Greetings everyone as we bring to close another wonderful Central Coast summer. A quick reminder that school is in session on Monday, so please remember to slow down and obey school zone speed limits. Additionally, please always avoid distracted driving on all roadways. As we welcome our students back to school, the Foundation is also welcoming someone new to our organization.
The ABCF is pleased to announce Marina Searcy as our new Project Specialist supporting the Avila Beach Community Foundation in all its community efforts. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Marina brings a lifelong love for the region and a deep-rooted connection to Avila Beach. Her family’s legacy is woven into the town’s history—her father was part of the restoration team following the oil spill that transformed Avila and led to the founding of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. Now, Marina is honored to join the Foundation, contributing to its mission of supporting local nonprofits, fostering community engagement, and helping shape a vibrant, inclusive future for all who call Avila home. Marina’s dedication to the community extends beyond her role at the Foundation. She also serves as Associate Director of the Avila Beach Civic Association, building relationships and supporting the well-being of residents in Avila. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying the beach and embracing the Central Coast way of life.
Traffic Detour Planned at Avila Beach Drive
During Roundabout Construction
Beginning August 18 and extending through September 26, the U.S. 101 Interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed for forty days. The closure is required to construct the central portion of the roundabout, which will be located at the intersections of Avila Beach Drive, Shell Beach Road and the southbound U.S. 101 off-ramps and on-ramps. Traffic should use San Luis Bay Drive or Ontario Road as alternatives. All other roads and businesses, outside
of the project limits, will be open through this duration. SLO County Public Works Deputy Director John Waddell said that flaggers will be in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly and roads will remain open to first responders. "We're taking every step possible to minimize disruptions for drivers and to make sure safety
protocols are fully in place," he said. The Public Works Department worked with local businesses and stakeholders to find the least disruptive timeframe for the closure while keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. The August-September timeframe avoids the summer season but places completion ahead of the rainy season. "We so appreciate the way residents, businesses, and the contractor worked with our Public Works team to find a timeline that worked for all parties involved," said District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. "During this time, there will likely be more traffic along the alternate routes in and out of Avila, along with delays. While we always knew the roundabout would need a period of complete closure, Public Works has made plans to keep delays to a minimum. All businesses in the area, and of course the beach itself, are open for business. Please pack a little extra patience during peak travel times into Avila, and we are grateful for everyone's understanding as we improve critical infrastructure." The roundabout itself will be complete and functional when this closure ends. It will ease traffic delays and improve safety at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and Highway 101, which currently experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during weekends. The final phase of the entire project is the new Park-and-Ride and transit stop. That work will be completed after the closure.
The $13.8 million project includes the roundabout, on and off-ramp improvements, the Park-and-Ride and transit stop, sidewalks, crosswalks,
bike lanes, and a shared path so people can safely walk or bike around the roundabout. It should be wrapped up by the end of the year. The roundabout project is managed by SLO County Public Works with Caltrans and the San Luis
Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) as strategic partners. For more information, visit: SLOCounty.gov/AvilaRoundabout
The ABCF is pleased to announce Marina Searcy as our new Project Specialist supporting the Avila Beach Community Foundation in all its community efforts. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Marina brings a lifelong love for the region and a deep-rooted connection to Avila Beach. Her family’s legacy is woven into the town’s history—her father was part of the restoration team following the oil spill that transformed Avila and led to the founding of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. Now, Marina is honored to join the Foundation, contributing to its mission of supporting local nonprofits, fostering community engagement, and helping shape a vibrant, inclusive future for all who call Avila home. Marina’s dedication to the community extends beyond her role at the Foundation. She also serves as Associate Director of the Avila Beach Civic Association, building relationships and supporting the well-being of residents in Avila. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying the beach and embracing the Central Coast way of life.
Traffic Detour Planned at Avila Beach Drive
During Roundabout Construction
Beginning August 18 and extending through September 26, the U.S. 101 Interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed for forty days. The closure is required to construct the central portion of the roundabout, which will be located at the intersections of Avila Beach Drive, Shell Beach Road and the southbound U.S. 101 off-ramps and on-ramps. Traffic should use San Luis Bay Drive or Ontario Road as alternatives. All other roads and businesses, outside
of the project limits, will be open through this duration. SLO County Public Works Deputy Director John Waddell said that flaggers will be in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly and roads will remain open to first responders. "We're taking every step possible to minimize disruptions for drivers and to make sure safety
protocols are fully in place," he said. The Public Works Department worked with local businesses and stakeholders to find the least disruptive timeframe for the closure while keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. The August-September timeframe avoids the summer season but places completion ahead of the rainy season. "We so appreciate the way residents, businesses, and the contractor worked with our Public Works team to find a timeline that worked for all parties involved," said District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. "During this time, there will likely be more traffic along the alternate routes in and out of Avila, along with delays. While we always knew the roundabout would need a period of complete closure, Public Works has made plans to keep delays to a minimum. All businesses in the area, and of course the beach itself, are open for business. Please pack a little extra patience during peak travel times into Avila, and we are grateful for everyone's understanding as we improve critical infrastructure." The roundabout itself will be complete and functional when this closure ends. It will ease traffic delays and improve safety at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and Highway 101, which currently experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during weekends. The final phase of the entire project is the new Park-and-Ride and transit stop. That work will be completed after the closure.
The $13.8 million project includes the roundabout, on and off-ramp improvements, the Park-and-Ride and transit stop, sidewalks, crosswalks,
bike lanes, and a shared path so people can safely walk or bike around the roundabout. It should be wrapped up by the end of the year. The roundabout project is managed by SLO County Public Works with Caltrans and the San Luis
Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) as strategic partners. For more information, visit: SLOCounty.gov/AvilaRoundabout
RSS Feed