Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Happy 2018 to one and all! As I took a quick look at my column from January of 2017 for some historical reference, it occurs to me that little has changed on the political front since then – aside from some White House bills to undo all that was accomplished by the previous administration.  I wrote about the possibility of coming unrest, of my wishes for a political climate that cools down, and for a nation that embraces some sense of civility and genuine understanding and concern for others.  Unfortunately, in many ways the temperature has risen and contentious factions have surfaced with a vengeance.  So, we embark on a 2018 journey that still promises uncertainty and discord.  Fortunately, we Avilones get to live in a wonderful place among some wonderful people.  We are not without controversy, but we know how to work things out through cohesiveness and process. So lucky we are!
           
 The end of one year is always a good time for the “Foundation” to look back at highlights of the previous year.  Our list, in somewhat chronical order includes; (1) the unveiling of the Avila Beach Public Art Project mural on the lifeguard towers; (2) establishment of the Avila Beach Trails Improvements Fund – courtesy of Cyndy & Steve Lakowske; (3) first showing of the “History of Avila” short film sponsored by the “Foundation” at the 2017 SLO Film Festival; (4) recruitment of two new Trustees – Cyndy Lakowske and Ellen Pitrowski; (5) launch of the campaign to raise funds for Avila Beach Public Art Phase II; (6) hosting of the first ever Avila Beach Storyteller’s Night; (7) awarding of grants totaling $64,590 for thirteen Avila Beach agencies and projects; (8) reaching the $25,000 fundraising goal to begin work on Public Art Phase II project in 2018 – thanks to the initial challenge pledges of County Supervisor Adam Hill and the Sara Horne Art Fund; (9) creation of the Proud Avilone license plate frame. 
 
      Moving forward, we enter the new year with some changes in our leadership.  Retiring after five years as a devoted Trustee – two as Board President – is Rick Rowe.  His calm and thoughtful demeanor will be missed.  Returning for her second year as Board President is Lisa Ritterbuck, as Vice President is Michael Ginn, as Treasurer is Richard Zacky, and stepping into the role of Secretary is Gary Maier.  Rounding out our 2018 Board of Trustees are Bev Aho, Lucinda Borchard, Saul Goldberg, Cyndy Lakowske, Percy Jones, Paul Prather, Ellen Pitrowski and Brooke Salvini.  Our staff remains intact – myself as Executive Director going into year number ten, and valued Project Specialist Paula Dempsey, beginning her third full year in that capacity.  Much of this year will be devoted to the next Public Art Project, and another community engagement or educational event will be announced in a few months.
 
Earlier in this column I mentioned the “Avila Beach Trails Improvement Fund”, a Donor Advised Account established by Cyndy and Steve Lakowske.  With a purpose to build new trails in Avila Beach, or improve existing ones, the Lakowskes seek other like-minded trail enthusiasts to join them on their quest.  If you wish to participate in some trail-blazing discussions, let me know and I’ll pass along your name and contact information.  I also wish to take this opportunity to invite other Avilones to consider the possibility of establishing your own special purpose Donor Advised Fund.  Doing so is a wonderful way to support your community, help pass along your visions, and receive an immediate charitable gift tax deduction.  I am always happy to discuss the options.
 
As is quite often the case, I again pass along some information gleaned from the most recent Avila Valley Advisory Council meeting.  In December, shortly after the rise of devastating fires in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, AVAC attendees heard the plea from Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee that we take the time to peer upward at the power poles in our neighborhoods, and look for any dangerous, leaning trees that could result in downed power lines during wind or rain storms.  These could lead to the spread of wildfires, and should be reported immediately to Cal Fire before they become a problem.  And, as always, I encourage everyone to attend some of the AVAC meetings to learn more about and become involved in our community.  It’s a happening place. 

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

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  With Thanksgiving behind us it’s now time for everyone to focus on the December holidays. Purchase and wrap those presents, decorate your home, prepare to host guests or finalize travel plans, and fight increased traffic on our roads and at our shopping centers.  Lots of fun, eh?  I can feel the stress coming, but I do welcome the overall good cheer and togetherness that accompanies the chaos.  Plus, I look forward to enjoying whatever gifts come my way, and seeing the joy of others in the gifts they are given.  I’ll even offer some smiles and laughs in the direction of my wife and her relentless dressing up of our beloved and so popular dog, Dodger.
 
