Preface:  Before you scroll down and read the final paragraphs of this column, I want to say they were written and submitted for the print publication – Avila Beach Life – in time for the March 15th deadline.  It’s remarkable that so much has changed since that time.  Life as we knew it came to a grinding halt, and perhaps the things I wrote about below a couple of weeks ago seem far less important than they did then.  What is occurring here and elsewhere has brought out the best in people, and some of the worst in people.  When the dust settles and things return to normal, social scientists will have a field day studying all that took place.  I could write much about what I consider to be some of the worst behaviors, but will abstain from being judgmental for the moment.  Rather, I want to commend all the best behaviors by those who have stepped up to make a difference.  Those phone calls to our more elderly and frail neighbors to check on their well-being, picking up some groceries for folks who have difficulty getting to the store, being responsible about maintaining social distance, throwing a few extra dollars in tips to the hourly wage employees still working to serve us.  These and many more caring deeds are playing out every day, and are reported on by social and mainstream media outlets alike.  For the most part, we are social beings not comfortable in isolation.  Just walking around my neighborhood has connected me with neighbors I rarely see otherwise.  A wave of the hand and smile are reassuring gestures that let us know we are not alone.  No one knows what the aftermath of this health and economic crisis will look like.  But let’s try to be the “best of us” now and then.  Let’s look out for one another today to make for a better tomorrow.
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Greetings, fellow Avilones. It’s been a while since our country – indeed the entire world – has faced an economic crisis of such magnitude.  The impact is far and wide, and may be so for months (maybe years) to come.  Affected are individuals and businesses across the spectrum, be it due to tumbling stock values or a tightening of consumer belts.  I bring this up because the stock market does, and will, play a role in the amount of money foundations of all sizes have to invest in their communities. This is reminiscent of the 2007-08 financial market meltdown, when many/most private and community foundations curtailed grant making in an effort to reduce the impact of falling portfolio holdings.  The Avila Beach Community Foundation kept grant making in the picture during that period of turmoil, albeit at lessor amounts for a couple years as the market rebounded.  As far as this year is concerned, the monies we allocated for 2020 were set aside in a non-investment account to ensure the funds would be available to our grantees.  This is a practice we have employed for several years, and in this case has thus far proven to be a well-advised insurance policy.  Non-profit agencies will likely be hard hit if many donors pull back levels of support amid their own financial concerns.  This has happened before, and those agencies that have built reserve accounts, i.e. rainy-day funds, will probably survive a temporary downturn.  I urge those who support their favorite local charities to continue your generous ways, as we are most needed in times of crisis.
 
I am pleased to inform you that the Avila Beach Community Foundation will once again engage the services of PathPoint, an organization that provides employment training and opportunities for developmentally challenged clients, to help keep areas of our beach boardwalk tidy during Avila’s tourism high season.  These enthusiastic client employee teams will be present on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from May 14 through October 5, focusing on sand and debris removal from the sidewalks, planters and gutters bordering each side of the Avila Beach Promenade boardwalk.  PathPoint provided this service last year, and there was a marked improvement in the safety and cleanliness of the target areas.  Our special thanks to SLO County Supervisor Adam Hill, who has jumped on board as a project partner by providing a grant to help us cover the maintenance fees.
 
In the continuing saga of the stolen lifeguard tower public art mural panel, I want to let everyone know that Arts Obispo (the legal owner of the art) has been in touch with their insurance company, filed a claim, and as of this writing awaits a decision on said claim.  While we keep our fingers crossed that the claim will be approved, contingencies are being discussed should it be denied, or contain a high deductible.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.  Also, please be reminded that the Foundation has established a Public Art Development and Restoration Fund, so you may want to consider making a donation toward current and future public art opportunities in our community.

Moving forward, the arrival of April means that Avila begins to gear up for its next busy season.  Concerts, special events, beach visitors and out of area tourists will put stress on our community.  High impact residential, vacation and hospitality venue developments are on the rise – some in progress and others still in the permitting process.  It kind of feels like every available square foot is being built upon, putting the squeeze on any remaining open space here in Avila.  Traffic will again become an issue, likewise a lack of public parking that will extend into the residential neighborhoods.  It all amounts to a “runaway train” without a braking system, despite commendable efforts on the part of local groups to invoke smart growth initiatives.  As I have written in the past, desirability and economic incentives have dramatically altered once “sleepy” enclaves up and down the coast.  It’s hard to find fault with those seeking a better lifestyle, as most of us here today came from other places.  I encourage all Avilones to maintain a positive outlook, and to enjoy the life we have here in Avila, even if it doesn’t meet the ideals of times past.  I still enjoy following the Dodgers, even though it’s not the same without Vin Scully at the mic.  So it is that I still appreciate living so close to the best beach on the central coast, even if there is less elbow room.  It sure beats most alternatives. 

