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

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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

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.

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.