In the spirit of gift giving, this is always the time of year when I get to announce the good news – that being the recipients of “Foundation” grants for the coming year.  At our November meeting, thirteen grants were awarded, totaling $64,590.  Beneficiaries for 2018 funding are the Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach Civic Association, Cancer Well-Fit, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Avila Beach Jr. Lifeguards Program, Achievement House, People’s Self Help Housing, Port San Luis Harbor District, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School and the Surfrider Foundation.  Plus, we will continue to support the Free Avila Trolley and home delivery of the Avila Beach News.  For details about grant recipients and their specific programs, I invite you to visit our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org.
 
I am pleased to provide even more good news for Avila Beach public art lovers.  As you know, the “Foundation” has been on a several months quest to raise enough money to launch a second round of public art for our beach community.  Our goal was $25,000.  We have now reached that goal!!!!  I can’t say “thank you” enough times to County Supervisor Adam Hill for his initial $5,000 challenge pledge, and to our friends at Chevron and the Sara Horne Art Fund for being the first to answer the challenge with generous donations of their own.  Following that, nearly four dozen Avilones displayed their generosity by contributing to the cause – spurred on by the gift of our limited edition “Proud Avilone” license plate frames.  We have decided to continue with the campaign to raise even more funds throughout the holiday season, which could enable us to expand the scope of Public Art Phase II.  Look for the holiday flyer below (or in the print version of Avila Beach News), that encourages folks to gift their Avila neighbors with our cool license plate frames for the price of a donation of any size.  Quantities are limited, so don’t miss out.
 
Here’s some “illuminating” news or perhaps an observation.  It’s an “observation” if the County has finally installed the long-awaited-for street lights at the San Luis Bay Drive and Ontario intersection, which at the time of this writing was scheduled for November 28th.   It’s “news” if we are soon to see the work completed.  We really have the Avila Valley Advisory Council to thank for lobbying behind the scenes for more than one year, imploring County Public Works to address the safety concerns and dangerous conditions at this intersection.  There have been so many accidents and near misses at this ill-conceived web of on and off ramps we have cautiously had to navigate for years, one has to wonder why it took the local government wheels so long to turn. Nevertheless, I offer my sincere thanks to AVAC and SLO County for making our lives a little safer. 
 
Have you remembered to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, and to install carbon monoxide detectors?  At the November meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee reminded us that the seasonal changes in daylight savings each year are the perfect times to complete these tasks.  Be safe!  And last, but never least, comes my annual reminder to all Avilones that we are so very fortunate to have the services of our local post office.  So, be sure to always purchase your postage and ship your packages – especially during the holiday season - at our local outlet.  Without sufficient revenue, there is no guarantee that the Avila Post Office will always be here.  And it shouldn’t be left unsaid just how lucky we are to have such a friendly, caring and helpful staff at the post office (Mary, Julie and Cindy).  Thanks for all you do! 

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

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  I am dedicating this month’s column to the memories of Avila past, or some might say Avila lost.  It was with no absence of sentiment – alternating between laughter, sadness and melancholy – that more than 100 of us sat during the Foundation’s Avila Storyteller’s Night event on October 20th as witness to some very personal and passionate tales of Avila lore – some dating back as early as the 1940s and 1950s.  I enjoyed that evening, listening to stories of children growing up in Avila during World War II; of parents sending their kids to the beach to be watched over by friendly lifeguards; of businesses long since gone that catered to a grateful and loyal patronage; of a community infused with residents from all walks of life simply thrilled to be living the dream at the beach; of fishing and oil industries no longer present; of shores filled with abalone shells, of softball games pitting youth against youth, of corporate-backed baseball teams; of caring, engaged and watchful neighbors, of heroism in the face of what turned out to be a deadly shark attack.  Perhaps one of the most poignant stories told was of the infamous oil contamination discovery that led to the town’s ultimate remake and permanent alteration of character – for better or for worse.
 
We all have memories of growing up in various places that echo a theme that resonated on Storyteller’s Night - simpler times, safer times when we seemed to know our neighbors more intimately than we do now. Perhaps it was the ballgames with our friends at the end of the cul-de-sac, or summer evening block parties that brought residents together to share hot dogs, hamburgers and potato salad, or walking to and from school without fear of predators, blending with others from different economic status, and the feeling that we were all in this together.  Hearing the stories and recollections of others brought me back to my own past, as I’m sure it did others in the room.  As I looked around I recognized folks with deep Avila roots – people I know mostly in passing and from whom I’ve heard an anecdote or two over the years.  And I recognized a great many others who, like me, are transplants from places near and far. 
 
