s newly unveiled budget reconciliation proposal—legislation that would mandate the liquidation of 2.19 million to 3.18 million acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands across eleven Western states over the next five years.”
There are large areas of Big Sur marked for sale. And according to many other reports, this could have an effect on over 250 million acres in all Western States except Montana.
Explanation:
Map:
Both Wilderness.org and Westernwatersheds.org are excellent places to get information.
What can you do?
Write your Senators and Representatives.
Adam Schiff
Alex Padilla
Jimmy Panetta
https://panetta.house.gov/contact/offices
Here is a petition: https://act.wilderness.org/a/senaterec-june25-web – Fill in your info and click Submit.
Campfire ban in effect
| FOREST ORDER NO. 05-07-00-25-09 USDA FOREST SERVICE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST FIRE USE RESTRICTIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from June 18, 2025, through January 31, 2026.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Designated Campfire Use Sites listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a). Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except in the authorized public shooting ranges listed below. 36 C.F.R § 261.58(m). a. Winchester Canyon Gun Club b. Ojai Valley Gun ClubPursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from this Order. However, persons with a valid California Campfire permit may use portable lanterns or stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel within the Los Padres National Forest. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty. Persons hunting during the open hunting season as specified by the laws of the State of California, and possessing a valid California hunting license, may discharge a firearm at a legal game bird or mammal.This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. Executed in Solvang, California this 17th. day of June 2025. Roman L. Torres Acting Forest Supervisor FOREST ORDER NO. 05-07-00-25-09 USDA FOREST SERVICE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST FIRE USE RESTRICTIONSEXHIBIT A (Designated Campfire Use Sites) Monterey Ranger District Arroyo Seco Campground & Group Camp Arroyo Seco Day Use Area China Camp Escondido Campground Kirk Creek Campground Nacimiento Campground Mill Creek Day Use Area Plaskett Creek Campground & Group Camp Ponderosa Campground Sand Dollar Day Use Area Memorial Park Campground White Oaks CampDownload Forest OrderDownload Exhibit A |
Big Sur Byway Organization Meeting
(Please excuse the formatting. I worked on it for 1/2 hour, but some things just wouldn’t reformat to fit my blog)
BIG SUR BYWAY ORGANIZATION (BSBO) MEETING, Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participate in Person at:
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
73 Fern Canyon Road
Carmel, CA 93923
Participate via Zoom Meeting Link:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/93686442752?pwd=rYwjBTcwsWO6Ubd1BfUtrUvD42aFzL.1
Or by phone: +1 669 219 2599
Meeting ID: 936 8644 2752
Public Participation Instructions:
The meeting will be conducted via teleconference using the Zoom program for members of the public, and Committee Members will attend in person unless circumstances prohibit in-person attendance.
Members of the public are also welcome to attend in person. The public may observe the Zoom meeting via computer by clicking on the meeting link listed above, or the public may listen via phone by dialing the phone number listed above and then, when prompted, enter the Meeting ID Access Code listed above as well. You will be asked for a “Participant ID.” You do not need a Participant ID to join the meeting; press the pound key (#) again, and you will be automatically connected.
Members of the public may wish to comment on a specific agenda item while the matter is being heard. When the Chair calls for public comment on an agenda item, they will then call on speakers and unmute their device one at a time. Public speakers may be broadcast in audio form only.
Members of the public who wish to make a general public comment for items not on the day’s agenda may submit their comment via email, preferably limited to 250 words or less, to bsbo@countyofmonterey.gov. Individuals with disabilities who desire to request a reasonable accommodation or modification to observe or participate in the meeting may make such a request by sending an email to support staff at bsbo@countyofmonterey.gov. The request should be made no later than noon two (2) business days prior to the meeting date to provide time for the County to address the request. The Chair may set reasonable rules as needed to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner.
1BIG SUR BYWAY ORGANIZATION (BSBO) MEETING
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
June 18, 2025, MEETING AGENDA
10:00 A.M. – CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Approval of remote participation for Sarah Harvey due to Highway 1 active closures, per AB 2449
Emergency Circumstances.
District/Region Representative Attendance
Highlands Resident Mark Grandcolas
Mid Coast Resident *Martha Diehl, Chair
Big Sur Proper/Valley Resident *Vacant
South Coast Resident Sarah Harvey
Resident At Large *Vacant
Caltrans John Olejnik, or Alternative
U.S. Forest Service Chevene Simmons, Parker Erickson,
Jason Field, or Alternative
CA State Parks John Hiles, Mike Dippel, or
Alternative
Big Sur Chamber Rick Aldinger
AGENDA, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND CORRECTIONS
This is a time set aside for Staff to announce any agenda corrections, deletions, and proposed additions,
which may be acted on by the Big Sur Byways Organization.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Big Sur Byways Organization (BSBO) will receive public comment on non-agenda items within the
purview of the BSBO. The Chair may limit the length of the individual presentations.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of March 5, 2025 (Attachment 1)
SCHEDULED / OTHER MATTERS
A. Election of Chair
B. Old Business
A. In-depth technical presentation on Regents Slide for the community (45 minutes –
Caltrans)
B. C. Follow-up on Mud Creek Project process from BSMAAC – Martha
Bixby Bridge Emergency Task Force – Martha
A. Update on Parking Extension
C. New Business
A. Preliminary introduction of the Caltrans Coast Highway Management Plan Update and
BSBO’s role – Caltrans
B. Sycamore Canyon Road and Highway 1 intersection safety concerns – United States
Forest Service
C. Caltrans project updates and report (Attachment 2) – Caltrans
A. Culvert replacement project, Garrapata bridge, etc.
MEMBER COMMENTS, REQUEST, AND REFERRALS (written reports preferred)
2BIG SUR BYWAY ORGANIZATION (BSBO) MEETING
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This is a time set aside for members of the BSBO to comment, request, or refer a matter that is on or not
on the agenda. At this time, members may also request that an item be added to future BSBO agendas.
