Greetings, fellow Avilones. February has arrived following the January beginning of the long-awaited arrival of El Niño. With it come the likelihood of a wet and wild month that includes Valentine’s Day and the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. I wonder what old Abe and George would think about the political climate of the modern era, but that’s a topic I won’t touch in this publication. But speaking of El Niño, we in Avila have already begun to see some of the associated problems, which have included flooding of 1st Street and the downtown parking lot, and the inevitable electric power outage (may be plural by the time of this column). With this in mind, those of us who attended the January meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council were once again given helpful tips by Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee, who said that “it would be wise to stay home when storms are bad, have emergency kits at home and in our cars, stockpile enough non-perishable food to last at least three days and one gallon of water per person per day, have on hand a tool bag to turn off utilities if necessary, and maintain an adequate supply of personal medications”. More information about emergency planning can be found on the Cal Fire website, as well as the SLO County Emergency Planning website.
On another subject – have you enrolled yet in the “Foundation’s” upcoming Internet Safety Tips & Best Practices Educational Workshop? The event is free, but space is limited. Look for the informational flyer located elsewhere in this issue of the Avila/Pismo Community News, or visit our website to see if we still have some seats available – www.avilabeachfoundation.org. And, you might want to open your calendar and “save the date” for March 24th. Along with Arts Obispo, we will be hosting a social reception that evening at 5:30p.m. at the Avila Community Center, where you will be able to meet the artists – and view the proposed works of art – of those who have been selected as finalists for the competitive public art project I have been writing about for several months. I have personally seen the proposals that were submitted and can tell you the projects are creative and exciting. More information will be forthcoming. I again extend appreciation to initiative funding partners PG&E, Chevron, and the Sara Horne Art Fund.
At the top of the list of other local news and current happenings in Avila Beach is the recent resolution passed by the Port San Luis Harbor District Commissioners that redefines the beach area non-smoking ordinances. Adopted at the PSL meeting on December 15, 2015 were the two following resolutions: 18.140 – Miscellaneous Prohibited Acts: Use of any tobacco or other smoking material, or operation of any electronic smoking device on Harbor District beaches, within District owned and operated buildings, within 30 feet of any District owned and operated buildings or at any other location within the District where the smoke or vapor is likely to interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the facilities and no smoking signs posted. Electric smoking device means an electronic device that can be used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine, or other substances. 14.030 – Smoking Prohibited: No person shall be allowed to use tobacco or other smoking material in any form or operate any electronic smoking device on a District wharf. Electronic smoking device means an electronic device that can be used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine, or other substances. Anyone unclear about the exact meaning of these ordinances can contact the PSL Harbor District office. I suspect this new ordinance won’t be popular with all segments of the population, but I do believe the action taken is in the best interest and for the greater good of all.
Further down the list, but of no less significance, is the recent public recognition of two Avila residents – Betty Woody and Jim Hartig. Betty has been a longtime supporter and advocate of our beachfront community, known for her hands-on efforts to keep clean and beautify the area. Jim just finished up his third and final year as chairman of the Avila Valley Advisory Council, providing quality leadership, stability, common sense and civility to the organization. Both received accolades and certificates of appreciation from the SLO County Board of Supervisors.
I also offer a “shout-out” to Julie Andrews-Scott, whom most of you know as the coordinator of the Avila Farmers’ Market. A couple of months ago Julie asked the “Foundation” to provide funds to purchase a fresh batch of cedar chips so she could revitalize the area on which the Welcome to Avila Beach sign is housed. Along with the greenery she donated and planted, the area looks quite sharp. Thanks, Julie!
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
On another subject – have you enrolled yet in the “Foundation’s” upcoming Internet Safety Tips & Best Practices Educational Workshop? The event is free, but space is limited. Look for the informational flyer located elsewhere in this issue of the Avila/Pismo Community News, or visit our website to see if we still have some seats available – www.avilabeachfoundation.org. And, you might want to open your calendar and “save the date” for March 24th. Along with Arts Obispo, we will be hosting a social reception that evening at 5:30p.m. at the Avila Community Center, where you will be able to meet the artists – and view the proposed works of art – of those who have been selected as finalists for the competitive public art project I have been writing about for several months. I have personally seen the proposals that were submitted and can tell you the projects are creative and exciting. More information will be forthcoming. I again extend appreciation to initiative funding partners PG&E, Chevron, and the Sara Horne Art Fund.
At the top of the list of other local news and current happenings in Avila Beach is the recent resolution passed by the Port San Luis Harbor District Commissioners that redefines the beach area non-smoking ordinances. Adopted at the PSL meeting on December 15, 2015 were the two following resolutions: 18.140 – Miscellaneous Prohibited Acts: Use of any tobacco or other smoking material, or operation of any electronic smoking device on Harbor District beaches, within District owned and operated buildings, within 30 feet of any District owned and operated buildings or at any other location within the District where the smoke or vapor is likely to interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the facilities and no smoking signs posted. Electric smoking device means an electronic device that can be used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine, or other substances. 14.030 – Smoking Prohibited: No person shall be allowed to use tobacco or other smoking material in any form or operate any electronic smoking device on a District wharf. Electronic smoking device means an electronic device that can be used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine, or other substances. Anyone unclear about the exact meaning of these ordinances can contact the PSL Harbor District office. I suspect this new ordinance won’t be popular with all segments of the population, but I do believe the action taken is in the best interest and for the greater good of all.
Further down the list, but of no less significance, is the recent public recognition of two Avila residents – Betty Woody and Jim Hartig. Betty has been a longtime supporter and advocate of our beachfront community, known for her hands-on efforts to keep clean and beautify the area. Jim just finished up his third and final year as chairman of the Avila Valley Advisory Council, providing quality leadership, stability, common sense and civility to the organization. Both received accolades and certificates of appreciation from the SLO County Board of Supervisors.
I also offer a “shout-out” to Julie Andrews-Scott, whom most of you know as the coordinator of the Avila Farmers’ Market. A couple of months ago Julie asked the “Foundation” to provide funds to purchase a fresh batch of cedar chips so she could revitalize the area on which the Welcome to Avila Beach sign is housed. Along with the greenery she donated and planted, the area looks quite sharp. Thanks, Julie!
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
RSS Feed