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For Immediate Release
July 8, 2020

State Order Issued for Monterey County
Selected Businesses Must Move Activities Outdoors or Close

The state health officer has issued an order for Monterey County which imposes new restrictions as part of statewide actions to slow the spread of coronavirus.

This order will take effect Wednesday, July 8th and remain in effect for at least three weeks. These restrictions can only be changed or modified by another state health order.

Monterey County is subject to these restrictions because it is exceeding state health indicators and was placed on the State’s “watch list.” The order requires some businesses and activities to move their activities outdoors and some businesses to close completely.

Here is a breakdown of impacts:

The following sectors will be ordered to close both indoor and outdoor operations and service:
• Bars, breweries, pubs, and brewpubs, including bars located at permitted indoor and outdoor food facilities.

The following sectors will be allowed to continue to operate with restrictions:

• Dine-in restaurants must close indoor seating to customers. During this closure all dine-in restaurants may continue to utilize outdoor seating and must comply with the guidance for dine-in restaurants. Restaurants should continue to encourage takeout and delivery service whenever possible.

• Wineries and tasting rooms must close indoor services to customers. During this closure all wineries and tasting rooms must comply with the guidance for restaurants, wineries, and bars.

• Family entertainment centers and movie theaters must close indoor services and attractions to customers.
√ Family entertainment centers may continue to provide outdoor services to customers and must comply with the guidance for movie theaters and family entertainment centers.

√ Drive-in movie theaters may continue to operate and should follow additional applicable guidance for retailers of Drive-In Movie Theaters.

• Indoor attractions at zoos and museums must close to visitors.
√ Zoos and museums may continue to operate outdoor attractions and must
follow the guidance for zoos, museums.

• Cardrooms must close indoor services to customers and must follow the
guidance for cardrooms.

These restrictions will stay in place until three weeks after the County no longer exceeds specific criteria. The County will report daily on the criteria, so the community is urged to monitor the daily reports.

We all must do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please continue to do your part by wearing face coverings, keeping your distance from others, staying home when sick and not attending social gatherings. These actions can improve the health of our community and reopen our businesses.

For more information on how to keep yourself and your family healthy, visit www.mtyhd.org/covid19.
###

DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS STATE ORDER

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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For Immediate Release July 6, 2020

Governor Announces Selected Businesses Must Move Activities Outdoors or Close

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that six additional counties, including Monterey County, will be subject to new restrictions as part of statewide actions to slowthe spread of coronavirus. Monterey County was recently added to the State’s “watch list,” and is one of the six counties.

While an official order has not yet issued, we anticipate that the State will order some businesses in Monterey County to move their activities outdoors, and some businesses to close completely. An effective date for these changes is not yet known but the County will alert the community as soon as more information is available.

We expect that the following sectors will be ordered to close both indoor and outdoor operations and service:
➢ Bars, breweries, pubs, and brewpubs, including bars located at permitted indoor and outdoor food facilities.

We also expect the following to be ordered:
➢ Dine-in restaurants must close indoor seating to customers. During this closure all dine-in restaurants may continue to utilize outdoor seating and must comply with the guidance for dine-in restaurants. Restaurants should continue to encourage takeout and delivery service whenever possible.

➢ Wineries and tasting rooms must close indoor services to customers. During this closure all wineries and tasting rooms must comply with the guidance for restaurants, wineries, and bars.

➢ Family entertainment centers and movie theaters must close indoor services and attractions to customers.

✓ Family entertainment centers may continue to provide outdoor services to customers, and must comply with the movie theaters and family entertainment centers.

✓ Drive-in movie theaters may continue to operate and should follow additional applicable guidance for retailers of Drive-In Movie Theaters.
➢ Indoor attractions at zoos and museums must close to visitors.

✓ Zoos and museums may continue to operate outdoor attractions and must follow the guidance for zoos, museums.

➢ Cardrooms must close indoor services to customers and must follow the guidance for cardrooms.

“We all have a responsibility in slowing this disease and protecting the most vulnerable among us. We will follow the Governor’s directive and expect all residents, visitors andbusiness owners to do so as well,” said Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno. “Let’s all do our part by wearing face coverings, keeping our distance from others, staying home when sick and not attending social gatherings.”

Monterey County health officials remind all residents there is still a statewide stay at home order in effect and social gatherings are known places where COVID-19 is spread. For more information on how to keep yourself and your family healthy, visit www.mtyhd.org/covid19.

