Hello friends and neighbors. You may have noticed that the Avila Beach busy season is now in high gear. Fish and Farmers Market is bringing loads of people to the Promenade, and the beaches are becoming more and more populated by locals and visitors alike. Concerts and special events will again be prominent because, let’s face it, the Avila Beach climate and ambiance is hard to resist. History tells us that we locals most affected will choose to enjoy it, be part of it, tolerate it or head for the hills to avoid it. We are indeed an eclectic group with varied interests and opinions – just the way it should be.
Speaking of heading for the hills, it is sadly time to say “bon voyage” to Terry and Cindie Eberhardt, who are moving from Avila Beach to Lake of the Pines, situated near Auburn, California. It is no surprise to us who have known Terry and Cindie for a while, since they have been looking at other places to relocate for a couple years now. However, that does not diminish the sense of loss that comes with their looming departure. Memories of the resurrection of the Avila Beach Community Center will not be complete without recognition that Terry was extremely instrumental in both its construction and oversight for several years. With a background in Parks and Recreation administration, Terry took a leadership role in bringing to new life a previously sagging building that now is home to myriad community activities, and has become a focal point for Avila locals. Best of luck on your new journey, Terry and Cindie!!!
In my role of “occasional man about town”, I would like to share a little of what I learned lately, along with some observations and opinions formed this past month. First, let me report that the free Avila Beach Trolley will likely be operating under new and expanded hours this season. After extensive review of ridership trends over the past couple of years, SLORTA staff has recommended increasing the number of days each week that the Trolley runs during April through October, and all but eliminating the service from November through March – with the possible exception of some holiday periods. As a funding source for the free Trolley service, the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees fully endorses the new schedule, and final decision now rests in the hands of the Transit Authority Board. Stay tuned.
Among the meetings I try to attend are those of the Avila Beach Business Association, and did so at their April gathering. Two subjects caught my attention, the first being a very lengthy discussion that followed a presentation by Port San Luis Harbor staff recommending an increase in beach lot parking fees during Fish and Farmers Market from $1.00 after 4:00p.m. to $3.00. We were reminded that the usual parking fee is $5.00, and a discount would still be in effect as a continued incentive to “Market” goers. Well, that idea didn’t fly very well among ABA board members, who fear the increased parking fees will reduce attendance, which could, in turn, reduce the amount of money being spent at Market vendors and surrounding businesses. Valid concerns indeed. Equally valid is the Port’s need to generate enough annual income to keep their operations going – and we all know that public entities have taken a huge hit in funding and subsidies during this lengthy recession. While the topic is hot, I was encouraged by the friendly tone and desire to work together to find a reasonable compromise. More to come, I’m sure.
Observation Part II concerning the Avila Business Association. First is my sincere “tip of the cap” to the handful of ABA directors who have kept things going for the past several years. Noteworthy was the lengthy period of time preceding, during, and following the massive beach town oil decontamination and rebuilding project. Having successfully guided ABA through the renaissance, and launching the incredibly successful Friday Fish and Farmers Market, this group has become less active over the ensuing years, seemingly because there have been few major issues with which to deal. Listening to the dialogue at the most recent ABA meeting, what I think I heard from longtime ABA leaders Leonard Cohen, Karin Argano, Carl Barbettini, Tim Hodge and Kim Silverman is that they are reaching “burn-out”, and could really use some help from others in the local business community. I agree, it is time for Avila business owners and operators to bring an infusion of new ideas and energy to what should continue to be a vital body. Is it not an opportunity to be forward thinking during times free of major issues – to be proactive rather than reactive? While I do not own a business, it appears to me that most Avila Beach area retailers and hospitality vendors thrive during the summer, but not nearly so well the rest of the year. How about collaborating on ways to bring more consumer dollars into the coffers year-round? Surely worth some conversation, is it not?
