SurCATS was founded in 1998 in response to the El Nino disaster situation in Big Sur. As a result of the Basin Complex Fire this year, the organization has re-invented itself and is focused upon providing clear and accurate information about the dynamic situations Big Sur will face this winter. The mission of the organization is to provide the community with a trusted information source for current, accurate information on disaster related topics. SurCATS committee leaders include: Barbara Ray Daughters, Nadine Clark, and Lisa Goettel, who are coordinating closely with CERT Team leaders Dick Ravich and Mary Trotter. Frank Pinney of the Big Sur Fire Brigade and representatives from involved agencies and local organizations.

Seeing a need for a central community resource during the Basin Complex Fire, Big Sur resident Lisa Goettel contacted Todd Millard and Denise Clark, who created a site that was instrumental in helping the flood-devestated areas of Eastern Iowa this summer - www.2008flood.org. They readily agreed to give the site code to us to copy and customize for our use so we could have a fully-functional resource to use quickly. This became http://surfire2008.org, which has since been re-invented as http://SurCATS.org for ongoing winter communications.

This site is now maintained and supported by a team of Big Sur residents, led by Lisa Goettel and Tara Sluyter, along with a team of several volunteer contributors.

All site postings in the Needs, Offerings, Notices and Thanks sections are on the honor system for those in need and those who wish to help. Who or how to help is at your discretion based on what you can offer. This site depends on the basic good nature of all of us in Big Sur to "Do the Right Thing"!

This website not responsible for ensuring true needs requests, that posted needs will be met, the accuracy of information posted or the safety and security of either poster or provider. There is no screening process for housing or other offers and it is up to the participating parties to make their own agreements/ arrangements. Now, FORGET the lawyer crap and help people.