Download Press Release PDF

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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@LosPadresNF

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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News Release For Immediate Release July 1, 2020 Media Contact: Andrew Madsen (805) 895-0841 andrew.madsenusda.gov www.facebook.com/lpnf Twitter: @LosPadresNF Fourth of July visitors reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on Los Padres National Forest GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials are reminding Fourth of July visitors that the possession or use of fireworks—including the “safe and sane” variety—is always prohibited in the Forest. This year-round prohibition will be strictly enforced throughout the holiday weekend. A violation of the law could result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone causing a wildfire is potentially liable for the cost of suppressing the fire. The Forest asks that all visitors take the appropriate precautions to prevent accidental wildfires: Under high fire restrictions, campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds and must always be attended by a responsible person. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit can use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel outside of designated Campfire Use Sites. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from our website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf). You must clear all flammable material for 10 feet in all directions from your camp stove, have a shovel and water available nearby, and ensure that a responsible person always attends the stove when it is in use. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed campground. Internal or external combustion engines require properly installed, functional spark arresters. This requirement is in effect year-round. Avoid parking vehicles on grass, as hot engines can ignite dry vegetation. Contact the Ranger Station nearest your destination for the latest conditions. Under a current Forest Order, campfires are prohibited outside of developed campgrounds and can result in a fine of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Due to the alarming rise in illegal campfires associated with dispersed camping across national forests in California, visitors are encouraged to report any signs of dispersed campfires to the nearest Forest Service Officer or Ranger Station. To report a fire or other emergency, call 911. Download the PDF of this press release so you can post it publicly

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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Guidelines for Big Sur Businesses regarding COVID-19 Testing Recommendations from Monterey County Public Health

If an employee develops symptoms of COVID illness, that person should be referred for immediate evaluation and testing and should quarantine until results are received. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms are broad and, per CDC (Center for Communicable Disease), include any of the following:

• Headache
• Fever of 100 degrees or greater/chills Congestion/runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Muscle/body aches
• New onset of loss of smell or taste

If the test result of an employee is positive, the Health Center will report the result immediately to the Health Department. The Health Dept. will assign a case investigator to follow up with the employee for contact tracing.

They will follow up with anyone the person has been around since 2 days before the infected person started feeling sick. With the permission of the employee, the Health Center will also report the result to the employer (this follows Monterey County Public Health Department protocol).

The business is required to notify ALL other employees, whether or not they were in contact with the infected employee. However, for protection of privacy, the notice should be a generic notification of the discovery of an infected employee without revealing the person’s name.

After testing positive and recovering, a person may not have a negative test for a long time, although after 10 days they are unlikely to have viable virus/contagion. Retesting is NOT recommended.

A person who tests positive needs to continue to quarantine. They may return to work once it has been at least 10 days since symptom onset (14 days is encouraged), their symptoms are clearly improving, and they have not had a fever x 72 hours (3 days). They must have been off Tylenol or Ibuprophen during that 72 hours. All close contacts (co-workers, household members, friends, or anyone else who has been within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 minutes since 2 days before the person first had symptoms) need to be tested. Contacts include co-workers, The County does not distinguish between “2 days” and ”48 hours.” Werecommend erring on the side of caution.

Co-workers (in close contact) of positive cases must quarantine x 14 days from the last time they worked with the positive person, whether or not they have had a negative COVID test. If they develop symptoms, they must be seen and evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If an asymptomatic person tests positive, they must quarantine x 14 days since their test. Most people will show symptoms within 5 to 7 days, but it can take up to 14 days after exposure. If the person develops symptoms, they must be seen by a healthcare provider.

If a hotel’s overnight guest develops symptoms, they should be referred for immediate testing and should quarantine until results are received. If the test result is positive, the same procedure will be followed as if the guest were an employee. Some guests arrive by air and may have no way to return home for purposes of quarantine. The business can call Monterey County Public Health for assistance with placement of the guest into a designated hotel for the remainder of quarantine. If you have difficulty connecting with the Health Dept. please call Big Sur Health Center for assistance at (831) 667-2580.

For more information regarding guidelines for the business community, please go to: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/home/showdocument?id=90872

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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MONTEREY COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MARY L. ADAMS, SUPERVISOR – FIFTH DISTRICT
May 26, 2020

Greetings, Everyone~

What a confusing and complex time in which we find ourselves living. As so many of us, I am heartbroken by the events of these past two weeks. The tragic killing of George Floyd has affected us all. Everything is linked together and Mr. Floyd’s death has underscored the racial disparity of the pandemic as it affects our county.

