Greetings, fellow Avilones. As it has been said before “spring has sprung”, bringing with it warmer weather and more daylight. Easter and Passover holidays are coming our way this April, and many of you will be celebrating with family and friends. By the time you read this news column, my hope is that the turmoil with Russia has been peacefully resolved, and that we continue to see a reduction in Covid cases in spite of the relaxed rules on vaccinations and masking. And if we are really lucky, gasoline prices will have dropped down to less than $5 per gallon. These are extraordinary times, and will find a place in historical accounts as one of the most challenging periods.
ODDS AND ENDS Part I: Some good news coming our way is the return of the popular Avila Beach Farmers’ Market, celebrating its 20th anniversary on Friday nights from 4:00-8:00p.m., beginning on May 6 and running through August 26, according to coordinator Julie Andrews-Scott. Likewise, the free Avila Trolley will be up and running during the busy tourist season. You will soon be able to find route schedules on the SLORTA website. Also, the “Foundation” will once again be contracting with the PathPoint agency to provide sand and debris removal along the beach boardwalk, curbs and planters on both side of the Promenade that are not maintained by the County. PathPoint crews will be on the job Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings beginning early May through early October. Special thanks to SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Chevron, for partnering with us to help finance the beach area cleaning project.
ODDS AND ENDS Part II: As most of you know, the “Foundation” has since its inception promoted and honored the history of Avila Beach. Not to be overlooked is the historical schoolhouse that played such a prominent role during the early days of our town. In fact, not that long ago a local group called – Save Our Schoolhouse - formed with a mission to preserve the original building as Avila was going through a transformation that is still ongoing. Circumstances have altered their mission, and according to one of their original organizers, Pete Kelley…
“The Save Our Schoolhouse group of Avila Beach has changed its name to the Avila Beach History and Preservation Project. The reason for the change is to be more inclusive of all issues relating to Avila Beach history while not losing sight of the preservation of our historic schoolhouse, which was its founding and enduring goal. It has been a long and winding road as residential/commercial developments have been proposed for the school property. Some plans have called for incorporating the school into various developments or to move it to another location.
The Save Our Schoolhouse movement grew out of the rebuilding of the town of Avila Beach after the UNOCAL cleanup. At that time the school was slated for removal or incorporation into a larger townhouse project, but some in the community felt the school had historical significance and organized to preserve it. Eventually, the building was granted historical status. Donations flowed-in from members of the community and were incorporated into the Avila Beach Community Foundation financial structure for investment and safe-keeping. The group is very thankful for the support of the Foundation.”
As time has passed, members of the community realized there were other issues and historical documents worthy of preservation. Avila citizen, Pete Kelley, has taken the lead and has offered to curate historical items relating to the history of Avila and the school. It has been a labor of love and he has been supported by the community and the Avila Beach Community Service District (ABCSD). So, not only did the group get a new name, but they now have a temporary location in the ABCSD building at 100 San Luis Street in Avila Beach. Updates on the preservation of the school are ongoing, and donations to support our effort are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Pete Kelley at [email protected] for more information.
Last but not least, please remember the April 15 deadline to submit applications for the Foundation’s $5,000 Community Impact Grant. Additional information can be found in the March Newsletter, or you can email [email protected].
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
ODDS AND ENDS Part I: Some good news coming our way is the return of the popular Avila Beach Farmers’ Market, celebrating its 20th anniversary on Friday nights from 4:00-8:00p.m., beginning on May 6 and running through August 26, according to coordinator Julie Andrews-Scott. Likewise, the free Avila Trolley will be up and running during the busy tourist season. You will soon be able to find route schedules on the SLORTA website. Also, the “Foundation” will once again be contracting with the PathPoint agency to provide sand and debris removal along the beach boardwalk, curbs and planters on both side of the Promenade that are not maintained by the County. PathPoint crews will be on the job Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings beginning early May through early October. Special thanks to SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Chevron, for partnering with us to help finance the beach area cleaning project.
ODDS AND ENDS Part II: As most of you know, the “Foundation” has since its inception promoted and honored the history of Avila Beach. Not to be overlooked is the historical schoolhouse that played such a prominent role during the early days of our town. In fact, not that long ago a local group called – Save Our Schoolhouse - formed with a mission to preserve the original building as Avila was going through a transformation that is still ongoing. Circumstances have altered their mission, and according to one of their original organizers, Pete Kelley…
“The Save Our Schoolhouse group of Avila Beach has changed its name to the Avila Beach History and Preservation Project. The reason for the change is to be more inclusive of all issues relating to Avila Beach history while not losing sight of the preservation of our historic schoolhouse, which was its founding and enduring goal. It has been a long and winding road as residential/commercial developments have been proposed for the school property. Some plans have called for incorporating the school into various developments or to move it to another location.
The Save Our Schoolhouse movement grew out of the rebuilding of the town of Avila Beach after the UNOCAL cleanup. At that time the school was slated for removal or incorporation into a larger townhouse project, but some in the community felt the school had historical significance and organized to preserve it. Eventually, the building was granted historical status. Donations flowed-in from members of the community and were incorporated into the Avila Beach Community Foundation financial structure for investment and safe-keeping. The group is very thankful for the support of the Foundation.”
As time has passed, members of the community realized there were other issues and historical documents worthy of preservation. Avila citizen, Pete Kelley, has taken the lead and has offered to curate historical items relating to the history of Avila and the school. It has been a labor of love and he has been supported by the community and the Avila Beach Community Service District (ABCSD). So, not only did the group get a new name, but they now have a temporary location in the ABCSD building at 100 San Luis Street in Avila Beach. Updates on the preservation of the school are ongoing, and donations to support our effort are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Pete Kelley at [email protected] for more information.
Last but not least, please remember the April 15 deadline to submit applications for the Foundation’s $5,000 Community Impact Grant. Additional information can be found in the March Newsletter, or you can email [email protected].
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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