A. Committee Review and Reports
Administration / Organization and Funding, Signs/Roadside Camping/Litter & human
waste/Enforcement, Invasive Species, and Landslide Disposal Sites.
DEPARTMENT REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
1. 2025 Regular Scheduled Meetings
• September 24, 2025
• November 19, 2025
TRI-COUNTY PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY
June 16, 2025
Contact: Supervisor Luis Alejo (831) 726-6032
TRI-COUNTY PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES TO BE HELD NEXT WEDNESDAY
Elected Officials, Labor Unions, School Officials, Health, Businesses and Community Based Organizations from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties
to Hold a United Press Conference in Support of Immigrants Throughout California
Elected officials, labor unions, education leaders, health officials, businesses and community-based organizations from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties will hold a joint press conference next Wednesday in support of immigrants in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura County and across California. This is the first time a joint press conference with leaders of the entire Monterey Bay region will take place in light of enforcement actions targeting immigrant communities in recent weeks.
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:30am
Where:
County of Monterey Government Center (Front Area outside)
168 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901
Who:
The press conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers representing County Supervisors, Mayors, Councilmembers, Monterey County Hospitality Association, Monterey County Farm Bureau, Education Leaders, Healthcare Officials, Community-Based Organizations, and the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council.
Why:
Anxiety remains high among immigrant communities across California as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies are conducting high profile enforcement actions across the state and as protests continue in Los Angeles. There is a need to express solidarity and support for our local immigrant communities and those in targeted areas across our state. We also want to remind our immigrant communities of existing local resources and where to get information on their legal rights.
Overnight Closure of Rocky Creek on Sunday
| Date: | Monday, June 16, 2025 |
| District: | 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties |
| Contact: | Kevin Drabinski or Celeste Morales |
| Phone: | (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE #46
FULL OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK
SET TO START SUNDAY, JUNE 22 AT 10 PM
MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans is continuing with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel.
Full Overnight Closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Sunday, June 22
Travelers will encounter a full overnight closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek starting Sunday, June 22 at 10 pm. Highway 1 will reopen Monday, June 23 at 6 am. Crews will take advantage of this full overnight closure to grind and repave the asphalt area between the 2012 viaduct and the new 2025 viaduct, as well as both the north and southbound directions of the new viaduct structure.
Overnight Traffic Control at Rocky Creek Set for June 23 thru June 26
Travelers will encounter overnight flagging control for four consecutive nights to allow crews to perform final paving and sealing of the lanes of the northbound and southbound viaduct structure. Starting Monday, June 23, and for four consecutive nights through Thursday, June 26, travelers on Highway 1 will travel through Rocky Creek under flagged traffic control from 8 pm thru 8 am the following morning with delays of up to 20 minutes. This flagged traffic control is being implemented in place of any full overnight closures.
Daytime Traffic Control at Rocky Creek for Monday, June 23
On Monday, June 23, from 10 am to 2 pm, travelers will encounter flagging control with delays of up to 20 minutes to permit crews to deliver equipment to the seawall restoration project immediately below the Rocky Creek Bridge.
The North and South Coast of Big Sur Remain Open and Accessible Via Hwy. 1
Travelers are reminded that over 100 miles of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remain open and accessible. Travelers from northern California will find easy access to historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities. Travelers from southern California will find that the highway brings them directly within reach of the unparalleled views, lodging amenities, and natural wonders of Lucia, the Camaldoli Hermitage, Gorda, Treebones, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria. Highway 1 remains closed at Regent’s Slide, 40 miles south of Carmel.
The estimate for final completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025, with that date dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.
Big Sur South Coast Fire Foundation
TO THOSE OF YOU ON THE SOUTH COAST AND THOSE WHO LIKE TO CAMP OR COME HERE:
Now that the National Forest has reopened, the BigSur South Coast Fire Patrol has resumed weekend patrols . Our main mission is education. We provide campers necessary information so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable camping experience.Of course our main concern is fire. We want to make sure that when camp fires are allowed, permits from USFS have been issued and that campers are following the rules and that when fire restrictions are in effect, no campfires are allowed. To find out more about our nonprofit organization check out our website at BSSCFF.org and if you can, please donate to our non-profit. If you think you might want to join our organization as a patroller on one of our fully equipped rigs please contact us at bigsursouthcoastfirefoundation@ gmail.com. Let’s work together to keep the South Coast green.
Sunday Photos 6/15/25
