Dear Cambrians,

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we should pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness have safeguarded the freedoms and values we cherish today. Memorial Day is a reminder of the cost of liberty and the resilience of the American spirit. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and to express our deepest gratitude to their families, who have endured profound loss.

While we enjoy the activities and traditions of this holiday, let us also take a moment to honor those who have served and continue to serve. Visit a memorial, participate in a local ceremony, or take a moment of silence to remember those who have given their lives for our country. To our veterans and active service members, we extend our heartfelt thanks. 

I wish you a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

Administration & Finance Departments

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. 

Electronic Payment Service & Utility Access Portal

On November 16, 2023, the Board of Directors approved providing an electronic payment service and utility access portal through Tyler Technologies. We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Utility Billing Customer Portal on June 3, 2024, designed to make managing your utility account online more convenient and efficient. 

Here’s what you can expect from our new portal:

1. Easy Online Payments: Pay your water and sewer bill quickly and securely from the comfort of your home.
2. Account Management: You can easily view your billing history, track your usage, and update your account information.
3. Paperless Billing: Sign up for paperless billing and help us in our efforts to go green.
4. Notifications and Reminders: Set up alerts for due dates, payment confirmations, and other important notifications.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Our portal is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a seamless experience.

This new portal will significantly enhance your experience and provide you with the tools you need to manage your utility billing services efficiently.  More information regarding the portal will be released next week. 

June 1, 2024, will be the last day that ACI Payments, our current electronic payments service provider, will accept payments for the CCSD.

On June 3, 2024, the Administrative Department Manager Denise Fritz and Confidential Administrative Assistant Haley Dodson will be at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall at 1000 Main Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist with account registration. To ensure the accuracy and efficiency of our records, we kindly request that you bring the following information:

1. Your Utility Billing Account Number 
2. Amount of Your Last Utility Bill

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.

Weed Abatement on CCSD-Owned Lots & Fire Breaks

F&R staff has completed 48 out of 197 CCSD lots. Their current schedule allows for the completion of 20 lots per week, with a target of finishing by the deadline. 

On May 20, 2024, fire breaks were initiated at properties adjacent to the West Ranch. F&R staff collaborates with a local contractor to minimize costs and expedite completion. This initiative serves as a training opportunity for our in-house staff and reduces outsourcing, positively impacting future budgetary expenses.

Cambria Skatepark

Our consultant is requesting records to satisfy the project's 1-mile radius surveying. The Transmittal Letter and APE Map are completed. We hope to submit the final report by the end of June.

East Ranch Restroom

The building permit has been issued. The staff has received a service agreement for geological inspections while preparing the building pad for the modular restroom unit. Staff is also seeking bids for ground preparation and building installation. Public Restroom Company has updated the lead time status of the prefabricated restroom to late January.  

Rodeo Grounds Road

On May 14, 2024, the County of San Luis Obispo scraped and leveled Rodeo Grounds Road.

EV Charging Station Relocation

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) has finished installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall, located at 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428. The station is activated and ready for use. It was funded through a grant under the SLO County Clean Air Incentive Program, which is managed by the SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). For more information, please visit our website.

Cambria Rotary Peace Picket Project at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall Parking Lot

On April 11, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a proposal for the Cambria Rotary Peace Garden display at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall Parking Lot. F&R staff worked with the Peach Builders Committee of the Cambria Rotary Club to enhance the Peace Garden, and we are happy to announce the project is finished. 

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.

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.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Administrative Technician II - Support to Utilities Department Manager Recruitment

The CCSD is holding interviews for this position. 

Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

To obtain details on Cambria's water quality, please consult this year's Consumer Confidence Report. The "Safe Drinking Water Act" requires this annual report to be available to all CCSD customers in July each year.  The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report is posted below and on our website.

Coastal Development Permit (CDP)

The consultants have updated the project description with responses to comments from the Coastal Commission and County planning. Staff is scheduled to review the updated document with the Ad Hoc committee to prepare final edits to present to the Board of Directors for consideration and final approval. 

San Simeon Well 3

The staff is tentatively scheduling an installation for June. A kick-off meeting and site visit with the vendor was held in mid-April. Evaluations of plumbing, connections, and layout for pump removal and installation were coordinated. Installation materials have been ordered, and a firm date for installation will be scheduled once received.

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 project description has been drafted together with a pre-application letter seeking a meeting and request for qualified exemption from CDP under Section 23.03.040.d(8)(iii) as a project involving installation, testing, and placement in service or the replacement of any necessary utility.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Program

The construction of the mobile unit for the ZLD pilot is well underway. The initial target for completion of the mobile unit is October 2024. In June, a consultant from Trevi Systems will be performing a site inspection to determine the on-site specifics for the project, i.e., plumbing and electrical connections and temporary installation location.

Trevi Systems, Global Water Innovations, and CCSD staff visited the WRF site on May 15 to discuss the operational needs of the ZLD facility.  Electrical, water plumbing, and pumping requirements for operations were addressed, as well as system monitoring and security needs. GWI anticipates providing a legal agreement for CCSD’s review in June, with the installation of the mobile unit on target for October 2024.

Water Meter Replacement Program

Procurement for the initial purchase of 1,700-meter register endpoints has occurred, with a delivery date targeted for May 30, 2024. Installation will begin in-house while an RFP for installation is circulated.  Lead & Copper Rule inventory will commence during endpoint installation.

May 16, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, go to https://slo-span.org/meeting/ccsd_20240516/. 

• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 12-2024, updating the assignment of banking powers for Cambria Community Services District
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 13-2024 approving financing for water meters
• The Board of Directors approved the Third Quarter Budget Report for FY 2023/24

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 Presidential 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
• Discussion and consideration to direct staff to advertise for an open position on the Resources & Infrastructure Committee
• Discussion and consideration of adoption of the Climate Change Planning and Policy recommendations by the staff and Resources & Infrastructure Committee, and discuss and consider forwarding the recommendations to the Policy Committee for the creation of a Climate Change Adaptation Policy

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