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1/25/2025 Letter from the General Manager 

Dear Cambrians,

Each year, the Cambria Community Services District Fire Department conducts the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. This program is carried out under the authority of Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. The FHFRP is initiated when the CCSD Board of Directors adopts a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on identified properties to be a public nuisance. This annual requirement will start in April and aims to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. The forest is a vital part of Cambria’s identity, and we must balance reducing fire risk with preserving the ecosystem's ability to regenerate.

As a community committed to safety and fire prevention, we understand the challenges faced by vacant parcel owners in maintaining compliance with weed abatement requirements. However, the responsibility to ensure that vacant parcels are properly abated lies with the property owner.

No extensions will be granted for the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) requirement.

It is crucial that all parcel owners meet the weed abatement deadline and clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property to prevent fire hazards and maintain a safe environment for everyone. While many owners hire contractors to perform this work, it is your responsibility to verify that the work has been completed. Unfortunately, the District does not provide individual notifications to parcels that fail inspection. Instead, this information is publicly available when the Public Nuisance List is presented during Board meetings.

If your parcel appears on the list, it is essential that you take immediate action to abate your lot by the deadline before the next Board meeting, when the next phase of the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program begins.

Failure to do so will result in additional charges being applied to your property. The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Properties that do not meet the requirements will be subject to penalties and abatement by the district’s contractor, at the property owner's expense. 

The Cambria Community Services District and the Cambria CSD Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency.

We are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors and assume no responsibility or liability for satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by them. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s service charge, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill, or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

Steps to Ensure Compliance:

Inspect Your Property: Regularly check for overgrown weeds. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  

Remove Weeds: Safely and properly remove all weeds, especially those that are dry and pose a fire risk. 

Disposal: Follow the local guidelines for the disposal of yard waste and weeds.

Sign up for Cambria CSD Fire Department Updates: To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook. 

Sign up for Cambria CSD Board Meeting Updates: To receive updates from the Cambria CSD regarding Board Meetings, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" icon at the bottom of the District’s website and subscribe to Board Agendas.

Meet the Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by the deadline, which will be established in April 2025.

FHFRP Weed Abatement Deadline

The Fire Chief and Confidential Administrative Assistant are currently working on finalizing the FHFRP deadlines for 2025. Once the dates have been established, we will notify the public and ensure they are posted on our website. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide this information in a timely manner.

We understand that receiving a large bill for noncompliance can be difficult. However, these costs can be avoided by adhering to the deadlines and ensuring that all required work is completed and verified. The safety of our community depends on each of us taking responsibility for maintaining fire-safe properties.

If you hired a contractor to abate your parcel but the work was not completed, resulting in a bill from the Cambria Community Services District's contractor, Paradise Tree Service, please contact Haley Dodson at hdodson@cambriacsd.org with the contractor’s information and proof of payment (i.e., cashed check, receipt, etc.).

Submit a Public Records Request for Identifiable Records Regarding Weed Abatement Maintained by the CCSD

The Fire Department and Administrative Department have been receiving a high volume of inquiries regarding weed abatement pictures, invoices, and related matters. Please note that the Fire Department is not the appropriate contact for obtaining documentation related to weed abatement concerns.

To access records or documents related to weed abatement, the California Public Records Act (CPRA) provides a process for the public to request identifiable records maintained by government agencies. However, the CPRA does not facilitate answering questions or conducting research—it is strictly intended for access to existing records and documents. If you wish to request identifiable records regarding weed abatement maintained by the CCSD, please submit a Public Records Request here. Once your request is submitted, the District will respond within ten days to determine whether the requested records, in whole or in part, are disclosable and in the District’s possession.

Access to 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) Documentation

Before submitting a public records request, please note that the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) documentation is readily available on our website at the links below:

Join Our Mailing List to Receive Updates Regarding the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

To stay informed about the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any other news related to the Cambria CSD Fire Department, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" icon and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates.

Additionally, follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on social media for real-time updates:

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Cambria a safe and resilient community.

Administrative & Finance Departments

CCSD Utility Service Bill

We encourage all Cambria utility billing customers to take a moment to familiarize themselves with their utility bills. Understanding your utility bill is essential for managing your water usage and payments effectively. We encourage all Cambria utility billing customers to take a moment to familiarize themselves with their utility bills. Understanding the layout of your bill will help ensure accuracy, identify key details, and clarify any questions you may have. To assist with this, we’ve provided an example of a typical utility bill below. Below is a guide to help you navigate the key sections of your bill:

1. Account Information

  • Account Number: Unique identifier for your account.
  • Service Address: Address where services are provided.
  • Billing Period: Dates reflecting the cycle for which services are billed.

2. Bill Summary

  • Previous Balance: Amount carried forward from your last bill.
  • Payments: Payments received during the billing period.
  • Adjustments: Any credits or charges applied.
  • Current Charges: Charges for the current billing cycle, including base rates and usage fees.
  • Amount Due: Total amount payable by the due date.

3. Usage Details

  • Meter Readings: Displays current and previous readings.
  • Consumption Graph: Compares your current usage to the same period in the previous year.

4. Charges Breakdown

  • Water Base/Usage Fees: Charges for water service.
  • Sewer Base/Usage Fees: Charges for sewer services.
  • WRF Base/Usage Fees: Charges related to Water Reclamation Facility.

CCSD’s water and sewer utilities rely primarily on revenues from service charges to fund the costs of providing service. Therefore, water and sewer rates must be set at levels adequate to fund the costs of operating and maintaining CCSD’s water and sewer systems to support safe and reliable service.

