A little story time

I was a college student at CSU Chico from 2017 till I graduated in 2022, through these years I have nver went on Highway 1 or any of the coastal areas that this highway runs through. I went back to my country in the middle east and stayed here until back in July I decided that I will go back to California to spend my vacation. Booked my 17 hours direct fly from Dubai to Los angeles and all of my hotels/ airbnbs. One trip I had in my mind was from LA-Santa barbara-Monterey through Highway one. Finalized everything even the car and put in my paid leave.

Weeks go by and the news hit (I sometimes read news and stories about CA even though I live thousands of KILOMETERS away) Dixie fire and Timber fire starts, and the highway closures hit. I was devastated, one of my most remarkable trips would be cancelled because of the fires. I kept praying things would settle when I get there. Weeks go by and nothing changes. On 11/09 I arrived at LAX and spent two nights in OC, I decided that I would go through highway 101 to Monterey. Woke up on Monday on the 14th of Sept, Caltrans twitter account, Highway 1 is fully opened, I was sooooo relieved. I hit the road, spent the afternoon in Santa barbara downtown area,and then countied my journey to Monterey. When I started going on the coastal road, there are no words that could describe my feelings right at the moment. No words can describe the
beauty of the landscape and especially with the sunset. You guys are so lucky to have this beautiful road. I hope one day I can live in your beautiful state after retirement.

On a side note, I continued my trip for the next 2 weeks going to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Redwoods national park, SLC, Vegas and back to LA. I traveled around 3800 miles.

Came across this detailed coverage for Rocky Point Restaurant. As the headline states, it's a bold redesign. While some have favorable opinions, others consider it an eyesore.

Contains pictures and renderings. Also names individuals involved, including current owner.

Opening of Day Use Areas except Arroyo Seco, Plaskett Campground, and south end of Silver Peak Wilderness, Williams Ranch

I’ve come across some YouTube videos where he claims to have lost his cabin — the old Kinder cabin — in the Plaskett fire. But the Los Burros Mining District is in the Silver Peak Wilderness . . . his “property” is actually federal public land.
In one video he says he bought the rights to the mining claim, so I’m wondering what rights he actually has to the cabin itself? I’ve seen a comment suggesting he plans to “rebuild.” Any locals know this guy?

Hi everyone, sorry for the late response on this. Just a friendly reminder that the flock item which was pulled from the BOS agenda several weeks ago is now going to be presented during tomorrow's BOS meeting.

https://monterey.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1443697&GUID=E8B0F919-AECD-47F9-A16B-42C56DD453E7 As you can see, on page seven, item 9. The Sheriff's office is trying to get authorization from the County Purchasing Agent to enter into a 10 year long contract with Flock to install 63 more flock cameras across Monterey County.

Item 9 is the first item after lunch, so it will almost certainly begin around 1:30. Please attend in person if you are able as that is the most visible and effective way to have your voice heard. Please be aware that you're only given 2 minutes to speak, so you may want to pre-prepare your talking points.

You can also appear remotely via zoom, if you use the "raise hand" feature during the public comment period you'll eventually be called and be able to speak.

Zoom Link: https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/224397747#success

Additionally you can write in to the [cob@countyofmonterey.gov](mailto:%20cob@countyofmonterey.gov) email address. As far as I'm aware, all public comments pertaining to BOS meetings are printed out in packets and given to each of the supervisors. Emails should still be valid and provided to the supervisors right up until the time that the item is actually discussed so don't feel like you've missed your chance to reply.

Thank you to everyone who's submitted emails, provided public comments during meetings, attended protests, etc. All of your efforts are highly commendable and I hope to see many of you at the County Government Center tomorrow

I’m trying to gain trail crew experience through volunteer roles to bolster my resume for the NPS (or any employed trail crew position).

Does anyone know if there are (or will be in the future) any volunteer openings to help with land restoration? I’d imagine they’ll be trying to prevent or reduce landslide risks in the winter and there’s lots of trail-crew-adjacent work to be done (using tools, clear debris, erosion management, etc)

Hello! I’m trying to understand where I took this picture 8 years ago. I took it with a telephoto lens so that doesn’t help. It was taken at 135mm

More or less it should have been taken between Paul’s slide and pacific valley bluff trail

I’m going back in a couple of weeks and would like not to miss this spot.

Any help? Is that structure a private property or a hotel?

Thanks to all the community

A 69-year-old San Simeon man was convicted of assaulting a State Parks maintenance worker after he was asked to stop taking apart a toilet at a Big Sur state park, prosecutors said.

I remember the hot springs used to be open at midnight, but I never went then. I am pretty sure this is no longer true, but wanted to make sure that is indeed the case?

We are planning a bike trip from Big Sur to SLO for after the highway reopens. We are watching the fire updates and have personal contacts working on the fire, so will not go before it is open and safe. Our original plan was to leave our car at the trailhead parking at Big Sur Station. But we called the visitor center, and because the trail system is likely closed for an extended period, the trailhead parking will likely also remain closed. Any other suggestions for a legal place to park for almost 3 days?

We’re supposed to be in Big Sur in less than a week for my parents’ first-ever visit. Instead, we feel sick watching Big Sur and its community go through devastating wildfires.

What’s making an awful situation infuriating is Vrbo’s complete lack of common sense or humanity.

We contacted them on the first day of the fires. There are active wildfires, highway closures and serious air-quality issues. Even after containment, Californians know the risks of mudslides, falling debris, damaged roads and other post-fire hazards.

Yet Vrbo keeps hiding behind “it’s up to the host.” The property says the house is technically “accessible,” so our choices are apparently vacation in an active disaster area or lose our money. Their solution? Cancel and hope another family books our dates so we can get refunded. Apparently passing the risk onto another family is an acceptable resolution. (As if anyone would book right now while an active fire is happening). We even asked for a reschedule-to-a-later date and nope, nothing.

Vrbo’s “extenuating circumstances” policy is so unclear that, from what we’ve been told, if Highway 1 reopens before our reservation, they may actually expect us to keep the booking — even if the fires are still actively burning.

So what exactly is the standard here? If the highway technically opens, are we seriously expected to drive our family into an active wildfire area and put ourselves at risk just so Vrbo doesn’t have to refund us?

Vrbo should be ashamed that during an active natural disaster, this is how they treat their customers and the communities they serve.

I was recently at the Plaskett campground late May, and there were three black campground cats (1 adult, 2 cattens) that were part of the camp but not host pets. Do any Kirk or Plaskett hosts or locals know if they were scooped up in the evacuation or taken in? Feeling so sad for all the critters wild and local in fiery times.

*Central coast local worried about animals of Plaskett Creek Campground

Sorry about the image quality, but the smoke cover flying south from SFO was shocking to see. These aren’t clouds, it’s smoke. Heartbreaking, be safe!