Announcements

I have created this separate page for the announcement of events for both Big Sur, and specifically South Coast events, so that it will be easy to check without wading through all the posts. All BSMAAC meetings are at the Big Sur Lodge, and all south coast community meetings are at the South Coast Community Center, unless otherwise indicated. If you have something you want to announce to the community, an up-coming event or any news, just send me an email (kwnovoa@mac.com), and I will post it here. However, I have stopped announcements that are for profit, only including public meetings or non-profit fund raising events. Recent events are listed chronologically. In other words, the one on top will be the furthest in the future, usually. If you want to find out what is happening today, or a few days from now, scroll down:
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CPOA Annual Meeting

Coast Property Owners Association will be hosting its annual meeting on November 16th at the River Inn from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Residents, property owners and other interested folks are invited to attend. Our agenda includes:

· CPOA Committee Updates;
· Financial Update including the status of the Big Sur Fire Relief Fund and the Don Case House Raising Fund;
· Election of Board Directors by our members;
· Big Sur Beautiful Award Announcement; and
· A special presentation on Big Sur Citizen Initiatives: Taking Responsibility for Our Community’s Safety and Future

Appetizers will be provided by the River Inn courtesy of CPOA.

We look forward to seeing you on November 16th. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cpoabigsur.org or contact Butch Kronlund, President of CPOA at 667-0332.

The Board of CPOA
Butch Kronlund, Dick Ravich, Lisa Kleissner, Pam Peck, Dick Costigan, Rob Carver, Ned Callihan, Mike Caplin, Patte Kronlund, Mike Gilson, Jeannie Ford and Paula Walling, Director Emeritus
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Two dates coming up to benefit the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade:
October 24, 2009 – The Big Sur River Run
October 31, 2009 – The Bal Masque at Nepenthe
Save the dates!
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October 6, 2009
On Tuesday, October 6 the Health Center is having its annual health fair at the Big Sur Health Center from noon to 5 P.M. There will be free flu shots and cholesterol screening, the blood mobile, snacks, information on diabetes, and many other health issues. We hope to see everyone there.
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September 26th
Cal Fire, the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County and Monterey County Fire Safe Council invite the public to the Big Sur Lodge Conference Room at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park at 47225 Highway 1 on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 am to noon, for a workshop and tour on how to make properties and neighborhoods safer from catastrophic wildfire from presentations and visits to demonstration sites. Topics will include creating defensible space, fire resistant landscaping, emergency preparedness and guidance about insurance requirements and project permitting.

Please park in the lower parking lot of Pfeiffer State Park in order to accommodate the Park’s overnight guests. Thanks.

The highlight of the workshop is a guided tour of the defensible space and forest fuel management projects led by CAL FIRE personnel near the Big Sur Lodge. County representatives and fire and vegetation management professionals will also share information about the draft Monterey County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and be on hand for questions and answers. The workshop will close with information on other tools, technical assistance and funding to help get projects on the ground.

This is the third of three regional meetings around Monterey County thanks to a grant from the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts. Call 831.424.1036 ext 124 for further information or just plan to attend.

Please contact Paul Robins at 424.1036 ext 124 for more information.
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Public Meeting with Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter and representatives of Monterey County Emergency Services on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 6:00 PM, at the Big Sur Lodge Conference Room.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors is going to be reviewing the new contract for countywide ambulance service on the following Tuesday, September 29, 2009. It is critical to the health and safety of the Big Sur community, residents and visitors, that this contract continue to include dedicated 24X7 Advanced Life Support ambulance service based in Big Sur.

If not, we then face the possibility of having ambulances respond from the Monterey Peninsula and response times could be increased by over an hour.

In emergency medicine, the term “Golden Hour” is used to describe the period during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Any change in our current level of ambulance service that extends response times is going to reduce the opportunity for patients to receive care in the “Golden Hour.”

Prior to 1959, all ambulance service came from the Monterey Peninsula. In that year, following a deadly vehicle accident, the local community assembled a cadre of volunteers to work with the American Red Cross and thus created a local ambulance service that could respond to medical emergencies in a timely manner.