In addition, so much has changed in the last two weeks with the posting of the County’s Variance by the State. To help make sense of these changes and understand what has been a rapidly evolving situation, we are planning two virtual meetings next week.

The first meeting is geared toward our Monterey Peninsula community. I will be having a conversation with medical, business, and city leaders about how restaurants and retail shops are working to open in new ways that protect workers, customers, and you – our community. It will be an opportunity for me to ask the experts many of the questions you have posed to me and my office.

The second meeting is with my colleague Supervisor Jane Parker. As the Board of Supervisors’ Non-Emergency Medical and Personal Services Ad Hoc Committee, we have planned a town hall geared toward businesses in these industries. It will be an information sharing opportunity.

As always, I am committed to keeping you informed. I will keep sharing what I know with you, as well as attempting to get your questions answered. We remain in uncharted territory, but I know together, we can make it through this challenging time.

You can find all the information about how to join either of these upcoming meetings below. Thanks for your support and let’s keep strong in the face of such challenges.

Best,
Mary.

Mary L. Adams, Supervisor
Fifth District, County of Monterey

Road to Recovery: A Discussion of how restaurants and retail shops are working hard to prepare for opening in new ways that protect workers, customers, and you – our community.
Wednesday, June 10th
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Join the webinar:
https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/91335891919
Or Telephone:
1-669-900-6833 or 1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 913 3589 1919

Reopening Personal Care Services: A Informational Meeting for Businesses
Thursday, June 11th
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/96306672642
or Telephone:
1-699-900-6833
Meeting Code: 96306672642#

Submit advanced questions using the below link.
https://forms.gle/o7hf27rLntfomiTc7

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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COVID-19 Community Response GroupMeeting Notes
June 1, 2020

Attendees (via Zoom):

20thCongressional District, State Senate District 17, 30thAssembly District, Cal State Parks, US Forest Service, 5thDistrict Supervisor, Parks Management Company, Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Big Sur Health Center, Esalen Institute, Big Sur Fire, Big Sur CERT, and the Community Association of Big Sur

Big Sur Health Center:
Executive Director Sharen Carey reports:
· There are still no known cases of COVID-19 in the Big Sur planning area.
· The Health Center is working with local employers by providing free COVID-19 testing.
· Kirk to send out a reminder to the Chamber email list that this service is available.
· Urges everyone to be wary of scams popping up on line and by telephone.
· Bottom line defense against contracting the virus: Assume it is in Big Sur and take all precautions recommended : wearing facemasks in public, social distancing, frequent handwashing.

Big Sur Fire, Chief Matt Harris:
Chief Matt Harris reports:
· Emergency Services are operating at status quo.

Fifth District Supervisor. Yuri Anderson for Supervisor Mary Adams.
· Unable to attend today’s meeting.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Kirk Gafill reports:
· The State of California approved Monterey County’s attestation letter on Saturday allowing some easing of the SIP orders.
· Kirk and Rick Aldinger expressed gratitude to the Supervisors as well as Senator Monning and Assembly Member Rivas for engaging with Sacramento to facilitate communication leading to this transition in SIP status.
· With PPP funds nearly expended and the Federal UI subsidy set to expire next month, it is critical that Monterey County move expeditiously, as health metrics allow, toward reopening the economy.
· Rick reported that LA County has declared that “Lodging” is “essential” in that County. Could be a precedent for Monterey County?
· Diana Ballantyne expressed frustration with the lack of movement on opening Campgrounds.

Community Emergency Response Team, Martha Karstens:
· CERT radio repeater has been worked on.
· Received a grant from CERV to cover expenses to equip the graduating CERT group.
· Final hands on testing for new group on 6/20/20. (one day shy of the 12thanniversary of the Basin Complex Fire).

USFS, LPNF Monterey District Ranger. For Tim Short, Fin Eifert:
· A new Forest Order has taken effect today. Developed and undeveloped camp sites remain closed as well as Plaskett Ridge, Los Burros and the South Coast Ridge Rds.
· Butch stated that there is a blatant disregard for the closure, manifested by destruction of any signs, barricades, cones, gates and fences that serve to deter the public. The situation requires boots on the ground from the jurisdiction managing the land. The County Sheriff, DFG and CHP cannot be the sole enforcers of the FO. The Forest Service is not meeting the challenge adequately. Fin acknowledged that capacity of USFS law enforcement is currently limited at best.