One final “shout-out” to AVAC member Julia Hartzell and SLBE resident Karla Bittner for keeping alive passions about the looming Bob Jones Trail final link into San Luis Obispo. Unsightly bridge or more popular underpass – what say you, Avila Beach? Share your thoughts and I’ll pass them along. As always, you can reach us by logging onto www.avilabeachfoundation.org. That’s it for now. See you at the beach.
Speaking of heading for the hills, it is sadly time to say “bon voyage” to Terry and Cindie Eberhardt, who are moving from Avila Beach to Lake of the Pines, situated near Auburn, California. It is no surprise to us who have known Terry and Cindie for a while, since they have been looking at other places to relocate for a couple years now. However, that does not diminish the sense of loss that comes with their looming departure. Memories of the resurrection of the Avila Beach Community Center will not be complete without recognition that Terry was extremely instrumental in both its construction and oversight for several years. With a background in Parks and Recreation administration, Terry took a leadership role in bringing to new life a previously sagging building that now is home to myriad community activities, and has become a focal point for Avila locals. Best of luck on your new journey, Terry and Cindie!!!
In my role of “occasional man about town”, I would like to share a little of what I learned lately, along with some observations and opinions formed this past month. First, let me report that the free Avila Beach Trolley will likely be operating under new and expanded hours this season. After extensive review of ridership trends over the past couple of years, SLORTA staff has recommended increasing the number of days each week that the Trolley runs during April through October, and all but eliminating the service from November through March – with the possible exception of some holiday periods. As a funding source for the free Trolley service, the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees fully endorses the new schedule, and final decision now rests in the hands of the Transit Authority Board. Stay tuned.
Among the meetings I try to attend are those of the Avila Beach Business Association, and did so at their April gathering. Two subjects caught my attention, the first being a very lengthy discussion that followed a presentation by Port San Luis Harbor staff recommending an increase in beach lot parking fees during Fish and Farmers Market from $1.00 after 4:00p.m. to $3.00. We were reminded that the usual parking fee is $5.00, and a discount would still be in effect as a continued incentive to “Market” goers. Well, that idea didn’t fly very well among ABA board members, who fear the increased parking fees will reduce attendance, which could, in turn, reduce the amount of money being spent at Market vendors and surrounding businesses. Valid concerns indeed. Equally valid is the Port’s need to generate enough annual income to keep their operations going – and we all know that public entities have taken a huge hit in funding and subsidies during this lengthy recession. While the topic is hot, I was encouraged by the friendly tone and desire to work together to find a reasonable compromise. More to come, I’m sure.
Observation Part II concerning the Avila Business Association. First is my sincere “tip of the cap” to the handful of ABA directors who have kept things going for the past several years. Noteworthy was the lengthy period of time preceding, during, and following the massive beach town oil decontamination and rebuilding project. Having successfully guided ABA through the renaissance, and launching the incredibly successful Friday Fish and Farmers Market, this group has become less active over the ensuing years, seemingly because there have been few major issues with which to deal. Listening to the dialogue at the most recent ABA meeting, what I think I heard from longtime ABA leaders Leonard Cohen, Karin Argano, Carl Barbettini, Tim Hodge and Kim Silverman is that they are reaching “burn-out”, and could really use some help from others in the local business community. I agree, it is time for Avila business owners and operators to bring an infusion of new ideas and energy to what should continue to be a vital body. Is it not an opportunity to be forward thinking during times free of major issues – to be proactive rather than reactive? While I do not own a business, it appears to me that most Avila Beach area retailers and hospitality vendors thrive during the summer, but not nearly so well the rest of the year. How about collaborating on ways to bring more consumer dollars into the coffers year-round? Surely worth some conversation, is it not?
One final “shout-out” to AVAC member Julia Hartzell and SLBE resident Karla Bittner for keeping alive passions about the looming Bob Jones Trail final link into San Luis Obispo. Unsightly bridge or more popular underpass – what say you, Avila Beach? Share your thoughts and I’ll pass them along. As always, you can reach us by logging onto www.avilabeachfoundation.org. That’s it for now. See you at the beach.
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