8/2/2025 Letter from the General Manager
Dear Cambrians,
In response to the California Coastal Commission’s request, the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) has expanded its environmental monitoring program to include protocol-level biological surveys. These scientifically standardized assessments, layered onto our existing decade-long AMP monitoring program, provide vital data on species health, habitat conditions, and the effectiveness of restoration and conservation measures in the San Simeon watershed.
The CCSD is undertaking this expanded monitoring effort to ensure that any future operations of the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) are conducted in a manner that protects the ecological integrity of San Simeon Creek. Although the WRF has not been in active use for over a decade, the District is pursuing a permanent Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to secure its long-term regulatory authorization. This monitoring effort is a key component of that CDP process and is intended to provide the scientific foundation necessary to evaluate the potential impacts and benefits of the project.
Additionally, the protocol-level biological surveys will help inform the eventual appeal process at the California Coastal Commission. By demonstrating a commitment to data-driven environmental stewardship, the CCSD aims to support a transparent permitting process that balances the community’s critical need for water supply resilience with the protection of sensitive creekside habitats and species such as the California red-legged frog and tidewater goby.
July 26, 2025, California Red-legged Frog (CRLF) Survey Summary
Two formal surveys were conducted on San Simeon Creek:
- A daytime egg mass survey (no egg masses detected), and
- A nighttime visual encounter survey, which documented 35 adult CRLFs—a strong sign of population persistence.
Positive Indicators of Habitat and Species Health:
- The observed adult CRLFs were spread across multiple locations, including both in-stream and upland willow thickets, indicating good habitat utilization and adaptation to current conditions.
- Despite seasonal flow reductions, the frogs were thriving in shallow and sheltered zones, particularly among willow clusters and algal mats, which appear to provide refuge and foraging areas.
- The presence of multiple individuals in clustered locations (e.g., 8 frogs in one spot) suggests stable or possibly improving population density within the monitored reach.
- No immediate threats such as bullfrogs or significant predation signs were noted, which contributes to favorable species resilience under current conditions.
These findings will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and shared with regulatory agencies to inform long-term planning and habitat protection.
CCSD remains deeply committed to science-based resource stewardship. In parallel with these monitoring efforts, we are managing five major grants that enhance Cambria’s infrastructure, recreational amenities, and ecological sustainability. The expansion to protocol-level biological surveys reflects our dedication to responsible compliance, habitat restoration, and the protection of federally listed species like the CRLF.
Administrative & Finance Departments
Notice of Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget and Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Proposed Final Budget of the Cambria Community Services District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors adopted a Preliminary Budget for fiscal year 2025/2026 on June 12, 2025.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the CCSD will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Final Budget for fiscal year 2025/2026 on August 14, 2025, commencing at 10:00 A.M. at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428 and via Zoom webinar. Any person may attend and be heard regarding any item in the proposed Final Budget, or regarding the addition of other items. Public comment can also be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant at boardcomment@cambriacsd.org.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: You may contact the Confidential Administrative Assistant at 2150 Main Street, #1-A, P.O. Box 65, Cambria, CA 93428, Tel: (805) 927-6223.
This public hearing shall comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.
Facilities & Resources Department
Maintenance Technician Recruitment
The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications to establish a hiring list for the position of Maintenance Technician in the Facilities & Resources Department. This recruitment will remain open until the District’s needs are met. For first consideration, apply immediately. For more information, click here.
Cambria Fire Department
Meet the Fire Chief
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 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.
Water & Wastewater Departments
Please refer to the July 10, 2025 Board Meeting agenda packet to read the latest utilities report.
Stuart Street Tank Construction Project Updates
On July 17, 2025, the CCSD Board of Directors received a staff presentation on the Stuart Street Tank Construction Implementation Plan. The Board approved a Public Works Contract with Crosno Construction, Inc., an Agreement for Consultant Services with MKN CPM, LLC for construction management, and adopted Resolution 36-2025 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget to support the project.
To stay informed on the progress of the Stuart Street Tank Construction, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/stuart-street-tank-construction-project-updates regularly. We will provide ongoing updates, including key construction milestones, road closures, and any potential impacts on services.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
The Cambria Community Services District is committed to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure to better serve our residents and protect our environment. As part of this commitment, the Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently undergoing a major $12 million upgrade to modernize and enhance its treatment process. These capital improvements are part of the infrastructure projects identified during the Proposition 218 rate increase process and are being funded through those approved rate adjustments.
This critical project includes extensive underground work, tank rehabilitation, and other improvements that are necessary to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of the plant. While this work is underway, you may notice an increase in heavy equipment activity and construction-related noise in the area.
We understand that these disruptions can be inconvenient, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with these vital improvements. Once completed, the upgraded facility will provide significant benefits to the community, including improved treatment performance, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
CCSD Board of Directors Meeting
Regular Board Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation:
✉️ Written comments should be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or the submission portal 24 hours before the Board meeting.
CCSD Standing Committee Meetings
Finance Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Monday, August 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation: Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.
Resources & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Fire Protection Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation: Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.
PROS Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation: Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.
CCSD Notice of Intent to Fill Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Committee Member Vacancy
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is accepting applications to fill one (1) seat on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Committee. Applicants must live and be registered to vote within the CCSD boundaries. The selected candidate will serve until February 13, 2027.
CCSD Notice of Intent to Fill PROS Committee Member Vacancy
The CCSD Board of Directors will consider all applications and appoint a PROS Committee Member to fill the vacant term at the Regular Board meeting on September 11, 2025, commencing at 10:00 a.m. in a hybrid, in-person/virtual format. Members of the public may participate and provide public comment on agenda items during the meeting in person at the Veterans' Memorial Hall at 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA, 93428, by joining the Zoom meeting or by submitting written correspondence to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org.
PROS Committee applications can be delivered to
- The Cambria Community Services District administration office or drop boxes located at 2150 Main Street, #1-A, Cambria, California 93428
- Mailed to: Cambria Community Services District, Attention: Confidential Administrative Assistant, PO Box 65, Cambria, CA 93428
- Emailed to the Confidential Administrative Assistant at hdodson@cambriacsd.org.
Applications can be downloaded here.
Meet the General Manager
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 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; as always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.
If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you again for your support; I am at your service.
Matthew McElhenie