In 1990, following the creation of County Service Area 24 by the voters of Monterey County, all areas of the county were provided with Advanced Life Support level ambulance service and the Big Sur Red Cross ambulance transfered its mission to the countywide ambulance contractor with the understanding that a fully staffed Advanced Life Support ambulance would be located in Big Sur, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

It is of the utmost importance that our community come out in person and meet with Supervisor Potter and county staff to express our support for a countywide ambulance contract that includes dedicated 24X7 Advanced Life Support ambulance service based in Big Sur as part of the fundamental baseline of ambulance coverage in the county.

This is a unique and critical opportunity to meet directly with Supervisor Potter and county staff on this vital issue. Please make every effort to attend and urge your friends and neighbors to attend as well.
Martha Karstens – Chief – Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade
Butch Kronlund – President – Coast Property Owners Association
Kirk Gafill – President – Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
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Chuy and Gloria Araiza Fundraiser Party at Big Sur Grange
Former Big Sur residents and parents to four children Gloria and Jesus “Chuy” Araiza, commuting to their current Seaside home on June 7, got in a car accident, sustaining severe injuries of which Gloria is still recovering. This Mexican Night fundraiser helps pay for medical bills and displays the care and loyalty that Big Sur living engenders in people. It’s also a pretty kick-ass party, fueled by Mexican food, drink and cultural cues like live music, a DJ, and children’s ballet folklorico and salon dance. A raffle and silent auction for Big Sur prizes. No reservation needed; just come on by.
dates:
Sat, Sep 19 time: 4-9pm
price: Free to attend; donations appreciated; food and beverages sold separately
venue: Big Sur Grange Hall, Highway 1, Big sur, 667-1530, Big Sur
contact: 324-4576, garciabigsur@comcast.net
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Sunday, September 13, 2009 12-4 pm Lucia Lodge Benefit BBQ for the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade.
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**BSVFB MUSTER** Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade Annual Muster, BBQ, and Chief Pinney retirement party. Saturday, July 18th 12-3 pm at the State Park day-use area. Adults, $12. Watch out, I’ll be there with my camera, taking photos for the blog!!
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July 8 & July 29 7-9 pm at the SC Center — CWPP

Big Creek Reserve is managed by the University of California-Santa Cruz as a part of the UC Natural Reserve System. The reserve’s 4,200 acres of land encompass diverse habitat types, including redwood forests, coast live oak and tan oak forests, chaparral, meadows, ridge-top grasslands, riparian zones and a cobble beach adjacent to a kelp forest. Not only does this habitat of diversity support an abundance of wildlife, it provides a living laboratory for scientists to study — and students to learn about — the natural world.

UC Santa Cruz and Big Creek Reserve invite the public to explore this outdoor wilderness classroom in the Santa Lucia Mountains at their annual open house on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s an educational event. The goal is to share the research and mission of the reserve with the public,” said Mark Readdie, resident director of Big Creek Reserve. “It’s also an opportunity for members of the public to explore and enjoy the reserve.”

To fulfill this goal, reserve staff and scientists will be available to share stories of the reserve’s natural history, highlight important research  projects currently going on in the reserve, and lead hikes, tours and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the different ecosystems in Big Creek Reserve.

“We have several trails that go through many different habitat types, wildflower displays and mountain and ocean views,” said Readdie. All trails will be open and maps will be given out near the reserve entrance. Guides will be available to lead groups on hikes or give information to those who choose to explore on their own.

One of the trails leads to the burned area just north of the Big Creek Watershed, where visitors can witness how the landscape has recovered from last year’s Basin Complex Fire. The Ventana Wildlife Society will lead a condor tour, where they will drive visitors to the top of the reserve near feeding sites. Here they will try to locate condors using radio tracking and, if participants are lucky, they may even see some of these rare birds.

