Song of Trees continued: These are the trees that planted themselves after the Wild Fire of 1996. This spot had been dozed for a fire break. I had never seen the view as the manzanita, ceanothus, and chemise was so tall and thick. After the clearing when I finally saw the view. That was it. That was where I would build my house.
And for those of you not on social media, here is what Weds looked like while we waited to see if this was going to come with dry lightning.
From Jimmy Panetta’s Office:
  Dear Community Member, The administration is seeking public input as it considers opportunities for offshore wind development off the central coast of California. You can submit your public comments to the California Energy Commission (CEC) at this link. This public comment period ends September 30, 2020. Tips for submitting effective comments can be found here. About the Opportunity for Offshore Wind Development:California is committed to a rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the State’s economy and has established long-term policies to reduce most of the greenhouse gas emissions from the electric sector by 2045. Developing a diverse portfolio of renewable resources is a key component of California’s approach to building a reliable and cost-effective low-carbon energy system.To this end, in October 2018, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a call for Information and Nominations (Call) for three areas off the California coast, two of which are offshore the Central Coast: Morro Bay Call Area and Diablo Canyon Call Area. Both Call Areas, however, were assessed as incompatible with wind energy development by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), as both areas are heavily utilized by multiple DoD components for critical activities. In August 2019, I joined my colleague Congressman Salud Carbajal in convening a meeting with senior officials from the DoD, BOEM, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sanctuaries, and the State of California. This group has held subsequent meetings to discuss alternative Call Areas. The group has identified potential areas that include portions of the Morro Bay Call Area as well as an area to the north and to the south of the Morro Bay Call Area. A description and map of these areas is available on the BOEM website. The group has also discussed an approximately 90 square mile area within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary adjacent to the Morro Bay Call Area. The area is labeled “Discussion Area” on the map to facilitate stakeholder input and public input. Any call area must go through a very lengthy authorization process before construction can begin, and feedback is solicited to ensure any final proposal includes the perspective of all relevant stakeholders. Public CommentThe State of California and BOEM have initiated a process to receive input on potential offshore wind development. Consistent with public health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, the State and BOEM will conduct remote public outreach meetings. In addition to receiving public comment during the public workshops, the CEC will collect written comments in the California Offshore Renewable Energy Docket until September 30, 2020. CEC is encouraging use of its electronic commenting system. When you enter the system, please enter your contact information and a comment title describing the subject of your comment(s). Comments may be included in the “Comment Text” box or attached in a downloadable, searchable Microsoft® Word (.doc, .docx) or Adobe® Acrobat® (.pdf) file. Maximum file size is 10 MB.Written comments may be submitted by email or US Mail. Include the docket number, 17- MISC-01, and Offshore Renewable Energy in the subject line and email todocket@energy.ca.gov or mail to: California Energy Commission Docket Unit, MS-4 Re: Docket No. 17-MISC-01 1516 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814-5512 Visual SimulationsMy office has received visual simulation panoramas and, in partnership with State Parks, has installed these displays at the Big Sur Multi-Agency Facility (MAF). The visual displays will remain installed at the Big Sur MAF until at least August 1, 2020. There are three visual displays posted outside, and the rest are inside the building in the conference center.The visuals show simulations at fifteen, seventeen, and twenty miles from shore from two viewpoints in Big Sur at different times of day. I urge you to safely visit the displays to better understand the visual impacts of wind development off the Central Coast.To visit the Big Sur MAF, please navigate to the following address: Multi-Agency Facility, Big Sur Station #1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Traveling South from Carmel to San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, the MAF is the first left turn after the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance. The Big Sur MAF is open from 9:00AM-4:00PM daily.I look forward to continuing to engage with you during and after the public comment period and will ensure your views are taken into consideration as I work with federal agencies to move forward on an offshore wind development proposal that works for our communities. Sincerely,  Jimmy Panetta United States Representative 20th Congressional District, California Please note that due to House of Representatives information security policies, emails sent to this email account are unable to be monitored.     Washington, D.C. Office212 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2861 Fax: (202) 225-6791Salinas Office 142 W Alisal St. Room E116 Salinas, CA 93901 Phone: (831) 424-2229Santa Cruz Office 701 Ocean St. Room 318C Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 429-1976 |
My hope is to write a more in-depth article about this next month which will also provide links to obtain more information if one chooses. Personally, I have some concerns about why CA is pursuing this option, rather than encouraging solar.