The San Fernando Valley in which I was raised during the 50s and 60s bears no resemblance to what is today very little open space, long-vanished orange groves and dairy farms, cities that spill across borders and traffic backed up on all main arteries dominating the scene.  I cannot go back.  Leaving the Valley in 1982 I ventured to Irvine, which at the time reminded me of the San Fernando Valley of my youth.  Lots of open space, orange groves, few traffic lights, and a university not yet the behemoth it has become.  In the relative blink of an eye that all changed as money and developers poured into the area much like an avalanche.  I no longer recognized the Irvine I thought would bring me the peace and sense of belonging I lost once before.  I cannot go back.  By the end of the 80s it was time to leave again – time to find another world more simple, safer, kinder, less corporate and less “every man/woman for him/herself.”  First it was Los Osos, then Avila Beach, that offered that re-birth.  There was, and in most cases still is, lots of open space, cities with distinct and complimentary borders and personalities, and neighbors not so concerned with another person’s socio-economic status.  Yes, it’s that sense of belonging.  But many parts of SLO County have changed - perhaps none more than the small stretch of a jewel known as “downtown” Avila Beach. 
 
My wife and I moved to San Luis Bay Estates in 1995 – shortly before downtown Avila was to be razed.  It was an odd grouping of businesses, homes and individuals awaiting our stops at the beach.  It was so different than what life in my adult years had become that, looking back, I did not fully appreciate Avila for what it was.  I was so consumed with work, playing softball, tennis and golf that I hardly noticed what was happening to “funky” Avila.  One minute it was there, and the next minute it was gone. Sadly, we cannot go back.  On October 20th we heard the stories and felt the loss. But I am grateful that there are still among us those who lived here in the good old days.  I want to thank our storytellers for sharing and caring.  Hats off to Archie McLaren, Kirt Collins, Denny Wheeler, Pete Kelley, Saro Rizzo, Jean Nanney, Hardie Phillips, Lucy and Colleen Gnos, Dick Kelsey, Mike Harkness, Howard Nicholson and Anne Brown for reminding us that the past had so much meaning, and special thanks to County Supervisor Adam Hill and Pacific Gas and Electric Company for sponsoring the first ever Avila Beach Storyteller’s Night.  Stay tuned for the opportunity to see a now under production video that was taped that evening. 

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

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Fall is now upon us, NFL and NCAA football games are dominating weekends for many fans, Cal Poly is back in session and our “sleepy” beach town is returned to our possession for months to come.  Before we know it the winter holiday season will be underway, so, as sang Sonny and Cher, “The Beat Goes On.”

The Avila Beach Storytelling Night is only a couple weeks away (October 20th), and by the time you read this newsletter it is likely that all seats will have been reserved.  But just in case you hope to attend and have yet to register, visit our website and look for the event link.  Even if we are full, place your name on the waiting list because past history tells me that free events of this nature often see some folks canceling at the last minute for whatever reason.  Foundation Project Specialist Paula Dempsey is hard at work finalizing our line-up of Storytellers, and former Foundation Trustee Carolyn Morton is whipping up a menu of delectable desserts to be served that evening.  There will even be a no-host wine bar for those who like to enjoy a little “grape” juice with their sweets.  Whatever you wind up having for dinner that night, be sure to leave some room for dessert!  Thanks again to Pacific Gas & Electric and County Supervisor Adam Hill for sponsoring this special event, thus enabling the Foundation to offer it to our fellow Avilones free of charge. Oh, and by the way, if you are interested in brushing up on some Avila Beach History, take a few moments to download the Avila Beach History App on your iPhone or Smartphone.

Our Campaign to fund Phase II of Avila Beach Public Art has now surpassed the $20,000 plateau! This has truly been a group effort – meaning at this point 40 donors have generously stepped up to support the 2018 project. Heartfelt thanks to the following for their contributions:  County Supervisor Adam Hill, Chevron Corporation, Sara & Boyd Horne, Mary & Marty Berry, Vicki & David Book, Jim Sargen, Archie McLaren, Lucinda Borchard, Joan Sargen, Lucy Gnos, Anonymous Donor, Bev Aho, Cyndy & Steve Lakowske, Avila Bay Athletic Club, Paul & Jackie Prather, Rick & Kay Cohen, Lisa Newton, Lynn Walter, Debbie Peterson, Bruce & Sandy Brandenburg, Joan & Doug Carlson, Bill Boyce, Michael Terry, Joe Shepard, Anne Brown, Jennifer Scarano, Mary El & Warren Hansen, Jim & Betty Hartig, Tom & Sharon Rippner, Bev Henry, Chris Beard, Ed & Carolyn Labanara, Sandra Smith, Marya Malinowski, Diane Pieron, Ken & Nancy Thompson, Eric & Chris DeWeese, Joy Owens, Mike Rudd, and Steve Johnson.  It’s not too late to add your name to this list by contributing to the cause.  The more money generated, the greater the artwork possibilities. Those of you readers who have enjoyed the murals on the Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers will surely want to see what comes next.  Send your check in any amount to Avila Beach Community Foundation – PO Box 297, Avila Beach, 93424 - and receive your limited edition, Proud Avilone license plate frame as a token of appreciation.

