Hello fellow Avilones. It recently dawned on me that I have been writing this column for the Avila Community News for almost five years. Yup, nearly 60 times I’ve sat at my keyboard trying to come up with a few meaningful paragraphs that may or may not be read by those who scour the monthly ACN, a publication known for providing information and opportunities for those who live in, work in, or visit Avila Beach. Each month around the same time I slide my chair forward, look at a blank screen, and begin to type. I want my columns to be at least somewhat informative, perhaps educational, occasionally entertaining, timely, and with a splash of humor when appropriate. Only YOU readers can be the ultimate judges when it comes to evaluating my performance to date, though I must admit I accept with pride and appreciation those times I run into people who say they read and enjoy my columns.
Realizing that I represent the Avila Beach Community Foundation, I do my best to avoid taking any political stances or engaging in controversial matters, because what I write does not necessarily reflect the views of the “Foundation” or our Board of Trustees. However, I now find myself wanting to comment on a “hot button” project that is picking up steam, in spite of little local support for what is being proposed. On August 28th approximately 60 Avila Beach citizens attended what became for me a personally frustrating informational meeting about the pending Bob Jones Pathway extension and overpass project that will ultimately link San Luis Obispo with Avila Beach. What was intended to be SLO County Planning Department’s presentation of the Environmental Impact Review (EIR) draft report became just the type of charged debate one might expect over a hot topic, in spite of County staff trying to steer comments and questions in the desired direction. While many of the questions and suggestions by the audience were valid and pointed, it was pretty clear to me that this forum would not generate much in terms of answers – nor was it intended to do so. Time and again the presenters reminded us that the best way to express ideas and concerns specific to the EIR was by completing and submitting the distributed comments form, which by law requires County Planning staff to respond to each accordingly. And it also became clear that any attempts to halt or alter the plan would have to take place during future County Board of Supervisors hearings on the topic.
Let there be no doubt how unpopular is the idea of building an overpass bridge deemed by many to be an unattractive eyesore in the middle of a scenic valley. I imagine those who zip up and down the 101 to and from whatever destination won’t care too much, but how about those many homes in the valley that will have to look upon the new behemoth? Add in the fact that an underpass can be built for substantially less money and you have to wonder why CaI Trans holds so firmly in favor of the more costly and less popular option. If you want learn about the draft EIR and plan, visit www.sloplanning.org – and click on the “Environmental Impact Reports” tab. Any comments are required to be in writing and submitted by October 21st to [email protected]. And if you want to express your personal feelings about the overpass project, I urge you to keep abreast of dates when the County “Supes” agenda includes this important item. Now is time that we use a collective voice to let our government representatives know just where we stand. Remain silent and live with the results, or speak up to alter the direction. It’s our choice.
Okay, my rant is now over, so onto some positive news and a note of gratitude. I want to acknowledge P.G.& E. for their recent grant to the “Foundation” in support of our Emerging Needs and Opportunities Fund, and Chevron for awarding a grant to sponsor the upcoming Avila Arts Showcase as part of the Avila Beach Business Network’s December 7th Holiday Party. Each year without failure, these two corporations exhibit their community spirit by contributing to non-profits throughout San Luis Obispo County – both financially and sometimes with personnel resources. Say what you will about these and other large corporations that have a presence in our community, but keep in mind that each employs people who are our neighbors and friends. They sit on local boards, participate in community activities, and have children who attend our schools. Thank you, P.G. & E. and Chevron.
With grant-making season on the October/November docket for the “Foundation”, our Trustees and staff look forward to this most primary of our purposes. We will once again evaluate requests for funding support, and decide where to best invest in local organizations and community enhancement projects. On October 21st we hear oral presentations from grant applicants, and on November 4th we meet to make final determinations. “Foundation” Trustees accept this responsibility with great enthusiasm and due diligence. Difficult choices will be made since the amount of money requested always exceeds the amount available for grants. I place enormous confidence in the members of our Board, knowing they will be thoughtful and fair.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
Realizing that I represent the Avila Beach Community Foundation, I do my best to avoid taking any political stances or engaging in controversial matters, because what I write does not necessarily reflect the views of the “Foundation” or our Board of Trustees. However, I now find myself wanting to comment on a “hot button” project that is picking up steam, in spite of little local support for what is being proposed. On August 28th approximately 60 Avila Beach citizens attended what became for me a personally frustrating informational meeting about the pending Bob Jones Pathway extension and overpass project that will ultimately link San Luis Obispo with Avila Beach. What was intended to be SLO County Planning Department’s presentation of the Environmental Impact Review (EIR) draft report became just the type of charged debate one might expect over a hot topic, in spite of County staff trying to steer comments and questions in the desired direction. While many of the questions and suggestions by the audience were valid and pointed, it was pretty clear to me that this forum would not generate much in terms of answers – nor was it intended to do so. Time and again the presenters reminded us that the best way to express ideas and concerns specific to the EIR was by completing and submitting the distributed comments form, which by law requires County Planning staff to respond to each accordingly. And it also became clear that any attempts to halt or alter the plan would have to take place during future County Board of Supervisors hearings on the topic.
Let there be no doubt how unpopular is the idea of building an overpass bridge deemed by many to be an unattractive eyesore in the middle of a scenic valley. I imagine those who zip up and down the 101 to and from whatever destination won’t care too much, but how about those many homes in the valley that will have to look upon the new behemoth? Add in the fact that an underpass can be built for substantially less money and you have to wonder why CaI Trans holds so firmly in favor of the more costly and less popular option. If you want learn about the draft EIR and plan, visit www.sloplanning.org – and click on the “Environmental Impact Reports” tab. Any comments are required to be in writing and submitted by October 21st to [email protected]. And if you want to express your personal feelings about the overpass project, I urge you to keep abreast of dates when the County “Supes” agenda includes this important item. Now is time that we use a collective voice to let our government representatives know just where we stand. Remain silent and live with the results, or speak up to alter the direction. It’s our choice.
Okay, my rant is now over, so onto some positive news and a note of gratitude. I want to acknowledge P.G.& E. for their recent grant to the “Foundation” in support of our Emerging Needs and Opportunities Fund, and Chevron for awarding a grant to sponsor the upcoming Avila Arts Showcase as part of the Avila Beach Business Network’s December 7th Holiday Party. Each year without failure, these two corporations exhibit their community spirit by contributing to non-profits throughout San Luis Obispo County – both financially and sometimes with personnel resources. Say what you will about these and other large corporations that have a presence in our community, but keep in mind that each employs people who are our neighbors and friends. They sit on local boards, participate in community activities, and have children who attend our schools. Thank you, P.G. & E. and Chevron.
With grant-making season on the October/November docket for the “Foundation”, our Trustees and staff look forward to this most primary of our purposes. We will once again evaluate requests for funding support, and decide where to best invest in local organizations and community enhancement projects. On October 21st we hear oral presentations from grant applicants, and on November 4th we meet to make final determinations. “Foundation” Trustees accept this responsibility with great enthusiasm and due diligence. Difficult choices will be made since the amount of money requested always exceeds the amount available for grants. I place enormous confidence in the members of our Board, knowing they will be thoughtful and fair.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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