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

Greetings, fellow “Avilones. ”As I sit here at my keyboard, looking forward to the month of March and the coming of spring, it dawns on me that this also marks the twelfth anniversary of when I first began writing columns for what was then the Avila Beach Community News –and now known as Avila Beach Life.  This print publication remains pretty much the same as its launch in 2009, albeit under four different owners, each one working hard to retain a role for print media in what has become an internet-oriented news industry.  It was never among my personal/professional goals to write for a newspaper, though I did complete three journalism classes in college to avoid taking one speech class (sheesh!).  But here I am – about 120 columns later – still at it.  The time has flown by, and the upcoming seasonal change, coupled with the aforementioned anniversary, has given me pause for a moment of reflection and introspection.
 
As those of you regular readers know, I devote my allotted space to bring you information about the Avila Beach Community Foundation, the work we do and the organizations, projects and programs we support.  And, just as often, I share about things happening around Avila that I believe would be of interest to most “Avilones”. There comes a responsibility when selected to run a community-based organization, or when given “the power of the pen” – both of which I try to honor at all times. On the job I stay away from politics – primarily because 501 (C)(3) non-profit organizations by law cannot engage in such activities, nor show any related biases.  Among those who know me, it’s no secret where I stand on political issues, but those stances don’t/won’t appear in this publication. But I don’t mind dipping into social matters.
 
This being a rare quiet period for the Foundation, I choose to allocate some of my space to espouse on what I consider to be – or should be - a matter of great societal concern.  Like many of you having reached the so-called “golden years” while living in Avila Beach – with its considerable elderly population - seeing many of our elderly friends and neighbors become sick, frail and reach the end of life is painful.  In my neighborhood alone we have lost at least a half dozen folks over the past several months, and more over the past year or two.  It is becoming quite common, though inevitable.  Why do I write about this now, you may ask?  I don’t want to sound like a “Debbie-Downer,” but as I inch closer to “knockin’ on heaven’s door”, my curiosity about the subject of death and dying is becoming further fueled, as it was originally during my prior three-year term serving on the SLO County Commission on Aging. I foresee a tsunami approaching, what with tens of millions of baby-boomers racing – or shuffling - toward the finish line.  What I don’t see are concrete solution driven conversations at any level.
 
We read/hear about the looming dearth of medical personnel, elder care facilities and staff to handle the coming wave– yet little about the financial cost and emotional tolls many will endure.  Society, in general, seems to consider taboo the subject of personal choice when it comes to defining quality of life, death and dying.  So, it is largely ignored, or at best, the proverbial can being kicked down the road.  I won’t bore you with my own strong feelings about these taboos, but I will tell you that I have become a regular attendee of a monthly discussion workshop about death and dying that is hosted by Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.  I find the dialogue to be interesting and informative, while also gaining various perspectives from folks who have been touched by experiences.  Check it out if you are the least bit curious about the topic.
 
Moving on, I do want to bring you up to date about the previously reported stolen art panel removed from one of the lifeguard towers near the Avila pier.  Unfortunately, the spate of publicity on social media, local newspapers and television has not resulted in locating the panel or the culprit(s).  We still await word from the legal owner of the artwork – ARTS Obispo – in the hopes that their insurance might cover the loss and cost to replace.  If not, we may launch a local campaign to raise the estimated $2,500 for a replacement panel to be produced. Do any of you have a few bucks to spare?  Stay tuned.

Next, have you heard about Qigong?  Well, according to Wikipedia, it is a centuries-old system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial-arts training.  With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, Qigong is traditionally viewed by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (pronounced approximately as "chi"), translated as "life energy". If your interest or curiosity is now piqued, let it be known that every Thursday from noon-1:00 pm you can attend FREE sessions of Qigong, being taught by Cyndi Sylva, at the Avila Beach Golf Resort Beach Club.  All are welcome, you do not need to register in advance, just show up!  For additional information email Cyndi at Avilabeachqigong@gmail.com.  Cyndi is also hosting a special workshop to benefit the Cancer Well-Fit Program on March 21 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.  Space is limited to 30 people, and the cost to attend is $40.  For more information and to sign up for the event, go to http://www.cancerwell-fit.com/donate-.html.  Click on the “Qigong” tab that appears on the upper right side of the screen.

Question of the day!  What happens in America every ten years?  Answer = the U.S. Census.  We all know the importance of these headcounts and the surveying that takes place throughout the country.  But, did you know that part time jobs are available for people willing to canvass their neighborhoods?  The pay is pretty good, $21 per hour in SLO County, and you can work as little as 5 hours per week.  Other census related jobs are also available, which you can read about online.  If you enjoy interacting with neighbors, want to make a few bucks, and get a little exercise, visit:  www.2020CENSUS.GOV/JOBS. 

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