Greetings, fellow Avilones. Here, once again, I sit at my keyboard contemplating just what I should write for my next column, due the 15th of each month. What is current, what is relevant, what will you care to actually read about? As I’ve mentioned in recent columns, answering those questions has been made more difficult because of present circumstances that do not require further explanation. But before I forget, let me wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving. Hard to focus on that looming late November holiday while I pen this column on a day when the temperature is over 90 degrees. Hot turkey and gravy just not appealing today….LOL
Most often I write about the “Foundation” and the various organizations and projects we support. Even though some of those remain on hold, it doesn’t mean nothing is going on in Avila. I receive regular email updates from other Avila entities and interest groups with whom you may or may not be familiar. While there is collectively too much information provided by them to include in my column, I can encourage you to visit their websites and learn what you can about what is going on in your community. Much of what is published on these websites presents various current projects or future developments that could change the character of Avila Beach. While the “Foundation” does not take a stance in support of or against what is coming down the pike, I do feel it’s important for all Avilones to self-educate on such matters. When you have some time to spare, visit the websites of:
Avila Valley Advisory Council - avac-avila.org
Port San Luis Harbor District - www.portsanluis.com
Avila by the Sea Resort - www.avilabythesearesort.com
Concerned Citizens for Avila - www.concernedcitizens4avila.org
Getting back to “Foundation” business, I want to share with you something that came up a few months ago, and has not yet been resolved. Most of you are aware of and have enjoyed the beautiful mural panels on the Avila Beach lifeguard towers for about four years. This public art installation, with funds raised by the “Foundation,” came to fruition in partnership with ARTS Obispo (AO), a county non-profit that has been around for decades. Through this arrangement, AO became the legal owner of the artwork, and contracted with Port San Luis Harbor District to have the panels appear on the towers for 5 years. That initial 5-year period concludes early in 2022, and discussions are under way to extend that arrangement. The problem is that AO has been severely struck by the pandemic’s financial crisis, reducing their resources and perhaps threatening their future existence. Thus, AO wants to divest itself of the artwork ownership. We are actively seeking ownership alternatives, while at the same time hoping to keep the murals just where they are. Stay tuned.
Coming to a conclusion on October 12th was this year’s seasonal beach clean-up project, contracted with PathPoint, and funded by the “Foundation”, Chevron, and the late County Supervisor Adam Hill. This was the second year PathPoint provided the service, but with a distinct difference from last year. PathPoint provides employment opportunities, training and support of clients with developmental disabilities. Last year it was their clients who diligently worked areas of the beach boardwalk, sidewalks and curbs to reduce the amount of sand and debris. Due to pandemic related restrictions, these same client work groups were not allowed to function this year. So, it was PathPoint team supervisors who stepped forward to perform the clean-up duties. Kudos to them! Foot traffic was incredibly high this season, and we believe the project made a difference.
Be on the lookout for something coming down the road soon. You may know about those cool interpretive signs along the Bob Jones Trail, created and installed by Avilones Saul Goldberg and his team. The original signs succumbed to wear and tear, so new ones have replaced the old. There is now being developed a “walking quiz” that will encourage you Avilones to take a leisurely stroll along the trail, stop at the signs, and provide answers to a series of multiple-choice questions. All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice. Keep your eyes open for more information coming soon.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
Most often I write about the “Foundation” and the various organizations and projects we support. Even though some of those remain on hold, it doesn’t mean nothing is going on in Avila. I receive regular email updates from other Avila entities and interest groups with whom you may or may not be familiar. While there is collectively too much information provided by them to include in my column, I can encourage you to visit their websites and learn what you can about what is going on in your community. Much of what is published on these websites presents various current projects or future developments that could change the character of Avila Beach. While the “Foundation” does not take a stance in support of or against what is coming down the pike, I do feel it’s important for all Avilones to self-educate on such matters. When you have some time to spare, visit the websites of:
Avila Valley Advisory Council - avac-avila.org
Port San Luis Harbor District - www.portsanluis.com
Avila by the Sea Resort - www.avilabythesearesort.com
Concerned Citizens for Avila - www.concernedcitizens4avila.org
Getting back to “Foundation” business, I want to share with you something that came up a few months ago, and has not yet been resolved. Most of you are aware of and have enjoyed the beautiful mural panels on the Avila Beach lifeguard towers for about four years. This public art installation, with funds raised by the “Foundation,” came to fruition in partnership with ARTS Obispo (AO), a county non-profit that has been around for decades. Through this arrangement, AO became the legal owner of the artwork, and contracted with Port San Luis Harbor District to have the panels appear on the towers for 5 years. That initial 5-year period concludes early in 2022, and discussions are under way to extend that arrangement. The problem is that AO has been severely struck by the pandemic’s financial crisis, reducing their resources and perhaps threatening their future existence. Thus, AO wants to divest itself of the artwork ownership. We are actively seeking ownership alternatives, while at the same time hoping to keep the murals just where they are. Stay tuned.
Coming to a conclusion on October 12th was this year’s seasonal beach clean-up project, contracted with PathPoint, and funded by the “Foundation”, Chevron, and the late County Supervisor Adam Hill. This was the second year PathPoint provided the service, but with a distinct difference from last year. PathPoint provides employment opportunities, training and support of clients with developmental disabilities. Last year it was their clients who diligently worked areas of the beach boardwalk, sidewalks and curbs to reduce the amount of sand and debris. Due to pandemic related restrictions, these same client work groups were not allowed to function this year. So, it was PathPoint team supervisors who stepped forward to perform the clean-up duties. Kudos to them! Foot traffic was incredibly high this season, and we believe the project made a difference.
Be on the lookout for something coming down the road soon. You may know about those cool interpretive signs along the Bob Jones Trail, created and installed by Avilones Saul Goldberg and his team. The original signs succumbed to wear and tear, so new ones have replaced the old. There is now being developed a “walking quiz” that will encourage you Avilones to take a leisurely stroll along the trail, stop at the signs, and provide answers to a series of multiple-choice questions. All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice. Keep your eyes open for more information coming soon.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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