Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Daylight savings has finally arrived, meaning more time outdoors and warmer temperatures enjoyed by those of us who don’t thrive in the cold dark months.  And to those of you who celebrate the holiday, let me wish you a happy Easter.  By the way, did you know that ALL chocolate covered bunnies have been banned this Easter to help protect the species from abuse?   Haha, just kidding, April Fools!  Of course, we all look forward to April 15th as the deadline to file personal income taxes.   And speaking of taxes, isn’t it super that the government stimulus checks we received in 2020, and forthcoming again, are tax-free?  I hope these financial gifts are being put to good use, and back into the economy to help the many charities, businesses and their employees who have struggled of late.

In case you haven’t noticed, the long-awaited replacement of the Avila Beach Lifeguard Tower #2 mural panel was installed by artist Colleen Gnos and her team on March 5th.   I have written several times about the theft of the original panel, which occurred in late 2019.  It was a long and arduous road to restore this beautiful artwork, but the end product looks great.  Be sure to look for some photos and a related story in this month’s issue of the Avila Beach Life print publication mailed to your home.   If you are new to the community, take a trip down to the beach and see both Lifeguard Tower murals.  They have become a cherished Avila asset.

Next, I would like to be among those to welcome our newest SLO County District 3 Supervisor.  Dawn Ortiz-Legg was chosen to replace former Supervisor Adam Hill, and has been busy getting up to speed on all aspects of the job.  Dawn has been present at Zoom meetings of the Avila Valley Advisory Council for a few months, and I also had the opportunity for a personal “get to know you” Zoom meeting with her last month.  My initial impression of Supervisor Ortiz-Legg is that she brings a lot of enthusiasm to the position, arrives at meetings highly prepared, and is up to the task of representing  Avila Beach interests, along with the other communities in her district.

You may be aware of recent concerns expressed by members of the community regarding the homeless encampment up at Cave Landing.  It has certainly been a hot topic discussed at recent AVAC meetings, where representatives of various SLO County agencies have been tasked to address the situation.  To no one’s surprise, but of great consternation, there are no easy resolutions to the situation.  It is said that as many as 100 persons occupy the homeless encampment, which is not equipped with any supervision, waste management or sanitation, thus presenting a dangerous and unhealthy environment.  Among the present obstacles are a lack of County resources, both funding and personnel, to say nothing about the biggest hurdle being the Coastal Commission and that agency’s insistence that all public beach areas be 24-hour accessible.  While enforcing restricted hours, or installing a gate during hours of closure, seem a common-sense approach to the problem, that may never come to fruition.  Don’t get me wrong.  I have great compassion and sympathy for people lacking housing the result of poverty, mental health issues, or by choice.  Better alternatives must be made available to provide safer quarters for not only the homeless, but also other members of the community who just want to enjoy our public spaces.  We did learn at the March AVAC meeting that the SLO County Parks and Recreation Department is pursuing grant money to help ameliorate the Cave Landing problem.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

I wonder how many of you have noticed the ever-escalating value of homes in Avila Beach and our surrounding areas.  As a sometimes hobby in times of boredom, I log onto websites showing listings and sales in Avila and Shell Beach.  Homes don’t stay on the market very long before they are sold, especially those under $1 million, of which there are few.  And the growing number of multi-million-dollar properties listed is mind boggling.  While I am aware that low interest rates, the arrival of retirees, second home owners, and relocation by professionals who can work remotely from anywhere have contributed to the scenario, I am still left in amazement by the soaring property values on the Central Coast.  I fear that the economic divide will become even greater, and fewer young people will be able to afford to live in SLO County.  I worry that downtown Avila is succumbing to the influx of vacation rental homes, packing in multitudes of visitors that can stretch our capacity and resources beyond management.  It seems that the train has left the station when it comes to controlling growth.  I thank my lucky stars for the 25 years my wife and I have resided in Avila, but I feel nostalgic for the slower-paced Avila of days past.  There is still much positive about life in Avila, so I guess I should stop complaining, “smell the roses”, and enjoy what we have.

In closing, I bring to you the seasonal reminder from CAL Fire Chief Paul Lee that it’s time to once again check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in working order, and replace the batteries if needed. It’s nice to have Chief Lee looking out for us. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  As we march into March, who knows what lies ahead?  We Do know that daylight savings arrives this year beginning Sunday, March 14th.  We DON’T yet know to what degree Major League baseball is able to return to normal operations, nor do we have a firm grasp of how much longer it will take for all willing area residents to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations.  Life trudges forward with little disruption for some of us, and greater upheaval for others.  Here in Avila Beach much looks fine and dandy on the surface, but not quite as much if we dig a bit deeper. 

Here at the Avila Beach Community Foundation, we continue to monitor the status of the agencies, programs and projects we support with badly needed funding.  As reported previously, our 2021 grantees were given the option to spend their grant funds in any ways deemed essential to continue operating or re-opening their organizations.  Ordinarily we mainly fund specific programs, services or projects, but the past year has called for flexibility.  When we sent this year’s grant award agreements, we asked recipient agencies to let us know how they intended to use their funds, and I want to share the following summary with you, which lists agency name, grant amount and intended use of funds………….

