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!
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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!
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