Dear Cambrians,

I hope this message finds you well. There has been much discussion about the WRF project description and communications with the County and the California Coastal Commission (CCC). I just want to assure you that there is nothing nefarious about our conversations with our regulatory bodies. We have opened the line of communication with them so we can move the project forward while addressing some of their concerns. The most recent communications from the Coastal Commission mainly focused on areas of mitigation, which most of us know is long overdue. However, the WRF project description is an operational document outlining its purpose, scope, and operational constraints. Some Coastal Commission comments and our remedies do not belong in the description. And, you know what? That is okay; they will be addressed in the future. We appreciate their communication, which I hope to remind the community was not happening before our leadership and philosophy change. 

As the CCSD, we want to communicate with the County and CCC; that is how we drive progress. The delay in the WRF project description draft coming before the Board is due to these communications. What would the point be of taking in regulatory agency feedback, not returning to the document, and making adjustments? Believe me, the staff at the CCSD want to complete this; however, we want to do it the right way. With that said, I have heard and continue to listen to the community's frustrations, and I understand. There is history and controversy, and what I interpret as anger and pain surround this project. T.D. Jakes said, “When you begin to realize that your past does not necessarily dictate the outcome of your future, then you can release the hurt. It is impossible to inhale new air until you exhale the old." Nevertheless, the Board of Directors has directed and guided me through the strategic plan to permit the WRF facility fully. 

Staff cannot focus on the past or debate the past on the WRF project or any project before us; we must move forward.  As such, that is our given mission, plain and simple.  As always, should you want to discuss it with me or any of my Staff, please visit the Vet’s Hall on one of the “Meet the GM” dates in the future.  Have a great weekend!

Administration & Finance Departments

Cambria Community Services District Commemorates Special Districts Week - May 19-25-2024

Cambria Community Services District commemorates Special Districts Week to encourage residents to be involved in their community and civically engage with their local government.

Cambria Community Services District was formed in 1976 to provide water, wastewater, fire protection, lighting, refuse, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space to the community of Cambria.

Special Districts Week, May 19-25, 2024, will be proclaimed by the State Legislature with the approval of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 163. ACR 163 is sponsored by The California Special Districts Association (CSDA), a statewide association representing over 1,000 special districts and affiliate organizations throughout the state. Special districts are local government entities created by a community’s residents, funded by those residents, and overseen by those residents to provide specialized services and infrastructure.

“Special districts are formed by residents to provide essential services that they want and need at the local level. They provide an opportunity to have local control while enhancing services that make communities survive and thrive,” said CSDA’s CEO Neil McCormick. “We appreciate the Legislature’s support in raising awareness and increasing understanding about the special districts that serve our state’s communities.”

CCSD Administration Office Closed Monday, May 27, 2024

The CCSD administration office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial 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, May 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 

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.

Cambria Skatepark

OGALS has received the transmittal letter and APE map. Due to the project location, a two-mile surveying radius is required, and additional documentation is needed to finalize the survey. We are looking to submit the final report by the end of June.

East Ranch Restroom

The building permit has been issued, and the District will circulate an RFP for site preparation in the coming weeks. Staff is reaching out for geological inspections during the installation and seeking bids for ground preparation and building installation. Public Restroom Company has updated the lead time status of the prefabricated restroom to late January.  

EV Charging Station Relocation

The EV Charging Station relocation installation is complete, and staff is working with ChargePoint on a resolution with Turnkey to get you the software and warranty plans we purchased. On April 30, 2024, Toste Construction, Inc. restriped 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 Wednesday, May 29, 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. 

Wildfire Preparedness Event

The Wildfire Preparedness Event will be on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall.  The first speakers will be at 10, and the Fire Safe Focus Group will present the winners of the Fire Awareness Poster Contest, whose artwork will be placed on signs to be displayed in the fire awareness signs around the community.  The United Policy Holders will update the community on Fire Insurance, and our SimTable will demonstrate how a fire could burn down our town.  

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.

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 awarded the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to Paradise Tree Service.

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

Administrative Technician II - Support to Utilities Department Manager Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Administrative Technician II—Support to Utilities Department Manager position. This recruitment is open until the district's needs are met. Apply immediately for first consideration.

Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report will be available by the end of the week. The CCR is an annual water quality report that the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires the CCSD to provide to its consumers. The purpose of the CCR is to raise customer awareness of the quality of their drinking water, where their drinking water comes from, what it takes to deliver water to their homes, and the importance of protecting drinking water sources. In the past, the CCSD has mailed its customers a printed copy of the CCR to comply with the SDWA. The California Department of Public Health began allowing for electronic delivery of the CCR in 2013.  CCSD encourages electronic delivery because it reduces the consumption of paper and minimizes printing, mailing, and handling costs to the CCSD and its customers. Hard copies will be made available to the public at various locations, including the Cambria Library, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Tourism, Veterans Memorial Hall, local public schools, and leasing offices of certain multifamily properties. A paper copy of the CCR will be mailed only upon request. Please submit a request for a paper copy online at www.cambriacsd.org/annual-ccr or by calling (805) 927-6223. 

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 are still needed. One of these studies concentrates on the Van Gordon Creek/Warren assessments (IFS Task II) and concerns regarding potential impacts. These assessments will take place in June, as illustrated in the proposed project schedule below. We are in the final stages of data gathering and compiling all components. The completion of the study is still ongoing. We are meeting all expectations for the document to be delivered before October.

AMP monitoring is ongoing. Per the methods described in the AMP, quarterly surveys are conducted at eight (8) survey sites to collect data and describe survey conditions, habitats, stream flows, surface water quality, 9P7 soil moisture, and observed species. We are currently in the wet season, and a quarterly AMP survey will be taking place during the month of May. We look forward to having a completed report in June.

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. Rincon is preparing the IS-MND Addendum and CDP pre-application. The anticipated submittal is June 17, 2024.  

May 2, 2024, Special Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, go to https://www.cambriacsd.org/2024-05-02-board-meeting

May 9, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, go to https://slo-span.org/meeting/ccsd_20240509/.

• The Board of Directors swore in Fire Engineer Christian Evers, Firefighter Tyler Loudermilk, and SAFER Firefighters Colton Blume and Kyle Herrera
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 08-2024 approving the award of the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to Paradise Tree Service
• The Board of Directors adopted Policy 1045 Legal Counsel and Auditor Policy
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 09-2024 confirming the itemized report of Water and Wastewater Standby or Availability Charges for collection on the County tax rolls.
• The Board of Directors approved Resolution 10-2024 requesting the County of San Luis Obispo repair Rodeo Grounds Road
• The Board of Directors adopted Ordinance 01-2024 for violation of CCSD Ordinances and Regulations and adopted Resolution 11-2024 setting forth civil administrative citation penalties for violation of the Cambria Community Services District Municipal Code
• The Board of Directors appointed Juli Amodei to fill the vacant seat on the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee effective May 15, 2024.

Upcoming June Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Consideration of approval of Agreement for Consultant Services for Professional Auditing Services in performance of the District's FY 23/24 Audit
• Consideration of approval of updated District Personnel, Policies, Procedures & Rules
• Consideration of adoption of the Cambria Community Services District Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
• Public Hearing to discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution confirming the 2023 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Itemized Cost Report of the Cambria Community Services District
• Public Hearing to discuss and consider the adoption of a Resolution confirming the Itemized Report to Collect Delinquent Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Charges on the County tax rolls
• Public Hearing to discuss and consider Adoption of a Resolution approving a Fire Suppression Benefit Assessment Consumer Price Index (CPI) Adjustment at the rate of 4.5% for FY 2024/2025 and confirming the Itemized Report to Collect the Assessment on the County tax rolls
• 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 with the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building Staff for final evaluation, input, and direction
• Consideration of adoption of a Resolution requesting consolidation of the CCSD 2024 Election with the November 5, 2024 General Election
• Public Hearing to discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution approving the CCSD Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and adoption of a Resolution establishing the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Appropriations Limit
• Discussion and consideration of the 2024-2025 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
• Discussion and consideration of extension of the outstanding Peoples' Self-Help Housing Project Intent to Serve Letter
• Discussion and consideration of the adoption of the updated Investment Policy 
• Discussion regarding district vehicle use
• Update the CCSD Board of Directors regarding the Countywide Evacuation Plan and Cambria's Fire Prevention Plan
• Discussion and consideration of 2024/2025 Rate Adjustments to Water and Sewer Rates and adoption of a Resolution establishing said rates

On Wednesday, May 29, 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