8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 16-22, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Western Rivers Conservancy, a nonprofit that acquires land and then conveys it to stewards, has a simple motto that speaks to the group’s mission: “Sometimes to save a river, you have to buy it.” Such is the case of WRC’s recent acquisition of 327 acres of property along the Little Sur River that’s being called the Pico Blanco property, as it’s located at the base of that namesake mountain which in Esselen is referred to as Pixchi, and is believed to be the center of the world. The acquisition, long in the works and bankrolled from a $1.4 million grant from the state Wildlife Conservation Board, was announced Jan. 15. It piggybacks on a 1,999-acre acquisition WRC made in 2020 in the same area that was likewise conveyed to the tribe. At the time, it was called Adler Ranch, but has since been renamed Eagle Peak Rancheria. Tom Little Bear Nason, chair of the Esselen Tribe, says it’s come after a culmination of work over the past six to eight years as part of the effort to restore access on Palo Colorado Road to Bottchers Gap campground, as well as the Boy Scout Camp below it, and in turn, the Little Sur River. It’s a unique place in Big Sur, which is notable in and of itself, but not because it’s part of any Instagram influencer’s campaign. It harbors not only the tribe’s resources but the public’s too—the old-growth redwoods along the river are extraordinary. Nason mentions how there were once about 4,000 Central Coast steelhead making a run on the river annually, while today the number is 15, adding that it’s one of the last undammed rivers in California. Nason says the tribe is still figuring out their plan for how exactly to steward the land going forward, but that public access won’t change—as is, public access is limited anyway because the road has been closed four miles in since 2018 due to storm damage. In a statement, Jennifer Norris, executive director of the state Wildlife Conservation Board, which is under the umbrella of the California Natural Resources Agency, framed the acquisition as “ensuring the permanent protection of critical biodiversity along California’s Central Coast.” Nelson Mathews, interim president of Western Rivers, says the wildlife aspect of the acquisition was key for the nonprofit in deciding to move forward, as the organization focuses on rivers with wildlife. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is hosting public hearings on draft regulation for the use of the pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene, also known as 1,3-D or “Telone.” The pesticide’s history is enmeshed in controversy. Manufactured by Dow Chemical, it has been shown to cause tumors in rodents, is classified as a carcinogen, and is banned in 40 countries. Debate over its use has varied over the years—from being banned in California in 1990 due to concerns over extremely high levels found near a school in Merced County, to being permitted in restricted amounts four years later. For about a decade, scientists with the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) have clashed with DPR over the human health risks the fumigant poses. “These strawberry fields are right next to schools where children are attending,” says Yanely Martinez, an organizer with Californians for Pesticide Reform. “As a Latina, that breaks my heart that nobody else is wanting to call it what it is—this is environmental racism.” Primarily used on strawberry fields and other row crops, the chemical saw statewide usage decline more than 20 percent between 2018 and 2022, yet increase by over 80 percent in Monterey County during the same period, according to an analysis by Inside Climate News. CPR members are advocating for DPR to adopt OEHHA’s recommendations, arguing that the draft regulation relies on faulty assumptions about farmworkers’ exposure. “We’re already losing community members that have died because of cancer, kids are at the hospital because of asthma attacks,” Martinez says. “We’re going to continue to push until hopefully [DPR] decides to go with the other 40 countries that have decided to say, wait a minute, we need to protect our community over profit.” DPR’s hearing on 1,3-D takes place at 5:45pm Thursday, Jan. 16. National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St., Salinas. River Bank A nonprofit is giving 327 acres along the Little Sur River to the Esselen Tribe. By David Schmalz news Fire Safety Learn about fire insurance, evacuation preparedness and other safety information in this meeting sponsored by Carmel Valley Firewise. Presenters include Richie Sayavong from the California Insurance Commissioner’s Office. 5:30-7:30pm Friday, Jan. 17. Tularcitos Elementary School multipurpose room, 35 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. Free. RSVP at roblesfirewise.com. Pretty Parks Friends of Seaside Parks Association organizes weekly work days to clean up and maintain parks throughout the city. 10am-noon Saturday, Jan. 18. Mescal Neil Park, Mescal Street between Ancon and Costa streets, Seaside. Free. fospa.info@gmail.com, friendsofseasideparks.org. In the Public Eye Monterey City Council meets and accepts public comment. Tell elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 4pm Tuesday, Jan. 21. Colton Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3799, monterey.gov. Immigrant Rights UFW Foundation presents a “Know Your Rights” workshop in Spanish to share information on constitutional rights and tips for emergency planning. 5:30pm Tuesday, Jan. 21. UFW Foundation, 118 E. Gabilan St., Salinas. Free. 220-3004. Healthy Aging Alliance on Aging presents the Solutions Summit, which is an opportunity for the public to share input on California’s Master Plan on Aging. The plan focuses on shaping future aging and disability services. 12:30-2pm Wednesday, Jan. 22. Senior Center, 8300A Prunedale North Road, Prunedale. Free. Register at 655-7562. allianceonaging.org. Shored Up Marina City Council meets to consider adopting draft policies that aim to protect the city’s shoreline from sea level rise. The drafts will be sent to the California Coastal Commission for certification, pending council approval. 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan. 22. City Council chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. cityofmarina.org. ’Tis the Season Holiday trees can be dropped off for free at the Johnson Canyon Landfill and Jolon Road Transfer Station. Remove all tinsel, lights, decorations and stands. Through Jan. 31. Johnson Canyon Landfill, 31400 Johnson Canyon Road, Gonzales; Jolon Road Transfer Station, 52654 Jolon Road, King City. Free. 7553000, svswa.org/holiday-trees. Telone on the Table The Department of Pesticide Regulation invites the public to weigh in on the pesticide 1,3-D. By Katie Rodriguez The Little Sur River is sacred to Indigenous people, and treasured by those, local or otherwise, who appreciate its extraordinary beauty. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX It’s one of the last undammed rivers in California. Kodiak Greenwood
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