Dear Cambrians,

I hope this message finds you well in the new year. I am excited to start the new year, hoping that in 2024, we will complete some of our strategic plan goals established in 2022. As you read this document, you will see we are making strides in our strategic goals. I am confident that with our newly positioned leadership, 2024 will be an excellent year for the CCSD. Please keep applying the pressure, hold us accountable, and ask the hard questions; we work for you. Here is to a fruitful 2024!

Administration & Finance Departments

Administration Office Closure

The CCSD administration office will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. 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, January 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 

Administration Office Hours

The Cambria Community Services District Administration Office is open Monday - Thursday and every other Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. The Administration Office is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with the Administration Office at 805-927-6223.

Administrative Technician II - Front Desk Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Administrative Technician II - Front Desk position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/administrative-technician-ii-front-desk-recruitment.

Records Retention Schedule Update

Gladwell Governmental Services met with each department to review the proposed changes and obtain additional changes for the records retention update. Gladwell Governmental Services has updated the records retention schedules for all District departments and prepared a detailed index of the retention schedules for Board approval. District Counsel is currently reviewing the updated schedules.

Peak Agenda Management 

The General Manager and Confidential Administrative Assistant have finalized the Peak Agenda management portal with Granicus. The Board of Directors and Standing Committee meeting agendas and minutes will always be available on the District's website, but the public is welcome to use our new Peak Agenda Management portal.

Update on San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority Outreach & Education Efforts in Cambria

The IWMA has been performing education and outreach visits in Cambria, which include:

1. Tabling at Soto's True Earth Market has been completed. Eighty-seven food pails were distributed to Cambria residents over seven tabling days (this was usually between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm). Additionally, IWMA handed out dozens of cart stickers/fliers about properly sorting. 
2. Mike Di Milo met with the Cambria library director, and the community program is all set for January 9, 2024, at 4:00 pm.  She has done a nice job in doing outreach for the program. IWMA also promoted the program during the tabling events at Soto's.   
3. The first door-to-door cart sticker outing was on January 2, 2024. IWMA had seven staff members scheduled for the first outing to Cambria.

For more information, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/san-luis-obispo-county-integrated-waste-management-authority. 

Mission Country Disposal Cleanup Weeks

For more information, please contact Mission Country Disposal.

Phone: 805-543-0875

Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM

Website: https://www.sanluisgarbage.com/news/list/

San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission Intent to Adopt a Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for the Cambria Community Services District

Notice of Public Hearing – January 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM  

Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center

1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 

Hearing Item: Intent to Adopt a Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for the Cambria Community Services District

Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will consider adopting the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Study for the Cambria Community Services District. The Municipal Service Review evaluates the District’s capability to service existing and future residents and is the basis for SOI decisions. A SOI is defined by Government Code 56425 as a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality. No change to the existing SOI is proposed. It has been determined that the MSR & SOI Study is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Categorical Exemption section 15306 and CEQA General Rule Exemption 15061(b)(3). The Public Review Draft is available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/. You may submit comments via email to mbing@slo.lafco.ca.gov or mail written comments to the address provided above.

If you have questions, please contact LAFCO at 805-781-5795 or mbing@slo.lafco.ca.gov

Facilities & Resources Department

To submit general inquiries, or to report any issues on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, public restrooms, Cambria Dog Park, or to schedule a meeting with Facilities and Resources Manager Aguirre, please submit your inquiries or concerns here: https://www.cambriacsd.org/contact-facilities-resources-c617054.

EV Charging Station Relocation

On November 9, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the location of the new electric vehicle charging station. Thoma Electric is reviewing the building plans and submitting the final permit for construction to the County of San Luis Obispo. Work will commence as soon as the permitting is completed with the County.

East Ranch Restroom

On December 7, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the Intent to Serve Letter for the public bathroom facility at the East Fiscalini Ranch Park and approved a change to the Community Park Master Plan to allow the Board-approved water-serving restroom design. The project is in process at the planning level with the County.  The staff anticipates the resolution of all planning issues and SLO County's response by the end of January. Once the planning portion of the permit is completed, the prefabricated building will be ordered. The building and delivery lead time, as quoted by the vendor, is 240 days.

