Dear Cambrians,

What a hectic week. The District made it through the SLO County Planning Commission for the design and permitting of the skate park. That was a huge win as we inch closer to finalizing the last of the federal requirements for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. The East Ranch restrooms were fully permitted on Tuesday, and we are cleared to break ground. The prefabricated restroom was ordered, and we are currently looking at a 30-week countdown until it arrives. The EV charging station has been moved, and the parking stalls will be restriped for both the front of the veteran's hall and the legions parking area at the end of April. Once the county does the final inspection, the EV charging stations will be online and available for use.  Have a great weekend!

Administration & Finance Departments

New Finance Department Employee

We are happy to announce that Scot Steck was recently hired as the Administrative Technician II - Front Desk in the Finance Department. Scot has over 30 years of customer service experience. He worked for the California Department of Parks and Recreation for over 13 years as a Tour Guide & Supervisor for Hearst Castle. He has brought exceptional customer service to the Cambria Community Services District. We are ecstatic to have him join our team. Welcome, Scot!

First Annual Employee & Director Appreciation BBQ

We held our first annual Employee & Director BBQ on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall. Employees and Directors were able to get together, enjoy some delicious food prepared by Chief Burkey, and have the chance to connect with their colleagues outside of the office. 

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.

New Facilities & Resources Department Employee

We are happy to announce that Patrick Moloney was recently hired as a Maintenance Technician in the Facilities & Resources Department. Patrick has general landscaping, irrigation, and abatement experience and is currently attending Cuesta College. We are ecstatic to have him join our team. Welcome, Patrick!

Dogs on Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

On October 13, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Cambria Community Services District adopted Ordinance 01-2022 adding Chapter 7.16 to the Cambria Community Services District Municipal Code regarding dogs on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Except at the Cambria Dog Park, located on Rodeo Grounds Road, no person shall allow a dog to run at large on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. All domestic dogs in the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve shall be restrained on leashes not to exceed six feet in length and under adequate control. Any person failing to do so will be subject to citation/and or ejection under the ordinance.

Cambria Skatepark

District staff awarded and signed a contract for completing Section 106 surveying to a consultant. The process is expected to take 12-16 weeks. This should be the last regulatory requirement due. On 4/11/24, The District project was held before the SLO County Planning Commission for the design and permitting of the skate park.  The project was approved 5-0 with no additional conditions. 

East Ranch Restroom

The planning department was reviewing the project, which was recently approved by the County on April 9, 2024.  We are cleared for construction.

EV Charging Station Relocation

The EV Charging Station relocation installation is complete, and staff is working on permission to operate and activate with the ChargePoint vendor. Thoma Electric will be restriping the American Legion and EV Charging Station parking spots.

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 Monday, April 22, 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. 

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) - Forest Health Grant Program

The San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council Forest Health $6.7 million grant application for the Pico Creek, Covell, Fiscalini Ranch, and Cambria Ecological Reserve sites was selected for funding. CAL FIRE will contact San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council within the next 60 days to discuss any project modifications and request any additional documents needed to finalize the grant agreement. 

Each year, the Cambria CSD Fire Department conducts a Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. The FHFRP is carried out pursuant to the authority contained in Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. and is initiated by the CCSD Board of Directors adoption of a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on the identified properties to be a public nuisance. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  

This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them prior to cutting. Property owners are required to clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property by the deadline of July 15, 2024.

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Fire Department is seeking proposals from contractors for CCSD’s annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) for 2024.

CCSD has notified approximately two thousand (2,000) parcel owners to abate their property of dried grass and weeds, downed trees or slash. Those parcels that do not comply with the requirements are placed on the CCSD’s Contract list. Typically, between fifty (50) and one hundred fifty (150) parcels are placed on the CCSD’s contract list.

The contractor selected to abate the nuisance will be required to provide wildland and vegetation fuel removal services as specified in “2024 Cambria Fire Department Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Policy – Scope of Services” in accordance with the timeline described in “2024 FHFRP Schedule.” An RFP package with complete program details and contract requirements may be downloaded at the link below or available for pick up at Cambria Fire Department, 2850 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428.

https://www.cambriacsd.org/request-for-proposal-8b80d39

To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook.

