Way to go, Avila Beach – you ARE speaking up!! More and more of our locals have taken the time to voice their thoughts by participating in the first ever Avila Beach Community Foundation survey. And, I am pleased to report that also growing is the number of local businesses who have donated hospitality items for the upcoming drawing. In fact, we now have enough prizes to award TWO Getaway packages! See the flyer posted elsewhere in this publication for a list of our generous business partners.
With all the recent momentum and good information still arriving on a daily basis, I decided to extend the deadline to complete the survey to January 15, 2010. However, I do want to share with you some of the interesting initial comments and trends collected thus far from roughly 100 respondents. But first, let me say that 100 respondents out of the total Avila Beach/Avila Valley population for a survey of this nature is a formidable representation. I did a little online research and discovered that surveys and opinion polls conducted on a nationwide basis rely on miniscule percentages compared to that of our locals’ response. For example, both the Harris Poll and CNN Opinion Polls typically rely upon the input of 1,000-2,000 individuals. The Washington Post, Fox News, CBS News, ABC News and Wall Street Journal polls typically range from 1,000-3,000 respondents. Pew Research Polls commonly range from 2,000-4,000 respondents. Keep in mind that these are NATIONAL polls designed to gauge trends for a country with about 300 million residents - a percentage so low that my calculator will not compute. 100 Avila residents out of - say 2,000 – is a five percent representation, which is far greater than the big name polls.
Now, on to the trends we are seeing. Without giving too much away just yet, I will say that concerns are widely varied, as are opinions about the Avila Beach we live in today. Not surprisingly, some folks think the town and adjoining areas are wonderful, while others believe it has become spoiled. We are clearly a community that enjoys using the beach, visiting Fish and Farmers’ Market and strolling, jogging, skating or biking the Bob Jones Trail. A vast majority of us patronize local restaurants, markets and shops, while somewhat fewer play golf or take advantage of offerings at the Avila Community Center. The increase in traffic and flow is a concern, particularly when it comes to emergency evacuation scenarios. Satisfactory parking and beach cleanliness are topics for many, as is worry over future development and its potential impact. Some people would like to see additional large community events, while others think such events infringe on the town and its residents. We overwhelmingly view the Avila Community News as the primary source of information about local activities, and a great many of us have served at one time or another on local boards, committees or commissions.
So, yes, we are a diverse and involved people. It is my hope that this survey is just the beginning of what can become further dialogue leading to projects that will enhance our community and lifestyle. We have quite an eclectic population - a considerable portion of which has the time and resources to affect positive change. We have chosen to live here because Avila is a special place. We can no longer count on government/public sources to fill all the gaps, but we CAN count on our collective selves. I trust there will be those willing to step forward and help turn words into support and positive actions. If you have yet to chime in, please visit our website, www.avilabeachfoundation.org, and complete the online survey. Come late January, we will publish the full results and make them available to all who are interested. For more information call 595-4095, or email us at avilafoundation@gmail.com.
With all the recent momentum and good information still arriving on a daily basis, I decided to extend the deadline to complete the survey to January 15, 2010. However, I do want to share with you some of the interesting initial comments and trends collected thus far from roughly 100 respondents. But first, let me say that 100 respondents out of the total Avila Beach/Avila Valley population for a survey of this nature is a formidable representation. I did a little online research and discovered that surveys and opinion polls conducted on a nationwide basis rely on miniscule percentages compared to that of our locals’ response. For example, both the Harris Poll and CNN Opinion Polls typically rely upon the input of 1,000-2,000 individuals. The Washington Post, Fox News, CBS News, ABC News and Wall Street Journal polls typically range from 1,000-3,000 respondents. Pew Research Polls commonly range from 2,000-4,000 respondents. Keep in mind that these are NATIONAL polls designed to gauge trends for a country with about 300 million residents - a percentage so low that my calculator will not compute. 100 Avila residents out of - say 2,000 – is a five percent representation, which is far greater than the big name polls.
Now, on to the trends we are seeing. Without giving too much away just yet, I will say that concerns are widely varied, as are opinions about the Avila Beach we live in today. Not surprisingly, some folks think the town and adjoining areas are wonderful, while others believe it has become spoiled. We are clearly a community that enjoys using the beach, visiting Fish and Farmers’ Market and strolling, jogging, skating or biking the Bob Jones Trail. A vast majority of us patronize local restaurants, markets and shops, while somewhat fewer play golf or take advantage of offerings at the Avila Community Center. The increase in traffic and flow is a concern, particularly when it comes to emergency evacuation scenarios. Satisfactory parking and beach cleanliness are topics for many, as is worry over future development and its potential impact. Some people would like to see additional large community events, while others think such events infringe on the town and its residents. We overwhelmingly view the Avila Community News as the primary source of information about local activities, and a great many of us have served at one time or another on local boards, committees or commissions.
So, yes, we are a diverse and involved people. It is my hope that this survey is just the beginning of what can become further dialogue leading to projects that will enhance our community and lifestyle. We have quite an eclectic population - a considerable portion of which has the time and resources to affect positive change. We have chosen to live here because Avila is a special place. We can no longer count on government/public sources to fill all the gaps, but we CAN count on our collective selves. I trust there will be those willing to step forward and help turn words into support and positive actions. If you have yet to chime in, please visit our website, www.avilabeachfoundation.org, and complete the online survey. Come late January, we will publish the full results and make them available to all who are interested. For more information call 595-4095, or email us at avilafoundation@gmail.com.
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