Avila Beach Civic Association ($8,000):  Community Center building maintenance, repairs, utilities, taxes, etc.
Avila Beach Jr. Lifeguards Program ($5,000):  General equipment purchases, scholarships, transportation.
Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School ($3,000):  Offset operational costs due to Pandemic response, such as increased health/safety measures, instructional technology oversight/repair/replacement.
Cancer Well-Fit ($4,000):  Continue/expand wellness program for cancer survivors in our community.
Central Coast Aquarium ($5,000):  Provide vital upgrade and maintenance of exhibits housing sea-life creatures.
KCBX Public Radio ($1,800):  Maintenance of transmitter that serves Avila Beach and South County.
Pt. San Luis Lighthouse Keepers ($4,300):  Facility maintenance and operations.
Noor Foundation of SLO ($3,700):  Clinical operations expenses such as medical supplies, outsourced diagnostics and medical staff.
Operation Surf ($2,000): General expenses for the week-long program held in Avila Beach that serves wounded military veterans.
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing ($2,000):  Supportive housing services for residents of Lachen Tara Apartments in Avila Beach.
Port San Luis Mutts Mitts Project ($5,000):  Purchase of dog waste bags and dispenser upkeep supplies.
Surfrider Foundation ($1,000):  Purchase of laboratory supplies for the Blue Water Task Force program for sampling water flowing into San Luis Creek and Avila Beach.
Avila Beach Life Publication ($4,000):  For monthly mail delivery of this local print news publication to residents and businesses in Avila Beach and Avila Valley.
SLO County Regional Transit Authority ($3,700):  For seasonal operation of the free Avila Beach Trolley.
PathPoint ($10,000):  For seasonal removal of sand transference and debris that collects along the beach boardwalk, planters and gutters on both sides of the Avila Promenade.
 
Moving along, I am pleased to announce the winner of our drawing among those who correctly completed the Bob Jones Trail Walking Quiz.  Congratulations to Suzanne T. in San Luis Bay Estates, who chose a gift card from Blue Moon Over Avila as her prize.  And I want to thank SLBE resident Rich N., who responded to my request last month seeking news of good deeds, actions or activities noticed during pandemic times.   He wrote: “We often see small groups of people picking up trash on the beach in the early morning. I'm guessing these are Avilones who think it important to keep the beaches clean, as do we. In a few short months we've encountered wildlife needing assistance (one-legged sea gull, dead sea lion, a pelican unable to fly, a distressed deer in Indian Hills, and a limping great blue heron on the golf course).  Knowing who to call has been challenging, and not always successful, but in terms of shout-outs, the people at Pacific Wildlife Care have been the most responsive and caring to deal with. Several evenings I've seen groups of Junior Lifeguards trainers on the beach. I've marveled at the exuberance, energy, and pure joy many of these young people bring to their task of training kids not much younger than them”.   Thank you for sharing, Rich!
 
I will continue to make space available in my column for community “shout-outs” like those above.  In these challenging times it’s even more important to recognize exemplary or heart-warming efforts.  If you have any to share, I ask that you please email them to avilafoundation@gmail.com. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Welcome to February, the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day and the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  By the time you read this, our country will have a new administration up and running.  Political preferences aside, I am sure you all share my desire that rhetoric and polarization will calm down so greater focus can be directed at defeating the destructive pandemic that continues to disrupt and take lives, and we can find our way back to normal.    
 
For those of you most alert observers, you may have noticed, perhaps with concern for my well-being, the new photo of me that appears at the top of this column.  If it seems that I have greatly aged overnight, possibly due to the stress of 2020, rest assured that’s not the case.  About two months ago I met a newer resident of our community who had only my newsletter photo as a point of reference.  When we came face to face for the first time, he said something to the effect that I look different than he expected.  While not a direct blow to my self-esteem, it was a reminder that I had been meaning to update my published photo for quite some time, but never got around to it since I am one of those camera-shy people.  So, rather than posing for a new portrait I instead searched the Foundation files for any group check passing photos that included me.  Finding a current one, I decided to see if I could figure out how to “Photo Shop” crop myself. Much to my surprise I, who lacks anything beyond the most basic computer skills, was able to pull it off.  Yay!  Just in case you are wondering, the photo that used to appear with my column was taken in 2006.  So, fifteen years have passed, and I hope I have aged gracefully enough.  After all, 70 is the new 55, isn’t it?
 