California State Parks, Monterey District Superintendent Brent Marshall and Big Sur Sector Superintendent Marcos Ortega:
· State Parks considering opening Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Day Use areas on June 12th with campground potentially opening June 21st.
· Currently, Day Use areas at Andrew Molera State Park, Garrapata State Park Beach and Soberanes are seeing generally acceptable levels of usage and compliance with social distancing.
· Parks is working with the Park concessionaire to get the Lodge open on June 12th as well.

Parks Management Company, Brian Cushman, CEO:
· Had connection issues but indicated high interest in getting the campgrounds open when allowed.

Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Mike Splain, ED:
· Since our last call on Wednesday, 1 patrol (4 Rangers) worked in the Marble Peak area maintaining trail and removing fire rings. Patrol advised 4 backpackers that they were in violation of the FO as well as 4 hikers on the long closed Terrace Creek Trail.
· VWA has received some grant money to support a back country permit system pilot project. Butch offered to bring a grant request to the CABS Board to further support this innovation in managing the public accessing the Forest.

Esalen Institute. Lacy Shannon:
· Esalen is striving to be sustainable, creative and relevant in response to the ongoing uncertainty.
· Esalen is seeking guidance on the nuances involved in partially opening. Kirk offered that networking with the Board of Supervisors for a specific need may be necessary and that decisions affecting the status of SIP in Monterey County flow through the Supervisors, the County Counsel Charles McKee and the County Health Officer Dr. Moreno.

17thState Senate District, Colleen Courtney for Senator Bill Monning:
· Unable to call in today.

20thCongressional District, Katie Moon and Phil Deppert on behalf of Congressman Jimmy Panetta.
· Phil took notes on the challenges the County is experiencing in moving in a timely way from one state of SIP to another and will convey those concerns to Congressman Panetta.
· Katie offered that the Congressional staff is available to constituents for issues with SBA loans and/or stimulus checks.

30thAssembly District, Dominic Dursa for Assembly Member Robert Rivas:
· Wants Big Sur constituents to know that Assembly Member Rivas office available to help with issues with EDD (Unemployment Insurance) 60 West Market Street, Suite 110, Salinas, CA 93901 District Office: (831) 759-8676 | Cell: (916) 470-4552
· The State budget process is underway with a target date of June 15thfor passage. Consensus exists around the idea of borrowing money to provide funding for programs as opposed to slashing programs.

Community Association of Big Sur, Butch Kronlund. ED:
· CABS successfully navigated the processes for applying for and receiving both Federal PPP and SBA EIDL assistance.
· The SBA EIDL proceeds will be used predominantly to cover costs associated with completing the Big Sur Destination Stewardship Plan (DSP) and to seed fund any pilot projects emerging from the plan.
· CABS is continuing to work to identify and provide financial support for those residents most vulnerable. To date 109 Families have received $135k.
· Referenced the current unrest sweeping the country as an alarm bell signaling the end of 400 years of racial injustice as well as an urgent call to get our economy working again as soon as possible.
· Asked for a voice vote on moving the meeting day to Wednesday. All were in favor.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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Los Padres National Forest extends recreation site closure until June 14

GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials today announced that campgrounds managed by concessionaire will remain closed through June 14 in an effort to remain consistent with state and local health guidelines that promote safe social distancing and discourage large gatherings.

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT Forest Order No. 05-07-51-20-12 Developed Campground and Road Closure

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Ranger District. This Order is effective from June 2, 2020, through June 14, 2020.

Entering or using a Developed Recreation Site (campground) managed by Parks Management Company listed below and shown on the attached map.

a. Plaskett Creek
b. Kirk Creek
c. Bottchers Gap
d. Ponderosa
e. Nacimiento
f. Arroyo Seco
g. Memorial Park
h. Escondido
i. White Oaks
j. China Camp

36 CFR 261.58(b).

Being on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map PDF (see below).

a. Forest Road No. 22S05 (South Coast Ridge Road)
b. Forest Road No. 23S01 (Los Burros (Willow Creek) Road)
c. Forest Road No. 23S02 (Plaskett Ridge Road)

36 CFR 261.54(e).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State or local officer, public utilities employee, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Owners or lessees of private land are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.
3. Residents are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their residences.
4. Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from this Order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Goleta, California, this 1st day of June, 2020.

