Hello friends and neighbors. It is now roughly two years since I began writing the monthly “Foundation News and Views”, and I must admit to a much greater appreciation for the professional scribes/columnists who must come up with interesting articles on a daily or weekly basis. Fortunately I do not get paid for my ramblings, so it’s likely no one minds too much that I actually DO, at times, ramble on. Nevertheless, I feel a great deal of pride on the rare occasions I run into an Avila resident who tells me he/she enjoys my column – even looks forward to it each month. My parents would be so proud!
Okay, now that I’ve successfully completed one paragraph, let’s move on with something of substance. I’m curious to know if anyone else finds concern over what I view as a dangerous north-bound on Avila Beach Drive left turn into the Avila Barn. Twice this past week I’ve been behind a car that had to slam on its breaks while rounding that last subtle blind bend leading to the “Barn”, as it suddenly came upon a small line of vehicles stacked up behind one waiting to navigate the left turn into the entrance. Surely this is an accident waiting to happen – in fact I’d be surprised if there have not already been numerous fender-benders at the very least. It looks like this is one of those “somebody should do something about this” situations. Anybody have any ideas???
Speaking of “doing something”, have you beach-goers noticed this summer the influx of bicycles resting against and locked to the Front Street beach railing? It is truly an eyesore and obstacle to people wanting to lean against the railing for a gaze at the ocean. I’m glad to report that help is on the way, so said a representative from the SLO County Planning Department at the July meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. Before too long we should see several bike racks in the general area as an alternative to the present practice. In fact, we are told that final approval of the bike racks installation appears as a consent item on the August 2nd County Supervisors’ meeting agenda. Now we have to hope that our visiting cyclists use them, though it may require a little friendly urging.
Oh, and by the way, please be reminded of the new California state law that went into effect on July 1st. California Carbon Monoxide (CO) Law (SB183) states that “all existing single-family homes that contain a gas heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached car garage must install carbon monoxide alarms. CO alarms must be either battery powered or plug-in with battery back-up, must be installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level of a dwelling, including the basement. I don’t know about the rest of you, but this one slipped past me. I’m on my way to Walmart!!!
Finding Jerry Hanson, or Jerry Hanson finding us? I was delighted to open an email to the Foundation a couple of weeks ago from Jerry, who wrote “Just noticed the Foundation on the net. I lived in Avila from 1957 to 1969 or so. It’s great that old Avila and new are being thought of. I was just about the first surfer in Avila and the youngest fire department volunteer. I also witnessed the pier being broken up in the late 50s or early 60s, and the mini tidal wave from the Alaskan quake. I also hold the land speed record for a motor scooter on the Avila seawall. Let me know if you need some pics, or info or small donations.” In addition to passing along the email to local historian Pete Kelley, I also exchanged another email or two with Jerry. Thus I further learned that his parents at one time were janitors at the Old Avila Beach School, and that during Jerry’s childhood Halloween meant that Front Street was “split into warring factions and the two sides battled with water balloons and harmless homemade weapons for hours.” Jerry wrote some about the summer fishing fleets and number of fights and brawls at Mac’s Bar. His favorite story is about the skipper who couldn’t swim and had to dog paddle in from about 150 yards off Point Conception when his boat hit a reef. No doubt Jerry and Pete Kelley will have a lot to share with one another.
Last but not least I want to remind everyone of the Foundation’s Matching Gifts Initiative, in partnership with P.G. & E., Old Custom House and Chevron. There are still thousands of dollars up for grabs for local eligible organizations and new projects. I have some ideas. How about installing a row of giant fans on top of the hill separating Avila and Shell Beach? Point those babies toward Shell Beach when the fog bank approaches and blow it back. Okay, that one’s not likely to fly, but how about some telescopes on the pier? Or, perhaps, partnering with the Avila Charter School to build a community garden for residents with green thumbs and no land to cultivate? Surely there are those in the greater Avila with ideas far more creative than mine. Get your friends together and invite the Foundation to talk about your ideas. There just may be some start-up funding available to launch your new and exciting project.