Moving on, I want to welcome the Avila Valley Advisory Council’s new board of officers for 2021.  Taking the reins as Chairperson is Steve Benedict.  Joining him are Vice-Chair Kirt Collins, Secretary Margaret Greenough, and Treasurer Denise Allen.   These four have served for several years on the Council, and are to be commended for stepping up when called upon to accept officer positions.  This is also the moment to thank three retiring AVAC officers who, following years of service, are finally able to step aside after grooming their replacements.   Kudos to Past Chair Jim Hartig, Past Secretary Mary Matakovich, and Past Treasurer Julia Hartzell.  You “veterans” have performed admirably, while setting a high bar for others to follow.  And last but not least, retiring AVAC board member Anne Brown was publicly acknowledged for her 20+ years of service on the Council by our new SLO County District 3 Supervisor Dawn Oritz-Legg.  You will be missed, Anne!  As I have often done in the past, let me again encourage all you Avilones to learn about and/or participate in meetings of the Avila Valley Advisory Council.  Known as “AVAC”, this body is the closest thing we have to an Avila Beach governing body, one in an important advisory capacity, and remains the best way to learn about issues in our local community.  Visit: www.avac-avila.org for information. 
 
By the way, at the January AVAC meeting I learned of some helpful resources you can contact regarding Covid-19 issues and updates.  SLO County Public Health Department has a “live” Hotline manned Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.  The number is 805-543-2444.  Dignity Health offers a recorded Covid-19 Hotline message at 805-332-8276, and a website with lots of Covid-19 related information you can access by logging onto: www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/frenchhospital/coronavirus.
 
Even though it took a while to impact us, SLO County has been experiencing an alarming influx of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations that should cause great concern.  The stories I read daily in the L.A. Times convey heart-breaking tales of lives being turned upside down, of people dying and of businesses shutting their doors permanently.  Since SLO County seems to be seen as a somewhat safer haven, many people from other parts of the state experiencing greater outbreaks and restrictions are making their way to our towns – especially Avila Beach, which seems as busy as ever, resulting in even more likely exposure to the virus.  This past year has been the most difficult ever for most of us, as we suffer more restrictions and isolation than thought possible. 
 
In closing, let me say how much I look forward to the day when I am no longer compelled to write about the distressing times we now face.  It’s been challenging to find a balance between reporting on the bad news and pointing out the good that also deserves mention.   In fact, I could use some help with the “good.”  If you have any feel-good stories to share about neighbors who have stepped up to help neighbors, I welcome the opportunity to provide some acknowledgement via this publication.  Send your “shout-outs” to: avilafoundation@gmail.com.

​That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Bellowing smoke and chugging into 2021 we go, but still with many unanswered questions ahead.  When will life return to normal?  Will the promise of a vaccine to fight Covid-19 be the miracle we have been waiting for?  Will a peaceful transition of power at the governmental level result in greater harmony among Americans now so very much divided by geography, economics and personal beliefs?  Only time will tell as we anxiously await to regain our footing here in Avila Beach, a community that has, for the most part, been a harbor of calm among otherwise choppy seas.
 
Avila will not truly become whole again until some of its most cherished assets reopen their doors for good.  The local community organizations, hospitality industry and recreational venues have suffered greatly, remaining just out of our reach.  The places we go and people with whom we congregate these days feels so odd, lacking the human touch and easily seen smiles we were accustomed to before the pandemic.  How good it will feel when we can once again hug, high-five, or peck on the cheeks of our friends and relatives.  It will feel so nice to sit shoulder to shoulder at tables while we dine indoors or outdoors.  It will be so refreshing to once again see kids and adults frolicking about without wearing masks and having to socially distance.  I can hardly wait to meet again without “zooming in.”
 
Remember when Avilones would gather at the Avila Community Center, visit the Central Coast Aquarium or tour the Pt. San Luis Lighthouse?  Remember seeing the Avila Free Trolley shuttling people around during the busy summer season?  Remember strolling along the Promenade during Farmers’ Market season, enjoying the aromas wafting from the food vendors and the rhythmic sounds of live music?  Maybe, just maybe, these activities and others will return sometime in 2021.  Even when the current health crisis has passed, it will be quite a challenge for our Avila-based organizations to ramp up again.  It won’t happen overnight, and will require a high degree of community support, the type that is being fostered by Debbie Collins, president and acting executive director of the Central Coast Aquarium.  Debbie stepped up last spring to provide volunteer leadership as Aquarium staff were laid off and doors locked due to the required shutdown.  She has since been scouring the community, seeking donations to build up financial resources that will enable the Aquarium to resume operations when the time comes.  Debbie also launched a Go Fund Me Campaign as part of her strategy.  So, if you want to donate through that platform, simply “google” GoFundMe Central Coast Aquarium, and you will find links to the website.
 
Speaking of volunteer leadership, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce the “Foundation’s” Board of Trustees for 2021.  It is this band of dedicated individuals that accepts responsibilities of agency governance, assures our portfolio is properly managed, maintains adherence to our mission, and ensures that our grant funds are well invested in the community.  This year’s Board Officers are:  President Mike Ginn, who has been with us since 2011; Vice President Cyndy Lakowske, who has been with us since 2017; Treasurer Richard Zacky, who joined the board in 2014; and Secretary Ellen Pitrowski, who joined the board in 2017.  Trustees at Large include:  Bev Aho, class of 2016; Lucinda Borchard, class of 2011; Joe Caradonna, class of 2019; Patrick Corrigan, class of 2019; Saul Goldberg, class of 2016; Percy Jones, class of 2012; Barbara Nicholson, class of 2018; Paul Prather, class of 2016.  Let me not forget to bid a fond farewell to departing Trustee Brooke Salvini, who was elected to the board in 2016, but had to recently resign upon moving her business from Avila Beach, thus rendering her ineligible to continue.  Many thanks, Brooke, for your years of service.  You will be missed.
 
