Our core pillars
RESILIENCE
Big Sur is a place of beauty, strength, and creativity, but it’s also a place that faces unique and repeated challenges from wildfire, flooding, and long-term road closures. That’s why Resilience is one of CABS’ 3 core pillars. For us, resilience means ensuring our community can prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster together.
CABS supports resilience in Big Sur through two primary programs,
Disaster Relief and Fire Adapted Big Sur
Disaster Relief
“Big Sur is no stranger to fire, flood, and road closures.”
Since 2008, CABS has served as a lifeline in times of disaster—from wildfires and landslides to bridge collapses and long-term road closures. We act as a critical liaison between government agencies, donors, and our local community, helping ensure that resources reach those who need them most, as quickly as possible.
Thanks to generous donors and strong partnerships, we’ve raised over $4 million to support disaster recovery in Big Sur. In 2024 alone, we helped nearly 1,000 residents and workers with direct aid totaling over $300,000.
“What never changes is how crucial financial support is when our worlds get turned upside down.”
— Patte Kronlund, CABS Executive Director
Our Disaster Relief Services Include:
Post-emergency financial aid
Shared road repair grants
Water and septic repair cost assistance
Advocacy and coordination with local, state, and federal officials
Pre-emergency preparedness outreach
Reliable communication via email updates
Connecting residents to external recovery resources
“The financial aid checks CABS sent us… have significantly lifted some of my financial stress… Knowing that there is an association of good-hearted folks… well, that just makes my heart glad.”
— Ashley Seefeldt, South Coast Resident
Want to support our disaster relief efforts?
Fire Adapted Big Sur (FABS)
A wildfire-resilient Big Sur starts with informed and prepared residents. Fire Adapted Big Sur (FABS) is a CABS program dedicated to helping our community live more safely with wildfire—before, during, and after it happens.
Through Firewise USA® recognition, the Big Sur Chipping Program, strategic partnerships with local fire agencies, landscape treatments, and community outreach on topics including defensible space, home hardening, safety and evacuation, and fire insurance, FABS helps build a Big Sur that’s fire-informed, proactive, and empowered. Since the program launched in June, 2022, FABS has received more than $2 million in grant awards and local funding.
FABS operates from Post Mile Marker 70 to the San Luis Obispo County line, aligning with the service areas of Big Sur Fire and Mid-Coast Fire Brigade.
Join us in building a safer, more fire-resilient Big Sur.
At CABS, we believe in the strength of community. As part of Big Sur’s Incident Command alongside Big Sur Fire, the Big Sur Health Center, Big Sur’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, we help lead local response and recovery during disasters.
We partner closely with the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), a key ally in times of crisis, and proudly serve on the advisory board for CFMC’s new Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) program. Through programs like Disaster Relief and FABS, and in collaboration with local organizations, we’re committed to helping Big Sur prepare for, withstand, and recover from whatever comes next.
With your support, we can keep building a more resilient Big Sur.
