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.

A Personal Saga

As I wrote briefly before, and as many of you now know, Rock Knocker has Alzheimer’s and I have been taking care of him. That can take many forms, of course, and a bit over a week ago, it took yet another form.

A week ago Sunday, RK woke up not feeling well. During the day, he vomited. He couldn’t eat or drink. Monday morning he was still sick and vomited again. I started packing for him and for me and for two dogs. I called ahead and made a reservation with the Carmel Mission Inn. That is where I have been since last Monday, a week ago. He is in CHOMP getting the great care they are known for.

My focus, for now, is on him. He had surgery for a blockage on Friday and is recovering. I’ll be back when I can.

Overnight Closure at Rocky Creek begins tonight at 10 pm

Date:Tuesday, January 21, 2025
District:05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact:Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone:(805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237 
  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #29

FINAL REMINDER

FULL OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK FOR CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK POUR BEGINS TUESDAY JANUARY 21 AT 10 PM

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans is continuing with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel. Caltrans previously stabilized and reinforced Highway 1 at this location after a March 30, 2024, slipout resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane.

Full Overnight Closure Starts Tuesday January 21 at 10 pm

After a mid-December 2024 installation of concrete girders, crews will pour the concrete bridge deck for the southbound lane of the Rocky Creek viaduct during an overnight closure of Highway 1. Travelers will encounter a full closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 10 pm to 6 am.

Flaggers will begin intermittent traffic control with delays of up to 10 minutes at 8:30 pm before the full closure goes into effect.

Starting at 10:00 pm crews will close Highway 1 completely and stage concrete pumps in the northbound lane to pour concrete for the bridge deck until 6 am.

The schedule for this concrete bridge deck pour is weather dependent. Updates will be provided to confirm or announce any changes to this schedule.

The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA.

Although Highway 1 remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide, travelers from northern California are still able to visit the Big Sur coast and its historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities.

Travelers to the Big Sur coast from southern California will also encounter a closure of the coast highway at Regent’s Slide but are still able to reach the unparalleled views, lodging amenities, and natural wonders along Highway 1 when they visit Lucia, the Camaldoli Hermitage, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria. The vast majority of the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.

Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

###

Kevin Drabinski

Public Information Officer

Moss Landing Power Plant Fire last night

January 17, 2025, 5:58 a.m.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SETS EMERGENCY MEETING TO DEAL WITH MOSS LANDING FIRE

Last night’s disastrous fire at the Vistra battery storage facility at the Moss Landing power plant had pretty much burned itself out by 10:30 p.m., but the aftereffects will be felt for a long time, and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will hold an emergency meeting at 8:30 this morning at the Castroville public library, 11160 Speegle Street, Castroville, to start to deal with them.

Fire officials and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will give a briefing about the fire, the county said.

The public portion will be held over Zoom before the board goes into a closed session. The link to the zoom meeting is https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/97932263506?pwd=ZLGNb9vyTCbscXRi9DbGkMAvknNuPh.1&from=addon

You can also access the meeting by using the cell phone number +16699006833,,97932263506# and the password US 882311, the county said.

While winds kept the smoke and fumes generated by the fire away from the Monterey Peninsula, it created a hazardous situation and brought evacuation orders in the immediate area, along with shelter in place warnings for the downwind region, which was mostly in Santa Cruz County. Highway 1 through the area remains closed.

The county issued a fact sheet about the fire at 10:30 p.m. To read it click here: https://carmelpinecone.com/MossLandinginfo011625.pdf

Assemblymember Dawn Addis has also issued a statement, which can be found here: https://carmelpinecone.com/Addis011625.pdf

Last night’s blaze was the third at a battery storage facility at the Moss Landing power plant site, which remains one of California’s largest for power generation from natural gas. 

Moss Landing Fire Information 10:30 pm Update County of Monterey Emergency Operations Center

We will update information as it becomes available.

Fire

Fire at the Vistra Power Plant began about 3:00.

Units arrived to find a structure which contains batteries on fire.

At this point, it appears 40% of the building containing batteries has burned. For context: battery

buildings in this location can be approximately 50,000 square feet.

All Vistra employees, law and fire personnel are safe and accounted for.

It is unknown how long this incident may last.

Fire crews have a visual of the entire site with drones, doing surveillance, monitoring the fire to see

extent of the fire and intensity. Also, the atmosphere around the plant is being monitored.

No active fire suppression is taking place, the batteries must burn themselves out. No water can be used.

This is standard action for battery fires.

Evacuations

Evacuation orders for specific areas:

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation Orders for areas of Moss Landing South of

the Elkhorn Slough, North of Molera Rd and Monterey Dunes Way, and West of Castroville Blvd and

ElkHorn Rd. to the ocean for the following zones: MRY-B037, MRY-B047, MRY-B050, MRY-B051,MRY-

B053, MRY-B058, MRY-B060.