The last order of business is a reminder to partake of the upcoming Bob Jones Trail Walking Quiz.   It occurs in two parts, with each quiz consisting of five questions to which answers can be found at selected interpretive signs along the trail.   One journey starts at the Ontario Road entrance, and the other at the entrance from Avila Beach Drive and 1st Street.  All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice.  Grab your smartphone, put on your walking shoes, enlist family or friends to join you, and have some fun.  Visit the Avila Beach Community Foundation website, become a subscriber, and learn how to participate – www.avilabeachfoundation.org.
 
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  May the year 2021 be good to you, and may it harken the beginning of better times, greater understanding, peaceful coexistence, and harmony. 

​See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Another December has arrived, and the year is coming to a challenging end.   What a strange journey it has been.  And how ironic that long suffering Lakers and Dodgers fans finally saw their beloved teams become world champions, but not be able to celebrate in the customary fashion.   As was the case for Thanksgiving, the usual gathering of family and/or friends for Christmas and Hanukkah will be placed on hold this year, or may proceed with the number of attendees reduced in size.   Whatever December may bring, I wish you the happiest possible of holidays that you can muster. 
 
Speaking of the holidays, were you aware of the early gift that arrived at our shores last month in all their glory?  Some humpback whales were strutting their stuff in Port San Luis Harbor and came in dangerous proximity to a few kayakers.  Videos and photos were captured by nearby onlookers, providing some exciting close-up and close-call “National Geographic” moments.   In case you missed the videos, you can find some simply by searching “YouTube whales in Avila Beach.”  Please be reminded that it’s against the law to come within 100 yards of these magnificent marine creatures, so be sure to enjoy them from a safe and allowable distance whenever encountered.
 
You may recall my prior mention of how the “Foundation” was reacting to the situations facing several of our grantees due to the pandemic.  None were going about business as usual.  Some were functioning on a limited basis, and some have yet to even open their doors.   We reached out and made some financial considerations intended to reassign funds where agencies deemed them most essential to their missions.  We also decided to dispense with our traditional grant application processes this year, and instead elected to provide the same level of funding to eligible agencies in 2021 that we did in 2020.  The supported organizations include:  Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach Civic Association, Cancer Well-Fit, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Avila Beach Jr. Lifeguards Program, People’s Self-Help Housing, Port San Luis Harbor District (Mutt Mitts), Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, the Noor Foundation, Operation Surf Central Coast, the Surfrider Foundation, PathPoint Seasonal Beach Clean-up Program, and KCBX Public Radio.  Plus, we will continue to support the Free Avila Trolley and home delivery of the Avila Beach Life news publication.  Total funding allocated comes to $62,500. 

Last month I brought to your attention the upcoming Bob Jones Trail Walking Quiz.  Well, it has been officially launched.  It occurs in two parts, with each quiz consisting of five questions to which answers can be found at selected interpretive signs along the trail.   One journey starts at the Ontario Road entrance, and the other at the entrance from Avila Beach Drive and 1st Street.  All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice.  Grab your smartphone, put on your walking shoes, enlist family or friends to join you, and have some fun.  Visit the Avila Beach Community Foundation website, become a subscriber, and learn how to participate – www.avilabeachfoundation.org.
 
Please bear with me as I deliver this “commercial moment” – one that I publish each year to remind all you fellow Avilones that the “Foundation” is here to effectively and efficiently serve our community, and to also draw upon the collective resources of those who live here to help our town continue to thrive.  We are a small and humble organization that has invested roughly    $3 million dollars in our community since becoming established in 1998.   Most of this was derived from monies in the “Foundation’s” professionally managed investment portfolio, but some has come through generous contributions from folks who just want to help us make a difference.  There are several ways to do so, such as establishing a Donor Advised Fund of your own, or by contributing to any of our existing Project Funds, including the Avila Beach Public Art Development and Restoration Fund, the Emerging Needs and Opportunities Fund, the Avila Beach Trails Improvements Fund, the Richard and Kathleen Zacky Family Foundation Fund, or the Joan Sargen Avila Beach Communities Enrichment Fund.  Donations to any of these funds are fully tax deductible, and no management fees are taken by the “Foundation”.  Please get in touch with me if you wish to discuss the possibilities.  And don’t forget, any donation, regardless of amount, entitles you to receive one or more of our limited-edition, “Proud Avilone” license plate frames!  ‘Tis the season of giving.

