Greetings, fellow Avilones. Summertime in Avila Beach here we come! I certainly don't need to tell you what to expect, but I guess it's okay to remind you to prepare and plan for any trips into or out of our soon to be stretched to the limit cozy beach town. I have a lot of content to share this month, so I'll get right into it.
First, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce Barbara Nicholson as the "Foundation's" newest member of our Board of Trustees. A native Washingtonian, Barbara moved to SLO County in 1996 and worked as a Retail Application Consultant for SAP, as Retail Market Manager for Dioptics, and as Advertising Sales Rep for national and major accounts for The Tribune. Barbara shifted gears and in 2006 was hired as Executive Director of Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County, which operates Tolosa Children's Dental Center for Medi-Cal and uninsured children. Currently Barbara works as an independent Event Coordinator specializing in small community events. In 2016, she and husband Howard, a Real Estate Appraiser, moved to Avila, where they reside in the Indian Hill community of the San Luis Bay Estates with Rusty (cat) and Sampras (dog). Welcome, Barbara!
You loyal readers may recall that in last month's issue of the Avila News, I devoted some space to the presence and importance of local volunteer intensive community groups that help keep Avila Beach ticking. One of the newer such groups is "Concerned Citizens of Avila Beach", which I've mentioned in past columns. I decided to interview the group's current President Betty Hartig to give you a greater idea of the work they do. Here goes . . .
What is your role with "Concerned Citizens"?
I am the President of CC4A and conduct all meetings of the Board. I also serve as a representative of the organization in meetings and discussions with other organizations and agencies. I send and sign letters, such as the recent letter to County Parks regarding fire safety concerns at Cave Landing. However, our seven member Board works together on all aspects.
When was the organization established, and why?
CC4A was initially founded in March 2015 out of concerns raised by the Wild Cherry Canyon Development, a huge housing project proposed for that pristine area. There were also other extensive projects with applications that had been submitted to the Department of Planning at that same time. The idea of large development creating more traffic and threats to the environment without well thought out mitigations and limitations galvanized citizens to act together. CC4A became a formal organization in June 2017 with established Bylaws and a Board of Directors.
What is "Concerned Citizens" current area of focus?
The mission of the organization is to protect the natural environment, safety and accessibility of Avila. We are concerned with traffic congestion that presents a significant risk to visitors, employees, and residents due to Avila's solitary road in and out, fire danger, tsunami potential and nuclear facility. There are currently four extensive projects that have been submitted. The present threat to public safety and welfare in Avila due to road congestion would be magnified by further development. If a fire or any type of emergency evacuation were to occur in Avila, how could people leave safely and in a timely manner? We have asked the County Board of Supervisors to put a hold on development until the update of Avila's General Plan is completed.
How can members of the community get involved with "Concerned Citizens"?
We encourage the community to sign up for our monthly newsletter by visiting www.concernedcitizens4avila.org. We keep the community aware of issues and concerns, as well as provide updates regarding projects. Right now, we need volunteers to help organize and participate in community events that CC4A would like to host. You can also send an email to [email protected] and let us know your interests.
More good reviews for the now famous murals affixed to the Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers! This project, launched by the Avila Beach Community Foundation and completed by local artist Colleen Gnos, was just named "Best Public Art" project in the New Times Best of SLO County Poll. We are delighted that the entire community has come to appreciate this unique display of Avila's storied past. Stay tuned for updates on our Phase II Public Art Project. It's progressing a bit slower than we had planned, but moving forward nevertheless.
That's it for now - see you at the beach!
First, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce Barbara Nicholson as the "Foundation's" newest member of our Board of Trustees. A native Washingtonian, Barbara moved to SLO County in 1996 and worked as a Retail Application Consultant for SAP, as Retail Market Manager for Dioptics, and as Advertising Sales Rep for national and major accounts for The Tribune. Barbara shifted gears and in 2006 was hired as Executive Director of Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County, which operates Tolosa Children's Dental Center for Medi-Cal and uninsured children. Currently Barbara works as an independent Event Coordinator specializing in small community events. In 2016, she and husband Howard, a Real Estate Appraiser, moved to Avila, where they reside in the Indian Hill community of the San Luis Bay Estates with Rusty (cat) and Sampras (dog). Welcome, Barbara!
You loyal readers may recall that in last month's issue of the Avila News, I devoted some space to the presence and importance of local volunteer intensive community groups that help keep Avila Beach ticking. One of the newer such groups is "Concerned Citizens of Avila Beach", which I've mentioned in past columns. I decided to interview the group's current President Betty Hartig to give you a greater idea of the work they do. Here goes . . .
What is your role with "Concerned Citizens"?
I am the President of CC4A and conduct all meetings of the Board. I also serve as a representative of the organization in meetings and discussions with other organizations and agencies. I send and sign letters, such as the recent letter to County Parks regarding fire safety concerns at Cave Landing. However, our seven member Board works together on all aspects.
When was the organization established, and why?
CC4A was initially founded in March 2015 out of concerns raised by the Wild Cherry Canyon Development, a huge housing project proposed for that pristine area. There were also other extensive projects with applications that had been submitted to the Department of Planning at that same time. The idea of large development creating more traffic and threats to the environment without well thought out mitigations and limitations galvanized citizens to act together. CC4A became a formal organization in June 2017 with established Bylaws and a Board of Directors.
What is "Concerned Citizens" current area of focus?
The mission of the organization is to protect the natural environment, safety and accessibility of Avila. We are concerned with traffic congestion that presents a significant risk to visitors, employees, and residents due to Avila's solitary road in and out, fire danger, tsunami potential and nuclear facility. There are currently four extensive projects that have been submitted. The present threat to public safety and welfare in Avila due to road congestion would be magnified by further development. If a fire or any type of emergency evacuation were to occur in Avila, how could people leave safely and in a timely manner? We have asked the County Board of Supervisors to put a hold on development until the update of Avila's General Plan is completed.
How can members of the community get involved with "Concerned Citizens"?
We encourage the community to sign up for our monthly newsletter by visiting www.concernedcitizens4avila.org. We keep the community aware of issues and concerns, as well as provide updates regarding projects. Right now, we need volunteers to help organize and participate in community events that CC4A would like to host. You can also send an email to [email protected] and let us know your interests.
More good reviews for the now famous murals affixed to the Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers! This project, launched by the Avila Beach Community Foundation and completed by local artist Colleen Gnos, was just named "Best Public Art" project in the New Times Best of SLO County Poll. We are delighted that the entire community has come to appreciate this unique display of Avila's storied past. Stay tuned for updates on our Phase II Public Art Project. It's progressing a bit slower than we had planned, but moving forward nevertheless.
That's it for now - see you at the beach!
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