Dear Cambrians, (I changed it from “Dear Cambria” because a community member told me to write to the citizens, not the town. Yet, I want us to be untied, so tell me, which is more appropriate?)

Criticism and managing public expectations are crucial in achieving Cambria's various strategic goals. Both are essential for creating a healthy, accountable, and transparent environment.

I want to share my perspective on the significance of each:

The Role of Criticism:

Quality Improvement: Constructive criticism helps identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. Whether in a product, service, or feedback from community members, it can lead to refinements and better outcomes.

Accountability and Transparency: The community often acts as watchdogs, holding individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable for their actions. Your assessments contribute to transparency and encourage ethical behavior.

Encouraging Excellence: By acknowledging and promoting excellence, your criticism incentivizes people and entities to strive for higher standards and achieve greatness.

Perspective and Balance: Our community provides an outside perspective that can balance the praise and positive coverage an entity might receive from its supporters. This helps create a more comprehensive and accurate view.

Promoting Discourse and Debate: Constructive criticism from our community fosters healthy debates and discussions, encouraging diverse viewpoints and ideas.

Setting Realistic Goals: Managing public expectations involves setting attainable and realistic goals. This prevents disappointment and disillusionment when expectations are not met.

Building Trust: When we effectively manage public expectations and deliver on promises, we build trust with our constituents.

Avoiding Overcommitment: Sometimes, public expectations may become unrealistic or overwhelming. Managing expectations allows entities to avoid overcommitting and failing to deliver on promises.

Mitigating Negative Reactions: By managing expectations, we can soften the impact of potentially negative outcomes, explaining in advance why certain decisions or results were made.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Circumstances may change, and expectations may need to be adjusted accordingly. Managing public expectations enables us to be adaptable and flexible while remaining transparent.

Lastly, criticism serves as a mechanism for improvement, accountability, and fostering excellence while managing public expectations. It is essential for building trust, avoiding disappointment, and maintaining transparency. We will continue working to earn your trust and faith. 

Below are some of our latest activities:

Administration Department

Ms. Fritz and Mrs. Dodson are working on the following projects:

1. Researching an electronic billing portal through Tyler Technologies
2. Researching vendors for accepting electronic payments
3. Updating the current records retention schedule
4. Updating Novus Agenda to Peak Agenda Management

Facilities & Resources Department

Mr. Garcia and Mr. Novas have done a phenomenal job keeping our Facilities and Resources Department moving forward. They have completed several firebreaks along Highway 1, mowing around the Santa Rosa Church, and fire breaks on the West Ranch along Huntington and Windsor Blvd. Lastly, as of last weekend, much of the entire Fiscalini Ranch Preserve has been mowed and is in a good position for the fire season. 

Fire Department

The Fire Department received (3) three new Satellite phones, which have been placed in service. These devices will be critical during a major disaster in Cambria.  If Cambria has a prolonged power outage, as we did with the recent storms, all Cambrians, including the Fire Department, could lose cell phone service. In that case, the Fire Department can be left without cellphones and radio transmission capability, isolating us from coordinating rescue and emergency response efforts to Cambria and the North Coast. These phones are crucial pieces to solving potential communications issues.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Global Water Innovations is working through the process with the granting agencies. National Alliance for Water Innovations (NAWI) has approved the statement of project objectives. The project has now gone to the Dept of Energy for their review. The piloting agreement would follow afterward.

The District will meet with Senator John Laird on July 25 to discuss some of Cambria’s more pressing issues. Following in mid-August, District staff will meet with the California Coastal Commission representatives. This meeting will include Executive Director Dr. Hucklebrige and other key staff members. The participants will engage in constructive dialogue on many important issues, including the status of the District’s Coastal Development Permit for the Water Reclamation Facility. 

The 2022 Annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available. The "Safe Drinking Water Act" requires this annual water quality report and is available to all CCSD customers in July of each year. To obtain a printed copy of the 2022 Consumer Confidence Report, please email engineering@cambriacsd.org or visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/annual-consumer-confidence-report-ccr. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Application

The District has successfully submitted the grant application for the skate park project before the June 1 deadline. The LWCF contacted the District requesting more information which we are currently compiling. Our prompt response will ensure the District is considered for future project funding. 

Cambria Business Improvement District (CBID) Tourism Infrastructure/Beautification Grant Application

The District has successfully submitted a grant application to the Cambria Business Improvement District for grant funding for the skate park project, with the support of the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors, Bruce Gibson. Skateboarding and BMX biking have gained significant popularity over the years, becoming sports and cultural movements with dedicated communities worldwide. Many skaters and bikers travel to cities and countries to visit well-known skate parks, compete in events, or experience the local skate culture. There are several reasons why skate parks can be considered tourist attractions:

• Unique design and features: Some skate parks are renowned for their innovative and challenging designs, attracting skaters and bikers from all over who want to test their skills on these iconic courses.
• Host events and competitions: Major skate parks often host competitions, demonstrations, and events that draw in both professional and amateur participants, as well as spectators.
• Youth and subculture appeal: Skateboarding and BMX biking are associated with a vibrant youth subculture. Tourists interested in exploring youth-driven movements and countercultures may be drawn to these locations.
• Local skate scene: Tourists passionate about skateboarding or biking may seek out skate parks to connect with the local skate scene, meet fellow enthusiasts, and learn from local riders.
• Social media and online presence: Famous skate parks gain exposure through social media and online videos, increasing interest from skaters and travelers looking to visit these spots.
• Economic impact: Popular skate parks can boost local economies through increased tourism, with visitors spending money on accommodation, food, and other activities while visiting the area.

Overall, skate parks offer more than just recreational opportunities; they become hubs of creativity, athleticism, and cultural expression, making them appealing tourist destinations for enthusiasts and curious travelers.

Vet’s Hall EV Charging Stations

The District has met with Thoma Electric, who is formulating a quote for the potential movement of the EV charging station. 

Training

On July 11, 2023, I attended CSDA’s How to Build a Better Multi-Year Strategic Plan webinar.

July 13, 2023 Board Meeting Document

Upcoming August Board Meeting Items:

1. Public Hearing to Discuss and Consider Adoption of a Resolution Ordering Abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)
2. Discussion and Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance 02-2023 Repealing Chapter 7.08 of the Cambria Community Services District Municipal Code and a Resolution Amending the Board and Standing Committee Bylaws and Repealing PROS Commission Bylaws and Guidelines
3. Discussion and Consideration of Approval of a Consultant Services Agreement with Optimized Investment Partners, LLC
4. Discussion and Consideration of Approval of Consultant Services agreement with Cannon Associates for Design and Engineering Work for the San Simeon Water Transmission Main and Effluent Line
5. Discussion and Consideration Regarding Request to Seek Proposals to Supply Water Meters
6. Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Amending the List of Designated Positions Subject to the District's Conflict of Interest Code
7. Consideration of Approval of Purchase and Sale Agreement for Pocket Park
8. Public Hearing to Discuss and Consider Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Final CCSD Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Reserve for Encumbrances Fiscal Year 2022/2023
9. Receive and File Fourth Quarter Budget Report for FY 2022/23
10. Discussion and Consideration to Fill Vacant Seat on the Finance Committee
11. Discussion Regarding Appointment of PROS Commission Chairperson
12. Discussion Regarding Frisbee Golf and Consider Budget Adjustment

Please see me, on August 9, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall. We will provide coffee, snacks, and the ability to engage in dialogue about everything Cambria. 

The Cambria Community Services District administrative office will be open Monday - Thursday and every other Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment only. The administrative office is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our administrative office.

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

General Manager