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Subject: [Comtf] “Science for Managing the Big Sur Ecosystem” seminar, May 27 in Big Sur Please see the announcement for this upcoming meeting in Big Sur, posted below and online at www.suddenoakdeath.org < http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/> , where you can also find an agenda < http://nature.berkeley.edu/comtf/pdf/BigSurScienceMeeting_4.17.09.pdf > and a printable flyer for this event. We heartily encourage you to forward this message to all who may be interested in attending. Thanks! Science for Managing the Big Sur Ecosystem Big Sur Lodge Conference Room Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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Big Sur Wildflower Party
Saturday, May 2

Come celebrate the fantastic wildflower display in Big Sur at a free event Saturday at the Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

   
As if to bolster everybody’s spirits after last year’s devastating wildfire, wildflowers now lavish the burned mountains.  The Wildflower Party will be in a theater like setting with the stunning backdrop of Santa Lucia mountains ablaze with golden poppies and violet lupines.
    
Renowned nature photographer and lecturer David Gubernick, Ph.D., will talk about the flowers, give photography tips and be available to sign the Wildflowers of Monterey County book for which he did the remarkable photography.
   
There will be wildflower drawings for children to color, handouts about the native wildflowers of our region, maps to wildflower places in Big Sur, and a talk by David – who will share a gallery of wildflower photographs at the party.  
    
Big Sur Lodge’s Trails’ Head Cafe and Deli, coffee and ice cream bars will be open for lunch and snacks.
    
David is an internationally and nationally published and award winning nature photographer and workshop leader. His photography book, Wildflowers of Monterey County, has been a best-seller, garnering rave reviews.”Wildflowers inspire our imagination and creative spirit.  They are a great way for people to learn about nature, and that’s our mission at the Lodge,” said René Robles, Big Sur Lodge General Manager.

The fun begins at 2 p.m. Conference Center, Big Sur Lodge.

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Legal Notice / Public Notice 

PACIFIC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES

Seeks Applicants to Fill Board Vacancy

The PACIFIC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking to fill the Board vacancy created by the resignation of its current representative through an appointment rather than an election. 

Persons interested in applying for the appointment should contact the District office at either (805) 927-4507 or by email to <pusd@thegrid.net> for an application packet.

Provisional Appointment 

The period for submitting an application ends at 5:30 PM, Monday, May 11, 2009.  Applicants will be invited to a public session interview by the Board of Trustees to be held on May 12, 2009 at 4:30PM.  

The Board plans to make its provisional appointment following the interviews. 

By

 Raeanna Thomasson

Superintendent and Secretary

PACIFIC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT  

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4/24/09 – a whole bunch of things happening this weekend, some for profit, some not. Today, starting at 3 pm is the 60th birthday party for Nepenthe. Sunday is the Big Sur Marathon. The Henry Miller Library has several events this weekend. Check the HML link on the right, and the Chamber of Commerce link as well. A busy time in our little community.

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Tuesday, March 24th at 7 pm, the MoCo Community Wildfire Protection Plan meeting will be held at the Big Sur Lodge Conference Center. For more information visit: www.firesafemonterey.org or call Rob at 831-277-1419.

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 - Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Meeting, 10:00 am at the Big Sur Lodge Conference Center. Agenda items are: NOAA radio station and grants for fire prevention. While the closure of the State Park is not on the agenda, I imagine it will be well covered in both the non-agenda portion of the meeting, as well as in the State Park report, at the end of the meeting.

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African Brazilian and Latin Drumming 
A free Workshop with Jayson Fann 
For all Big Sur Youth ages 8 and up
February 17-18-19
1:00 to 4:00 pm
At The Big Sur station- multi agency building
This class will be a great opportunity for Big Sur youth to learn rhythms from around the world in a fun and playful way. Jayson Fann is a world-class percussionist and educator who have travelled the world studying music for many years. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!!!
 
For more information cal 831-238-1056
Brought to you by the Big Sur Arts Initiative

 

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12/23/08 – Lord knows, I haven’t been keeping up with this page. Busy, sorry. There have been a lot of holiday doings in various places here in Big Sur, but a couple to note here:

1. Christmas Caroling TONIGHT, starts at the River Inn at 6 pm.

2. The Ventana Bistro, located in the lobby, is open to locals. Reservations required

3. Here is part of the release. The rest relates to safe driving practices and is not included.

 

CALTRANS SUSPENDS ROADWORK DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS 

CENTRAL COAST  –  Caltrans will not allow scheduled lane closures for routine highway work from  8 am on Wednesday, Dec. 24 through 8 am on Monday, Dec. 29, and from 8 am on Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Monday, January 5 at 8 am.  Lane closures will only be permitted in case of emergencies

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David Allen has been recognized as a Champion of the Arts by the Arts Council of Monterey County. A reception will be held on January 24, 2009 at the Embassy Suites.