Cambria Skatepark

The Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services contacted the District and indicated that Section 106 is required for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) application. District staff is currently in the process of completing the LWCF Program's Section 106 requirements. On January 4, 2024, the District staff submitted a Sacred Lands File & Native American Contacts List Request form to the Native American Heritage Commission. The Native American Heritage Commission is in receipt of our request, and they estimate a turn-around time of 4 weeks and don't anticipate responding sooner than the end of that time frame. District staff will attend a Post Selection Federal Requirements workshop in late January.

Cambria Fire Department

CCSD Selects Michael Burkey as Fire Chief

On December 27, 2023, the Cambria Community Services District announced the appointment of Michael Burkey as the new Fire Chief.  With over 13 years of dedicated service to the community of Cambria, Michael Burkey has a proven track record of commitment to excellence in fire safety and emergency services. Chief Burkey has been instrumental in developing innovative firefighting techniques and community safety programs that have significantly contributed to the well-being of our residents.

Michael was born and raised on the Central Coast of California and resides in Paso Robles. He graduated from Atascadero High School in 1996 and moved to San Diego, California, that same year. He obtained his EMT certification in 1997 from Miramar College and began working for East County Fire Protection District as a Firefighter/EMT. He continued through school and worked for various ambulance agencies in San Diego County, including AMR, before relocating back to San Luis Obispo County, where he continued his EMS career with San Luis Ambulance (SLAS). He became a Paramedic with San Luis Ambulance in 2004 after attending NCTI in Milpitas, CA. While at SLAS, he became an instructor for various EMS courses and began teaching at the Cuesta College Paramedic Program. He became a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic in 2009 with the Selma City Fire Department.

In 2010, he became a full-time employee with the Cambria Community Healthcare District, and shortly after, in 2011, he became a Reserve Firefighter with the Cambria Fire Department. He obtained his Engineer qualification in June 2016 and was hired as a full-time Engineer Paramedic in December 2016. He became a member of the County USAR Team in 2017 and obtained his Officer in Charge (OIC) qualification in 2019. In 2018, he was awarded San Luis Obispo County Training Officer of the Year. In July 2021, he was chosen to fill the provisional Fire Captain Paramedic vacancy and hired as the full-time Fire Captain Paramedic in September 2021. He was promoted to Interim Fire Chief on June 23, 2022, with the term ending on October 7, 2022, and appointed Interim Fire Chief on October 3, 2023.

As Chief Burkey assumes his new role, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in driving our department forward. His leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and passion for public service set him apart as the ideal candidate for this position.

Meet Fire Chief

On Monday, January 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Chief Burkey will work out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall again and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on anything related to the Cambria Fire Department. 

Contact Fire Chief

To submit general inquiries or to schedule a meeting with Chief Burkey, please submit your inquiries or concerns here: https://www.cambriacsd.org/contact-fire-chief.

Firefighter Paramedic Recruitment

The District is accepting applications for the Firefighter Paramedic position, and the recruitment remains open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/firefighter-paramedic-recruitment.

Genasys Protect 

Know Your Zone magnets have arrived, and the Cambria Fire Department crews will hand out magnets to citizens when appropriate on calls, etc.  The public is encouraged to stop by the fire station to pick up a magnet or come to the "Meet the Fire Chief" on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Be prepared for the next natural disaster by KNOWING YOUR ZONE. Know Your Zone in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Visit protect.genasys.com – type your address in the search bar or use your current address. 
2. Click on the highlighted zone and locate the number listed in the zone description panel. 
3. Write your zone down and place it somewhere easily accessible by everyone in your house. 
4. Click on Subscribe to Alerts to stay updated in case of an emergency.
5. Explore the information provided in your zone's description panel and bookmark any useful links provided. 