Last but not least are two things I remind you of each December.  Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee says it’s time to replace the batteries in our smoke alarms and check our carbon monoxide detectors.  The seasonal changes in daylight savings each year are the perfect periods to complete these tasks.  And be sure to always purchase your postage and ship your packages at our local Avila Beach Post Office to keep it financially viable.  We are so fortunate to be able to avoid the long lines at busier post offices in San Luis Obispo and south county. The friendly and helpful services of Mary, Julie and Cindy are icing on the cake. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever it is you celebrate this time of year.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Here, once again, I sit at my keyboard contemplating just what I should write for my next column, due the 15th of each month.  What is current, what is relevant, what will you care to actually read about?  As I’ve mentioned in recent columns, answering those questions has been made more difficult because of present circumstances that do not require further explanation.  But before I forget, let me wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving.  Hard to focus on that looming late November holiday while I pen this column on a day when the temperature is over 90 degrees.  Hot turkey and gravy just not appealing today….LOL

Most often I write about the “Foundation” and the various organizations and projects we support.  Even though some of those remain on hold, it doesn’t mean nothing is going on in Avila.  I receive regular email updates from other Avila entities and interest groups with whom you may or may not be familiar.  While there is collectively too much information provided by them to include in my column, I can encourage you to visit their websites and learn what you can about what is going on in your community.  Much of what is published on these websites presents various current projects or future developments that could change the character of Avila Beach.  While the “Foundation” does not take a stance in support of or against what is coming down the pike, I do feel it’s important for all Avilones to self-educate on such matters.   When you have some time to spare, visit the websites of:

Avila Valley Advisory Council -  avac-avila.org   
Port San Luis Harbor District - www.portsanluis.com
Avila by the Sea Resort - www.avilabythesearesort.com
Concerned Citizens for Avila - www.concernedcitizens4avila.org
​
Getting back to “Foundation” business, I want to share with you something that came up a few months ago, and has not yet been resolved.   Most of you are aware of and have enjoyed the beautiful mural panels on the Avila Beach lifeguard towers for about four years.  This public art installation, with funds raised by the “Foundation,” came to fruition in partnership with ARTS Obispo (AO), a county non-profit that has been around for decades.  Through this arrangement, AO became the legal owner of the artwork, and contracted with Port San Luis Harbor District to have the panels appear on the towers for 5 years.  That initial 5-year period concludes early in 2022, and discussions are under way to extend that arrangement.  The problem is that AO has been severely struck by the pandemic’s financial crisis, reducing their resources and perhaps threatening their future existence.  Thus, AO wants to divest itself of the artwork ownership.  We are actively seeking ownership alternatives, while at the same time hoping to keep the murals just where they are.  Stay tuned.

Coming to a conclusion on October 12th was this year’s seasonal beach clean-up project, contracted with PathPoint, and funded by the “Foundation”, Chevron, and the late County Supervisor Adam Hill.  This was the second year PathPoint provided the service, but with a distinct difference from last year.  PathPoint provides employment opportunities, training and support of clients with developmental disabilities.  Last year it was their clients who diligently worked areas of the beach boardwalk, sidewalks and curbs to reduce the amount of sand and debris.  Due to pandemic related restrictions, these same client work groups were not allowed to function this year.  So, it was PathPoint team supervisors who stepped forward to perform the clean-up duties.  Kudos to them!  Foot traffic was incredibly high this season, and we believe the project made a difference.

Be on the lookout for something coming down the road soon.  You may know about those cool interpretive signs along the Bob Jones Trail, created and installed by Avilones Saul Goldberg and his team.  The original signs succumbed to wear and tear, so new ones have replaced the old.  There is now being developed a “walking quiz” that will encourage you Avilones to take a leisurely stroll along the trail, stop at the signs, and provide answers to a series of multiple-choice questions.  All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice.  Keep your eyes open for more information coming soon. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Summer is now in our rearview mirror, and October marks the beginning of 2020’s final quarter.  What a strange year it has been thus far - one we would find difficult to compare to any others in the recent or distant past.  Since it seems like we have been hit by the “perfect storm”, I looked up the term’s official definition, which reads in part: “A perfect storm is an event in which a rare combination of circumstances drastically aggravates the event.” Though commonly used for meteorological phenomena, “perfect storm” seems quite applicable to the state of our country as it is today.

Let us review this rare combination of circumstances.  A pandemic that has brought the world to its knees.  An economy being pummeled.  Millions of people out of work.  Most schools functioning in a virtual setting.  Social injustices and unrest occurring at alarming levels.  Fires devastating the west coast.  More southeast hurricanes. The rock-steady and beloved U.S. Postal Service under attack.  A highly contentious presidential election year coupled with a deeply divided populace.  OMG – what more can happen!!!

In light of all the madness, I have decided to inject some light humor into these dark times by seeking some sage advice as in the old days of “Dear Abby,” by introducing a column I will call “Dear Avilone.”  I apologize in advance if my attempt at levity offends anyone or comes off as callous.   So here it goes:

Dear “Avilone”.  I have been self-isolating for so long I’m not sure if it will be safe to go out in public ever again.  What shall I do? (From: Home Alone).

