From Jimmy Panetta’s Office

 Congressman Panetta met with Mr. Chris Stubbs, Acting Forest Supervisor for Los Padres National Forest, and Mr. Tyrone Kelley, Regional Engineer, to discuss the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road repair project. During the call, the Congressman stressed the importance of the project to his constituents and urged the USFS to act quickly on these repairs. He noted that the Fall 2023 completion date just does not work for the urgent nature of the project. The FS staff stated they understand the urgency and are also hearing from constituents on a regular basis, urging them to push along the project. They said they are regularly working with all interested parties to speed up the timeline and make critical repairs. The next steps of the project involve working to complete the NEPA process with FHWA and completing a design proposal. Then, they will work to get all necessary state-level permits. Congressman Panetta committed to holding FHWA and the USFS accountable for progress on the project and offered his support in moving it along in anyway way that he can.

Back here at home, repairs had completed the east side and the first mile or two of the east side, last I heard, before the big storms. Just to be clear, these repairs are simply to prevent losing the road all together, they are not to fascillitate public use, only emergency use.

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!

Fro NOAA/NWS total amounts for the Santa Lucias have been downgraded slightly

While the next week has been looking rainy in the forecast for quite some time, there has been notable arguments between models and ensembles in the start time. Now that the event is coming in range
of shorter-term high-resolution models, the arguments have gotten more complicated. These higher resolution models are beginning to place scattered showers ahead of the frontal passage, meaning rain
chances look to start early Monday afternoon. This has been included in the official forecast, but don`t expect the higher rain rates until further into Tuesday morning.

There is high confidence in the models and most of their ensemble members in the placement of a frontal moving into the area Tuesday morning, bringing gusty winds and increased rain rates. Recent model updates continue to show this as the time period with the highest rain rates for the week. Luckily these rates look much more tame than the last rain event earlier in the month.

After the frontal passage, the parent low pressure centers itself off the coast. The orientation of this low will bring in persistent waves of less intense rain chances around the SF Bay and Central Coast. Some of the longer term models and ensemble members differ on the consistency of these rain chances, with some providing some breaks in between showers while others stay more uniform. Most model outputs show waves of more moderate rain rates in the mid to late week. The timing of these moderate rain waves will be harder to pin down. Please be prepared for a very unsettled weather pattern and take caution while driving since roads will be slick and there will be a lot more traffic on the roads with holiday travel.

Expect rain chances to continue into the weekend as the longer term modes and ensembles are in good agreement that the waves of rain keep coming. While there is good confidence in the holiday weekend
rain chances, the upper level pattern begins to differ in the model forecasts. This places poor confidence in the actual ending of the rain pattern. In the most recent update, the official forecast keeps
the rain chances through the end of the forecast period, with some confidence for chances continuing at least into the next work week. But much can change that far out in the forecast.

While the official forecast adds another full day to the list of rainfall amounts, overall rainfall totals have been reduced since the last official forecast update. This comes as the initial front and late-week rain rates have backed off. Here are the updated [estimated rain totals from Monday, Dec 20 through Sunday Dec 26:

-Coastal peaks in the North Bay: 4.5 to 7.5"

-The Santa Cruz Mtns and Northern Monterey Bay: 4 to 7"

-The Santa Lucia Mtns and the Big Sur Coast: 3.50 to 7"

Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 8:20 am
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

HIGHWAY 1 REOPENED SOUTH OF JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK

AFTER SLIDE IS CLEARED

MONTEREY COUNTY – A Highway 1 is fully reopened on the Big Sur coast at Post Mile 35.

Caltrans maintenance crews cleared a rockslide this morning at PM 35, less than a mile south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and two miles north of the Esalen Institute.

Highway 1 is fully reopened at this location.

Travelers are reminded give themselves extra time when driving this winter and to take into account weather conditions, especially when traveling on this scenic byway.

For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey County, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 6:55 am
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

HIGHWAY 1 CLOSED SOUTH OF JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK

DUE TO SLIDE

MONTEREY COUNTY – A rockslide across both lanes of traffic has closed Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast at Post Mile 35, less than a mile south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and two miles north of the Esalen Institute.

Caltrans maintenance crews are on the scene this morning and there is no estimated time for reopening. 

An update will follow after crews assess the roadway.

For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey County, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 2:35 pm
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

HIGHWAY 1 ON THE BIG SUR COAST

TO OPEN TODAY AT 3 PM

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Caltrans announced today that Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast will completely reopen Wednesday Dec. 15 at 3 pm.

Initial progress on clearing and repair of the rockfall system at Cow Cliffs (PM 28.2) and slide and debris removal at Paul’s Slide (PM 22), have advanced to a point where crews can effect these repairs with the roadway fully reopened.

Travelers should expect traffic control at these locations today until 5 pm, and during daylight hours for the next several days, and potentially into the weekend, as crews continue emergency repairs to prepare for next week’s storms. Caltrans entered into a $1.3 million emergency contract on Dec. 14 with Papich Construction to complete this roadwork.

