Dear Cambrians,

In times of adversity, it's often said that the true strength of a community shines through. Today, we face a challenge that tests our resilience, unity, and resolve. We're addressing you now not to dwell on the accusations that have been levied against us but to emphasize our commitment to standing strong together, steadfast in the face of adversity. Accusations, whether founded or unfounded, can cast a shadow over the reputation and integrity we've built as a community. They can sow seeds of doubt and discord if we let them. However, in moments like these, we must remember our shared values, our common goals, and the unwavering belief in the principles that bind us together.

We understand that all of this can be disheartening, frustrating, and even infuriating. But let us not allow ourselves to be consumed by negativity. Instead, let us channel our energies into demonstrating the strength of our character, the depth of our integrity, and the sincerity of our actions. We can and will weather this storm. Let's support one another, offering words of encouragement, lending a listening ear, and extending a helping hand to those who need it most. Let's remain open-minded, patient, and empathetic as we navigate these turbulent waters.

Remember, the true measure of our community is not in the absence of challenges but in how we confront and overcome them. In the face of these adversities, let's stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, and emerge stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before.

Administration & Finance Departments

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.

Facilities & Resources Department

Contact Facilities & Resources Manager

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.

Maintenance Technician Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Maintenance Technician position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/maintenance-technician-recruitment.

Cambria Skatepark Project

The staff has awarded the contract for completing Section 106 surveying to a consultant and is in the process of finalizing a contract. This should be the last regulatory requirement due. The county's completion of the planning permit is anticipated by the end of April. 

EV Charging Station Relocation

On September 14, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a Public Works Agreement with Thoma Electric to relocate the electric vehicle charging station at the Veterans' Hall and adopted Resolution 51-2023 for a budget adjustment. On October 16, 2023, CCSD staff held a kickoff meeting with Thoma Electric, and Thoma Electric informed the District of the necessary explicit specifications and requirements for an ADA-compliant parking space. An accessible parking space is required for this project as per grant compliance conditions. Two critical conditions of the specifications for ADA-compliant parking space are that the slope of the accessible parking space cannot have a slope greater than 2.08%, and the ADA space should be on the right-hand side. With these critical constraints accounted for, only one area of the Veterans Hall parking lot satisfied all specifications. On November 9, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the new electric vehicle charging station location below. Final permitting for the relocation of the EV charging station is complete. Installation is scheduled for completion by mid-March. 

Mission Country Disposal Cleanup Weeks

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.

Meet Fire Chief

On Wednesday, March 27, 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. 

Sandbag Locations

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. Tractors are not allowed to take sand from the district's sand locations. 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

Wastewater Recruitments

Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications for the Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Worker and Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II positions. These recruitments are open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/employment-opportunities. 

Water Treatment Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is 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.

SR4 Well at Coast Union High School

The District has continued its efforts to negotiate with the Coast Unified School District (CUSD) for long-term access/rights to the SR4 well and easements. We have set a tentative mediation date with the CUSD legal team in mid to late March. 

Coastal Development Permit (CDP)

District Staff held a kick-off meeting with County Planning on February 20, 2024. County staff provided feedback on the draft project description for the WRF CDP.  Additionally, the Coastal Commission has been sent the preliminary draft.  I received an email from Mr. Luster and his team; they expressed gratitude for our willingness to share the draft. They will be reviewing and following up with their comments in mid-March.  Additionally, the staff is working directly with the Ad Hoc Committee and consultant to respond to the county’s requests and, eventually, the Coastal Commission comments. We look forward to returning the final draft to the Board for a public hearing and then formally submitting our CDP application. 

Stuart Street Tank Project

On January 11, 2024, the Board of Directors approved an Agreement for Consultant Services with MKN & Associates, Inc., for engineering design and bid/construction phase services to replace the Stuart Street Tanks. 

The design for the new welded steel tanks is underway. Site surveys have taken place, and permitting is on track for completion by June. Other structural and geological assessments are being considered. SSG and Earth Systems are scheduled to evaluate the existing foundations to determine whether they are feasible for reuse with new tanks. New foundations will likely be required to meet seismic requirements. The evaluation of foundations is scheduled to occur in March. If new foundations are required, staff and consultants will consider modifying the existing site layout to facilitate construction and improve accessibility, including relocation of retaining wall and tank footprints. 

The staff has contacted the Grant provider (EPA) to confirm that submitting a “Technical Correction” would not disqualify the district from being awarded its funding. Leah Tighe, Project Officer from the EPA, confirmed that the correction would not alter or disqualify any funding but could delay the awarding of the funds until the third or fourth quarter of this calendar year.  

San Simeon Well 3

Utility staff brought three updated proposals for installation to the Resources & Infrastructure Committee on February 12, 2024. The citizens committee selected Precision Hydro to construct and replace San Simeon Well 3. A Public Works contract is being prepared for Precision Hydro to replace the San Simeon Well 3 pump, motor, and well piping. A kick-off meeting is tentatively scheduled for late February, and we look to have replaced the pump by the end of March. 

Instream Flow Study (IFS) & Adaptive Management Plan (AMP)

The IFS is a detailed and comprehensive study incorporating years of data collection and analysis. While this study has taken many years and is near completion, a few final studies still need to occur. One of these studies concentrates on the Van Gordon Creek/Warren assessments and concerns regarding potential impacts. These assessments will take place in June, as illustrated in the proposed project schedule below. Data gathering will continue during the summer season. Staff anticipates receipt of the completed document in October.  

Though the WRF is not in operation, AMP monitoring is ongoing. Per methods described in the AMP, bi-monthly surveys are conducted at eight (8) survey sites to collect data and describe survey conditions, habitats, stream flows, surface water quality, soil moisture, and observed species. We are currently in the wet season. No monitoring occurred during February.  

Zero Liquid Discharge Program

District staff held a progress update meeting with our contractor on January 26, 2024. Construction of a working pilot is underway, pending coordination between our consultant and the accounting manager for the project, Lawrence Livermore Labs. The mobile ZLD unit is partially constructed, but grant financing requirements must be finalized to ensure payment to our contractor before any further work is performed, including meetings with the District and the public. Once financing is finalized, initial steps will include presentations to the Board and standing committees, a piloting agreement between our contractor and the District, and site surveying. 

Water Meters

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.

February 26, 2024, Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, go to https://slo-span.org/meeting/ccsd_20240226/. 

• The Board of Directors received additional community input for Strategic Plan accomplishments, current internal strengths, current internal weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, and vision for Cambria
• The Board of Directors approved the agenda and preparations for the March 4, 2024 Strategic Planning Workshop
• The Board of Directors adjourned the special meeting to Monday, March 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., where they will hold an Adjourned Special Meeting to facilitate a Workshop to update the Cambria Community Services District's (CCSD) Strategic Plan and set a date for the next Strategic Planning Workshop

Upcoming April Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Consideration to adopt a Resolution declaring a public nuisance for the annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program
• Public Hearing to receive community input on the draft Project Description for the Water
  Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application, and direct staff to release
  the draft Project Description to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and
  Building Staff for final evaluation, input, and direction
• 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 2024/2025
• Discussion and consideration of approval of the Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Testing Program
• Consideration to approve the Updated District Personnel, Policies, Procedures & Rules
• Update the CCSD Board of Directors regarding the Countywide Evacuation Plan and Cambria's Fire Prevention Plan
• Discussion Regarding District Vehicle Use

CCSD Strategic Planning Workshop

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 Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., General Manager Matthew McElhenie 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 the ability to engage in dialogue about everything in 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