The evening begins with a wine reception and silent auction at 5:00 pm and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., opening with a poem by Adela Castillo.

Also scheduled for special recognition are Erin Lee Gafill and Tom Birmingham, both of Big Sur. 

The cost of the dinner is $75, and benefits the Art Council. Only 300 tickets are available, so if you are interested in attending, please notify: Paulette Lynch, Executive Director, Arts Council for Monterey County, 831-915-2073  or paulettelynch@culturalmonterey.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!

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Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council meeting Friday, December 12th, 10-2 at the Conference Center at the Big Sur Lodge. Remember to please park in the lower parking lot.

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Harvest Arts and Crafts Fair: Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30, 10 am to 4 pm, MAF, Big Sur Station.

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The Heartbeat Gallery Holiday party will be the same weekend, Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30th from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be 10-50% off and an H2O bar to honor Masaru Emoto’s book, “Messages from Water.”

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Big Sur Grange is closed for the winter. No reservations are being accepted at the current time. Plans by the committee are to protect the Grange during winter storms.

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Combined Big Sur and South Coast LUAC meetings, Tuesday, September 18, 2008, 9 AM at the MAF facility. Note parking requirement:

A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

B. ROLL CALL

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

D. PUBLIC COMMENT: The Committee will receive public comment on non-agenda items that are within the purview of the Committee at this time.  The length of individual presentations may be limited by the Chair.

E. SCHEDULED ITEMS

F. OTHER ITEMS:  (no other items scheduled)

9:00 AM at Big Sur Multi-Agency Facility, Hwy 1 & Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur

Parking is available in the Pine Ridge Trail Parking Lot ONLY

at the request of the Staff of the Big Sur Station. 

Big Sur & South Coast Land Use Advisory Committees Agenda

Scheduled Items

 9:00AM

HWY 1 BETWEEN PM 21.3 AND 21.6 (RAIN ROCKS)

PITKINS CURVE/RAIN ROCKS

COMBINED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT CONSISTING OF 1) A COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 525 FOOT
LONG BRIDGE AT PITKINS CURVE AND A 240 FOOT LONG ROCK SHED AT
RAIN ROCKS OVER HIGHWAY 1 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ROCK FALL
PREVENTION; 2) A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR DEVELOPMENT
ON 30% SLOPE; 3) A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW
DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CRITICAL VIEWSHED; 4) A COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT WITH THE
POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; AND

5) A DESIGN APPROVAL. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 1
BETWEEN POST MILE 21.3 AND 21.6, NORTH OF LIMEKILN POINT, BIG SUR
AREA, COASTAL ZONE.

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Two concerts being held on Sunday, November 16, 2008:

Erica Wheeler concert at Big Sur Spirit Garden:

to benefit the BSVFB, promoted by the Big Sur Land Trust
The Big Sur Land Trust is bringing Erica Wheeler to town for a very special concert in support of the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade. The concert will be at the Big Sur Spirit Garden, Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM. Visit http://www.ericawheeler.com for information about this fine artist. The weather forecast predicts it will be perfect weather for an outdoor show. 

Great American Taxi at Fernwood
Another concert on Sunday, November 16 at Fernwood Resort. Great American Taxi will be performing a special concert beginning at 9:30 PM. No cover.
http://www.greatamericantaxi.com

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Friday, September 14, 2008 9 AM

Sandbag work party for the Grange! Bring your own shovel. Lunch and drinks will be provided!

