Dear Cambrians,

Today, I met with Coast Unified School District (CUSD) Superintendent Southern, and we signed the Settlement Agreement regarding the acquisition of a permanent SR4 Well, Pipeline, and Access Easement. The District paid CUSD $260,000 for the permanent easement and $5,000 for reimbursement of appraisal costs. There will be additional costs associated with the development of the new access road; however, such costs have not yet been determined. I'm looking forward to working collaboratively with Superintendent Southern and CUSD in the coming months. 

Additionally, on July 22, 2024, I met with Superintendent Southern and others to address recent vandalism and graffiti in Cambria. Deterring vandalism requires us all to work together. By addressing the root causes, having a plan that includes reporting incidents and prompt graffiti cleanup, communicating with our children, and enforcing consequences, Cambria can work to eliminate vandalism while preserving the integrity of our community. To view the letter to the Cambria Community addressing recent vandalism and graffiti, please click the link below.

Administration & Finance Departments

Cambria Community Services District Administrative Office Relocation

On August 8, 2024, the Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 25-2024 to terminate the General Lease with Cambria Village Square Shopping Center for the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Administrative Office Building I, Suite 201, and approved a Lease with Linn Investments, LLC., for the CCSD Administrative Office, located at 2150 Main Street, #1-B, Cambria, from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2034, and authorized the General Manager to execute the Lease Agreement and oversee the transition to the new office and adopted Resolution 26-2024 for a Budget Adjustment of $25,000.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CCSD Board of Directors for their approval of this new office location and unwavering support. 

With that said, effective November 4, 2024, the CCSD administrative office's new address will be:

2150 Main Street #1-B

Cambria, CA 93428

Key Details:

• Current Office Closure Dates at 1316 Tamsen Street, Suite 201: October 28, 2024, through November 1, 2024
• New Office Opening Date at 2150 Main Street, Suite #1-B: November 4, 2024
• New Administrative Office Address: 2150 Main Street, #1-B, Cambria, CA 93428
• Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Cambria, CA 93428 (no change)

During the transition period of October 28, 2024, through November 1, 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.

CCSD Administration Office Closed Monday, September 2, 2024

The CCSD administration office will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day. For all Water and Wastewater emergency services, please contact the CCSD's 24-hour main line at (805) 927-6223. The office will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 

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.

Former Maintenance Technician Alberto Novas has accepted a position with the City of Paso Robles. His dedication, hard work, and positive attitude have made him a great asset to our community. We are thrilled about this new opportunity for him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Cambria Skatepark

The minor use SLO County Planning portion of the permitting process is complete and the project is currently in the building review process. The draft Cultural Resources Report was submitted to the District for review, and the District has approved the Cultural Resources Report and its submission to OGALS.

East Ranch Restroom

The Public Restroom Company has provided an anticipated building delivery date of late January. Staff is currently seeking bids for the site preparation and building installation work.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, August 26, 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. 

Cambria CSD Fire Department 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

On July 25, 2024, the CCSD held a Public Hearing to order the abatement of a Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program. On July 26, 2024, Paradise Tree Service started clearing parcels that were placed on the Contract Abatement List. They will complete parcel clearing by August 26, 2024.

Evacuation Assistance Program Announcement for Cambrians 

The Evacuation Assistance Program is for independent-living individuals in San Luis Obispo County with disabilities or medical needs who would need assistance evacuating in an emergency. If possible, individuals on the list should still make evacuation plans with family, friends, and/or neighbors because first responders will not be able to help as quickly as family, friends, and/or neighbors can. Eligible individuals live independently but cannot evacuate due to a disability or medical need. Please do not wait until an evacuation order is issued.

If you would like to be added to the Evacuation Assistance Program List, please complete the attached form and mail in an Evacuation Assistance Registration Form using the steps outlined on our website.

UCCE Forest Stewardship Workshop

The UCCE Forest Stewardship Workshop - San Luis Obispo begins on August 27, 2024, and is a nine-week online workshop series that assists forest landowners with creating and maintaining healthy landscapes that are resilient to wildfire. Through weekly Zoom sessions led by UC academics, participants will explore topics like oak woodland management, forest ecology and vegetation management, and financial planning. Upon workshop completion, participants will receive a free site visit from a CA Registered Professional Forester, CA Range Manager, or CA Certified Burn Boss.    

Please see the flyer below for more details and to register, or visit Forest Stewardship Workshops.

