Hello friends and neighbors. Spring is upon us, the hills are still green from the winter rains, and the seasonal winds are again blowing our way. It may not be easy to fully appreciate our fortunate lives on the central coast when so much tragedy and unrest dominate the world news. However, it is important that we take time to celebrate the good things as they come, and there are always some good things about living in Avila Beach.
One of these “good things” is a project I learned more about during a gathering last month at the Port San Luis Harbor District building, that being a proposed mile-long, dedicated bike/pedestrian path linking Hartford Pier and the Bob Jones Trail. Said path would be on the ocean side of the road, offering breathtaking views and areas to pull out and enjoy the scenery. This project is being supervised by SLO County Parks and Recreation, and is still in the planning stages. The meeting included presentations by the firm designing the path, as well as a public input opportunity that generated many helpful suggestions. The long term vision is that additional linkages will eventually connect the path to the Avila Lighthouse, Wild Cherry Canyon and beyond. Project cost estimates will likely be available later this spring, according to representatives from the County and RRM Design. Keep your eyes open for further information.
Next, I am exceptionally delighted to inform you of something the Avila Beach Foundation has been working on for several months. If you have read my past columns in this publication, it will come as no surprise that I am a vocal proponent of local philanthropy and involvement, and am always encouraging area residents and business owners to support the community organizations and projects that help make living in Avila Beach so special. Along that front, I am delighted to announce the launching of the Avila Beach Community Contributions Matching Gifts Initiative. Four project partners have stepped to the plate by donating $5,000 each (Pacific Gas & Electric., The Old Custom House, Chevron and the Avila Beach Community Foundation), with a $20,000 challenge grant incentive for others to financially support eligible Avila-based organizations and projects. The way it works is that any new donation of between $50 and $200 by an individual or business to an eligible recipient organization will be matched dollar for dollar from the Initiative Partners’ pool of $20,000 until that amount is fully exhausted. Likewise, any current donors of that cause who increase their previous gift by $50 to $200 will see that step-up amount also matched. This is a rare opportunity to double the impact of your support. Donate $100 and you’ve made a $200 difference!!! I am certain that almost everyone in our community is connected to at least one special project that could use some additional financial support in this tough economic climate, so now is the time to do so.
Much appreciation to our Initiative Partners:
My last bit of news for you is to report that the Avila Beach Foundation Trustees and staff are gathering early this month for a strategic planning retreat. What comes from this half-day session will help guide our organization’s efforts for the near future. It has been nearly two years since we first began reporting to you on a monthly basis through my column in the Avila Community News, so I hope readers now have a greater understanding of how the Foundation benefits our community. During that time we have awarded numerous grants, conducted a community survey, hosted a town hall forum, helped launch the annual community Albacore Feed, and recently facilitated a symposium on healthy living. Along each step we also asked for your feedback and suggestions, which have been both plentiful and useful to our thought-making processes. This collective input will be instrumental during our upcoming planning retreat as the Foundation strives to be responsive to community needs and interests. If you have any ideas or comments to share, we are glad to receive them. Email, call us, or visit our website at www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Signing off for now………
One of these “good things” is a project I learned more about during a gathering last month at the Port San Luis Harbor District building, that being a proposed mile-long, dedicated bike/pedestrian path linking Hartford Pier and the Bob Jones Trail. Said path would be on the ocean side of the road, offering breathtaking views and areas to pull out and enjoy the scenery. This project is being supervised by SLO County Parks and Recreation, and is still in the planning stages. The meeting included presentations by the firm designing the path, as well as a public input opportunity that generated many helpful suggestions. The long term vision is that additional linkages will eventually connect the path to the Avila Lighthouse, Wild Cherry Canyon and beyond. Project cost estimates will likely be available later this spring, according to representatives from the County and RRM Design. Keep your eyes open for further information.
Next, I am exceptionally delighted to inform you of something the Avila Beach Foundation has been working on for several months. If you have read my past columns in this publication, it will come as no surprise that I am a vocal proponent of local philanthropy and involvement, and am always encouraging area residents and business owners to support the community organizations and projects that help make living in Avila Beach so special. Along that front, I am delighted to announce the launching of the Avila Beach Community Contributions Matching Gifts Initiative. Four project partners have stepped to the plate by donating $5,000 each (Pacific Gas & Electric., The Old Custom House, Chevron and the Avila Beach Community Foundation), with a $20,000 challenge grant incentive for others to financially support eligible Avila-based organizations and projects. The way it works is that any new donation of between $50 and $200 by an individual or business to an eligible recipient organization will be matched dollar for dollar from the Initiative Partners’ pool of $20,000 until that amount is fully exhausted. Likewise, any current donors of that cause who increase their previous gift by $50 to $200 will see that step-up amount also matched. This is a rare opportunity to double the impact of your support. Donate $100 and you’ve made a $200 difference!!! I am certain that almost everyone in our community is connected to at least one special project that could use some additional financial support in this tough economic climate, so now is the time to do so.
Much appreciation to our Initiative Partners:
My last bit of news for you is to report that the Avila Beach Foundation Trustees and staff are gathering early this month for a strategic planning retreat. What comes from this half-day session will help guide our organization’s efforts for the near future. It has been nearly two years since we first began reporting to you on a monthly basis through my column in the Avila Community News, so I hope readers now have a greater understanding of how the Foundation benefits our community. During that time we have awarded numerous grants, conducted a community survey, hosted a town hall forum, helped launch the annual community Albacore Feed, and recently facilitated a symposium on healthy living. Along each step we also asked for your feedback and suggestions, which have been both plentiful and useful to our thought-making processes. This collective input will be instrumental during our upcoming planning retreat as the Foundation strives to be responsive to community needs and interests. If you have any ideas or comments to share, we are glad to receive them. Email, call us, or visit our website at www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Signing off for now………
RSS Feed