Dear “Home Alone”.  When the time to venture out again arrives, go to the nearest movie theater, lower your mask, share a bag of popcorn with the stranger sitting closest to you, and see if you get sick.

Dear “Avilone”.   When a COVID-19 vaccine receives governmental approval, should I be among the first to get inoculated? (From: Shot in the Dark)

Dear “Shot in the Dark”.  Why not?  As a renowned presidential candidate once asked, “what do you have to lose?”

Dear “Avilone”.  I stopped smoking cigarettes when I moved to California three years ago, but my nerves are frayed so I’m thinking about buying a pack and lighting up.  Your thoughts?  (From: Match Mate)

Dear “Match Mate”.  No need to buy cigarettes to get your smoke-on at this time.  Since you live in California amid this fire season, just step outside and take a deep breath.

Dear “Avilone”.  I sure miss going on cruises.  When will I again be able to enjoy the buffets, bars and casinos while floating away the days in grand luxury?  (From: Packem-in)

Dear “Packem-in”.  It could be a long time until you can cruise again, so fill your bathtub, select a variety of foods from your pantry, a bottle of wine from the fridge, grab a deck of playing cards, and go at it.

I hope you found the advice column useful (NOT), or at least a bit funny (FOR SURE).  For me, writing it was cathartic, but not likely to appear again – unless by popular demand.  I wish I had more important things to write about this month, but the “Foundation” remains in a brief lull as so many of the organizations we support are still on hiatus.  We are usually deep into our annual grant-making season, but as I reported last month the process has been altered and eased this time around in consideration of current circumstances. 

In closing, I want to offer a heartfelt tip of the cap to the folks who, during this busy summer past, volunteered to help keep our beach areas free of litter after high volume tourist visits.  You so deftly augmented the efforts of County employees unable to keep up with the demand.  THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 

​That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  I begin this month’s column with a heavy heart.  I imagine all of you are by now aware of the death of SLO County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill.  Though the news is about a month old, Adam’s passing leaves me sad on both a personal and professional level.  Over the past eleven years, Supervisor Hill had been a consistent and generous supporter of numerous “Foundation” events, projects and programs to benefit Avila Beach.  The list is long, and highlighted by monetary gifts to help bring public art to Avila for all to enjoy.  The man I knew was a strong advocate for the homeless and those suffering from mental health issues.  Politics can be ugly and divisive, casting opponents with opposing view as villains.  Some in office vie for power, some for personal gain, and some for a platform to advance causes of special interest.  I believe Adam will be best remembered as a champion of the underserved and most needy members of society.

As we approach the end of the “dog days of summer”, I hope we can look back at this period in our lives and use what we have experienced and learned to a future advantage.  We at the “Foundation” have learned and embraced the importance of being flexible when it comes to our role of supporting local interests.  At the July meeting of our Board of Trustees it was decided to alter for this year our usual grant-making procedures.   Our normal application and selection process, which entails a comprehensive and competitive approach to ensure a level playing field, will be set aside for this next round of grant-making due to the uncertain status of partner agencies and staff.  In its place, all eligible agencies that received grants in 2020 will automatically receive the same amount for 2021 without having to go through a competitive process, if or when they are open for business.  Additionally, the amounts granted can be used for whatever purposes the recipient agencies deem to be most vital to their operations, instead of for a specific project or program.

At the same board meeting, we adopted the following policy statement in reaction to current economic challenges:
 
The Avila Beach Community Foundation, in operation since 1998, exists to enhance life in the Avila Beach communities for all who reside in, work in, or visit our town.  Since the year 2000, the “Foundation” has annually awarded grants to local non-profit organizations that provide community enrichment programs/projects/services that align with the “Foundation’s” mission.  In times of unanticipated economic stress, such as now being experienced locally and globally, the “Foundation” will attempt, when possible, to extend assistance in situations that threaten the welfare of non-profit, community or public agencies that provide core services to humans or wildlife in the Avila Beach communities.  Our infrastructure and resources are extremely limited, thus requests for assistance will be addressed on a case by case basis as received.  For agencies in need of assistance, it is highly recommended that they also reach out to sources with greater capacity, such as the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, or the United Way of San Luis Obispo County.  For individuals who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs, numerous organizations throughout the central coast exist to provide assistance.   For comprehensive information about the services available, dial the United Way 24-hour information line: “211”, or search online:  211 United Way of San Luis Obispo County.
 
As you can see, the “Foundation” stands ready to assist our local non-profits to the best of our ability during this critical time.  We likewise encourage our local neighbors to offer their support and generosity to help preserve an important link to the history and welfare of Avila Beach.  Speaking of generous neighbors, you may recall my plea last month for a donor “Angel” willing to cover the $250 insurance deductible needed toward replacement costs of the public art mural panel stolen from one of the Avila Lifeguard Towers last winter.  Quickly coming to the rescue was a fellow Avilone family that wishes to remain anonymous.  We are most appreciative of their generosity and swift action.  I also want to thank and recognize three folks – Cyndy Lakowske, Karen Blue and Kim Jeffrey - who have volunteered to help with upkeep of the Central Coast Aquarium art panels once plans are finalized by artist Colleen Gnos. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach.