Kevin B. Elliott
Forest Supervisor
Los Padres National Forest

Forest Order No. 05-07-51-20-12 PDF

CAMPGROUND CLOSURE MAP PDF

From the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce:
From my conversation with Andrew Madson, backcountry trailheads along the Big Sur coast will be reopened and available to the public Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The closure of the developed campgrounds is in keeping in concert with the County of Monterey and State Parks.
Stan Russell

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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PRESS RELEASE Saturday May 30, 2020 California Department of Public Health has approved and posted the Monterey County COVID-19 County Variance Attestation The California Department of Public Health has approved and posted the Monterey County COVID-19 County Variance Attestation Form which allows Monterey County to advance into expanded Stage 2 (including all “stage 2 with attestation” businesses on the image below.) Expanded Stage 2 allows the following to open in Monterey County: Dine-in Restaurants: other amenities, like bars or gaming areas, are not permitted in Stage 2 Hair salons and barber shops Schools with modifications Earlier this week, the Governor announced that places of worship and shopping malls would be allowed under early stage 2. A new Shelter-in-Place Order was also issued yesterday to reflect the changes. Travel for non-essential activities is still not allowed. Apart from worship services, gatherings of people not from your household are not permitted. Guidance for the newly allowed businesses is posted on the Monterey County Health Department’s website. For more information on the variance process visit https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap-counties/

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

COVID-19 Community Response Group Meeting Notes May 27, 2020

Attendees (via Zoom):

20thCongressional District, State Senate District 17, Cal State Parks, US Forest Service, 5thDistrict Supervisor, Parks Management Company, Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Big Sur Health Center, Esalen Institute, Big Sur Fire, Big Sur CERT, and the Community Association of Big Sur

Big Sur Health Center:
Executive Director Sharen Carey reports:
· There are still no known cases of COVID-19 in the Big Sur planning area.
· The BSHC will begin offering COVID-19 testing to EMPLOYEES of BIG SUR BUSINESSES. The health Center will provide this service at no cost. There is also no laboratory charge. Insurance or CA State will pick up the cost of the lab test. Testing will be by APPOINTMENT ONLY, beginning on June 2nd . Results are available in 48 hours on average. Testing will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and all day Thursdays and Fridays.
The Health Center expects to initially be able to test 25 people per day.
· The health center plans to open the testing to families and others in Big Sur at a later date.
· Testing is also available at 3 other locations in Monterey County. EMPLOYEES RESIDING ON THE PENINSULA ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE MPC OR OTHER TESTING SITES to minimize impact on the health center.
· Bottom line defense against contracting the virus: Assume it is in Big Sur and take all precautions recommended : wearing facemasks in public, social distancing, frequent handwashing.

Big Sur Fire, Chief Matt Harris:
Chief Matt Harris reports:
· Big Sur Fire experienced heavy increase in visitation over Memorial weekend, including a carry out of an injured hiker on the closed Salmon Creek trail.
· BSF is utilizing their cache of PPE on each call out. Supply is currently adequate.
· Annual Muster is postponed indefinitely.
· Expressed support for increased control of dispersed camping areas through utilization of locked gates on access roads (Plaskett Ridge, Los Burros etc.).
· Butch and Tim cited a Visitor Use Management process that could lead to that outcome.

Fifth District Supervisor. Yuri Anderson for Supervisor Mary Adams.
· The BOS submitted a letter to the State of Ca. supporting the Monterey County Health Departments attestation stating the county has met the metrics necessary to transition to late stage level 2 of the state SIP order. This means an easing of the state restrictions on some business activities.
· The county attestation indicates that local businesses will follow guidelines and protocols created by the state.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Rick Aldinger Diana Ballantyne, and Mike Higgins report:

· Despite state SIP orders, visitors arrived over the Memorial weekend.
· Top priority is to keep staff and community safe while being partially open.
· Paradoxically, by having more options for visiting public, community and staff can maintain proper social distancing.
· A key to being able to conduct business safely is messaging to visitors on what they can expect when they come to Big Sur. As an example, Post Ranch Inn (projected to open on July 5th) is providing potential guests with a pre-registration list of policies and expected behaviors, transparency on their state of the art cleaning procedures and reduction of numbers of in restaurant diners.

Community Emergency Response Team, Martha Karstens:
· Zoom trainings continue.
· Hands on training scheduled for the end of June.

USFS, LPNF Monterey District Ranger Tim Short:
· A new Forest Order is slated to take effect on June 1st. This new order will likely open the coastside trails but continue to keep closed the developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas on the south coast of Big Sur.
· USFS continues to monitor State and County C-19 guidelines and strives to coordinate accessibility by the public with what State Parks and County Parks is allowing.
· Butch expressed gratitude for the Forest’s effort to coordinate with State and County Parks to sync up each jurisdiction’s status.

