Dear Cambrians,

On behalf of the Cambria Community Services District, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our recent Emergency Preparedness events. We were thrilled to see over 600 residents attend, alongside representatives from several allied agencies, including fire, law enforcement, Red Cross, emergency medical services, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Cambria Fire Safe Focus Group, and the County Office of Emergency Services. I want to extend my sincere apologies for the oversight in my original message. I want to recognize and thank the North Coast Advisory Council and Cambriaca for their valuable support in promoting and contributing to the event's success. I want you to know your involvement was invaluable and truly appreciated.

Your turnout and engagement made these events invaluable in our approach to emergency planning. More importantly, your questions, feedback, and concerns were heard loud and clear. Thank you for being proactive, engaged, and committed to Cambria's safety. Together, we are building a stronger, more prepared community.

We recognize the importance of precise and reliable evacuation routes and alerts and are actively working with our partners to address these vital issues. We have analyzed an evacuation route through Harmony Ranch Road. These processes are costly, involve various entities, both public and privately owned lands, and take considerable time. Please be patient as the Chief and I navigate the process. 

Lampton Cliffs Accessway

The accessway at Lampton Cliffs was damaged in the 2023 winter storms, including the lower portion of the stairs, which were destroyed and needed replacement. Public Works will incorporate this project into the facility condition assessment (FCA) program, with the stair replacement portion submitted for FEMA reimbursement. The project will be taken through design and permitting in FY 2025-2026, with an estimated cost of approximately $200,000. Construction is anticipated for FY 2026-2027 at the earliest, estimated at roughly $1,000,000.

For further updates, please contact the County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department directly.

Cell Towers

Atlas Tower 1, LLC has applied to the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Zoning Department for the review of a new 65-foot monopole wireless telecommunications facility. The proposed site is located at 00300 Abrillo Highway in Cambria.

A public hearing is tentatively scheduled before the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission on May 8, 2025. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate.

For further updates, please contact the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Zoning Department directly.

Vegetation Management

We had several questions about the new Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Weed Abatement Ordinance. The ordinance significantly benefits the community by prioritizing public safety and fire prevention. One of the ordinance's essential advantages is its role in enhancing fire safety. By requiring the removal of overgrown weeds, dry grasses, and other flammable vegetation, the ordinance addresses one of the leading causes of wildfires in the region, especially during California’s high fire season. This proactive approach helps protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources from potential fire damage.

The ordinance supports an environmentally conscious approach to reducing fire risk. Through the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP), property owners, neighbors, and emergency responders benefit from reduced fuel loads and improved defensible space. This makes it safer for residents and creates safer conditions for firefighters who may need to defend structures from encroaching wildfires.

This empowers residents to take appropriate steps to manage their properties responsibly. Finally, the ordinance includes a structured enforcement process. With official notices, timelines for abatement, and potential penalties for non-compliance, the CCSD ensures that fire hazards are addressed promptly and consistently. The new weed abatement ordinance reflects the District’s commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

Understanding Go Bags and Emergency Kits

Following our recent meetings, we've received several questions about the differences between "Go Bags" and "Emergency Kits."

• Go Bags are a collection of essential items that you can quickly grab if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
• Emergency Kits are designed to stay at home and typically contain supplies that are too bulky or heavy to carry.

Recommended Items for Your Go Bag

• Bottled water and nonperishable food (e.g., granola bars)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc.)
• Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries
• Portable cell phone charger
• Notepad, pen/pencil, and marker
• Local street maps (paper version)

Being prepared with both a Go Bag and an Emergency Kit can provide peace of mind and ensure you're ready in case of an emergency.

For additional tips and resources, please click here for more details. 

We want you to know that we take your concerns seriously, and this event was just the beginning. We are planning additional emergency preparedness events to update you on hazard mitigations and continue building awareness, partnerships, and actionable plans. We will continue to seek further resources (i.e., grants, etc.) for traffic surveys and multi-agency emergency evacuation strategies and drills.

Important Updates on Local Evacuation Zones

We want to inform you about recent updates to local evacuation zones as part of our ongoing commitment to improving community safety and emergency response.

San Luis Obispo County public safety agencies have collaborated to create pre-established evacuation zones. These zones will enable first responders to quickly identify and manage evacuation areas during emergencies. The zones will also help residents easily determine if they are under an Evacuation Warning or Evacuation Order during an emergency requiring large-scale evacuations.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Knowing your evacuation zone in advance can save you time in an emergency. On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the county's evacuation zone data migrated from Genasys Protect to ArcGIS. While these tools are no longer available as phone apps, they can be accessed through a computer or phone browser.

You can find your zone by entering your address into the map tool here. After identifying your zone name, be sure to write it down and post it in an easily accessible location. Each zone includes detailed information about its boundaries, status, and any additional updates.

Emergency Notifications

In the event of an Evacuation Order or Warning, emergency officials will use various alert and notification methods, such as Wireless Emergency Alerts and Reverse 911, to inform residents of affected zones. Knowing your evacuation zone in advance will help you respond quickly and efficiently.

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

Matthew McElhenie