Grants Are Us – at least it feels like that during the final quarter of each year as the Foundation processes funding applications and awards grants for a variety of organizations and projects. 2017 is no exception as our Trustees mull over requests from twelve applicants seeking a combined sum of roughly $80,000.  Interviews of new applicants take place this month, and decisions are made by the Foundation Trustees at a meeting in November.  I have to admit that I really enjoy this aspect of Foundation work, i.e. being able to help provide valuable grant support for worthy programs and projects.  It’s quite a departure from the several decades I spend as a grant-seeker, which is a highly competitive endeavor that usually results in more rejections than approvals.  Thank goodness that is behind me now.  Award recipients will be announced in the December issue of Avila News.

Odds & Ends:  If you’ve spent any time in your car driving around SLO and South County, you have surely noticed a great deal of road repairs and improvements underway.  Hopefully by the time you read this newsletter the slurry-seal work scheduled for several Avila Beach streets has been completed, leaving us with shiny new roads to traverse. In the category of better late than never, discussions have been taking place about the possibility of re-introducing a special Avila Trolley stop at the San Luis Bay Estates, Avila Village location. Up until a couple years ago, just such a stop made it very convenient for SLBE residents to hop on the Trolley for a fun trip to the beach and back, but we lost that stop due to some opposition from Village business owners concerned about parking issues.  We may have found a way around the problem, and would appreciate some feedback from locals who would ride the Trolley if the former convenience returned.  What say you?

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

Greetings Fellow Avilones - Can you believe that school is back in session already? I realize that this does not directly affect those of us beyond child-rearing years, but the collateral benefit can be seen all around - at least on weekdays. The beaches are less crowded, the tennis club I enjoy is much quieter, and greater tranquility in the neighborhood abounds when the little ones are congregated in classrooms. Spoken like a true childless parent, eh? I have much news to share this month, so let's get into it.
 
First off, let me welcome the "Foundation's" newest board member - Ellen Pitrowski
who was elected as a Trustee at our July 31st board meeting.  A native of Philadelphia, Ellen relocated to the Central Coast with her husband Tony in 1996, and was an attorney at the Santa Maria law firm Kirk & Simas, practicing in the areas of family law and estate planning.  During that time, she participated on local boards including the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, the Economic Development Association and the Northern Santa Barbara Bar Association.  When her daughters joined the scene, Ellen shifted gears to full time parenting, becoming very involved at their school and the family's property in See Canyon.  A true lover of the beach, you can find Ellen in Avila cheering her girls on during Junior Guards, out running with her standard poodle, or taking in the sunset from Farmers Market or the pier. You can find Ellen's photo on the "Foundation's"  website.  
 
The Avila Beach Storytelling Night planning is moving full steam ahead. AND, you are now able to make your reservations to attend this FREE October 20th event by clicking here. It is first come first served, and seats are limited! I suspect the lure of a no-cost, first of its kind event here in Avila Beach will be a popular ticket, so act fast. Special appreciation to County Supervisor Adam Hill and our friends at Pacific Gas and Electric Company for their generous sponsorship of this event, which enables the "Foundation" to offer it to you at no charge. More details can be found on the event registration link. 
 
Our Campaign to fund Phase II of Avila Beach Public Art is also progressing nicely thanks to the generosity of nearly three dozen donors spurred by the opportunity to acquire limited edition "Proud Avilone" license plate frames. Thus far we have collected pledges or checks for more than $18,000 towards our $25,000 goal, which we hope to reach by the end of this year. Those of you readers who celebrated and have enjoyed the artfully adorned Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers will surely want to see what comes next. So please help us reach our goal by sending your check of any amount to Avila Beach Foundation - PO Box 297, Avila Beach, 93424.
 
The Bob Jones Trail Keepers - if you haven't heard, is an all-volunteer group interested in keeping the Bob Jones Pathway clean, beautiful, and safe.  The group helps SLO County Park Rangers maintain the popular and heavily used trail.  Group activities include public awareness regarding the ecosystem, litter patrol, assisting county ranger lead projects, shrub trimming, and removal of invasive plants.  The group meets the second Sunday of every month, 8:30 a.m. at the Bob Jones parking lot on Ontario Road.  If you are interested in participating, just show up ready to help.  According to Betty Hartig, you will repeatedly hear "thank you" from numerous trail users.
 