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NOVEMBER 8TH, 6 PM AT THE HERMITAGE

Unfortunately, The New Camaldoli Hermitage has been evacuated twice for two different fires and we are trying to recuperate some of our losses. There will be a special art opening here at The  Hermitage, in the evening Saturday November 8, 6:30 to 9:00pm.   Vespers are @ 6:00 pm which the public is always welcome and afterwards we will open the Bookstore/Gift shop for those who would like to do their early holiday shopping and view the art show.  Featuring artists, Father Arthur Poulin, Brother Emmaus, Sophia Christine, Dan Cronin and Lynn Jays. Usually our store is open daily 8:15 to 5:15, closed during mass.    But on Saturday Nov. 8 we will specially open in the evening to view the  artwork of five different artists plus all of our wonderful rare books and gifts.   Also,as you know, The Hermitage is well known all over the world for our famous Fruitcakes and Date-nut cakes which make great presents.  Our retreatent rooms are still closed until Friday but the store reopened today. We will be continuing to show different artists from now on. 

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NOVEMBER 6TH AT 5:30 PM AT THE GRANGE

CPOA Annual Community Meeting

Date:                   November 6^th, 2008

Time:                  5:30PM to 6:00PM Refreshments

6:00PM to 7:30PM CPOA Annual Meeting

Location:          Grange Hall adjacent to Juan Higuera Creek,

Directions:       take the west turn off south of Juan Higuera Bridge on  Highway One, the  Grange is located next to the Creek at the end of the road.

Neighbors, members, and all interested parties are all encouraged to attend.   Agenda for this evening is:

1.  Welcome and introductions

2.  Election of Officers and Board

3.  Presentations by Big Sur non-profits regarding their roles and responsibilities this winter:

Kirk Gafill of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

Sharen Carey of the Big Sur Health Center

Frank Pinney of the Big Sur Fire Brigade

Nadine Clark of SurCats,

Dick Ravich and Hal Latta of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

Lisa Goettel of SurFire2008

CPOA Board - Jeannie Ford, Butch Kronlund, Mike Gilson, Pam Peck, Lisa Kleissner, Mike Caplin, Ned Callihan, Patte Kronlund, Dick Ravich, Richard Costigan, Robert Carver, Paula Walling (Director Emeritus)

1. Questions & Answers

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The SEAT briefing and winter storm preparation meeting is on Wednesday, the 29th from 6 to 8 pm at the Lodge Conference Center at Pfeiffer.  Len Nielson of CAL FIRE,

and the

Team Leader on the

preparation of the SEAT Report,

 will be present to answer questions.

Federal, state and local officials will also be in

attendance to give information and to answer questions.

The Big Sur Area meeting will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the Big Sur Lodge from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

This is the agenda:

 

1.  Welcome   Sup. Dave Potter and Sup. Simon  Salinas        

2.  Introductions

3.  Presentation of SEAT Report on Basin Complex Fire  Len Nielson,            

And Impacts to Community from Winter Storms                       CALFIRE 

4.  Brief Presentations on Winter Storm Preparedness by:

·      Monterey County Office of Emergency Services

·      Monterey County Sheriff’s Department

·      National Weather Service

·      Monterey County Water Resources Agency

·      American Red Cross

·      The SPCA of Monterey County

·      Monterey County Resource Management Agency

        5.   Questions and Answers

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Los Padres National Forest CHALK FIRE Community Meeting Monday, October 20, 2008 4:30 PM At

Community Center, Pacific Valley School

Topic of the Community Meeting has changed and is no longer the Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team’s Assessment Report for the Chalk Fire. Instead, it is an update on the fire, including management issues.
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Storm Preparedness Conference by the OES, October 22, 2008; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Monterey County Agricultural Center, 1432 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA   93901