California Forest Stewardship Workshop Flyer

Water & Wastewater Departments

Wastewater Employee Retirement

The district is excited to announce that Timothy O'Marr has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement effective September 12, 2024. Tim joined the CCSD in May 2015 and has been an integral part of our team ever since. He will be greatly missed, but we wish him all the best in this new chapter of life.

San Simeon Water Line & Effluent Line Well Field Transmission Lines

Utility surveys and CalTrans encroachment area surveys are being performed. Potholing for utility locating and GeoTech permitting are underway. With the data gathered from these surveys and reports, Utilities staff, in coordination with consultants, looks forward to submitting an Encroachment Permit with CalTrans by late August. Permitting lead time for this scale of project ranges from four months to one year. Even with a one-year lead time for permit issuance, the District would be in a good position, seasonally, to proceed with the installation by late Summer to early Fall of 2025.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Program

The construction of the mobile unit for the ZLD pilot is well underway. The initial target for completion of the mobile unit is October 2024. During the month, staff met with Global Water Innovations and a consultant from Trevi Water Systems. Site evaluation detailing the location of the unit's components, including electrical and water plumbing, was determined. The staff has submitted to County Planning for a Substantial Conformance Determination concerning the temporary pilot run. County Planning deemed a project modification permit for the temporary pilot test run unnecessary.

Water Meter Replacement Program

The water department received 1,700 registers to complement the Endpoints already received. Staff began installing them “in-house” in the community's north end. Manual data imputing is required for each replacement. Water staff is working with utility billing to integrate location/meter identification information. As the information is recorded, staff verifies portal viability for real-time data. While in initial training mode, this information provided an alert to a potential leak at a residence. Water staff immediately investigated and validated the warning. The part-time homeowner was contacted while the water staff isolated the water loss.

Please be aware that Water Department staff will continue installing water meters, so look for district staff working to replace devices in front yards. Please continue to keep the area around the meter box clear of obstructions within a three-foot radius.

CCSD Board Meetings

2024 Election Update

On July 5, 2024, notice was given that a governing board member election would be held in the CCSD on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the purpose of electing Directors as submitted by the District. The nomination period was open from Monday, July 15, 2024, and closed at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Current CCSD Directors Tom Gray, Harry Farmer & Karen Dean filed as incumbents prior to the deadline, and no other nominee applied. The appointments will now be made pursuant to Elections Code Section 10515.

Candidate List as of August 9, 2024

Congratulations to President Gray and Directors Farmer & Dean! I want to express my deepest gratitude for our current Board's unwavering support and guidance since my hiring last year. Your strategic insights, encouragement, and commitment have been instrumental in driving our successes and overcoming challenges. The collaboration between our leadership team and the Board has been a cornerstone of our progress. Your trust in our vision and your readiness to provide resources and advice have empowered us to reach new heights. I am truly fortunate to work with such a dedicated and forward-thinking Board.

July 25, 2024, Special Board Meeting Update 

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

• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 24-2024 ordering abatement of public nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

August 8, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

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

• The Board of Directors held a discussion regarding Board Meeting and Standing Committee Meeting length and schedules for the calendar year 2025
• The Board of Directors approved Resolution 25-2024 to terminate the General Lease with Cambria Village Square Shopping Center for the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Administrative Office Building I, Suite 201, and approved a Lease with Linn Investments, LLC., for the CCSD Administrative Office, located at 2150 Main Street, #1-B, Cambria, from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2034, and authorized the General Manager to execute the Lease Agreement and oversee the transition to the new office and adopted Resolution 26-2024 for a Budget Adjustment of $25,000

August 15, 2024, Regular Board Meeting 

To view the August 15, 2024 regular meeting agenda packet, visit our website.

Upcoming September Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Discussion and consideration of Strategic Plan Update
• Discussion and consideration of accepting the Transfer Station for the San Simeon Creek Streamgage at Palmer Flats from the San Luis Obispo Flood Control Water Conservation District
• Discussion and consideration of approval of a Consultant Services Agreement for the preparation of plans and specifications for the Cambria Skatepark
• Discussion and consideration of approval of a Consultant Services Agreement with SWCA
• Consideration to approve a revision to the General Manager position description
• Discussion and consideration of accepting a grant from the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District for the installation of eight DC Fast Chargers
• Discussion and consideration of updates to Standing Committee Bylaws

On Monday, August 26, 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