New Surveillance Cameras - are being installed at the Avila Beach Promenade, as reported by Sheriff's Department Commander Jim Vogue at the August meeting of AVAC. This step is being taken to help with public safety issues as the area is attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors. While I am saddened by further loss of our small town lifestyle, I guess it makes sense to use today's technology to combat today's issues.
 
Odds & Ends: If you are interested in participating, ECOSLO will be hosting its annual Coastal Clean-Up day on September 16th from 9:00a.m.-Noon including three Avila sites. For details visit www.ecoslo.org and click on the Coastal Clean-Up Day link. Time and again we receive inquiries about the status of the Avila Pier. For the record, it is Port San Luis Harbor District that manages the Pier, and they are in the process of establishing a non-profit organization to raise the money needed to rebuild the failing structure. Information on the project can be found on a new banner on the Pier that includes a timeline and directs people to the project website: http://portsanluis.com/2236/Avila-Pier.
 
That's it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
 

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Summer is racing past, and judging by the number of vehicles parked in the public lot, on the beach area streets and Avila Beach Drive along the golf course, I think it’s safe to say that this is one of our busiest seasons ever.  Though I haven’t heard much more than the usual concerns, one incident occurred earlier this summer that alarmed all of us – that being the gang related fight at a Friday night Farmer’s Market.  I won’t rehash the details, but do want to share with you the words of caution presented by Highway Patrol Sergeant John Johnson, as reported at the July meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council.  The four gang members were from Fresno, a town where Sgt. Johnson once worked.  According to him, “Bull Dogs gang members (not associated with Fresno State University) come to the Central Coast from Central Valley because word is out that Avila is a good place to go to the beach.  These gang members are identifiable by the paw print tattoos visible on their bodies.”  Sgt. Johnson says to not be concerned about sightings of individuals, but anyone witnessing even small groups of these Bull Dogs together should notify local law enforcement.

On a more positive note, I am delighted to report that donations towards launching the second phase of public art in Avila Beach are coming in regularly.  We have now collected pledges and contributions totaling just under $16,000.  With the goal of $25,000 in sight, more and more Avilones are dipping into their pocketbooks to help us reach the finish line.  Some, I believe, were lured in by the “reward” given all project donors – that being the limited edition Proud Avilone license plate frames we have been advertising.  If you haven’t yet seen this promotional opportunity, look for the flyer ad in this month’s print edition of the Avila Community News.  Any contribution amount is welcome.  When asked how much one should give, I simply state “let your conscientious be your guide.” 
 
I’ll grant you that.  Not really, it’s just my usual play on words to remind all interested parties that grant making season is now open at the “Foundation.”  Between now and September 11th, we are accepting funding applications from organizations seeking support for 2018 projects or services.  For information be sure to visit our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org.  Now is a good time to offer some background for folks unaware of the “Foundation” grant making history, and/or for those new to our community.  The “Foundation” began awarding grants back in the year 2000, shortly after our agency was formally organized and given official non-profit status.  The grant dollars we issue each year come from the monies invested in a portfolio established on the strength of an endowment received as part of the UNOCAL beach clean-up and remediation settlement.  The original endowment was valued at $3.2 million, of which nearly $1 million was immediately awarded for some major infrastructure projects, like re-building the Community Center and purchasing heavy duty beach cleaning equipment to be used by the Harbor District.  That investment, and shortly thereafter the stock market dot.com bubble burst, saw the “Foundation” portfolio value drop by roughly 50%.  But given its mission, the “Foundation” continued to award community grants.  Over the next 16 years the portfolio experienced a nice recovery, then once again a precipitous decline during the 2007-09 financial market crash, followed by another stock market bounce-back over the past six or seven years.  Long story short, today our portfolio is worth roughly $2.2 million, and since inception we’ve awarded over 160 grants and helped distribute more than $3 million in our local community.  Not bad considering that one-time-only, initial $1 million withdrawal and two devastating stock market crashes.  Our goal is – as the Gladys Knight song goes -  to ” keep on keepin’ on.”
 
Got a story to tell?  Last month I informed you readers of our upcoming community special – the Avila Beach Storytellers event – scheduled for October 20th.  While it’s still too early to reserve your free seats (courtesy of County Supervisor Adam Hill and PG&E), it is NOT too soon to let us know if you have a story to tell about life in Avila dating back in history to the good old days at the beach.  We are now accepting interest from those who have tales they would like to share about family life going back to earlier generations, in front of a warm and enthusiastic audience at the Avila Beach Community Center.  We will probably have time for about one dozen stories of up to 5-minutes each.  There will also be a showing of the History of Avila film that premiered this past March as part of the San Luis Obispo Film Festival, the opportunity to visit the special mini-museum of old time Avila photos and artifacts on loan from some local Avilones and, of course, some delightful refresh-ments.  Any aspiring storytellers should email me at avilafoundation@gmail.com. 