On April 11, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors adopted Resolution 04-2024 declaring that noxious, dangerous, seasonal, and/or recurring weeds were growing upon or in front of your property and, more particularly described in said Resolution and that the same constitute a public nuisance which must be abated by the removal of said noxious, dangerous, seasonal and/or recurring weeds; otherwise, they will be removed and the nuisance abated by the CCSD Fire Department authorities, in which case the cost of such removal shall be assessed upon the lots and lands from which or in front of which such weeds are removed and such cost will constitute a lien upon such lots or lands until paid. Reference is hereby made to said Resolution for further particulars.

On May 9, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors will award the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to the selected contractor.

On July 25, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing ordering the abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program.

The following are guidelines to help you comply:

• Remove combustible construction materials and trash from the property.
• Trim weeds and annual grasses to 4 inches in height. Avoid exposing bare soil or creating a situation that would encourage erosion.
• All downed trees and rounds or dead limbs within 30 feet of any structure must be removed. Tree stumps fallen over shall be cut and retain no more than six feet of the log within this 30-foot zone.
• All downed trees beyond 30 feet from any structure 12 inches in diameter or greater may remain on the parcel. However, the entire trunk must be completely on the ground. Materials less than 12 inches in diameter shall be cut and removed from the property.
• All standing dead trees that pose a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure shall be removed.
• Remove ladder vegetation from under trees and shrubs, maintaining 6 feet of vertical clearance for trees greater than 20 feet in height.
• All Poison Oak, Scotch/Irish/French or other broom-type plants, Pampas grass, Jubata grass, and (Crocosmia) also known as Fire Weed, shall be removed. Isolated specimens may be left with greater than ten (10) feet separation, and all dead material removed. 

The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Property owners having clearance done by local contractors will need to work closely with their contractor to ensure your parcel gets inspected by the CCSD Fire Department. Those parcels not in compliance by the July 15, 2024, deadline will be placed on a list to be abated by the CCSD’s contractor. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s charge for services, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

The Cambria CSD and the Cambria Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency, are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors, and assume no responsibility or liability for both satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by these contractors. Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for their convenience.

The Cambria CSD Fire Department will inspect your parcel(s) to ensure compliance with the FHFRP ordinance. Parcels not cleared by the deadline will be placed on the CCSD contract list, and all associated costs and fees will be billed directly to you.   

For more information on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP), please click here.

Homeowner’s Insurance Public Service Announcement

As many of you are aware, and some of you are undoubtedly experiencing, we’re in the middle of a very challenging homeowner’s insurance environment. On behalf of CCSD and the Fire Safe Focus Group, we want to help and provide information and resources that we hope will be useful and actionable regardless of your circumstances. Please visit our website for more information.

This content will continue to live and breathe as we navigate these difficult times and will be updated with relevant new information as we find it. We will make it a monthly discussion and review topic at the Fire Safe Focus Group meeting. We very much hope you will find this information meaningful.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Coastal Development Permit (CDP)

District staff met with consultant Gus Yates in mid-March to clarify groundwater modeling data and results from the 2022 report for use in the project description. Correspondence with the Coastal Commission and Tom Luster is ongoing. We look forward to returning the final draft to the Board for a public hearing and then formally submitting our CDP application. 

SR4 Well at Coast Union High School

The District has a mediation date with the Coast Unified School District set for April 24. There has been some unfortunate misinformation being posted on social media by the CUSD as it applies to the school district irrigation wells, the potential that the school district would somehow lose access to those wells, and the ability to water their playing fields would be threatened. Let us assure you that this is false; the irrigation wells for the CUSD will and have always been available as long as they have existed. This is detailed in-depth in the April 11th staff report and in an email sent to Superintendent Smith on November 28, 2023. This information is available through a public records request sent to hdodson@cambriacsd.org. Once again, we look forward to meeting with the school district on the 24th of April to come to a mutually agreeable settlement. 