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 Coast Trail Committee Metting. October 16, 2008, at 6 pm. Treebones. LOCATION CHANGE: Community Center, Pacific Valley School
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17 ANNUAL JADE FESTIVAL Friday, October 10th from 12-6; Saturday, October 11th, 10-6; Sunday, October 12th, 10-5 at Pacific Valley School on the South Coast of Big Sur.
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Jade Festival Meeting, September 30, 2008 at 5 pm
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Big Sur Multi Agency Advisory Council Meeting is coming up Friday, September
26 at the Big Sur Lodge conference room, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mark your calendar.
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Today, Monday, 22 September we’ll have the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour sponsored by AMGEN arriving. They’ll be arriving in the Big Sur valley, continuing the Big Sur to San Simeon leg of the race on Tuesday, 23 September. There are about 250 riders on the tour. More information about the ride here:
http://www.californiacoastclassic.org/
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CERT Local Emergency Response Team meeting, Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Conference Center at the Big Sur Lodge (see post on front page for details)
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BIG SUR JADE FESTIVAL MEETING: Wednesday, September 17th at 5pm. Potluck
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MEMORIAL: UPDATE
Rachel’s memorial is still being held on Monday, September 15th at Point Sixteen, but the time is 2 pm. All other aspects remain the same, as far as I know. Wish I could come, but at least I did get to talk to Rachel’s mom today.
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I know several readers wanted information re: the memorial for our young lady, recently lost in a tragic and preventable accident.

It is to be held at Point 16 at 4:20 pm on Monday, September 15th. NO Alcohol will be provided, however, if you bring your own wine and/or beer, camping on site is MANDATORY!

Unfortunately, I will be in Santa Ana for oral argument at 1:30 that afternoon. I am regretful that I cannot attend.
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WHEN: September 8th from 6PM to 8PM
WHERE: The “Facing Winter: A “how to” workshop for ridge and valley dwellers – September 8th 6-8PM – has moved locations. We will meet at Post Ranch, at Rancho Sierra, located on the road to the Big Sur Fire Brigade Fire Station and Employee housing. When you enter Post Ranch, park near the pond and follow the sign “Fire House” to the right. Rancho Sierra is a building on the left on a small knoll at the top of the road before it heads down to the fire station.
WHAT:
An analysis of selected sites within the Big Sur fire damaged area will be shared with recommendations on how to mitigate existing damage and prevent potential damage. Sites will include a ridge top former home site, a valley structure that is threatened by debris flows, and a dirt road with steep, fire damaged flanks. A slide presentation using aerial and ground photos will accompany the presentation.
Discussion by residents of both the 1972 and 1977 debris and mudflows; a sharing of mitigations that worked and those that didn’t
Discussion of erosion control products that are available and a sharing of opinions about those most likely to work in our steep terrain
An update by CPOA on the status of the assessment process conducted by the State and by the Federal Government and an update on the Emergency Watershed Protection Program

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Owners and caretakers with fire damaged acreage
Owners and caretakers who lost homes and/or structures in the fire
Owners and caretakers whose homes may be threatened by fire damaged slopes
Residents and business owners who live and/or work near potential debris flow areas (Big Sur River, Pheneger Creek, Juan Higuera Creek)
Business owners who specialize in landscape and erosion control and work in Big Sur
Anyone interested in learning more about the challenges the Big Sur community will face this winter

We hope you can join us for this important discussion.

CPOA
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Saturday, August 23rd – State Park Celebrates 75 years!

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will celebrate its 75th anniversary as a state park on Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “County fair” type activities will be held in the Day Use parking lot, including community booths, old fashioned children’s games, educational displays about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), guided walks, campfire program and food provided by the Big Sur Lodge. We will also have displays about the recent Basin Complex fire.

There will be free day use parking for this event. 
For more information, contact Pat Clark-Gray: pgray@parks.ca.gov or (831) 649-2855; or Sara Howlett: showlett@parks.ca.gov or (831) 667-0528. 

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AUGUST 21: CPOA BAER MEETING TONIGHT!!

