Dear Cambrians,

Our District has been working diligently to address the needs of our community, and I’m proud to highlight some key accomplishments that reflect our commitment to service, sustainability, and innovation. One of our primary focuses has been improving our water and wastewater systems to ensure long-term reliability and environmental responsibility. Over the past six months, we have significantly upgraded our infrastructure, including critical maintenance and modernization efforts. Most notably, we have successfully started the initial phases of our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water meter upgrades. AMI is an integrated equipment, communications, and information management system for utilities to collect customer water usage data remotely in real-time.

Additionally, The CCSD has taken significant steps toward sustainability. This includes acquiring our first electric vehicle, the Ford F150 Lightning, which will be outfitted for our Utilities Department over the next few months (more details below). This is just one example of how we are embracing innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and operate more efficiently.

We are excited to share an update on a project that has generated a lot of enthusiasm within our community: the Cambria Skate Park. Over the past several months, the Cambria Community Services District has worked closely with local stakeholders to make this long-awaited skate park a reality. We have made significant strides in the skate park's planning and design phases. Our team has been collaborating with experienced designers and community members to ensure the park meets the needs of skaters of all ages and skill levels. Sponn Ranch was awarded the RFP for Consultant Services for the design & construction documents for the Cambria Skatepark.  One of the key steps in this project is securing the necessary permits and completing the environmental review process. I’m pleased to report that we are progressing well in this area, and we remain committed to ensuring that the skate park is developed in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes considering drainage, vegetation preservation, and minimizing any impact on nearby areas.

The Skate Park Project has seen strong support from the Cambria community, and we continue to explore funding opportunities to make this project a reality. We are working on a combination of funding that includes a District committed $178,000 towards the preliminary costs of the Skate Park project. The costs are shared with Cambria Community Council, documented in an MOU, last updated and approved by the Board on May 11, 2023.  The District submitted the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application on June 1, 2023, for 600,000.  We were one of 16 agencies to be selected to move forward for federal review, and upon review competition, funding is expected in the 1st quarter of 2025.  Lastly, we have a very passionate group, Skate Cambria, continuing its community fundraising efforts.

In the coming months, we will focus on receiving the construction documents, completing the permitting process, and securing additional funding. We look forward to breaking ground soon and will continue to keep you informed as we progress through each phase of the project.  This skate park will be a wonderful addition to our community, offering a safe and vibrant space for recreation and bringing families and neighbors together. We appreciate your continued support and excitement as we make this vision a reality.

Please click here for any questions related to staff reports and MOUs.

Administrative & Finance Departments

CCSD Administrative Office Closed Monday, October 14, 2024

The CCSD administrative office will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024. For all Water and Wastewater emergency services, please call the CCSD's 24-hour main line at (805) 927-6223. The office will reopen on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 

Cambria Community Services District Administrative Office Relocation

On September 19, 2024, the CCSD Board of Directors unanimously adopted Resolution 32-2024, approving the First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Linnvestments, LLC. 

Effective October 31, 2024, the CCSD administrative office's new address will be:

2150 Main Street #1-A

Cambria, CA 93428

Key Details:

• Current Office Closure Dates at 1316 Tamsen Street, Suite 201: October 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., through October 30, 2024
• New Office Opening Date at 2150 Main Street, Suite #1-A: October 31, 2024
• New Administrative Office Address: 2150 Main Street, #1-A, Cambria, CA 93428
• Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Cambria, CA 93428 (no change)

During the transition period of October 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., through October 30, 2024, there might be brief interruptions in our services. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience. Our phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same, and you can continue to reach us at:

• Phone: (805) 927-6223
• Website: www.cambriacsd.org 

We look forward to welcoming you to our new office and continuing to serve you with the same dedication and care. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Facilities & Resources Department

Maintenance Technician Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for one vacancy in the Facilities & Resources Department for the Maintenance Technician position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For more information, please visit our website.

We are excited to announce Eduardo Alvarez, our newest member, will join us as a maintenance technician in the Facilities & Resources Department, effective October 7, 2024. We are confident that his skills and dedication will support our district's goals and deliver exceptional service to our staff and the community.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, October 21, 2024, 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. 

SAFER Firefighter Paramedic or SAFER Firefighter EMT Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the SAFER Firefighter Paramedic or SAFER Firefighter EMT-1 position. This recruitment will remain open until the district's needs are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Reserve Firefighter Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Reserve Firefighter position. This recruitment will remain open until the district's needs are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment will remain open until the district's needs are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Zero Liquid Discharge Program

10/5/2024 2:41 p.m. correction to ZLD timeline: With board approval, the ZLD pilot project is now anticipated to begin in the First Quarter of 2025 rather than October 2024, as previously stated. 

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD)—a wastewater management strategy that eliminates liquid waste, (for the CCSD, that means our WRF brine concentrate) and maximizes water usage efficiency. The staff has submitted to County Planning for a Substantial Conformance Determination concerning the temporary pilot run. A substantial conformance determination is when staff determines that a land use permit application modification aligns with the previously approved application (i.e., our Emergency CDP). San Luis Obispo County Planning deemed a project modification permit for the temporary pilot test run unnecessary. Staff are working collaboratively with the Regional Waterboards and the Division of Drinking Water to establish, if necessary, any monitoring or analysis of the ZLD permeate. Global Water Innovations, working collaboratively with the NAWI Grant, is in the process of approving the production of the temporary treatment plant, which is expected to be completed by December. Staff is working collaboratively with Global Water Innovations to provide the necessary water-quality data to the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, and SLO County Planning Department.

First CCSD-Owned Electric Vehicle

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are thrilled to announce the recent arrival of the district’s first electric vehicle, the Ford F150 Lightning. This marks a significant step toward transitioning to a more environmentally friendly fleet. The truck will serve as a dedicated water and wastewater vehicle. It will take a few weeks to fully outfit the truck with the necessary modifications and equipment to support our district operations. Once ready, this electric vehicle will help reduce emissions and improve our services' efficiency and reliability.

Wastewater SST Projects

The Wastewater SST project updates are posted on our website.

Upcoming November Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Discussion Regarding Cambria Skatepark Maintenance Cost and Funding
• Discussion and Consideration of Accepting the Low Bid and Approval of a Public Works Contract with a vendor for the construction of the East Ranch Community Park Public Restroom Building Installation Project
• Discussion and Consideration of Approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services with a vendor for the Environmental Monitoring of the East Ranch Community Park Restroom Installation Project
• Receive, Discuss, and File the First Quarter Budget Report for FY 2024/25
• Discussion and Consideration of Adoption of the Procurement Policies and Procedures Policy 2135

On Monday, October 21, 2024, 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. We will provide coffee and snacks, and 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