That’s it for now, friends and neighbors. Enjoy the remainder of summer and have fun in the sun.
Okay, now that I’ve successfully completed one paragraph, let’s move on with something of substance. I’m curious to know if anyone else finds concern over what I view as a dangerous north-bound on Avila Beach Drive left turn into the Avila Barn. Twice this past week I’ve been behind a car that had to slam on its breaks while rounding that last subtle blind bend leading to the “Barn”, as it suddenly came upon a small line of vehicles stacked up behind one waiting to navigate the left turn into the entrance. Surely this is an accident waiting to happen – in fact I’d be surprised if there have not already been numerous fender-benders at the very least. It looks like this is one of those “somebody should do something about this” situations. Anybody have any ideas???
Speaking of “doing something”, have you beach-goers noticed this summer the influx of bicycles resting against and locked to the Front Street beach railing? It is truly an eyesore and obstacle to people wanting to lean against the railing for a gaze at the ocean. I’m glad to report that help is on the way, so said a representative from the SLO County Planning Department at the July meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. Before too long we should see several bike racks in the general area as an alternative to the present practice. In fact, we are told that final approval of the bike racks installation appears as a consent item on the August 2nd County Supervisors’ meeting agenda. Now we have to hope that our visiting cyclists use them, though it may require a little friendly urging.
Oh, and by the way, please be reminded of the new California state law that went into effect on July 1st. California Carbon Monoxide (CO) Law (SB183) states that “all existing single-family homes that contain a gas heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached car garage must install carbon monoxide alarms. CO alarms must be either battery powered or plug-in with battery back-up, must be installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level of a dwelling, including the basement. I don’t know about the rest of you, but this one slipped past me. I’m on my way to Walmart!!!
Finding Jerry Hanson, or Jerry Hanson finding us? I was delighted to open an email to the Foundation a couple of weeks ago from Jerry, who wrote “Just noticed the Foundation on the net. I lived in Avila from 1957 to 1969 or so. It’s great that old Avila and new are being thought of. I was just about the first surfer in Avila and the youngest fire department volunteer. I also witnessed the pier being broken up in the late 50s or early 60s, and the mini tidal wave from the Alaskan quake. I also hold the land speed record for a motor scooter on the Avila seawall. Let me know if you need some pics, or info or small donations.” In addition to passing along the email to local historian Pete Kelley, I also exchanged another email or two with Jerry. Thus I further learned that his parents at one time were janitors at the Old Avila Beach School, and that during Jerry’s childhood Halloween meant that Front Street was “split into warring factions and the two sides battled with water balloons and harmless homemade weapons for hours.” Jerry wrote some about the summer fishing fleets and number of fights and brawls at Mac’s Bar. His favorite story is about the skipper who couldn’t swim and had to dog paddle in from about 150 yards off Point Conception when his boat hit a reef. No doubt Jerry and Pete Kelley will have a lot to share with one another.
Last but not least I want to remind everyone of the Foundation’s Matching Gifts Initiative, in partnership with P.G. & E., Old Custom House and Chevron. There are still thousands of dollars up for grabs for local eligible organizations and new projects. I have some ideas. How about installing a row of giant fans on top of the hill separating Avila and Shell Beach? Point those babies toward Shell Beach when the fog bank approaches and blow it back. Okay, that one’s not likely to fly, but how about some telescopes on the pier? Or, perhaps, partnering with the Avila Charter School to build a community garden for residents with green thumbs and no land to cultivate? Surely there are those in the greater Avila with ideas far more creative than mine. Get your friends together and invite the Foundation to talk about your ideas. There just may be some start-up funding available to launch your new and exciting project.
That’s it for now, friends and neighbors. Enjoy the remainder of summer and have fun in the sun.
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