• Erosion Overview.  How intelligent guesses on erosion issues are made.  Burn intensity mapping, historical records, anecdotal and scientific knowledge.  Barry Hecht of Balance Hydrologics (15 minutes)  
• Slope Stability, top soil loss and overview of Green Book measures used to mitigate damaging debris flows, mud slides and general erosion control issues.  Reid Fisher of Pacific Geotechnical Engineering (15 minutes) 
• S.E.A.T. Team preliminary findings.  Focus on an overview of the burn area, S.E.A.t. process, issues and prescribed remedies for specific areas and public assistance available for effecting  remedies.  Len Nielsen S.E.A.T Team (20 minutes)
• CalTrans:  Steve Balaban will share the status of CalTrans current assessment and proposed scope of work to protect Highway One.  (10 minutes)
• Treatment options for private property owners.  The official sign up process for private property owners to participate in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program will begin tonight.  Robert La Fleur of  NRCS will provide an update on their process (10 minutes)
• Forest Challenges.  Mike Bacca of Cal-Fire. What happens to trees during a fire?  What are the indicators Foresters look for to determine removal?  What can a landowner do to save a tree?  Can trees be “saved”? How is a tree safely removed in steep terrain?  What is the appropriate way to dispose of trees to avoid any undesired down slope issues? (10 minutes)
• Question and Answer period. Community members are encouraged to share erosion treatments they have found effective. (20 min.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AUGUST 26: BIG SUR JADE FESTIVAL MEETING
Reminder, the next Jade Festival meeting is Tuesday, August 26 at 5 pm at the community center. Pot luck. We NEED volunteers, so please sign up for a 4 hour shift. In exchange, you will get a free meal & a T-shirt. Particularly, we need security, parking, and recycling workers. 
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AGENDA, BSMAAC MEETING, AUGUST 12, 2008, 6 PM: (NOTE: I purposefully left off agenda items I & II, which are procedural only)

III. Rebuilding Damaged Structures and Infrastructure Mike Novo
Description of process at County level to rebuild County of Monterey

IV. Update on Disaster Declaration Relief Congressman Sam Farr
Status of federal disaster declaration, availability of Robert Clyburn, OES
FEMA, SBA and State aid to individuals

V. Update on Winter Preparations
Coordination between Residents and Agencies CPOA and Big Sur Chamber
Controlling Erosion
a. Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Danny Marquis,
USDA NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service
b. Burn Area Emergency Response Team, (BAER) US Forest Service
c. State Environmental Assessment Team, (SEAT) Cal OES
Planning for Highway Problems Fire Brigade, CalTrans

VI. Identify next steps to respond to issues raised tonight
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JADE FESTIVAL MEETING
Next Jade Festival meeting will be on Tuesday, August 26th at 5 pm. Potluck.
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BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING, #2 – August 12th
Second meeting to be held on Tuesday at 6 pm at the Conference Center at the Big Sur Lodge. That is up top, by the pool. They request you park below in the main parking lot and walk up the hill, as parking is very limited. Dave Potter has requested that Sheriff Kanalakis attend this meeting. We’ll see if he shows up!
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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR — BIG SUR GALA FUNDRAISER
Don’t forget, Saturday, August 9th at 6 pm at the Monterey Conference Center, a fundraising event featuring Big Sur music, Big Sur food, and Big Sur fun. For tickets or information, log on to surfire2008.org or cpoa.org.
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CAMPGROUNDS OPEN 8/1
See post at: http://bigsurkate.wordpress.com/2008/07/30/campgrounds-open-81/
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2-BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS
August 4 & August 12, from 6-7:30 pm at the Big Sur Lodge Conference Center. See post here for details:
http://bigsurkate.wordpress.com/2008/07/29/big-sur-multi-agency-advisory-council-meetings/
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USFS MEETING ON 7/31 at 1 pm — Kelly O’Brien of KUSP and I have been in communication about her covering the 7/31 1 pm meeting with the USFS for the station. She will be recording the meeting, with our permission and that of John Bradford. I think it is an excellent idea.

NOTE: Apparently, there is some confusion about my use of “our.” “Our” refers to those present at the meeting. As far as I know, there are no special interest groups or other core members behind this meeting. It is simply an attempt to get as many of the South Coast Community to meet openly and constructively with the USFS and the BSVFB to address on-going concerns regarding the current and future fire dangers we face.
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JADE FESTIVAL meeting is TENTATIVELY set for August 5, 2008. I will post more, when I know more. Call Lisa at PUSD for further information.
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USFS/Community Meeting 7/31/08 at 1 pm at the Community Center. Bring whatever food or drinks you want, as nothing is being provided.
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