Greetings, fellow Avilones. Believe it or not, you now have in front of you the 100th Column I have written for the “Avila Community News”. Yes, that makes this one a collector’s item! Be sure you keep it, since someday it may be worth a fortune. Okay – not so much. But it is a personal milestone paralleling my journey with the Avila Beach Community Foundation, which began in January of 2009 – one month before that initial column in the “News”. I must admit that it’s not easy to come up with the roughly 800 words I hope will be found reader worthy each month, but I do get enough positive feedback to keep me marching forward. And when, might you ask, did the term “Avilone” first grace the pages of my column? If you guessed January 2013 you would be correct. It was in that issue that I offered several possible names for consideration, seeking feedback from you locals. The winning choice – Avilone – became your official title in February. So there you go – let history mark our place in the lore of Avila Beach.
I am pleased to say that we at the “Foundation” are still jumping for joy over glowing community response for the beautiful murals that have adorned the Avila Beach lifeguard towers since February. As you know, we sent “News” subscribers an invitation to respond to a survey that included a section about supporting a second round of public art in Avila. Thus far nearly two dozen people have expressed interest in contributing to the next project. With that momentum in place, we will launch a formal campaign to secure those pledges, and build on the initial challenge promises of County Supervisor Adam Hill ($5,000) and the Sara Horne Art Fund ($2,000). It’s not too late if you still want to complete the survey by visiting our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and clicking on the link right below the “Foundation” banner.
Once again here to remind you what a valuable source of information I find the Avila Valley Advisory Council meetings to be, as last month we learned that; (1) in the works are two new streetlights to be installed at the Hwy 101 San Luis Bay Drive and Ontario Road exit that has for too long been a dangerous and accident laden intersection; (2) sometime shortly after Labor Day, County Public Works will be resurfacing several highly traveled and worn streets in downtown Avila Beach (not Avila Beach Drive), so expect some delays and re-routing come then.
Another active and vigilant group – Concerned Citizens for Avila – included in their April e-newsletter an announcement about the third Envision Avila gathering, scheduled for June 8th, 6:30-8:00p.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center. Each of these installments gives attendees the opportunity to chime in with their thoughts about the Avila Beach area plan, now undergoing discussions at the county level. If you cannot make the meeting, I recommend visiting the website – http://www.envisionavila.org - for ongoing information and updates. Also, any of you with children or grandchildren interested in enrolling in the very popular Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, it’s not too late to register and participate in remaining tryouts scheduled for May 14th and May 21st from 2:00-4:00p.m. at Sinsheimer Pool in San Luis Obispo. For more information about the Junior Lifeguard Program, please text or call Russ Edwards at (805-440-4621).
On a side note, it won’t be long before the next tourist season hits full stride here in Avila Beach. Not only should we prepare for the usual throng of daily visitors, but also an increase in the number of vacation home renters. One need not look far to see the ongoing construction of new properties designed to accommodate those seeking to enjoy at least for a while the sunny coastal climate and pristine beaches lifestyle we Avilones seek to protect. And there will be no shortage of concerts and events at the golf course to present even more challenges to get in and around Avila. I don’t know if there is much we can do, other than endure and be grateful that we get to live here year-round. I am sure there is a breaking point, but evidently not yet reached. So, let’s continue to celebrate our good fortune as fellow Avilones and make the best of these next few weeks before the wave hits.
That’s it for now – see you at the beach!
I am pleased to say that we at the “Foundation” are still jumping for joy over glowing community response for the beautiful murals that have adorned the Avila Beach lifeguard towers since February. As you know, we sent “News” subscribers an invitation to respond to a survey that included a section about supporting a second round of public art in Avila. Thus far nearly two dozen people have expressed interest in contributing to the next project. With that momentum in place, we will launch a formal campaign to secure those pledges, and build on the initial challenge promises of County Supervisor Adam Hill ($5,000) and the Sara Horne Art Fund ($2,000). It’s not too late if you still want to complete the survey by visiting our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and clicking on the link right below the “Foundation” banner.
Once again here to remind you what a valuable source of information I find the Avila Valley Advisory Council meetings to be, as last month we learned that; (1) in the works are two new streetlights to be installed at the Hwy 101 San Luis Bay Drive and Ontario Road exit that has for too long been a dangerous and accident laden intersection; (2) sometime shortly after Labor Day, County Public Works will be resurfacing several highly traveled and worn streets in downtown Avila Beach (not Avila Beach Drive), so expect some delays and re-routing come then.
Another active and vigilant group – Concerned Citizens for Avila – included in their April e-newsletter an announcement about the third Envision Avila gathering, scheduled for June 8th, 6:30-8:00p.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center. Each of these installments gives attendees the opportunity to chime in with their thoughts about the Avila Beach area plan, now undergoing discussions at the county level. If you cannot make the meeting, I recommend visiting the website – http://www.envisionavila.org - for ongoing information and updates. Also, any of you with children or grandchildren interested in enrolling in the very popular Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, it’s not too late to register and participate in remaining tryouts scheduled for May 14th and May 21st from 2:00-4:00p.m. at Sinsheimer Pool in San Luis Obispo. For more information about the Junior Lifeguard Program, please text or call Russ Edwards at (805-440-4621).
On a side note, it won’t be long before the next tourist season hits full stride here in Avila Beach. Not only should we prepare for the usual throng of daily visitors, but also an increase in the number of vacation home renters. One need not look far to see the ongoing construction of new properties designed to accommodate those seeking to enjoy at least for a while the sunny coastal climate and pristine beaches lifestyle we Avilones seek to protect. And there will be no shortage of concerts and events at the golf course to present even more challenges to get in and around Avila. I don’t know if there is much we can do, other than endure and be grateful that we get to live here year-round. I am sure there is a breaking point, but evidently not yet reached. So, let’s continue to celebrate our good fortune as fellow Avilones and make the best of these next few weeks before the wave hits.
That’s it for now – see you at the beach!
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