It is the height of irony that this project is proposed for an area off the coast of the only remaining coastal area in the State of California that has never had commercial power to this day. Most of us have provided our own solar power. This off-shore wind project will use an undetermined amount of fossil fuel just create it in the first place. Further, insufficient data is available regarding the harm it may cause to marine mammals and other migratory species.
Here is a link to the Offshore Power presentation from the BSMAAC meeting. The video is on Mary Adams Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SupMaryAdams/videos/713603159454660/?v=713603159454660
The presentation and discussion afterward starts at -2:54:16 and ends at -1:23:29.
A big thank you to Dick Ravich for sending me the link and time stamps.
Last year, Bixby Bridge was backed up going south, all the way back to Palo Colorado. This year, much of Big Sur is still closed, but some people are violating the SIP orders anyway.
Just a reminder: People often confuse Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. On Memorial Day we honor those who gave their lives in the fight for our country. We honor our dead. Veteran’s Day, we honor the living.
This post is dedicated to all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and for us…In memory of all of them, regardless of who they were.
She has no idea how beautiful she is. Goofy, but beautiful.
Hi Kate We found a German Shepherd on Highway 1 and was told to reach out to you. The dog was running up and down the highway the last 2-3 days and we figured we would take her to the vet and check if she was chipped. Unfortunately no Chip was found, and we were wondering if there is anyway you could help us find the owner.
Dogs info: 9-11 months Female had collar but no tag (will ask person who claims ownership the color to verify)
Thank you so much and hope this finds you well.
Best,Amir 949-302-3290
Note: this dog was found near Gorda. Here is the photo of her with their other dog.
Happy Easter! May we be able to celebrate with friends again next year. Also, note the meditation below:
Many of us in the Big Sur community are asking you to join on Sunday at 3PM. Will you?
“We invite you to join the Big Sur community in silent meditation to send out prayers of health, healing, and transformation across the planet, and keeping our Beloved Big Sur safe and pristine. As we can enhance our own well being, spiritually, psychologically, and physically through meditation, doing this together can create a synergistic effect for healing in our community and the world.
In whatever way is meaningful to you, send energies of love, healing, health, compassion, unity, joy, acceptance and any other creative inspirations outward and connect with the other prayers abounding.
We have the power to love as a way of life, and to unite as a community at this time of crisis, and let’s use that power now, for renewal, together.
At 3 PM on this Sunday, April 12, and every Sunday at 3 PM until this crisis passes, let’s join together in this healing meditation. Be well and God Bless.”
And so mote it be…
Received from a reader yesterday: “I tried for about 4 hours yesterday. I was able to get him a full canister of wet dog food, treats, and water. I got him into my car with hot dog pieces, then after about 10 minutes of driving, he took a massive crap in the backseat. It was soooo bad but at least it was on a towel. When I pulled over to take the towel out, he jumped out of the car very quickly. It was an emotional journey and I tried to find him again, but he was in dense woods and it was getting dark. This was about 1-2 miles east of the National Forest Nacimiento station.
Quick movements and noises scared him. Leaving food, walking away, and minimal eye contact helped. He is a domestic dog who was very sweet once in the car, not violent at all (scared, albeit)
I’m in Santa Cruz for the next 2 days but will keep checking the blog and if no one finds him, I’ll go look again.
Feel free to post any of this on the blog!!! My heart goes out to this sweet doggie.”
Take a few minutes off from COVID-19 and enJoy these:
This little guy is wandering Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. About a mile and 1/2 west of Ponderosa campground. USFS tried to approach, but it is spooked and wouldn’t let them. If you recognize this dog, please contact the owner. It is scared and wet and hungry and needs help.
