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

Message from Alert Monterey & NWS

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