The water and sewer rates implemented by Resolution 14-2024 cover no more than the cost that CCSD incurs to provide water and sewer services as detailed in the Water, WRF, and Sewer Rate analysis prepared by Bartle Wells Associates and last reviewed by the Board on March 17, 2022.

5. Payment Options

6. Important Messages

  • Messages on your bill may include updates and reminders. Please review them carefully.

The CCSD bills bimonthly. Consumption charges are based on the amount of water delivered through your meter. Water and wastewater usage charges are computed by unit. One unit is equal to approximately 748 gallons. 

CCSD Utility Service Bill Example
One unit is equal to approximately 748 gallons. 
Utility bill for 000 Main St., with $293.32 due by 12/10/2024. Water usage is 5 units. Includes a usage comparison graph.

CCSD Board of Directors Seeking Public Input Related to Strategic Plan

The CCSD Board of Directors invites public input related to the Strategic Plan, which was last updated during a facilitated workshop on March 4, 2024. The Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall (1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428) and via Zoom Webinar to receive public input related to the Strategic Plan. If you cannot attend, written feedback submitted before the meeting will also be considered. To submit feedback, please click here.

CCSD Notice of Intent to Fill Finance, Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS), Resources & Infrastructure, and Fire Protection Committee Member Vacancies 

Notice was  given that the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is now accepting applications to fill five (5) seats on the Finance Committee, five (5) seats on the Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Committee, five (5) seats on the Resources & Infrastructure Committee, and five (5) seats on the Fire Protection Committee. Applicants must reside and be registered voters within the CCSD boundaries. The CCSD Board of Directors will review all applications and appoint Standing Committee members to two-year terms at the Regular Board meeting on February 13, 2025, starting at 10:00 A.M. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual attendance. Public participation and comments on agenda items are welcome in person at the Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428, via Zoom, or by written comment submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant at boardcomment@cambriacsd.org. To submit an application, please click here.

Facilities & Resources Department

Notice of Temporary Closure: Cambria Dog Park and Parking Lot

The Cambria Dog Park and its parking lot will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to facilitate the installation of the East Ranch restroom. This closure is necessary to ensure public safety and allow adequate space for the crane and truck to maneuver during the installation process. While we aim to minimize unnecessary attendance at the site, the public is welcome to observe the installation from behind designated caution tape barriers. We encourage those interested to park on Main Street, near the Bluebird Inn or Black Cat Bistro, and walk across the bridge to the Rodeo Grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we complete this important improvement to our community space.

Update on Partnership between SLOCOG and the CCSD for the Installation and Operation of Eight DC Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers in the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall Parking Lot

On September 19, 2024, the Board of Directors approved the partnership between SLOCOG and the CCSD for the installation and operation of eight (8) DC Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers in the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall parking lot. On January 16, 2025, Air Quality Specialist Tom Hickey notified the District that the application was not one of the six projects awarded in California. This outcome is disappointing, but it does not diminish the importance of our site as a priority location for advancing EV infrastructure in the region.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fire Chief Michael Burkey will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on anything related to the Cambria Fire Department. 

Water & Wastewater Departments

Water Treatment Plant Operator OIT Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is pleased to announce that we are in the process of scheduling interviews for the Water Treatment Plant Operator OIT (Operator-in-Training) position. We look forward to meeting the candidates as we continue our efforts to ensure high-quality water services for our community.

The status of District Project Updates can also be found on the CCSD website.

CCSD Board Meetings

January 9, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

January 16, 2025, Special Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

Upcoming February Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

  • CCSD Board Observation of East Ranch Restroom Installation - No Action of Any Kind Will be Discussed or Considered
  • Swearing in of New Fire Captain and Reserve Firefighter
  • Receive a Presentation from Kevin Merk Associates, LLC Regarding Cambria Water Reclamation Facility Adaptive Management Plan Quarterly Baseline Monitoring Summer & Fall 2024
  • Receive a Presentation from Asterra Recovery on Satellite-Based Leak Detection Services for Water and Wastewater
  • Receive a Presentation on the Community Park Conceptual Plan
  • Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Regular Committee Meeting Schedule
  • Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Ratifying a Side Letter Agreement between CCSD and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 620
  • Consideration to Direct Staff and District Counsel to Review the Board and Standing Committee Bylaws
  • Consideration of Approval of a Resolution Establishing 2150 Main St #1-A, Cambria, CA 93428, as the Official Physical Address of the Cambria Community Services District
  • Receive and File the Second Quarter Budget Report for FY 2024/25
  • Discussion and Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a Fire Protection Committee and Amending the Standing Committee Bylaws, Adoption of a Resolution Amending the List of Designated Positions Subject to the District's Conflict of Interest Code, and Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the 2025 CCSD Fire Protection Committee Meeting Schedule
  • Discussion and Consideration of Standing Committee Chair and Liaison Appointments
  • Discussion and Consideration to Fill Vacant Seats on the Standing Committees 
  • Discussion and Consideration of Introduction of Ordinance 01-2025 Adding Chapter 6.05 to the Cambria Community Services District Municipal Code Relating to Weed Abatement Standards
  • Receive Public Input Related to the Strategic Plan
  • Discuss and Consider the Agenda and Preparations for the March 3, 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop Special Meeting
  • Discussion and Consideration of Adoption of the Budget Policy Revisions Recommended by the Staff and Finance Committee

On Monday, February 3, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., I will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on everything, Cambria. President Debra Scott will be joining us around 12:00 p.m. We will provide coffee and snacks; as always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. 

If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me or any of our management team.

Thank you again for your support; I am at your service. 

Matthew McElhenie

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