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

 Greetings, fellow Avilones.  I hope that the early stages of summer are treating you well.  By now it seems all but certain that our popular beach town will experience one of the busiest seasons ever, as even days when the weather has been a bit cooler the place has been packed.  And if you are looking for ideal dates to get away from the crowds, I might suggest the weekend of July 7-9, as there are three consecutive days of special events at the golf course that will likely have a high impact on our community.
 
For those of you who did not attend the most recent “Envision Avila Workshop”, held on June 8th at the Community Center, let me say that it was an energetic exercise.  Facilitated by SLO County Planning staff we locals – though a somewhat smaller group than at the prior workshops – were tasked with a revolving brainstorming session.  After a brief introduction, we were asked to make stops at five tables for discussions on five different topics (called Table Themes).  Urged by the table bosses who told us all ideas are welcome, we shared our thoughts about (1) Future use of the Diablo Canyon Property. (2) Improving the beach area parking situation. (3) Changing of standards related to community events in our area. (4) Traffic control measures to improve public safety on San Luis Bay Drive and Avila Beach Road. (5) Alterations to vacation rental regulations.  I wandered from table to table and learned of the many ideas shared – some really good ones that seem very achievable, and some “pie in the sky” suggestions that will likely never see the light of day.  Nevertheless I walked away feeling quite impressed with the thoughtful dialogue among our fellow Avilones.  If you want to follow the planning and workshops information stream, I suggest visiting www.envisionavila.org.
 
Mark your calendars for the evening of October 20th!!!  Yep, that’s the scheduled date for the first ever “Avila Beach Storytellers Event” I mentioned in last month’s column. This event will be open to Avila Beach residents only, and thanks to the generosity of event co-sponsors Supervisor Adam Hill and our friends at PG&E will be free of charge.  We are still working on the details, but an evening of food and folly will be enjoyed by the lucky folks who reserve their seats on this first come first served basis.  Keep visiting the Foundation’s website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - until you see the reservation instructions to be posted later this summer.
 
Help, I’ve been framed!  Modeling the newly minted, special edition license plate holder is Foundation Trustee Gary Maier, who is indeed “A Proud Avilone”.   In order to help us raise money towards the Avila Beach Public Art Project Phase II goal of $25,000 we are offering this limited quantity frame to anyone who donates to the cause.  If you want to help us bring more public art to our beachfront, and at the same time receive this fun gift, send your check to: Avila Beach Community Foundation, P.O. Box 297, Avila Beach, 93424.  Be sure to include contact information so we can arrange delivery of your frame(s).                                                           
 
Many thanks to each of you who helps make Avila Beach a very special place to live.  We thrive best when working together towards common goals. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
 

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  With the unofficial beginning of summer in the rearview mirror – meaning Memorial Day Weekend -  we are now officially in hunker down mode for the next several months.  Since this column was due to the publisher prior to the MD Weekend, I can only speculate on what may have occurred.  I suspect it included massive traffic and parking congestion due to beach visitors and golf course event attendees, too much alcohol consumed, excess litter strewn about, and an exodus of Avila locals seeking peace and tranquility elsewhere.  Well, how did I do?  Unless the summer fog rolls in for an extended stay, the above scenario will likely be repeated on a pretty regular basis.  Enjoy what you can, endure the rest, and always remember how lucky we are to live in a place most others can only dream of.
 
Setting aside the cynical side of me, I submit to the rosier side of life to report some of the good that has come our way.  First, let me introduce you to the “Foundation’s” newest board member, Cyndy Lakowske, who resides in Kingfisher Canyon with husband Steve.  Relatively new to Avila Beach by way of Arroyo Grande and before that Colorado, the Lakowskes have settled in quite nicely.  Cyndy, a mother of two highly athletic and gifted offspring, is an accomplished distance runner who brings energy and a cheery personality to our community. You can find Cyndy’s photo and bio on the “Foundation’s” website.
 
I hope you readers aren’t too tired of my continued references to the magical murals adorning the Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers, because the good news just keeps on coming!  Last month I mentioned the boost given early efforts to launch Public Art Project II by donation pledges from County Supervisor Adam Hill and the dynamic duo of Sara and Boyd Horne.  Well, I’m stoked to report that Chevron has stepped up to match Supervisor Hill’s $5,000 challenge with a contribution in the same amount.  Yep, another five grand in the project coffers!!!  That brings our total to $12,000 – about one half of what we’ll need to bring the next round of public art to Avila.  Thank you, Chevron!!!  And, did you notice that our Towers project was accorded the 2017 New Times Best of SLO County “Runner Up” award for Best Public Art?  Congratulations to everyone involved in what was truly a group effort, highlighted by the artistry of Colleen Gnos.
 