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  I trust you are making the best of this summer, what with all the disruptions that have dominated our lives.  How is it possible for days and weeks to drag on, yet rush by at the same time?  Huh?  Well, it sometimes feels like just yesterday that our country first entered shutdown mode, and sometimes it feels like eons ago.  It also seems that each day plods along so painfully slow as we await and yearn for a return to normalcy.   For many taking the road of caution, the world has shrunk to what can be safely done within the confines of our community.  Others more prone to risk-taking have ventured into other parts of the state and country out of boredom and desire to go about their lives as accustomed.  We all seek out pleasure in whichever ways we can despite any challenges we face. 

My role at the “Foundation” has taken on an altered flavor this year.  Ordinarily mid-summer would be the beginning of our grant-making season, which involves developing the new grant application, circulating the request for proposals, and preparing for all the processes that go along with it between now and December.  Lots of moving parts that typically proceed smoothly.  But now, things are different.  Several of our current agency and project grantees have been closed for business, or have greatly altered their services, resulting in deviations from what the “Foundation” had funded for this year.  We have been monitoring their status and, in some cases, have modified grant awards to best enable the continuation or return to business for said agencies.  At question is how many of our grantees will be back in operation in time to adhere to deadlines to apply for 2021 funding, and how we address the current and pending needs.  For example, the Central Coast Aquarium and Avila Beach Community Center remain closed, with no certain date of re-opening.  The Avila Trolley sits idle, the Junior Lifeguards program is operating a scaled-down version of its camp, Operation Surf may or may not be able to run their scheduled October camp, and Bellevue-Santa Fe School has been out of touch since classes were canceled.  The PathPoint summer beach area clean-up project launched on July 13th, but temporarily utilizing agency staff rather than program clients until given approval by the State.  Special thanks to project co-sponsors Chevron and SLO County Supervisor Adam Hill.  Decisions on how to deal with our next round of grant making procedures will be the primary discussion at the “Foundation’s” July 23rd Board of Trustees meeting.

As Avila Beach remains an active favorite of locals and visitors alike, there are many people behind the scenes doing things to keep it special.  Some “shout-outs” are in order, so please join me in recognizing a few.  First, how can we be anything but awed by the great job done by our local firefighters called to action during the June fires in Avila and Shell Beach?  As flames consumed 100s of acres, amazingly not one structure succumbed, thanks to the heroic efforts of Cal Fire and other central coast fire stations.  And let’s say thanks to local resident Bev Aho for her work advocating for the removal of excess trash at the beach and park, and for picking up after the irresponsible littering by some who abuse our areas for their pleasure.  And how about appreciation to Saul Goldberg and his team for replacing all the educational signs along the Bob Jones Trail that many have enjoyed.  Thanks also to Rangers Chuck Woodard and Tim Fees from SLO County Parks who, after being recruited by Julie Andrews-Scott, and on their own off duty time, removed the weeds at the corner of San Miguel Street & Avila Beach Drive by the Avila Beach welcome sign.  If you readers know of others in our community deserving of a “shout-out”, please let me know.
 
And now, for the BIG news of the day!  After months of trading phone calls, emails, and dealing with the insurance company, we finally received word that the Arts Obispo claim to replace the stolen Avila Beach Lifeguard Tower mural panel was approved.  Sheesh, it’s been a long seven months since the discovery of the theft, but no one ever said dealing with insurance claims was easy.  We do, however, have to come up with the $250 deductible to fully fund production and installation of the replacement panel.  Anyone out there want to cover that cost and be the funding “Angel”? 
 
On another Avila Beach public artwork matter, an issue has popped up that we did not anticipate.  By now you have all seen the second public art project affixed to the wall outside of the Central Coast Aquarium.  Due to ongoing area watering spray, Aquarium staff were periodically wiping down the surface of the mural panels to keep them in pristine condition.  Lo and behold the Aquarium remains closed, thus spots are building up and need some regular attention.  Artist Colleen Gnos did previously discover a solvent that nicely does the job, but we may require a willing volunteer to do some spot cleaning as needed.  If you have the interest and some extra time on your hands, please let me know by emailing rickinavila@yahoo.com.  Should no volunteer(s) step up, someone might have to be hired to do the work.  The “Foundation” does maintain a Public Art Development and Preservation Fund, so if you are interested in donating to that fund, please send your check to:  Avila Beach Community Foundation, PO Box 297, Avila Beach, 93424. 
 
Lastly, if you have 17 minutes to spare and some popcorn to microwave, how about visiting for the first time, or again, the video titled “Storied Past of Avila Beach”?  It’s very interesting and can be found at:  http://www.avilabeachfoundation.org/avila-historical-film--photo-gallery.html.  

​That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach.
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​Complete the Envision Avila Workshop Survey Below!
Deadline to Complete Survey is Monday, August 17th
Estimated time: 15-20 minutes

As part of the Envision Avila and the Avila Community Plan Update, the County of San Luis Obispo has organized this important survey to gather feedback and ideas on potential land use changes and regulations being considered for the Avila Community Plan update. Thank you for making your voice heard!

