Greetings, fellow Avilones. Here we go again. With Thanksgiving safely in the rearview mirror, we now focus our collective energies on the rapidly approaching Christmas and Hannukah celebrations. Or, some of you may honor “Festivus,” which is a secular holiday, normally celebrated on December 23rd, mainly meant as an alternative to the pressures and commercialization of the Christmas season. However, it has also become a day to celebrate the ever-lasting comedy of the 1990s television show Seinfeld. Originally created by author Daniel O'Keefe in the 1960’s/70’s, “Festivus” entered popular culture after it was made the focus of the 1997 Seinfeld episode "The Strike", which O'Keefe's son, Dan O'Keefe, co-wrote.
Okay, now that you are officially updated on trivial matters, let me bring you up to speed on something more substantive.
The Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees met on November 10th to determine grant awards to be used for the coming year. The total amount we allocate each year is greatly affected by the current value of our investment portfolio, which is tied solely to the stock market. As you are likely aware, stocks have taken a huge hit this year, as has our portfolio (down more than 20%) so, unfortunately, we have had to reduce the total amount of funds available. For this round of funding, we have allocated a grand total of $50,000 (down roughly 10% from the last round).
Grants were awarded to: Avila Beach Civic Association, Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards Program, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, Cancer Well-Fit Program at the Avila Bay Club, Central Coast Aquarium, KCBX Public Radio, Noor Foundation of San Luis Obispo, Operation Surf, People’s Self Help Housing at Lachen Tara in Avila Beach, Pt. San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Port San Luis Harbor District Doggy Doo Bags, Surfrider Foundation, Avila Beach Free Trolley, Avila Beach Life News Publication.
Having to cut grant allocations is painful for non-profit community foundations of all sizes. But in most cases the funds available are tied to portfolio values, the product of investments in the stock market. Lower risk strategies are common to reduce some of the gamble aspects of market investing. The Avila Beach Community Foundation portfolio is managed by a UBS affiliate who has guided through market ups and downs since 2006. Hopefully next year will be better, and we can return to greater funding capabilities. That being said, we are proud to have been able to infuse more than $3 million in the greater Avila Beach community since grant-making was launched in 2001.
Preview of Coming Attractions: It’s in the works! If you like learning about the colorful history of Avila Beach, keep your eyes open for an event being planned for the spring of 2023. The “Foundation” has been in discussions with local historian Pete Kelley, who has in his possession an incredible treasure trove of old-time photos and stories about Avila in the early days. Pete will share these photos and his knowledge via a slide-show presentation sure to delight all who attend the event. Announcements and details will be released in the near future.
Coming to an Intersection Near You: In case you haven’t heard, plans are underway for construction of a “Roundabout” at the Avila Beach Drive/Hwy 101 intersection. SLO County Public Works and Cal Trans are overseeing the project, which comes with a $12,500,000 price tag. Now entering Phase III of the planning process, construction is estimated to begin mid-year 2023, and take two years for completion. The project also includes a Park & Ride car lot, and an Avila Trolley and bus stop. The “Roundabout” is designed to accommodate multi-safety features for vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic.
As mentioned in our November newsletter, with Christmas and Hannukah fast approaching, I once again invite you to contribute to the Avila Beach Public Art Development & Preservation Fund by securing a special gift for one or more of your Avila Beach family members or friends. Yes, this is an unabashed “commercial moment”, but worth your consideration. You can acquire this limited-edition License Plate Holder when you make a contribution in any amount to the “Avila Beach Public Art Development & Preservation Fund.” See details below.
Send your check to: Avila Beach Community Foundation
P.O. Box 297, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Be sure to include your contact information so we can arrange delivery of your frame(s).
Last but not least are two things I remind you of each December. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee says it’s time to replace the batteries in our smoke alarms and check our carbon monoxide detectors. The seasonal changes in daylight savings each year are the perfect periods to complete these tasks. Also, I urge you to always purchase your postage and ship your packages at our local Avila Beach Post Office to keep it financially viable. We are so fortunate to be able to avoid the long lines at busier post offices in SLO County, and the friendly and helpful services of Cindy, Mary and Julie are greatly appreciated.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I wish you Very Happy Holidays! See you at the beach!
Okay, now that you are officially updated on trivial matters, let me bring you up to speed on something more substantive.
The Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees met on November 10th to determine grant awards to be used for the coming year. The total amount we allocate each year is greatly affected by the current value of our investment portfolio, which is tied solely to the stock market. As you are likely aware, stocks have taken a huge hit this year, as has our portfolio (down more than 20%) so, unfortunately, we have had to reduce the total amount of funds available. For this round of funding, we have allocated a grand total of $50,000 (down roughly 10% from the last round).
Grants were awarded to: Avila Beach Civic Association, Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards Program, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, Cancer Well-Fit Program at the Avila Bay Club, Central Coast Aquarium, KCBX Public Radio, Noor Foundation of San Luis Obispo, Operation Surf, People’s Self Help Housing at Lachen Tara in Avila Beach, Pt. San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Port San Luis Harbor District Doggy Doo Bags, Surfrider Foundation, Avila Beach Free Trolley, Avila Beach Life News Publication.
Having to cut grant allocations is painful for non-profit community foundations of all sizes. But in most cases the funds available are tied to portfolio values, the product of investments in the stock market. Lower risk strategies are common to reduce some of the gamble aspects of market investing. The Avila Beach Community Foundation portfolio is managed by a UBS affiliate who has guided through market ups and downs since 2006. Hopefully next year will be better, and we can return to greater funding capabilities. That being said, we are proud to have been able to infuse more than $3 million in the greater Avila Beach community since grant-making was launched in 2001.
Preview of Coming Attractions: It’s in the works! If you like learning about the colorful history of Avila Beach, keep your eyes open for an event being planned for the spring of 2023. The “Foundation” has been in discussions with local historian Pete Kelley, who has in his possession an incredible treasure trove of old-time photos and stories about Avila in the early days. Pete will share these photos and his knowledge via a slide-show presentation sure to delight all who attend the event. Announcements and details will be released in the near future.
Coming to an Intersection Near You: In case you haven’t heard, plans are underway for construction of a “Roundabout” at the Avila Beach Drive/Hwy 101 intersection. SLO County Public Works and Cal Trans are overseeing the project, which comes with a $12,500,000 price tag. Now entering Phase III of the planning process, construction is estimated to begin mid-year 2023, and take two years for completion. The project also includes a Park & Ride car lot, and an Avila Trolley and bus stop. The “Roundabout” is designed to accommodate multi-safety features for vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic.
As mentioned in our November newsletter, with Christmas and Hannukah fast approaching, I once again invite you to contribute to the Avila Beach Public Art Development & Preservation Fund by securing a special gift for one or more of your Avila Beach family members or friends. Yes, this is an unabashed “commercial moment”, but worth your consideration. You can acquire this limited-edition License Plate Holder when you make a contribution in any amount to the “Avila Beach Public Art Development & Preservation Fund.” See details below.
Send your check to: Avila Beach Community Foundation
P.O. Box 297, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Be sure to include your contact information so we can arrange delivery of your frame(s).
Last but not least are two things I remind you of each December. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee says it’s time to replace the batteries in our smoke alarms and check our carbon monoxide detectors. The seasonal changes in daylight savings each year are the perfect periods to complete these tasks. Also, I urge you to always purchase your postage and ship your packages at our local Avila Beach Post Office to keep it financially viable. We are so fortunate to be able to avoid the long lines at busier post offices in SLO County, and the friendly and helpful services of Cindy, Mary and Julie are greatly appreciated.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I wish you Very Happy Holidays! See you at the beach!
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