8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 1-7, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Conditions are lining up for a potentially rough winter in Big Sur, a fact not lost on the community as the Timber and Plaskett fires simmer down. On the back patio of the Big Sur River Inn on Monday, Sept. 28, dozens of residents and local and state officials gathered for a Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Committee meeting to discuss lessons from this summer’s fires. The Plaskett and Timber fires, the third- and fourth-largest fires in the state this year, have burned more than 55,000 acres combined and are 99- and 88-percent contained, respectively. Attention has now turned to the burn scars, potential debris flows during heavy rains, and what needs to be done to prepare. “You can put a fire out with a fire hose,” said Kirk Gafill, Nepenthe owner and president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce. “You cannot stop a debris flow with your vehicle, a tractor, or sandbags, so people need to look at those in a very different way.” In response to the National Weather Service forecasts of a “very strong El Niño event through the fall and winter,” Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 21 proclaimed a state of emergency to bolster preparedness. The proclamation directs state agencies to pre-position equipment and supplies. Caltrans is continuing emergency cleanup and repairs on fire-damaged slopes, according to John Olenick with Caltrans, and is inspecting problem areas and cleaning culverts. Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, said her office has been pressing the state to ensure the Central Coast is prepared to receive state resources, and that Newsom’s office has confirmed her request. Mike Higgins, vice president of operations at Post Ranch Inn, said he and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, are in the final stages of getting a NOAA weather repeater installed at a nearby Coast Guard tower to broadcast local emergency and marine weather data. A Burned Area Emergency Response report is also being developed to assess downstream flood risks and identify areas in need of stabilization. Big Sur Fire Chief Matt Harris has urged residents to prepare their properties in case emergency resources are limited. One million sandbags are currently available at the fire station, and staff are available to answer questions. “You guys have to prepare yourselves and your properties for the eventual floods,” Harris said. “It’s going to come down to individuals asking for help.” Gonzales residents celebrated with clapping, big smiles and hugs on Monday, Sept. 28 after the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Monterey County approved the Vista Lucia project 6-0. “I’m elated,” says Gonzales Mayor Jose Rios, noting the unanimous decision. “Can’t ask for anything better.” “There’s just not enough housing,” says Anna Mae Gazo, a long-time Gonzales resident and board member of nonprofit housing developer CHISPA, which is named as the developer of 211 affordable housing units in Vista Lucia’s first phase. Two LAFCO commissioners, Matt Gourley and Chad Lindley, recused themselves from voting on the project, citing potential conflicts of interest. Both live in South County, and the geographical composition of LAFCO has recently come under fire as Gourley seeks reappointment to the public member seat. (Commissioner Kate Daniels, a county supervisor, was absent and South County’s Chris Lopez attended as an alternate.) The Vista Lucia project will add 771 acres to the city and calls for 3,498 homes over a 30-year periods, doubling the number of homes in the city. It also calls for 79 acres of parks and three news schools. LandWatch Monterey County has opposed various elements of the project, citing the cost of the eventual housing, that an agricultural easement is located nine miles away rather than adjacent to the land and the use of groundwater. “We definitely need more housing, but we don’t need more large single-family homes that cost $700,000 or $800,000,” LandWatch Executive Director Michael DeLapa says. “That isn’t going to help the people in our community.” Commissioners met behind closed doors earlier in the meeting to discuss a potential lawsuit from LandWatch over the project’s water supply. “LAFCO cannot approve the annexation without a legal water supply and must instead deem the annexation application incomplete,” attorney Mathew Emrick wrote to LAFCO on Sept. 14 on behalf of LandWatch. Big Niño Big Sur locals and officials prepare for a strong El Niño post-fires. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS PUBLIC SAFETY Seaside Fire Department hosts an open house to share information about fire safety. The event includes interactive activities, live demonstrations, a barbecue and more. 10am-1pm Saturday, Oct. 3. Seaside Fire Department, 1635 Broadway Ave., Seaside. Free. (831) 899-6790, ci.seaside.ca.us. OPEN DOORS North County Fire welcomes all to its open house. Meet local firefighters, take part in station tours and join other activities. 5-8pm Tuesday, Oct. 6. Fire Station 1, 11200 Speegle St., Castroville. Free. (831) 633-2578, ncfpd.org. GUN SHY Marina City Council meets to consider extending a ban on new firearm businesses for an additional year, among other agenda items. Public input is accepted. 6:30pm Tuesday, Oct. 6. Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina. org. FLU FIGHTERS Salinas Valley Health offers a community flu vaccine clinic. The clinic is open to all. 4-7pm Wednesday, Oct. 7. Main Street Middle School, 441 Main St., Soledad. Free. (831) 759-1890, salinasvalleyhealth.com/flu. MEET THE CANDIDATES League of Women Voters of Monterey County moderates a candidate forum for Salinas mayor (6-7pm) and City Council (7:158:30pm). 6-8:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 7. Hartnell College, Steinbeck Hall, Student Center Building C, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 648-8683, my.lwv.org/california/monterey-county. FIRED UP Marina Fire Department opens its doors to the public with live demonstrations, food vendors and activities. The open house focuses on how to safely use and charge lithium ion batteries. 3:30-6:30pm Thursday, Oct. 8. Fire Station 1, 208 Palm Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 275-1700, cityofmarina.org. SAFE STREETS Transportation Agency for Monterey County is developing its Active Transportation Plan with the goal to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. The public is invited to share thoughts through a survey. Survey ongoing at bit.ly/ TAMCActiveTransport. Growth Spur LAFCO approves annexation for Vista Lucia, a 3,500-home development in Gonzales. By Celia Jiménez Burn scars from the Timber Fire at Manuel Peak are visible just northeast of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. More than 55,000 acres have burned in two fires in Big Sur. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “You have to prepare yourselves and your properties.” CAL FIRE
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