Cambrians are encouraged to download the Genasys Protect application on your smartphone, enter your address, and save your zone.  If you need more information, or if you are having trouble downloading the application or need assistance locating your Zone, please contact Fire Chief Burkey or come to the "Meet the Fire Chief" on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and we would be happy to assist you. 

Winter Storm Preparation

Cambria residents can fill up sandbags at the Cambria Dog Park parking lot at 2021 Rodeo Grounds Road and Lampton Park at the corner of Lampton and Windsor.

Bring your sandbags and a shovel. Sandbags are available at most local hardware stores but not at the Cambria Fire Department. For additional information about emergency preparedness in Cambria, click here.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Water Treatment Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Water Treatment Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/water-treatment-operator-oit-i-or-ii-recruitment.

Coastal Development Permit

SWCA has completed a draft project description, and the staff and Ad Hoc Committee are currently reviewing it. Utilities Staff is also reviewing info hold questions and preparing a completion matrix for County staff.  They are also working with the Instream Flow Study consultant to respond to questions from the Technical Advisory Committee (T.A.C.) and other shareholders. Utilities staff and consultants have a follow-up meeting scheduled with SLO County Planning on January 30, where they intend to deliver project components, the completion matrix, and the CDP project description. 

Stuart Street Tank Construction

On January 11, 2024, the Board of Directors will discuss and consider approving an Agreement for Consultant Services with MKN & Associates, Inc., for engineering design and bid/construction phase services for the replacement of the Stuart Street Tanks.

San Simeon Well 3

On December 14, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a Public Works Contract with 3rd Gen Pump & Well for replacing the San Simeon Well 3 (SS3) pump and adopted Resolution 61-2023 for a budget adjustment of $48,000. 

Water Meter Replacement Program

Water Staff is itemizing inventory to proceed with an updated proposal for materials.

Per CCSD Municipal Code 4.04.130, “It shall be the consumer's duty to keep the space around the water meter free from obstruction that would interfere with access to the same by the district employees. If the consumer fails to provide property access to the meter after twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, the district may perform the necessary work and shall charge the cost to the consumer”.

The District would like to refrain from pursuing action under the municipal code; as such, we appreciate your help keeping your meters free from obstruction.

Regulatory Compliance Reporting

Utility staff completed the annual water loss report. This report requires a third-party validator to confirm and authenticate our water production, consumption and billing, variable cost of production, and total cost of providing service documents before we submit our water loss report to the State of California.

Upcoming February Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Receive community input for Strategic Plan strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis
• Discussion regarding District vehicle use
• Discussion regarding the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program process and deadlines
• Discussion Regarding Development of a Civil Administration Citation Program Violation of District Regulations
• Receive and file the second quarter budget report for FY 2023/24 and adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget
• Discussion and consideration of annual updates to Board and Standing Committee Bylaws
• Discussion and consideration of approval of the Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Testing Program
• Discussion and Consideration of adoption of Policy 1045 Legal Counsel and Auditor Policy

CCSD Seeking Community Input for Strategic Plan

The CCSD Board of Directors would like to receive community input on key areas for the upcoming Strategic Plan workshop. Please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/ccsd-seeking-community-input-for-strategic-plan to submit your input. The Board of Directors will utilize this public input in the development of the District’s Strategic Plan goals and objectives, which was last updated in the facilitated workshop on January 31, 2023. Feedback is anonymous and will be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant, and a consolidated list will be forwarded to the Board for consideration. Please submit your feedback by February 8, 2024.

The Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to receive community input for the Strategic Plan. 

The Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to receive any additional community input for the Strategic Plan Workshop. Members of the public can submit written comments to the Confidential Administrative Assistant at boardcomment@cambriacsd.org. 

The Board of Directors will hold an adjourned special meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to facilitate a workshop to update the Cambria Community Services District's Strategic Plan and set a date for the next Strategic Planning workshop. Mr. Dick Clark will facilitate the workshop.

On Monday, January 22, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., I will work out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall. I would love to meet interested community members and hear your thoughts. We will provide coffee, snacks, and the ability to engage in dialogue about everything Cambria.

As always, I 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