Backing up a little bit to my first paragraph, I want to remind everyone that the “Foundation” established the AVILA ALERTS program several years ago to help inform subscribers in advance about upcoming activities that could make it more difficult to get to and from downtown Avila.  The idea first came about when I was attending a community meeting and heard folks wishing that some sort of notification method could be established - not just about special events, but also planned roadwork closures and delays in and out of Avila.  So, we answered the call and created AVILA ALERTS.  Now, it’s not perfect, because we rely upon “reporters” from the various organizations and agencies to give us a heads up notification about possible disruptions.  And once received we forward the information to ALERTS subscribers.  There is no cost to be on the email notification list, and you can be included simply by visiting our website and clicking on the AVILA ALERTS tab.
 
Continuing the theme of Everything Avila Beach, let me remind everyone to re-visit the Avila Beach Historical Tour free App, since more pages have been added since first introduced.  If you have not yet seen the Tour, it can be downloaded at no cost from the Google and iTunes App stores.  Also, by the time you read this column, the “Foundation” will have held its first planning meeting for the upcoming “Avila Beach Storytellers” event, which we anticipate coming your way sometime this fall.  While I’m getting a little in front of things at this moment, I want to extend an early invitation to any of you who might wish to share a tale or two about Avila past as you lived it.  We hope to capture stories from individuals whose family roots in Avila go back decades or generations, all told in front of what will surely be an attentive and appreciative audience.  Stay tuned for more details as they become available.  It’s time to scoot, so that’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach! 
 
 

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  Believe it or not, you now have in front of you the 100th Column I have written for the “Avila Community News”.  Yes, that makes this one a collector’s item!  Be sure you keep it, since someday it may be worth a fortune.  Okay – not so much.  But it is a personal milestone paralleling my journey with the Avila Beach Community Foundation, which began in January of 2009 – one month before that initial column in the “News”.  I must admit that it’s not easy to come up with the roughly 800 words I hope will be found reader worthy each month, but I do get enough positive feedback to keep me marching forward.   And when, might you ask, did the term “Avilone” first grace the pages of my column?  If you guessed January 2013 you would be correct.  It was in that issue that I offered several possible names for consideration, seeking feedback from you locals.  The winning choice – Avilone – became your official title in February.  So there you go – let history mark our place in the lore of Avila Beach.
 
I am pleased to say that we at the “Foundation” are still jumping for joy over glowing community response for the beautiful murals that have adorned the Avila Beach lifeguard towers since February.  As you know, we sent “News” subscribers an invitation to respond to a survey that included a section about supporting a second round of public art in Avila.  Thus far nearly two dozen people have expressed interest in contributing to the next project.  With that momentum in place, we will launch a formal campaign to secure those pledges, and build on the initial challenge promises of County Supervisor Adam Hill ($5,000) and the Sara Horne Art Fund ($2,000).  It’s not too late if you still want to complete the survey by visiting our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and clicking on the link right below the “Foundation” banner.
 
Once again here to remind you what a valuable source of information I find the Avila Valley Advisory Council meetings to be, as last month we learned that; (1) in the works are two new streetlights to be installed at the Hwy 101 San Luis Bay Drive and Ontario Road exit that has for too long been a dangerous and accident laden intersection; (2) sometime shortly after Labor Day, County Public Works will be resurfacing several highly traveled and worn streets in downtown Avila Beach (not Avila Beach Drive), so expect some delays and re-routing come then. 
 
Another active and vigilant group – Concerned Citizens for Avila – included in their April e-newsletter an announcement about the third Envision Avila gathering, scheduled for June 8th, 6:30-8:00p.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center.  Each of these installments gives attendees the opportunity to chime in with their thoughts about the Avila Beach area plan, now undergoing discussions at the county level.   If you cannot make the meeting, I recommend visiting the website – http://www.envisionavila.org - for ongoing information and updates.  Also, any of you with children or grandchildren interested in enrolling in the very popular Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, it’s not too late to register and participate in remaining tryouts scheduled for May 14th and May 21st from 2:00-4:00p.m. at Sinsheimer Pool in San Luis Obispo.  For more information about the Junior Lifeguard Program, please text or call Russ Edwards at (805-440-4621).
 