Tips for navigating the survey:
- Use your cursor to click anywhere in the left side of the survey to "activate"
- Use your Page Up/Page Down and Up/Down arrow keys to move within the survey to review all information OR click on the left side buttons under the home icon to move directly to each of the survey sections
- There are five sections of survey questions (use the scroll bar to see all questions and click Submit after each section):
1. Avila Point Land Use
2. Cave Landing Land Use
3. Town of Avila Beach
4. General Land Use Suggestions
5. Vacation Rentals

Complete Survey Now!

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  It’s July and things are really heating up – not just the temperature here in Avila, but the social climate in our country and abroad.  As our temporarily sleepy beach town has been emerging from a four-month hibernation due to the pandemic, the world is changing all around us.  Early last month the conversation diverged from talk of the health crisis and economic shutdown to societal unrest that has reached every corner of our nation and many parts of western civilization.  While it’s been difficult for me to focus on Avila Beach during the “shelter in place” period, followed by the ensuing nationwide protests about police brutality, I’ve recently attempted to keep my eyes on the local prize by maintaining a one-week diary, which I now share part of with you.

Dear Diary.  Today is June 8th and started with an ordinary trip to my office to gather some materials to take back home in preparation for tonight’s Avila Valley Advisory Council “Zoom” meeting.  Dang, I hate this kind of impersonal gathering and fear the day when more group meeting time is spent online than in-person.  “Zoom” did not work out too well for me tonight, as it took me five attempts to join in, making me 20 minutes late.  When I was finally in and it was my turn to speak, my audio didn’t work even though my laptop mic was engaged.  Plus, my screen froze up several times – both audio and visual – making the entire experience a bummer. 

Dear Diary.  Today is June 9th and Avila wakes up to yet another heat wave.  This is the third or fourth one this year already, with more likely to come.  Am I mistaken, or does this feel like an acceleration of global warming?  As I drove to my office at the community center, I watched my vehicle’s outside temperature gauge reach 95 degrees.  It’s only mid-morning and parked cars are already lining both sides of Avila Beach Drive far along the golf course.  I turn left onto San Miguel Street and can see each side of the street packed with cars, as is the public parking lot – not a spot to be found.  A song recorded by Joni Mitchell in 1970 popped into my mind, titled “Big Yellow Taxi.”  I imagine many of you readers remember a portion of the lyrics that go – “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone - they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”  Of course, there is more to Avila Beach than a parking lot, but all the vehicles and new construction throughout dot the landscape and sometimes overshadow the beautiful ocean.  Yep, “the times they are changin’,” lyrics penned by another legendary singer, Bob Dylan.

Dear Diary.  Today is June 10th, and the heatwave is still here.  93 degrees as I round the bend into town.  Fewer cars along the road, and still some open spots in the parking lot at noon.  Could it be that all the beachgoers were sunburned to a crisp yesterday and had to stay home applying aloe?  I go about some business – first to renew our computer files cloud back-up subscription.  I ran into some difficulties with the online process, so attempted to reach the company’s customer service via telephone.  No luck there – just an apologetic voice message explaining that all customer service employees are working at home and presently providing only online help.  Argh!  After resolving the issue on my own – yay for me – I stepped away from my computer to stretch my legs outside at 3:00 pm.  Forget what I said earlier about fewer beachgoers today – the streets and parking lot are again congested, but still slightly less than yesterday.  On the plus side, a nice breeze has arrived at the waterfront, cooling things down a bit.  On the worrisome side, of the myriad people gathering around the Promenade and shops open for business, hardly any physical distancing or wearing of masks are to be seen.  It’s as if the pandemic never existed.

Dear Diary.  Today is June 11th.  The heatwave is gone and the beach parking lot is only about two thirds full at 1:00 pm.  Received some good news this morning that the Avila Bay Athletic Club is reopening tomorrow.  Most Club activities and services will resume, but many with restrictions and preventive measures in place.  Members are being asked to participate in health and cleanliness efforts like never before, but it sure beats the previous lockdown.  More announcements about reopening local businesses and activities are expected in the coming days.  I spoke with Julie Andrews-Scott, the organizer of Avila’s Friday Night Farmers’ Market, and was told by her that she and her vendors are ready to go once given the thumbs up from the powers that be. 

Okay, this diary stuff is getting old.  I never before maintained one, but found some inspiration this week to do so.  We are all experiencing unusual challenges and exploring emotions on matters out of the ordinary.  How we emerge from these times and the lessons we learn will likely have long-lasting implications.  For those of us old enough to have lived through the Viet Nam war and the civil rights movement, what’s happening today is not new, but the reactions and discussions are taking place on a much greater magnitude, due largely to social media and the internet.  As for the younger generations, the torch is now being passed, and it is up to them to keep our country moving forward, much as we old-timers did in decades past, and in some cases still do so today. 

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach.