Happy New Year everyone!
As another year draws to a close, the anticipation for a fresh start and new beginnings fills the air. It's a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Whether you're gathering with loved ones, watching fireworks light up the sky, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, may this New Year be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in the year to come!
I want to announce the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees for
2025. Continuing as Board President will be Barbara Nicholson, and assuming the role
of Vice President is our previous Board Secretary, Ellen Pitrowski. Patrick Corrigan
continues as our Treasurer and Tim Luken is stepping into the role of Secretary this
year. Returning Trustees are Bev Aho, Lucinda Borchard, Joe Caradonna, Percy
Jones, Paul Prather, Deb Pritchard and Rick Cohen. This insightful group of volunteers bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to our organization.
As we begin a new year, let’s review the historic connection between our town and
the Avila Beach Community Foundation. In the early to mid-1990s, oil was
discovered to have seeped into our town’s commercial and residential zones, and onto
our beach front. Through litigation, UNOCAL was found to be responsible for the
contamination and required to “clean up the damages.” Removing the oil caused most
of the commercial district to be razed and rebuilt, along with a hefty portion of the
residential section. Businesses and individuals were temporarily displaced – and some
never returned. In addition to the penalties incurred and costs of repairs, UNOCAL was
required to write a check for $3.2 million to create an endowment to be used for future
support of Avila Beach. For a brief period that sum was held temporarily by the Avila
Beach Community Services District as a new organization was formed in 1998 (the
Avila Beach Community Foundation) to accept, house, invest and allocate monies
from the fund. The Foundation continues to invest in local organizations and
enhancement projects for the community.
For those of you looking for a fun family-friendly New Year’s Day activity, the annual
Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, and camaraderie.
Leave your wet suit at home and come with friends and family to the Avila Beach Pier.
Bring costumes, floaties, etc, but no dogs, please. Meet on the east side of the Avila
Beach pier at 11:30 am for pictures and encouragement from fellow plungers.
Participation is free and neither tickets nor reservations are required. More
info: www.avilabeachpolarbearplunge.com/
Happy 2025 everyone!
As another year draws to a close, the anticipation for a fresh start and new beginnings fills the air. It's a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Whether you're gathering with loved ones, watching fireworks light up the sky, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, may this New Year be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in the year to come!
I want to announce the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees for
2025. Continuing as Board President will be Barbara Nicholson, and assuming the role
of Vice President is our previous Board Secretary, Ellen Pitrowski. Patrick Corrigan
continues as our Treasurer and Tim Luken is stepping into the role of Secretary this
year. Returning Trustees are Bev Aho, Lucinda Borchard, Joe Caradonna, Percy
Jones, Paul Prather, Deb Pritchard and Rick Cohen. This insightful group of volunteers bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to our organization.
As we begin a new year, let’s review the historic connection between our town and
the Avila Beach Community Foundation. In the early to mid-1990s, oil was
discovered to have seeped into our town’s commercial and residential zones, and onto
our beach front. Through litigation, UNOCAL was found to be responsible for the
contamination and required to “clean up the damages.” Removing the oil caused most
of the commercial district to be razed and rebuilt, along with a hefty portion of the
residential section. Businesses and individuals were temporarily displaced – and some
never returned. In addition to the penalties incurred and costs of repairs, UNOCAL was
required to write a check for $3.2 million to create an endowment to be used for future
support of Avila Beach. For a brief period that sum was held temporarily by the Avila
Beach Community Services District as a new organization was formed in 1998 (the
Avila Beach Community Foundation) to accept, house, invest and allocate monies
from the fund. The Foundation continues to invest in local organizations and
enhancement projects for the community.
For those of you looking for a fun family-friendly New Year’s Day activity, the annual
Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, and camaraderie.
Leave your wet suit at home and come with friends and family to the Avila Beach Pier.
Bring costumes, floaties, etc, but no dogs, please. Meet on the east side of the Avila
Beach pier at 11:30 am for pictures and encouragement from fellow plungers.
Participation is free and neither tickets nor reservations are required. More
info: www.avilabeachpolarbearplunge.com/
Happy 2025 everyone!
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