Thank you both for asking. I spoke to Deb about an hour ago. She was on her way to Carlsbad. She said the road south from LA wasn't bad. However, it was bumper to bumper heading North. I suppose that is largely due to those folks having to evacuate.
I had been gone for several days and was rather surprised (more amused) to read the posts regarding my phone call to EDOT...more to follow on that.
Laurie