On a side note, it won’t be long before the next tourist season hits full stride here in Avila Beach.  Not only should we prepare for the usual throng of daily visitors, but also an increase in the number of vacation home renters.  One need not look far to see the ongoing construction of new properties designed to accommodate those seeking to enjoy at least for a while the sunny coastal climate and pristine beaches lifestyle we Avilones seek to protect.  And there will be no shortage of concerts and events at the golf course to present even more challenges to get in and around Avila.  I don’t know if there is much we can do, other than endure and be grateful that we get to live here year-round.  I am sure there is a breaking point, but evidently not yet reached.  So, let’s continue to celebrate our good fortune as fellow Avilones and make the best of these next few weeks before the wave hits. 

That’s it for now – see you at the beach!
 
 
 

Greetings, fellow Avilones.  I hardly know where to begin!  Since I last wrote, so much has come across my desk that the keys on my keyboard are smokin’ as I type.  First let me close the loop on my February trip through the Panama Canal, as promised in the March edition of the Avila Community News.  Though I was skeptical of taking the cruise when initially suggested by my wife, I must say the experience was well worth it.  Watching, and then being onboard one of several ships queued up for journey through the Canal made the trip a winner – one that I recommend for everyone.  Considering when this engineering marvel was built (over 100 years ago), the politics, the number or workers involved and lives lost, it is a truly amazing operation.
 
The bigger local happening, however, was the long-awaited unveiling and community celebration of the new public art installed on the Avila Beach lifeguard towers.  A project delayed by weather and illness finally came to fruition on a day calling for more rain.  It was February 18th and meant to happen after all.  The rain eased up, the clouds parted, the winds subsided and the air warmed, just as roughly 100 people arrived at the beach to cheer the new public art display.  With bullhorn in hand, artist Colleen Gnos provided the crowd with a pleasing description of the art, its meaning and place in Avila’s history.  Nothing but praise has come our way, both to the “Foundation” for initiating the project and to Colleen for so well capturing the spirit of Avila. 
 
Earlier that same day we hosted a gathering for about 50-60 people representing the partnerships and parties involved in the project.  There was so much positive energy flowing that during the recognition portion of the presentation County Supervisor Adam Hill stood up and pledged $5,000 in matching funds toward a second round of Avila Beach public art, followed immediately by a pledge of $2,000 from Sara and Boyd Horne.  Suffice it to say, the “Foundation” will use that energy to launch a community-wide campaign to secure other matching pledges and donations so we can continue the art initiative.  Our thanks again go to funding partners Chevron, PG&E and the Sara Horne Art Fund.  Likewise our gratitude to project partners ARTS Obispo and Port San Luis Harbor District.  And, of course, applause to artist Colleen Gnos and her crew!  PLEASE BE SURE TO  COMPLETE THE FUTURE PUBLIC ART SURVEY BY CLICKING HERE .  It will only take a minute or two and will be extremely helpful to our quest.  www.avilabeachfoundation.org.
 
Under the category of “you never know where a conversation might lead,” the “Foundation” has to express its delight in an event we sponsored as part of this year’s San Luis Obispo Film Festival.  When asked by Film Festival Director Wendy Eidson during our 2016 open grant application period for ideas I thought might be embraced by our board of directors, I casually suggested something along the lines of a video depicting Avila’s rich history might blend well with a future Avila History Storytelling event that has been percolating in my mind.  Wendy ran with that idea, found and hired a Cal Poly filmmaking student – Grace Tucker – willing to give it a go.  So, on Sunday, March 19th at the Fremont Theatre the short film “The Storied Past of Avila Beach” was screened in front of a crowd of at least 300 people (largely comprised of Avilones) – and followed by a discussion panel of longtime Avila residents who shared experiences and answered questions from the audience.  Personally, I feel that Grace did a wonderful job on producing the video, and panelists Archie McLaren, Betty Woody, Jack San Filippo, Rob Rossi and Pete Kelly provided some very entertaining and educational stories from their pasts.   Stay tuned for information about a follow-up event.
 
Reporting on Odds & Ends, have you seen the garden and welcome sign area at the entrance to Avila Beach?  After a wet season and explosion of weeds, the “Foundation” granted a request from Julie Andrews Scott for money to purchase and spread decorative and weed-arresting landscape products on the corner.  Thanks to Julie, Betty Woody and others in the crew, the overgrowth was removed, landscape products were installed, and now we once again have a lovely entrance. Well done.  The crew plans on gathering monthly to keep the area beautiful.  If you want to help, let me know and I’ll put you in touch Julie. Have you heard about the upcoming guided walk along the Bob Jones Trail scheduled for April 17th?  Visit the SLO County Recreation and Parks website for details.  Also, CAL Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee reminds everyone that with the recent change in time, it’s a good idea to place new batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  Once again I’ve used up all my allotted space, so that’s it for now, fellow Avilones.  See you at the beach!