Dear Cambrians,

The Fire Chief and I have been working proactively with local advisory groups and councils to address community concerns following the recent Southern California wildfires. Together, we are committed to strengthening Cambria’s disaster preparedness efforts, ensuring our residents have the knowledge and resources to stay safe and resilient in future emergencies.

Neighbors helping neighbors is the heart of a strong and prepared community. By working together, we can ensure we are ready to face challenges confidently and resiliently. Cambria’s unique topography presents both challenges and opportunities when it comes to disaster preparedness. With our diverse landscapes and dispersed neighborhoods, individual neighbors must form strong, localized support networks.

By organizing at the neighborhood level, residents can identify risks specific to their area, share resources, and create response plans that enhance community resilience. In an emergency, these connections can make all the difference in ensuring a swift and coordinated response. In a significant disaster, our first responders, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may be stretched to their limits. That’s why community preparedness is so vital. We want to empower Cambrians with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to be self-sufficient when it matters most.

At our upcoming community meetings, Cambria Fire and other allied agencies will be on hand to share valuable information and answer your questions. But more than that, these gatherings are an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our neighborhoods. We encourage you to start conversations about emergency preparedness, connect with those around you, and explore how to support one another in need.

Every neighborhood is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preparedness. Your plan will reflect your specific needs, abilities, and circumstances. What matters most is taking that first step because, in a time of crisis, our greatest strength will come from the connections we have built. In an emergency, help may not always come from within your home but from the people right next door. Let’s work together to create a Cambria that is not only prepared but united.

Preparedness is not paranoia; it’s peace of mind.

Please see the Fire Chief's message below for dates and times.

Administrative & Finance Departments

To stay updated on important Administrative Department News & Updates, visit www.cambriacsd.org and click the "Join Our Mailing List" icon at the bottom of any webpage. Once subscribed, you’ll receive timely updates directly to your inbox! 📩

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 will remain open until the district's needs are met. For first consideration, apply immediately. 

Mission Country Disposal Cleanup Week

Mission County Disposal is hosting a Spring Cleanup Week in Cambria from March 10 through March 14, 2025. During this event, residents can place up to six additional 32-gallon bags of trash at no extra charge. Bulky items can also be placed on the street for collection, though additional charges will apply. For more details, please call their office at 805-543-0875. 

East Ranch Restroom Installation

We are thrilled to announce that on February 26, 2025, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to observe the installation of the East Ranch Restroom at the Cambria Dog Park. No action was discussed or considered during this meeting. 

The crane and truck successfully maneuvered and placed the restroom in its designated location. Over the next month, additional work, including plumbing, electrical, and final inspection, will take place. Just so you know, the restroom will not be fully operational until all work is completed.

This project was included in the Strategic Plan Core Area for Facilities and Resources. District Staff was tasked with completing the East Ranch Restroom Project, which involved obtaining the necessary construction permit, presenting the construction RFP to the Board for consideration, and overseeing the restroom’s construction. A massive shout-out to ALL the CCSD Staff, specifically Utilities Department Manager Jim Green, Program Manager Tristan Reaper, and Administrative Technician Eric Johnson, for all the RFP and installation management required to complete the project.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, March 10, 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. 

Cambria Community Emergency Preparedness Area Meetings

Dear Cambrians,

We are writing to share exciting news about upcoming meetings designed to enhance wildfire awareness and preparedness throughout Cambria. As we continue to face the challenges posed by the threat of wildfires in our region, the Cambria CSD Fire Department is committed to providing resources, education, and support to ensure the safety and resilience of our community. The Cambria CSD Fire Department will be holding community meetings focused on emergency operations and planning specific to each of our designated service areas. The map identifying the various geographic and neighborhood locations is posted here.

During these meetings, we will discuss emergency communication systems, access, and transportation during disasters, and fire mitigation strategies for rural properties. These meetings are scheduled by area and are designed to provide an opportunity for collaboration, feedback, and strengthening our community's preparedness for emergencies. Your participation is vital to ensuring that our community remains resilient and ready to face potential challenges. These meetings will be interactive and informative, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and gain practical tips to protect your home and loved ones. You can expect to learn about fire safety, including defensible space, vegetation management, and best practices for reducing fire risk around your property. We will provide guidance on creating a family evacuation plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed during a wildfire event. These sessions will also include interactive discussions where you can share your thoughts and concerns about wildfire safety and collaborate with neighbors to strengthen our community’s preparedness. Additionally, we will distribute helpful brochures, checklists, and other tools to support your wildfire readiness efforts.

We encourage every resident to participate. Your involvement enhances your personal preparedness and strengthens our community’s collective ability to respond to wildfire threats. Bring your questions and invite your neighbors to join in these important discussions. By working together, we can create a safer, more resilient Cambria.

Meeting Details by Service Area:

• Rural Residential/Leimert Estates/Happy Hill
  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• Park Hill/Seacliff Estates/Moonstone Beach
  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• East Lodge Hill/Tin City/East Village
  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• Pine Knolls/West Village Areas/Santa Rosa Creek Road
  • Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• Marine Terrace/Upper Marine Terrace
  • Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• West Lodge Hill/Top of the World
  • Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact mburkey@cambriacsd.org.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our community’s safety and well-being. We look forward to seeing you at one of our outreach sessions.

Sincerely,

Michael Burkey

Fire Chief

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Water & Wastewater Departments

To read the latest Utilities Report, please refer to the March 13, 2025, Board Meeting agenda packet.

CCSD Board of Directors Meetings

Special Board Meeting

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Written comments may be submitted via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or through the submission portal at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Debra Scott, President of the Cambria Community Services District Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance Committee, Michael Thomas, Chair of the PROS Committee, Karen Dean, Chair of the Resources & Infrastructure Committee, and Tom Gray, Chair of the Fire Protection Committee, hereby call a Special Meeting pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.

The Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar. The purpose of the Special Meeting is to discuss or transact the following business:

The business to be transacted consists of a presentation by David Hirsch of Carmel & Naccasha, LLP, on the Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.) This Special Meeting is being called since attendance may include a quorum of the Board of Directors, the Fire Protection Committee, Finance, PROS, and Resources & Infrastructure Committees. No formal action of any kind will be taken.

Regular Board Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Written comments may be submitted via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or through the submission portal at least 24 hours before the meeting.

CCSD Standing Committee Meetings

Resources & Infrastructure Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

Fire Protection Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

Finance Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

Upcoming April Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Declaring a Public Nuisance for the Annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program and Approval of Amendment to 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement
• Receive and File the Investment Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025
• Discussion and Consideration to Fix Water and Wastewater Standby or Availability Charges as Provided in Government Code 61124(b) and Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Fixing Water and Wastewater Standby or Availability Charges for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

On Monday, March 10, 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. We are excited to announce that Diane Zannotti, from Congressman Panetta's office, will be joining us for the Meet the General Manager from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 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.

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

Matthew McElhenie