Greetings, Fellow Avilones. As the saying goes, “spring has sprung,” and we have headed into a new season. Winter was sort of a lost cause due to colder, windier and wetter than usual weather, though a strong case can be made that the rain was badly needed to replenish our lakes and reservoirs. It’s just a shame that so much damage occurred throughout SLO County. Some of the breaking news for this month’s column comes from Julie Andrews-Scott, who has informed me that this year’s Avila Farmers’ Market will operate each Friday from May 5th through August 25th. This activity has become quite popular, and was first launched by Julie as a senior project while attending Cal Poly. Congratulations, Julie! And, we also received word from South County Transit that the Free Avila Trolley will run from May 5th through September 2nd. Rides remain free as the “Foundation” continues to help subsidize Trolley operating costs.
Just a few days ago, the “Foundation” successfully hosted the latest rendition of our Avila History series. This time local historian Pete Kelley took us through a slide show tour of Avila’s Front Street in the old days. It was stunning to see how the area has evolved, and that even way back then the crowds visiting our beach were enormous. We knew this free event would be popular when it “sold out” within 8 hours of being posted, so we added a repeat performance for the following night, which also sold out. In addition to the slide show, the “Foundation” treated attendees to a tasty dessert, and the Civic Association set up a no host bar to help raise funds for the Community Center. Rounding out the evening was a drawing for some door prizes, including three framed old-time photos donated by Richard and Kathy Zacky, along with a few items of Avilone “swag.”
As we prepared for the Avila History event, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own time in the area. My wife, our cat and I moved from Irvine in 1989 and initially landed in Los Osos. The two of us having met as Irvine tennis players, it didn’t take long after our move to learn that the best competition in the area was at the Avila Bay Athletic Club. It was sometime in early 1990 that we ventured out to the Club, liked what we saw, and joined. Come that first summer in 1990, we also discovered that while Los Osos was shrouded in fog, the summer sun was always shining in Avila. "Let’s move there!!! Easier said than done. Back then San Luis Bay Estates had only two residential developments, and one was for people aged 55+ years. We were too young. Homes in downtown Avila were rarely seen on the market, and sales seemed to occur only via word of mouth. So, in 1995 we ended up in Pelican Point, stretching our budget for the slightly more than $200k price tag. I’m not complaining, but homes in PP have been selling recently in the $1m range. Sheesh!
Looking back, so much has changed. Many of the people in our neighborhood back then have since passed away. Same with the pets we grew so fond of. The Avila Bay Club back in the 90s was truly an adult sanctuary. It was a serene place to hang out after tennis, with very few kids around. As the area developed and began attracting families, the Bay Club transitioned to become family oriented. No more quiet days around the pool. Back then the Avila Beach Golf Resort was just a golf course, but has since become more of an event venue and less oriented to the golfing community. Downtown Avila lost its “funky” vibe, having been rebuilt after the ”Big Dig.” While the beach town is certainly prettier, the local’s culture has been largely replaced by second home owners and vacation rental condos. Remember Custom House when it had two dining sections, with the outdoor area that included a neat aviary? I also recall Fat Cats being open 24-hours to accommodate the fishing industry workers coming in at all hours. Back then you could get a HUGE breakfast for 5 bucks!
I am reminded of the song lyrics “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on” as recorded by the Beatles in 1968. Long after we are gone, the next generation will look back on its own memories. They will refer to the good old days of the mid-21st century. It will likely become even more digital. I suspect currency will become a product of the past. I imagine movie theaters will be ancient history. I believe that brick and mortar stores will have all but vanished and most purchases will be online. Life will be lived by how advanced mobile devices become, experienced through six-inch screens in the palm of the hand. Gas vehicles will be no more, and when power outages occur there will be so many stranded electric vehicles. Progress will always prevail, for better or for worse. All in all, I’m actually pretty glad that I’ve lived when I have. I’m just not well suited to what tomorrow may bring.
Last, but not least, please see the announcement below from Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School for a free community event on Saturday, April 15. They are also accepting donations beginning April 10.
Oh well, that's it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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