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.  

The existing tank foundations need to meet current California Building Code standards.  Both foundations must be replaced with new, deeper foundations. A meeting is scheduled with Leah Tighe, Project Coordinator for the EPA, to discuss the small “technical corrections” needed. 

San Simeon Water Line & Effluent Line Well Field Transmission Lines

District staff has recently received approval from the Resources & Infrastructure Committee for Alignment #3 and will bring this before the Board of Directors for consideration on April 11, 2024. The staff and district consultants are awaiting a response from State Parks, which has indicated that they will assist with permitting and environmental compliance. 

Environmental consultants are still on schedule for wetland delineation, and botanical surveys will begin the first week in April. A final evaluation of both items will be completed in May.  Areas being surveyed are the alignments 3 and 4. Staging areas for construction have been identified. Geophysical work is being performed in lieu of physical boring in the wetland.  

District staff will meet with Cannon again on April 15, 2024. 

Water Meter Replacement Program

Procurement for the initial purchase of 1,700-meter register endpoints has occurred. District staff is looking at an arrival date of May 17, 2024, and the vendor provided a stated lead time of forty days. Staff looks forward to beginning installations while the RFP for installation is circulated.

April 11, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, go to https://slo-span.org/meeting/ccsd_20240411-20240411/live.

• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 04-2024 declaring a public nuisance for the annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program and directed staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to contractors to abate and remove the fuels and vegetation
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 05-2024 declaring a vehicle surplus and authorized sale by the General Manager
• The Board of Directors moved the adoption of Resolution 07 -2024 - a Resolution finding and determining the public interest and necessity for acquiring and authorizing the condemnation of a portion of certain real property generally located at 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Road (APN 013-081-075) for the purposes of continuing to operation an existing potable water well, treatment plant and related facilities to an uncertain date
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 06-2024 fixing Water and Wastewater Standby or Availability Charges for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• The Board of Directors authorized the General Manager and staff to work together with State Parks to make the decision based on the proper alignment for the San Simeon Water and Wastewater pipeline replacement project
• The Board of Directors approved Cambria Rotary's Peace Picket Project proposal at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall Parking Lot
• The Board of Directors approved an Agreement between the Cambria Community Services District and the Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Regarding the Fiscalini Ranch Linking Boardwalk Project
• The Board of Directors approved Alternative A as the location provided to the County in the permit application drawings, as shown in the Civil Design Studios Site Plan dated 6/28/2023, but with the restroom door facing the proposed playground area
• The Board of Directors received and filed the Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023

Upcoming May Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Consideration of adoption of a Resolution approving the award of the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement
• Consideration of adoption of Policy 1045 Legal Counsel and Auditor Policy
• Discussion and consideration of the adoption of a Resolution confirming the Itemized Report of Water and Wastewater Standby or Availability Charges for collection on the County Tax Rolls
• Discussion and consideration of approval of a Resolution asking the County to repair Rodeo Grounds Road
• Discussion and consideration of adoption of a Civil Administrative Citation Ordinance 01-2024 for violation of CCSD Ordinances and Regulations
• Discussion and consideration to fill a vacant seat on the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee
• Consideration of adoption of a Resolution approving Updated District Personnel, Policies, Procedures & Rules
• Consideration of adoption of a Resolution updating the assignment of banking powers for Cambria Community Services District
• Public Hearing to receive community input on the draft Project Description for the Water Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application and direct staff to file 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 of the Third Quarter Budget Report for FY 2023/24
• Discussion and consideration of 2024/2025 Rate Adjustments to Water and Sewer Rates
  and adoption of a Resolution establishing said rates
• Discussion regarding District Vehicle Use
• Discussion and consideration of approval of the Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Testing Program
• Update the CCSD Board of Directors Regarding the Countywide Evacuation Plan and Cambria's Fire Prevention Plan

On Monday, April 22, 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 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