Hello friends and neighbors. I hope you are enjoying the spring season, which finds our county with lakes that are full and hillsides still green. And, or course, the Avila Fish and Farmers’ Market is once again luring many to our wonderful beach community.
As always, it is my ongoing goal through publication of this monthly column to inform you of current happenings at the “Foundation”, and of other things Avila Beach. First off, I wish to welcome the two newest members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees – Michael Ginn and Patty Andreen. Mike, his wife Carrie Anne and their son Anthony came to the Central Coast in 2003 and now reside in Skylark Meadow. Mike is employed with PG&E as their emergency planning manager, and has been actively involved as a volunteer with community organizations like the American Red Cross and other public safety agencies over his career. Patty Andreen has lived in San Luis Obispo County with her husband Ken and daughter Ally for almost 20 years. In that time, the Andreens have sampled several communities; San Luis Bay Estates, San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, and presently reside in “old” Avila Beach. Patty is a lawyer who represents various school districts and previously sat on the San Luis Coastal Unified School District governing board, as a member of AVAC, and on the board of ECOSLO.
Next I would like to share some news that was reported at the April meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. We learned that the Bob Jones Trail extension along the Avila Golf Course is nearly complete, and may be so by the time you read this column. The extension is ¼ mile long and ten feet wide with a tasteful 10 ft. high fence protecting Trail users from errant golf shots. It is anticipated that the stoplight at the new crossing at First Street will be installed by the end of June. I think those who use the Trail will be very happy with the new route, which will eventually link up with the proposed extension all the way to the Hartford Pier. Additionally, we heard from Captain Jason Cohn, who walked us through the local Cal Fire website and links that display interesting statistics, informative area evacuation maps, fire prevention tips and more. I encourage you to visit their website at: www.calfireslo.org. And Karla Bittner, who is heading up an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of bringing 24/7 paramedic service to the Avila Beach Fire Station, announced a special community forum being held at 6:30p.m., Monday, May 2nd at the P.G. & E Visitor Center. Note: readers of the Avila Community News will not receive this publication until after the meeting occurs, but I will summarize the outcome in the June issue.
You will likely recall that last month I reported the launching of the Foundations’ Matching Gifts Initiative, and that a special $20,000 fund has been established in conjunction with our Initiative partners P.G.&E., Old Custom House and Chevron. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to support one or more Avila non-profit organizations and/or local community projects by contributing between $50-$200 and WE WILL MATCH YOUR CONTRIBUTION DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. We have already begun receiving checks on behalf of the Avila Community Center and the Sea Life Center. For a description of the Matching Gifts Initiative and other eligible recipient groups please visit the Foundations’ website at www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Many thanks to the following individuals and businesses who have already become new or step-up donors: Gregory Golden, Anne Brown, Pam Stowe, Dave & Vicki Book, the Nelson Family, Boyd & Sara Horne, Jim Sargen, Lorraine Cagliero, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Sjovold, Charles Blair, Lisa Newton, Jackie & Paul Prather, Specialty Construction, Morris & Garritano.
My final bit of news for the month is a brief summary of the Foundation’s board and staff planning retreat that took place on April 4th. In addition to electing new board trustees Patty Andreen and Mike Ginn, we decided to enlarge our board by four members, made some slight alterations to our annual meeting calendar, discussed expanding our outreach efforts to include social networking, look into hosting an event celebrating the history and heritage of Avila Beach, consider becoming a “seed” organization for other local projects and events, and endeavor to collaborate with the Business Association and the new Avila promotions committee. As Avila evolves so does your Avila Beach Community Foundation. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Signing off for now……….
As always, it is my ongoing goal through publication of this monthly column to inform you of current happenings at the “Foundation”, and of other things Avila Beach. First off, I wish to welcome the two newest members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees – Michael Ginn and Patty Andreen. Mike, his wife Carrie Anne and their son Anthony came to the Central Coast in 2003 and now reside in Skylark Meadow. Mike is employed with PG&E as their emergency planning manager, and has been actively involved as a volunteer with community organizations like the American Red Cross and other public safety agencies over his career. Patty Andreen has lived in San Luis Obispo County with her husband Ken and daughter Ally for almost 20 years. In that time, the Andreens have sampled several communities; San Luis Bay Estates, San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, and presently reside in “old” Avila Beach. Patty is a lawyer who represents various school districts and previously sat on the San Luis Coastal Unified School District governing board, as a member of AVAC, and on the board of ECOSLO.
Next I would like to share some news that was reported at the April meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. We learned that the Bob Jones Trail extension along the Avila Golf Course is nearly complete, and may be so by the time you read this column. The extension is ¼ mile long and ten feet wide with a tasteful 10 ft. high fence protecting Trail users from errant golf shots. It is anticipated that the stoplight at the new crossing at First Street will be installed by the end of June. I think those who use the Trail will be very happy with the new route, which will eventually link up with the proposed extension all the way to the Hartford Pier. Additionally, we heard from Captain Jason Cohn, who walked us through the local Cal Fire website and links that display interesting statistics, informative area evacuation maps, fire prevention tips and more. I encourage you to visit their website at: www.calfireslo.org. And Karla Bittner, who is heading up an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of bringing 24/7 paramedic service to the Avila Beach Fire Station, announced a special community forum being held at 6:30p.m., Monday, May 2nd at the P.G. & E Visitor Center. Note: readers of the Avila Community News will not receive this publication until after the meeting occurs, but I will summarize the outcome in the June issue.
You will likely recall that last month I reported the launching of the Foundations’ Matching Gifts Initiative, and that a special $20,000 fund has been established in conjunction with our Initiative partners P.G.&E., Old Custom House and Chevron. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to support one or more Avila non-profit organizations and/or local community projects by contributing between $50-$200 and WE WILL MATCH YOUR CONTRIBUTION DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. We have already begun receiving checks on behalf of the Avila Community Center and the Sea Life Center. For a description of the Matching Gifts Initiative and other eligible recipient groups please visit the Foundations’ website at www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Many thanks to the following individuals and businesses who have already become new or step-up donors: Gregory Golden, Anne Brown, Pam Stowe, Dave & Vicki Book, the Nelson Family, Boyd & Sara Horne, Jim Sargen, Lorraine Cagliero, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Sjovold, Charles Blair, Lisa Newton, Jackie & Paul Prather, Specialty Construction, Morris & Garritano.
My final bit of news for the month is a brief summary of the Foundation’s board and staff planning retreat that took place on April 4th. In addition to electing new board trustees Patty Andreen and Mike Ginn, we decided to enlarge our board by four members, made some slight alterations to our annual meeting calendar, discussed expanding our outreach efforts to include social networking, look into hosting an event celebrating the history and heritage of Avila Beach, consider becoming a “seed” organization for other local projects and events, and endeavor to collaborate with the Business Association and the new Avila promotions committee. As Avila evolves so does your Avila Beach Community Foundation. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Signing off for now……….
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