(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

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.

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.

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.

Here is the link to NBC NEWS: nbcnews.app.link/wI6YEBg98Tb

He was released, apparently without booking, but I can’t be sure. We will probably learn.

In the case of Newsom v Trump (25-4870), the opposition to the motion for a temporary restraining order is due by 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Plaintiffs may file a response to that opposition by 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Court will hold a hearing on Plaintiffs’ motion in open court at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Any party wishing to appear by Zoom may do so.

In addition to seats in Judge Breyer’s courtroom, there will be an overflow space with live audio and video next door in Courtroom 5. No seats will be reserved for media.

Members of the public may remotely access the hearing through this Zoom link. There is a 1,000 participant cap to the Zoom webinar.

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Public Hearings

Please click the link below to join webinars (public hearings). If you are a case participant, you will join as an attendee, then you will be brought into the proceeding by court staff.

https://cand-uscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1611472837?pwd=cy81NUdINWZmeEpFUjlHRXM3djZ5QT09

Webinar ID: 161 147 2837
Password: 785243

It seemed like so much of the news was depressing this week, so I want to offer some reasons to take heart. If there are any significant developments on the invasion of LA I will post here today.

This was Tuesday night, from X (formerly known as twitter) oh, and it is a screen shot taken from a video so I don’t have to link to X, for those of you who boycott or simply don’t go there

BREAKING: In a bold act of defiance, a U.S. military service member joined an anti-ICE protest in Dallas following Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles, declaring:

“We will not be pawns in the dismantling of constitutional rights.”

Glendale (one of the many cities lumped into LA for people not from SoCal) City Council voted this on Wednesday:

When I started this blog, back in 2008, my intention was to get accurate and timely information on wildfires out to an audience who seemed to need and want it. Then it expanded to include landslides and road closures. Those have always been my primary focus. I often threw in lost or found dogs (I can’t help myself) and non-profit events and miscellaneous Big Sur Information. I have almost always stayed away from politics — especially since it has become so polarizing.

Unfortunately, since this administration has invaded — yes, invaded — California, I feel this fight for our sovereignty and for freedom of speech and right to peaceably assemble is important and I support all efforts by Californians to retain these rights. It is not really about immigration, that is just the way the administration wants to frame it so it is likely to find support. The real goal, as the majority of us know, is really a play to do away with our current government. This will not stop with LA or California. We are just the test balloon to see if it will fly with what is left of the GOP and his base and the courts. I will be covering these events until the invasion of California ceases. I will continue to cover Big Sur as well, and definitely am keeping my eye on fires in MoCo, SLO, and Santa Cruz counties for you and as a reporter for Watch Duty. That is still my focus, but if it is relatively quiet here, I will be bringing information about the invasion to your inbox, FB, X, blue sky, threads, instagram, etc as long as it is necessary. Once the invaders retreat (remember, TACO), I will avoid politics once again in this space. FB, on the other hand, has always been fair game. Thanks for putting up with my recent tangents.

I subscribe to a Substack by Terrence Goggin, a history professor from The West Point. His post this morning is particularly helpful and hopeful. He equates Trump with the Wizard of Oz.

”What is this guy really up to?

He is using a clever fantasy OF “SEIZING POWER” to create fear in the American people. To get his way without real force, but use a “pretend” force. Like a few thousand solders, Marines and ICE agents sent to LA and, drum roll….a Russian Style Birthday Military Parade in the Capitol. He wants to scare the hell out of us. Just like the Wizard of Oz.

It’s not working! California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has called his bluff. In a nationally televised address he stripped away the curtain to see a scared little man punching buttons, yelling in a microphone and ringing bells.

People are massing in protest against this ridiculous man. As is their constitutional right. They are not afraid of this little man. He has said that any protests against his $150 million Parade in the Capital on Saturday will be meet with “very big force”. Really? The DC National Guard again? This “fear thing” is one gigantic farce to instill fear. Just what FDR warned us against:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself..nameless unreasoning unjustified terror that paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance”.

And that’s what Governor Newsom, the citizens of California and the National Latino community are doing. They are shucking off Trump’s fantasies of “seizing power” and daring him to stop them. “See you in Court!”. And “See you in the parades of protesting military veterans all over the country shouting Shame On You! “

If interested subscribe to: The West Point History Professor on Substack for a different perspective. This man is a nice addendum to Heather Cox Richardson.