Temporary Evacuation Point: Castroville Rec Center is being transitioned to an overnight shelter

managed by the American Red Cross

1214 people are in the evacuation zones.

7676 acres under evacuation

Because of the type of fire, air quality in the evacuation zones can be considered serious for people

which is why they were asked to leave.

Health Concerns

If people who are not in the evacuation zones but have medical conditions or are concerned about

smoke, they can stay indoors, close windows and use air purifiers.

The County is coordinating with the National Weather Service and Vistra Energy regarding weather

which might impact movement of smoke from the fire.Vistra will being doing air quality monitoring tonight. That information will be reviewed by public health

officials in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Road Closures:

County of Monterey Road Closures:

Dolan Rd @ Castroville Blvd.

Elkhorn @ Castroville Blvd.

Paradise @ Walker Valley Rd.

Elkhorn @ Bayview Rd.

Elkhorn @ Walker Valley Rd.

Elkhorn @ Strawberry Rd.

Elkhorn @ Hidden Valley Rd.

Elkhorn Rd between Kirby Rd and Wauh Rd.

Elkhorn at the intersection of Hall Rd @ the fire station.

Russo Rd @ Dolan Rd

Trafton Road to Bluff Rd

Highway 1:

Both directions of Hwy. 1 are closed due to the Moss Landing Power Plant. fire Travelers on northbound

Hwy. 1 are being directed off at Molera Rd. with southbound Hwy. 1 directed off at Struve Road.

Estimate for reopening is unknown. Traffic info at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Schools

The County is working with the Office of Education to determine if any impacts to schools in the area.

LA Wildfires

I, like so many of you, are watching these fires in horror, and have been watching In between driving, docs, Rock Knocker, etc. since the start. Nothing will bring back the lives and property lost. Some people have claimed to have been saved, or had a relative saved, by the unending, factual, timely work of the staff and volunteers of Watch Duty. What our team has done is nothing short of heroic, as has been the work of all the firefighters and first responders, including many teams from MoCo, San Benito, SLO Co all the way up to Canada. Here is an update from Cal Fire:

 CONTACT: CAL FIRE PIO (916) 651-3473 Calfire.dutypio@fire.ca.gov
RELEASE DATE: January 10, 2025January 2025 Fire SummarySacramento – More than 8,000 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency support personnel, continue to respond to ongoing historic wildfires in Southern California. In the first ten days of the year, there have been 35,999 acres burned, from 98 fires across the state. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect in much of the southern coastal area until 6 p.m. today.   Damage inspections continue with the initial assessment of destroyed structure being 5,316 for the Palisades Fire and an estimated over 5,000 structures destroyed from the Eaton Fire. These current numbers still need to be validated but will likely make the Palisades and Eaton fires the third and fourth most destructive fires in California’s history respectively.  Yesterday, January 9, 2025, an air tanker flying in the Palisades Fire area was struck by a civilian uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The aircraft sustained damage and will remain grounded and out of service. There were no injuries reported. This is a reminder that if you fly we cannot! Flying a UAS amidst firefighting efforts is a federal offence punishable by up to 12 month of incarceration and a fine of up to $75,000. This incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet continue to prove a valuable resource in the response to Southern California fires. Since January 7, 2025, CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet has dropped over 59,000 gallons of retardant, over 72,000 gallons of water, and logged over 75 flight hours including 8 hours of nighttime operations as weather has allowed. CAL FIRE’s new C130 Air Tanker, T122 has also flown over ten hours, dropping over 30,000 gallons of retardant.  California National Guard has activated additional resources with ten water dropping helicopters supporting firefighting operations.  Two CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams remain activated to the Eaton and Palisades fires with a third pre-positioned to Southern California in response to the increased fire threat.   California continues to receive support and resources from nearby states including Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Nevada.  A Red Flag Warning is in effect today, Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. for moderate to strong north to northeast winds and low relative humidity for the central and southeastern Ventura County valleys, the valleys of Los Angeles County including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the Ventura and Los Angeles County mountains including the Santa Monica range and the Santa Susana Mountains, the Interstate 5 corridor and the Malibu coast. The Red Flag Warning is also in effect for the inland valleys, foothills, and mountains in San Diego and Riverside counties.  On Saturday, January 11, 2025, typical mid-January conditions are expected. Sunday and continuing through the middle of next week, weak to moderate Santa Ana winds are expected. There is a chance of strong winds Tuesday. There will continue to be a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions through next week.  With the Red Flag Warning in effect, CAL FIRE is urging all Californians to take extreme caution to prevent sparking a wildfire. With gusty winds, coupled with warm and dry conditions, fire danger will be elevated. The public is asked to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. To learn more, visit ReadyForWildfire.org. **Unified Command Fires** Palisade Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Pacific Palisades and Topanga *20,438 acres, 8% contained *5,316 structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities *350 engines, 54 crews, 54 dozers, 23 helicopters, 57 water tenders, 3,073 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. Police Department *CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 assigned Situation Summary: The fire continues to exhibit wind-driven and topographic runs upslope. Short-range spotting is still observed. Gusts up to 40 mph were observed into Thursday afternoon. North to northeast winds are expected to increase with poor overnight humidity recovery.  Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) North Pasadena and Altadena *13,690 acres, 3% contained *5,000+ structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities *203 engines, 15 crews, 16 dozers, 39 water tenders, 973 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, Pasadena Fire *CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 3 assigned Situation Summary: Firefighters are working aggressively to slow the spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities as the situation evolves.  Kenneth Fire, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (more info…) Hidden Hills *1,000 acres, 35% contained and the forward progress has been stopped *There are no evacuation orders currently in place *29 engines, 6 crews, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 346 personnel *L.A. County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department Situation Summary: Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts. The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities, necessitating heightened vigilance from residents and adherence to directives from local authorities.   Hurst Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Stetson Ranch Park *771 acres, 37% contained *2 structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders have been lifted, but several warnings remain in place for multiple communities *26 engines, 6 crews, 6 dozers, 4 water tenders, 451 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. County Sheriff Situation Summary: Firefighters have successfully contained the fire north of the I-210 Foothill Freeway, establishing control lines extending to Santa Clara Divide Road. Crews managed several flare-ups within the fire’s perimeter. Residents returning home are advised to observe extreme caution and are advised to NOT drink the water until advised by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.    Lidia Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Soledad Canyon *395 acres, 75% contained *There are no evacuation orders currently in place *7 engines, 2 water tenders * USFS Angeles National Forest, L.A. County Fire Situation Summary: Continue to improve, reinforce and secure control lines as well as carry out extensive mop-up operations.  Safety Messaging:  The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. Having an evacuation plan, a supply kit, and important paperwork will make it easier when it is time to GO. Remember one less spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at ReadyForWildfire.org. 
Stay informed of emerging fires by bookmarking Incidents | CAL FIRE
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CAL FIRE Communications | 715 P St.  | Sacramento, CA 95814 USUnsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice

Please keep all those fighting, supporting the logistics, or affected by these fires in your thoughts. Donate to your favorite organizations that support these efforts, and don’t forget the animals, large and small. Blessings and healings to all, including my colleagues at WatchDuty.org (If you don’t have the app, you should get it now, before you need it.)

Overnight Closure of Rocky Creek set for Jan. 21 starting at 10 pm

UPDATE #27 (1/9/2025)
FULL OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK FOR CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK POUR BEGINS TUESDAY JANUARY 21 AT 10 PM

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans is continuing with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel. Caltrans previously stabilized and reinforced Highway 1 at this location after a March 30, 2024, slipout resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane.

Full Overnight Closure Starts Tuesday January 21 at 10 pm

After a mid-December 2024 installation of concrete girders, crews will pour the concrete bridge deck for the southbound lane of the Rocky Creek viaduct during an overnight closure of Highway 1. Travelers will encounter a full closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 10 pm to 6 am.

Flaggers will begin intermittent traffic control with delays of up to 10 minutes at 8:30 pm before the full closure goes into effect.

Starting at 10:00 pm crews will close Highway 1 completely and stage concrete pumps in the northbound lane to pour concrete for the bridge deck until 6 am.

The schedule for this concrete bridge deck pour is weather dependent. Updates will be provided to confirm or announce any changes to this schedule.

The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA.

Although Highway 1 remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide, travelers from northern California are still able to visit the Big Sur coast and its historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities.

Travelers to the Big Sur coast from southern California will also encounter a closure of the coast highway at Regent’s Slide but are still able to reach the unparalleled views, lodging amenities, and natural wonders along Highway 1 when they visit Lucia, the Camaldoli Hermitage, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria. The vast majority of the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Sunday’s Photo on a Tuesday

I see I forgot to post my photo on Sunday. I have a lot going on. I am fine, but Rock Knocker has Alzheimer’s and I’ve been his caregiver for the past 1 and 1/2 years. I’ll explain in a separate post in a few days. So here is a lovely photo taken this past Thursday on a gorgeous day in the neighborhood.

New Health Center Executive Director

Big Sur Health Center has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Kathie Lester. Kathie has more than 25 years of diverse experience in healthcare program management, nonprofit leadership, and business operations.

With her appointment, Kathie will replace Sharen Carey, who is stepping down from her long-time role as Executive Director. Lester is poised to lead the Health Center into an exciting new chapter of service to the Big Sur community and surrounding Central Coast region. After a transition period, Carey will remain on staff as Grants Administrator.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathie to the Big Sur Health Center team,” said Health Center Board President, Derric Oliver. “Her extensive experience, combined with her deep understanding of healthcare systems, nonprofit management, and community advocacy, aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible and compassionate care to our patients. We are confident her leadership will strengthen our programs and enhance the lives of those we serve.”

A graduate of The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lester began her career in social services, driven by a passion for advocating on behalf of underrepresented communities. Her early work with the American Lung Association in Minneapolis focused on nonprofit management, fund development, financial management, communication strategies, and event planning. This foundation ignited her long-standing commitment to serving communities in need and addressing critical social and environmental issues.

In Spokane, Washington, Kathie served as an Agency Program Director for a homeless shelter dedicated to victims of domestic violence, where she oversaw emergency services, provided critical support to clients, and led teams of staff and volunteers. Her leadership and compassionate approach ensured the delivery of essential resources to individuals and families in crisis.

Upon relocating to Southern California, Lester expanded her expertise by managing billing best practices for a private medical practice for eight years. Most recently, she has spent the last decade directing residential treatment facilities for adolescents, furthering her ability to combine strategic leadership with personalized care.

Carey, who is retiring from her role as the Executive Director after 40 years of dedicated leadership at the Health Center said: “I’m excited to pass the torch to Kathie. Her experience, passion, and dedication make her the perfect person to lead the Health Center into its next chapter. I have no doubt the community will embrace her, just as they have supported me over the years.”

 Lester’s philanthropic spirit and personal interests reflect her commitment to the community and the environment. She is an animal rescue advocate, an avid hiker, and an enthusiastic traveler and music lover. As she steps into her new role, Lester is excited to explore all that Big Sur and the Central Coast have to offer while immersing herself in the region’s unique culture and natural beauty.

“I am truly honored to join the Big Sur Health Center as its new Executive Director,” she said. “The Health Center plays an invaluable role in this community, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and board members to continue providing high-quality care and strengthening the Health Center’s impact. I am eager to meet community members and contribute to this vital mission.”

The Big Sur Health Center is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality medical care to the residents, workers, and visitors of Big Sur. Under Lester’s leadership, the Health Center will remain steadfast in its dedication to addressing healthcare disparities, expanding access, and supporting the overall well-being of the community.

Letter from Sharen Carey

​​​​​​​​​                 January 2, 2025

​​​​​​​​​​           

Dear Community Members,

It is with mixed emotions and genuine excitement that I announce I am stepping down from the role of Executive Director of Big Sur Health Center. With this change, I‘m pleased to introduce Kathie Lester who will take over as our new Executive Director in mid-January of this year.

As I turn over the reins to Kathie, I am confident knowing that the Health Center’s future will be in capable hands. Kathie’s extensive experience in healthcare and nonprofit leadership, combined with her genuine commitment to community advocacy, makes her the perfect person to lead us forward

I have no doubt that Kathie’s vision and leadership will guide the Health Center into a bright and promising future. Her passion, energy, and expertise align seamlessly with our values and the needs of our community. I know she will embrace the spirit of Big Sur with the same love and dedication that has always driven our work.

To help you get to know Kathie and welcome her into our Health Center family, we will be hosting several community events in the coming months. These gatherings will offer an opportunity to meet her, share your insights, and hear her vision for the future. As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have about this transition or the Health Center’s ongoing work.

While I will no longer serve as Executive Director, I want to assure you that my connection to the Health Center remains unwavering. During the transition, I will stay on as Executive Director Emerita, ultimately moving into the role of Grants Administrator. This new position will allowme to continue contributing to the sustainability and growth of the Health Center — a mission that remains near and dear to my heart.

The Health Center has been my passion for over 40 years since I moved to Big Sur.  Every step of the way, I have been inspired by your unwavering support, the dedication of our outstanding team, and the resilience of those we serve.

Big Sur Health Center . . . Your Healthcare Partner for Life!

46896 Highway 1, Big Sur CA 93920   •  A Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Corporation  •  TIN 77-0077112  •   831-667-2580    www.bigsurhealthcenter.org

Serving as Executive Director has been both an honor and a privilege. I am profoundly grateful for your trust, partnership, and the countless memories we have created together. The Health Center’s strength lies in the deep connections we have built, and I am confident that, with 

Kathie at the helm, those connections will only grow stronger. Together, let us continue to ensure that the Health Center remains a leading example of compassion and caring for everyone in this remarkable community.

With deepest gratitude,

Sharen

Sharen Carey
Executive Director
Big Sur Health Center