Greetings, fellow Avilones. I am devoting the beginning of this month’s column in the memory of Avila Valley resident Jan Taylor – an 18 year member of the Avila Valley Advisory Council – who passed away on April 11th. I learned from AVAC member Karla Bittner that Jan and husband Terry moved to Avila Beach from Palos Verdes in 1997 – having purchased property in Bassi Ranch, where they built their dream home. During her tenure with AVAC, Jan served as both Treasurer and Secretary, and launched the first AVAC website, which she maintained for several years. Karla states that “Jan managed diabetes for most of her adult life. The last few years were very difficult, with the typical tragedies racking her body. She never complained and always made every effort to function in a normal life. Thanks to her husband, Terry, she accomplished her goal.” The irony that Jan passed away on the very day AVAC met was not lost on those in attendance. Life well lived, Jan!
On another sad note, you may recall that in last month’s column I made mention of Avila resident Becky Schenk, and her efforts to reach others who may be interested in starting an organic community garden. Shortly after that publication, I was informed by local friend Vicki Book that Becky suffered a major stroke and was taken to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara where she had surgery to remove a lemon-sized blood clot on her brain. She is currently rehabbing in Santa Barbara. If any of you tried to reach Becky to indicate interest in the garden project and have not heard back from her – well, now you know why. At the time of this publication I have no further information on Becky’s status.
Okay – now let’s move on to some “feel good” stories about your fellow Avilones. First I would like to recognize the efforts of a delightful young man I had the pleasure to meet several months ago. 7th grader JJ Niven, a resident of San Luis Bay Estates, reached out to me earlier in the school year to see if I, as Executive Director of the “Foundation”, would endorse his community service project he called “Keep Avila Clean” to spend 20 hours picking up trash in various popular hiking areas around Avila Beach. Finding JJ to be friendly, organized and articulate, I couldn’t say “no”. So, on December 29, 2015, JJ spent his first hour on the San Luis Bay Estates North Ridge Trail, and reported “the trail was in good shape, not much trash, only filled ¼ of a garbage bag”. JJ’s 20 hours journey over nearly five months – accompanied by family members – saw him clean up areas over multiple trips along the SLBE Trail Ridge, the Bob Jones Trail, Avila Pier Beach, Avila Dog Beach, and the Fire Road. In general, JJ found the areas to be pretty clean, with a couple of exceptions near the golf course and at the beach. Says JJ, “some of the most common things I came across were empty beer bottles and cans (mostly Corona and Bud Light), along with a diaper, cigarette butts, and even squirt guns. It was a fun experience because I was able to connect with and help nature, and spend 20 hours hiking with my family.” Good work, JJ! And thanks for choosing Avila Beach for your community service project.
Another “feel good” story to share is that longtime Avila Beach resident and local icon Archie McLaren was recognized for his “years of dedication and charity with the Central Coast Wine Classic” as United Cerebral Palsy’s 2016 Citizen of the Year at the organization’s April 16th “Night Without Limits” event. Congratulations, Archie! You are a man of many talents and good deeds. Speaking of which, this year’s Central Coast Wine Classic is scheduled for August 10-14 at various venues throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Of particular significance to me is that this notable event has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a wide variety of local, non-profit organizations over the course of its history. I have had the good fortune to serve as a volunteer bid recorder at a handful of the CCWC auction luncheons – all electrifying affairs.
A “wheel good” story is that of the newly installed Avila Beach Bike Corral (at April 8th dedication), which accomplishes two things – more dedicated parking for cyclists who ride to the beach, and a perceived reduction of bikes parked on sidewalks, against buildings and in pedestrian walkways along Front Street. You can find the “Corral” right next to Hula Hut. A tip of the hat to the SLO Bicycle Club for funding and facilitating this project.
That’s it for new, fellow Avilones, see you at the beach!
On another sad note, you may recall that in last month’s column I made mention of Avila resident Becky Schenk, and her efforts to reach others who may be interested in starting an organic community garden. Shortly after that publication, I was informed by local friend Vicki Book that Becky suffered a major stroke and was taken to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara where she had surgery to remove a lemon-sized blood clot on her brain. She is currently rehabbing in Santa Barbara. If any of you tried to reach Becky to indicate interest in the garden project and have not heard back from her – well, now you know why. At the time of this publication I have no further information on Becky’s status.
Okay – now let’s move on to some “feel good” stories about your fellow Avilones. First I would like to recognize the efforts of a delightful young man I had the pleasure to meet several months ago. 7th grader JJ Niven, a resident of San Luis Bay Estates, reached out to me earlier in the school year to see if I, as Executive Director of the “Foundation”, would endorse his community service project he called “Keep Avila Clean” to spend 20 hours picking up trash in various popular hiking areas around Avila Beach. Finding JJ to be friendly, organized and articulate, I couldn’t say “no”. So, on December 29, 2015, JJ spent his first hour on the San Luis Bay Estates North Ridge Trail, and reported “the trail was in good shape, not much trash, only filled ¼ of a garbage bag”. JJ’s 20 hours journey over nearly five months – accompanied by family members – saw him clean up areas over multiple trips along the SLBE Trail Ridge, the Bob Jones Trail, Avila Pier Beach, Avila Dog Beach, and the Fire Road. In general, JJ found the areas to be pretty clean, with a couple of exceptions near the golf course and at the beach. Says JJ, “some of the most common things I came across were empty beer bottles and cans (mostly Corona and Bud Light), along with a diaper, cigarette butts, and even squirt guns. It was a fun experience because I was able to connect with and help nature, and spend 20 hours hiking with my family.” Good work, JJ! And thanks for choosing Avila Beach for your community service project.
Another “feel good” story to share is that longtime Avila Beach resident and local icon Archie McLaren was recognized for his “years of dedication and charity with the Central Coast Wine Classic” as United Cerebral Palsy’s 2016 Citizen of the Year at the organization’s April 16th “Night Without Limits” event. Congratulations, Archie! You are a man of many talents and good deeds. Speaking of which, this year’s Central Coast Wine Classic is scheduled for August 10-14 at various venues throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Of particular significance to me is that this notable event has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a wide variety of local, non-profit organizations over the course of its history. I have had the good fortune to serve as a volunteer bid recorder at a handful of the CCWC auction luncheons – all electrifying affairs.
A “wheel good” story is that of the newly installed Avila Beach Bike Corral (at April 8th dedication), which accomplishes two things – more dedicated parking for cyclists who ride to the beach, and a perceived reduction of bikes parked on sidewalks, against buildings and in pedestrian walkways along Front Street. You can find the “Corral” right next to Hula Hut. A tip of the hat to the SLO Bicycle Club for funding and facilitating this project.
That’s it for new, fellow Avilones, see you at the beach!
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