Ca. State Parks, Superintendent Brent Marshall:
· Introduced Sector Superintendent Marcos Ortega. Marcos grew up in Big Sur and is filling a vacant high level management position devoted to Big Sur State Park properties.
· Parks continues to open select day use areas that it deems possible to maintain safe social distancing. The public and the Big Sur community can expect that a few select day use areas will continue to be available for outdoor recreation this upcoming weekend.
· Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park as well as Point Lobos will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
· 25 citations for violation of the park closures were written with 250 verbal warnings given as well.
· Kirk thanked Brent for continuing to work toward further opening of the Parks properties.

Parks Management Company, Brian Cushman, CEO:
· Day Use Areas (Pfeiffer Beach, Willow Creek, Sand Dollar and Mill Creek) were open over the weekend. Attendance was heavy on the south coast and at capacity at Pfeiffer Beach, but below typical highs for the period.
· Lime Kiln Beach was opened, adding to the inventory of day use areas open to the public.
· Poised to opening developed campgrounds once the County, State and USFS SIP guidelines allow.

Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Mike Splain, ED:
· VWA had 9 Rangers conduct 7 patrols (92 volunteer hours). 4 of those patrols were on closed coastside trails.
· 161 visitor interactions.
· Encountered 28 people on the closed Salmon Creek trail.
· Hauled out 8lbs of trash and removed 4 fire rings.
· Had an encounter with an illegal mountain biker on the Kirk Creek trail.
· South coast trail head signs and cones vandalized. (Sigh).

Esalen Institute, Lacy Shannon:
· Targeting reopening of the campus on July 5th, subject to local and state SIP guidelines, at reduced occupancy.
· Shared accommodations (Bunk beds and sleeping bags in communal rooms) will no longer be offered.
· Although there is no timeline, local bathing opportunities are on the radar and hope to make that available soon.

17thState Senate District, Colleen Courtney for Senator Bill Monning:
· Senator Monning is currently working on legislation that enhances accessibility and affordability of health care (SB977) as well as creating a strong environmental mitigation plan for an endangered toad that could facilitate widening Highway 156 between Prunedale and Castroville.
· The Senator is also working with his peers to create a state budget that takes COVID-19 in account. Important to his rural constituents and a major focus of the budget conversation is wild fire preparedness. More details on the state budget process during COVID-19 can be found here:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/14/governor-newsom-submits-may-revision-budget-proposal-to-legislature-5-14-20/ http://www.ebudget.ca.gov

20thCongressional District, Katie Moon on behalf of Congressman Jimmy Panetta.
· Congressman Panetta is back in D.C. voting on new legislation.
· One piece is the bi-partisan PPP flexibility Act. It will ensure that businessowners have more time to use their PPP loan funds, as well as allow more of the loan be forgiven. It will extend the program to 12/31/20 and forgiveness period of the PPP beyond the initial 8 week period to 24 weeks.
· Participated in a Ways and Means Committee hearing on the disproportionate impact of C-19 on communities of color. Rep Panetta focused on the need for expanded food assistance programs and protections for farm workers
· The congressman, along with Senator Monning, Supervisor Adams and Assemblyman Rivas are concerned about a lack of outreach to all concerned parties regarding the proposed south coast surveillance tower. They have met and communicated with Ca. Coastal Commission staff. As a result, the deadline for public comment has been extended beyond June 15th. To make
comments regarding the CBP surveillance tower contact: Larry Simon, Ca. Coastal Commission Manager, Federal Consistency Unit larry.simon
· Katie reports that the proposed tower would be installed temporarily (1year pilot project). That the height of the tower may be reduced in height from 80’ to 30’ tall and that the surveillance would only be capable of looking out to sea.
· The congressman is working to support USFS and ensure that FS personnel have the tools and resources needed to safely mitigate and fight wildland fires during the pandemic.

Community Association of Big Sur, Butch Kronlund. ED:
· Butch reported that our Executive Board has been working hard with the Big Sur business community to identify those community members most financially vulnerable. Due to the generosity of the Community Foundation for Monterey County and Twitter Founder Jack Dorsey, among others in the Big Sur community, CABS has distributed over $135k to 109 Big Sur families.
· CABS continuing to make incremental progress in bringing land based Broad Band internet into Big Sur. (Not 5G!!!).

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation