Hello fellow Avilones. It looks like another summer is about to appear in our rearview mirror. Is it my imagination, or does it seem that Avila Beach attracted a record number of visitors to our small community this season? That may be good or bad, depending upon with whom you speak, but there is no doubt that the secret is out. As thousands of people (new and repeat) enter our sanctuary each year, many probably wish they could live here year-round. We are among the fortunate few who do. Short of erecting walls, moats, machine gun turrets or other blockades, I guess there’s not a whole lot we can do to swing the pendulum back in the other direction. Not to dwell on the negative, but I recently received an email from an Avila resident who will remain unnamed, informing me that he and his wife are selling their Avila dream home because living here has become too tourist oriented. The couple is moving to Cambria which, in their opinion, offers a better lifestyle. I am saddened by their despair, but wish them well further up the coast.
Last month I shared with you the results of the online Avila Speaks Community Survey the “Foundation” conducted a short while ago. I hope you took the opportunity to visit our website to view the responses and opinions of those who took the time to complete the survey. An ad hoc planning committee has been formed to develop a strategy that will help guide the “Foundation’s” activities over the next few years. Our meetings have been very fruitful and will result in new ways we look at local grant making, the fostering of relationships to expand financial support of local enhancement projects, and in offering community enrichment activities. Discussions also enabled us to look back and define our areas of notable impact, including a couple of the more recent grants we awarded that greatly touched the lives of individuals in need of support. I refer specifically to grants awarded in 2013 for the Cancer Well-Fit program at the Avila Bay Club, and the People’s Self Help Housing supported housing development – Lachen Tara Apartments in Avila Beach. Both agencies recently furnished me with some quotes and stories about the lives of clients positively affected by our grants. I share two with you as follows………………..
“Tom has been a resident of the PSHH Lachen Tara Apartments for the past two years. Homeless and living under a bridge before he came to us, Tom had suffered medical trauma after he donated a kidney to a family member. Struggling with finances and other daily living challenges, Tom began using the supportive housing program’s counseling services, guided by social worker Maria. She helped Tom overcome difficulties after an interruption of employment and loss of income threatened his ability to pay rent. With Maria’s help Tom was able to get through the rough patch, he found two part time jobs in the Avila Beach food and services industry, and one became full time with a livable salary and health benefits. Tom is now well on his way to self-sufficiency and enjoying stability, security and structure in his life.”
"I want to say how much the Cancer Well-Fit program has affected me. When I first found out about it, I wasn't well, but so looked forward to coming. It gave me hope that I could return in many ways to my former self. In my cancer support group and elsewhere, cancer survivors talked of a silver lining to their experience. I felt something was wrong with me for not seeing this. Well, I am so grateful to say coming to Well-fit, meeting all the fantastic staff and members has been a life changing experience. It felt wonderful to have this special treat for me! And knowing that there are others (other than cancer people) that care about us. Cancer Well-Fit, Monica and Kate opened up the world again for me!" -LJ
Being aware of the human element and the role our Foundation can have in improving lives makes me proud to serve as Executive Director – a position I’ve been in now for nearly five years. It reminds me that there is more to Avila Beach than prosperity and being the most desired location on the Central Coast. And speaking of the human element, someone I have come to know and respect as the voice of reason and experience is John Wallace, who recently announced he is stepping down from his position as General Manager of the Avila Beach Community Services District after having overseen day-to-day operations for 17 years. The good news is that John and his company, the Wallace Group, will continue their contract as District Engineer, meaning they will still coordinate and facilitate water and wastewater management, treatment services and infrastructure. Says John; “The Avila Beach CSD has been a big part of my focus for many years. It’s a role I’ve loved and enjoyed, but I now need to give more of my time to the Wallace Group organization…..new sectors like renewable energy and reclaimed water projects are growing rapidly and call for me to shift my focus, and to service other geographical areas.” Good luck, John, we wish you well.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I hope you enjoy the final weeks of summer and the upcoming early fall, which usually brings great weather and more, fun outdoor activities. See you at the beach!
Last month I shared with you the results of the online Avila Speaks Community Survey the “Foundation” conducted a short while ago. I hope you took the opportunity to visit our website to view the responses and opinions of those who took the time to complete the survey. An ad hoc planning committee has been formed to develop a strategy that will help guide the “Foundation’s” activities over the next few years. Our meetings have been very fruitful and will result in new ways we look at local grant making, the fostering of relationships to expand financial support of local enhancement projects, and in offering community enrichment activities. Discussions also enabled us to look back and define our areas of notable impact, including a couple of the more recent grants we awarded that greatly touched the lives of individuals in need of support. I refer specifically to grants awarded in 2013 for the Cancer Well-Fit program at the Avila Bay Club, and the People’s Self Help Housing supported housing development – Lachen Tara Apartments in Avila Beach. Both agencies recently furnished me with some quotes and stories about the lives of clients positively affected by our grants. I share two with you as follows………………..
“Tom has been a resident of the PSHH Lachen Tara Apartments for the past two years. Homeless and living under a bridge before he came to us, Tom had suffered medical trauma after he donated a kidney to a family member. Struggling with finances and other daily living challenges, Tom began using the supportive housing program’s counseling services, guided by social worker Maria. She helped Tom overcome difficulties after an interruption of employment and loss of income threatened his ability to pay rent. With Maria’s help Tom was able to get through the rough patch, he found two part time jobs in the Avila Beach food and services industry, and one became full time with a livable salary and health benefits. Tom is now well on his way to self-sufficiency and enjoying stability, security and structure in his life.”
"I want to say how much the Cancer Well-Fit program has affected me. When I first found out about it, I wasn't well, but so looked forward to coming. It gave me hope that I could return in many ways to my former self. In my cancer support group and elsewhere, cancer survivors talked of a silver lining to their experience. I felt something was wrong with me for not seeing this. Well, I am so grateful to say coming to Well-fit, meeting all the fantastic staff and members has been a life changing experience. It felt wonderful to have this special treat for me! And knowing that there are others (other than cancer people) that care about us. Cancer Well-Fit, Monica and Kate opened up the world again for me!" -LJ
Being aware of the human element and the role our Foundation can have in improving lives makes me proud to serve as Executive Director – a position I’ve been in now for nearly five years. It reminds me that there is more to Avila Beach than prosperity and being the most desired location on the Central Coast. And speaking of the human element, someone I have come to know and respect as the voice of reason and experience is John Wallace, who recently announced he is stepping down from his position as General Manager of the Avila Beach Community Services District after having overseen day-to-day operations for 17 years. The good news is that John and his company, the Wallace Group, will continue their contract as District Engineer, meaning they will still coordinate and facilitate water and wastewater management, treatment services and infrastructure. Says John; “The Avila Beach CSD has been a big part of my focus for many years. It’s a role I’ve loved and enjoyed, but I now need to give more of my time to the Wallace Group organization…..new sectors like renewable energy and reclaimed water projects are growing rapidly and call for me to shift my focus, and to service other geographical areas.” Good luck, John, we wish you well.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I hope you enjoy the final weeks of summer and the upcoming early fall, which usually brings great weather and more, fun outdoor activities. See you at the beach!
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