Greetings, fellow Avilones. Summer in Avila Beach rolls on as usual, even as turmoil both home and abroad dominates the conversation and lives of many. Gasoline prices remain historically high, inflation is still not under control, mass shootings pepper the headlines, Russia is still the bully, politics could hardly get any worse, Covid just won’t go away, and airline travel has become a joke. Dang, it’s difficult to find the proverbial silver lining, isn’t it? Yet, we must carry on with our lives and do the best we can.
One item of particular interest to our community is recent discourse about the possibility of Diablo Canyon extending its permit to operate in spite of current decommissioning plans. PG&E, over the past couple of years, has made clear their goals for closing down operations, but government leaders are now seeking a reversal over fears that without Diablo Canyon, there will not be sufficient electricity produced by alternate sources to meet the needs of our state. As you might suspect, anti-nuclear environmental groups are firmly against continuation of the plant, so things will get interesting as this plays out. The ramifications of closing Diablo Canyon are many, including the loss of a valuable tax base that supports the local economy, and a large employee base that provides financial aid and volunteers to numerous non-profits, including several in Avila Beach. Stay tuned for more information from local news sources.
Next up, I am pleased to report that the “Foundation” is gearing up for what will be our third Avila Beach History event. This is something that was originally on the planning docket for 2020, but the Pandemic came for a visit, thus halting progress. Our event planning committee is meeting this summer to bounce around some ideas for this third iteration. For longtime locals and “newbies” alike, there seems to be no shortage of interest in the history of our beachfront town. We have some ideas to mull over, but would welcome any thoughts YOU readers may have as to the content or topics of the looming gathering. Send your ideas to me at avilafoundation@gmail.com.
While participating in the July Avila Valley Advisory Council “Zoom” meeting, I was again reminded of the valuable information shared about events, activities, services and policies related to life in Avila Beach. For those of you interested in staying abreast of what’s going on, I encourage you to visit the websites of: the Avila Valley Advisory Council (www.avac-avila.org) to access meeting minutes to view reports from County agencies and Avila neighborhoods; Port San Luis Harbor District (www.portsanluis.com) to learn about what’s happening at the beach and piers; Pacific Gas and Electric Company (www.pge.com) to gain valuable information about community wildfire safety programs, public safety power shutoffs, etc. Also, be reminded that SLO County District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg sets up shop at the Avila Beach Community Center the third Thursday of each month from 1:00-3:00p.m. You are welcome to stop by and share with her your concerns about current matters.
Have you read about the recent decision by the SLO County Board of Supervisors to provide very generous compensation increases to staff in all county departments? Evidently many employees have left the area for greater pay and greener pastures, resulting in considerable vacancies. In the “old days”, the county was able to offer below industry wages because people were willing to sacrifice some income for quality of life. Well, it appears those days are gone. According to news sources, these wage increases will cost the county an additional $5 million this fiscal year and almost $10 million the next year. Phew – that’s a lot of money. But let’s face it, with exploding home prices and rents, how else can people afford to live here? Have you seen real estate listings in Avila Beach/Valley? If you can spare a few million dollars, you might even get an ocean view. And when it comes to other high prices, I had to shake my head at a recent television commercial advertising a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer for sale with a sticker price starting at $91,000. Yes, that’s right! $91,000 before extra features! Heck, the first house my parents purchased cost only $11,000. Of course, that was in 1954, but still, $91,000+ for a Jeep SUV?
Oh well, that’s it for this month fellow Avilones. Let’s all hang in there. Better times will surely visit us before too long, but please don’t hold me to that prediction. See you at the beach!
One item of particular interest to our community is recent discourse about the possibility of Diablo Canyon extending its permit to operate in spite of current decommissioning plans. PG&E, over the past couple of years, has made clear their goals for closing down operations, but government leaders are now seeking a reversal over fears that without Diablo Canyon, there will not be sufficient electricity produced by alternate sources to meet the needs of our state. As you might suspect, anti-nuclear environmental groups are firmly against continuation of the plant, so things will get interesting as this plays out. The ramifications of closing Diablo Canyon are many, including the loss of a valuable tax base that supports the local economy, and a large employee base that provides financial aid and volunteers to numerous non-profits, including several in Avila Beach. Stay tuned for more information from local news sources.
Next up, I am pleased to report that the “Foundation” is gearing up for what will be our third Avila Beach History event. This is something that was originally on the planning docket for 2020, but the Pandemic came for a visit, thus halting progress. Our event planning committee is meeting this summer to bounce around some ideas for this third iteration. For longtime locals and “newbies” alike, there seems to be no shortage of interest in the history of our beachfront town. We have some ideas to mull over, but would welcome any thoughts YOU readers may have as to the content or topics of the looming gathering. Send your ideas to me at avilafoundation@gmail.com.
While participating in the July Avila Valley Advisory Council “Zoom” meeting, I was again reminded of the valuable information shared about events, activities, services and policies related to life in Avila Beach. For those of you interested in staying abreast of what’s going on, I encourage you to visit the websites of: the Avila Valley Advisory Council (www.avac-avila.org) to access meeting minutes to view reports from County agencies and Avila neighborhoods; Port San Luis Harbor District (www.portsanluis.com) to learn about what’s happening at the beach and piers; Pacific Gas and Electric Company (www.pge.com) to gain valuable information about community wildfire safety programs, public safety power shutoffs, etc. Also, be reminded that SLO County District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg sets up shop at the Avila Beach Community Center the third Thursday of each month from 1:00-3:00p.m. You are welcome to stop by and share with her your concerns about current matters.
Have you read about the recent decision by the SLO County Board of Supervisors to provide very generous compensation increases to staff in all county departments? Evidently many employees have left the area for greater pay and greener pastures, resulting in considerable vacancies. In the “old days”, the county was able to offer below industry wages because people were willing to sacrifice some income for quality of life. Well, it appears those days are gone. According to news sources, these wage increases will cost the county an additional $5 million this fiscal year and almost $10 million the next year. Phew – that’s a lot of money. But let’s face it, with exploding home prices and rents, how else can people afford to live here? Have you seen real estate listings in Avila Beach/Valley? If you can spare a few million dollars, you might even get an ocean view. And when it comes to other high prices, I had to shake my head at a recent television commercial advertising a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer for sale with a sticker price starting at $91,000. Yes, that’s right! $91,000 before extra features! Heck, the first house my parents purchased cost only $11,000. Of course, that was in 1954, but still, $91,000+ for a Jeep SUV?
Oh well, that’s it for this month fellow Avilones. Let’s all hang in there. Better times will surely visit us before too long, but please don’t hold me to that prediction. See you at the beach!
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