A full closure of Highway 1 extending from Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County to Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County (44.6 miles) began Dec. 12 in support of a Monterey County evacuation warning and at the request of the CHP in advance of a forecasted storm event. This closure was continued as crews assessed damage from the storm which brought rains of up to 12 inches in 24 hours at some mountain peaks.

Travelers are reminded give themselves extra time when driving this winter and to take into account weather conditions, especially when traveling on this scenic byway.

For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltra

Highway 1 at “Cow Cliffs” emergency repair.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 3:45 pm
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

HIGHWAY 1 ON THE BIG SUR COAST TO REMAIN CLOSED

FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast will remain closed between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County (44.6 miles) while emergency rockfall and debris removal take place.

Caltrans today initiated a $1.3 million emergency contract with Papich Construction for rockfall removal and repair of the rockfall system at Cow Cliffs (PM 28.2), slide and debris removal at Paul’s Slide (PM 22), and repairs to damage at the Caltrans Willow Springs maintenance station (PM 10.4). Crews have mobilized and work will continue tomorrow morning at these locations.

Despite 12 inches of rain in 24 hours at some of the peaks, most portions of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast fared well during the recent rain event, including those affected by the January 2021 storm.

Assessments of the closure area of Highway 1 will continue to take place during daylight hours and when safe to do so prior to any modification of the closure parameters. Decisions on modifying the closure parameters will be made on a day to day basis and will be informed by these field assessments.

This closure of Highway 1 will continue to extend from Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County to Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County. 

Ragged Point is located 1.45 miles south of the SLO/Monterey County line:

https://goo.gl/maps/3TwYXL6sS1dRbPZi8

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn is located in Monterey County at Post Mile 42.1:

https://goo.gl/maps/bup3meiu6iKeNqkJ8

Barricades, cones, as well as message and directional signs will be in place at both ends of the closure to alert motorists traveling in the area. 

For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

Damaged Netting at Cow Cliffs 12.14.21

K-Rail at Paul’s Slide 12.14.21

Boulders in Roadway, Big Sur Coast 12.14.21

WHEN: December 14, 2021 effective immediately

WHERE: Evacuation Warnings Lifted:
• Pine Canyon Rd, Salinas CA, including: Trimble Hill, Mesa Rd, Manzanita Way, Wildwood Way, Redding Dr, Belmont Circle, and the southwest end of Berry Drive. 
• Limekiln Rd, Salinas CA
• 800 Block of River Rd, Salinas CA
• Dolan Fire Burn Scar

WHAT: The Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service for the River Fire, Carmel Fire, and Dolan Fire Burn Scars has expired. The County of Monterey has lifted the Evacuation Warnings for areas of River Road in Salinas, CA and the Dolan Fire Burn Scar.

NOTE: Highway 1 is closed at Deetjen’s Big Sur Resort (Postmile 42.1) and Ragged Point will remain closed until further notice. 

SAFETY MESSAGE: The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current incident conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 9-1-1.

Translation/Traducción:  https://bit.ly/3DPNsSVClick here for more information on this alert.

Tuesday December 14, 2021, 10:12 AMMonterey County Office of Emergency ServicesThis is an update of a previous messageAdvisory: Debris Flow Evacuation Order Downgraded to Warning For Areas Of River RoadDear Nixle User,WHEN: December 14, 2021 effective immediately WHERE: Evacuation Warning: • Pine Canyon Rd, Salinas CA, including: Trimble Hill, Mesa Rd, Manzanita Way, Wildwood Way, Redding Dr, Belmont Circle, and the southwest end of Berry Drive. • Limekiln Rd, Salinas CA • 800 Block of River Rd, Salinas CA • Dolan Fire Burn Scar WHAT: According to the National Weather Service an Atmospheric River will be impacting Monterey County from Sunday evening, 12/12/2021 to Tuesday morning, 12/14/2021. The Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service for the River Fire, Carmel Fire, and Dolan Fire Burn Scars has expired. Due to the possibility of smaller localized rain events, the County of Monterey has downgraded the Evacuation Order for areas of River Road in Salinas, CA to an Evacuation Warning; the Evacuation Warning for the Dolan Fire Burn Scar remains in place. Properties and people located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Areas that have experienced increased runoff, flooding, debris, and/or mudflows since the fires in August 2020 will likely experience similar or worsened impacts. Please remain vigilant and be aware of any land movement. If weather patterns change or land movement occurs, additional evacuation warnings or orders may be issued. If you are concerned about your safety or feel that your life is threatened, leave the area; do not wait for officials to tell you to do so. NOTE: Highway 1 will be closed at Deetjen’s Big Sur Resort (Postmile 42.1) and Ragged Point will remain closed until further notice. SAFETY MESSAGE: The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current incident conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closure and any evacuation warnings. The weather forecast anticipates high winds and potential for downed trees. Residents should exercise caution when leaving their homes during the storm. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 9-1-1. Translation/Traducción https://bit.ly/3s687zG For full details, view this message on the web.Sent by Monterey County Office of Emergency Services 1322 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA 93906To manage your email settings, click here. To update your account settings, login here. If you prefer not to receive future emails, unsubscribe here.Powered by  Nixle © 2021 Everbridge, Inc. All rights reserved.