Dear Cambrians,

We are excited to share some key updates!

Sustainable Fleet Upgrade: Welcome to Our First Electric Vehicle!

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are thrilled to announce the recent arrival of our first electric vehicle, the Ford F150 Lightning. This marks a significant step in transitioning to a more environmentally friendly fleet. The truck will serve as a dedicated water and wastewater vehicle. Still, it will take a few weeks to fully outfit the truck with the necessary modifications and equipment to support our District operations. Once ready, this electric vehicle will not only help reduce emissions but also improve the efficiency and reliability of our services.

Administrative & Finance Departments

Transparency Certificate of Excellence Certificate Awarded to Cambria Community Services District at CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase 

I recently attended the CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase in Indian Wells. I attended three days of education and networking and accepted the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence award. 

Cambria Community Services District Administrative Office Relocation

On August 8, 2024, the Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 25-2024 to terminate the General Lease with Cambria Village Square Shopping Center for the Cambria Community Services District ("CCSD") Administrative Office Building I, Suite 201, and approved a Standard Commercial Lease Agreement ("Lease") with Linnvestments, LLC ("Linnvestments"), for the CCSD Administrative Office, located at 2150 Main Street, #1-B, Cambria, from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2034, and authorized the General Manager to execute the Lease Agreement and oversee the transition to the new office and adopted Resolution 26-2024 for a Budget Adjustment of $25,000.

The property at 2150 Main Street, #1-B, was originally intended for use as a doctor's office. Linnvestments has a doctor that is interested in leasing Space #1-B in order to provide medical services to the community. Linnvestments requested that the CCSD lease Space #1-A on the same terms and conditions as previously agreed for Space #1-B. Space #1-A meets the District's operational needs and provides a safe and conducive working environment for CCSD.

On September 19, 2024, the CCSD Board of Directors unanimously adopted Resolution 32-2024, approving the First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Linnvestments, LLC. 

Effective October 31, 2024, the CCSD administrative office's new address will be:

2150 Main Street #1-A

Cambria, CA 93428

Key Details:

• Current Office Closure Dates at 1316 Tamsen Street, Suite 201: October 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., through October 30, 2024
• New Office Opening Date at 2150 Main Street, Suite #1-A: October 31, 2024
• New Administrative Office Address: 2150 Main Street, #1-A, Cambria, CA 93428
• Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Cambria, CA 93428 (no change)

During the transition period of October 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., through October 30, 2024, there might be brief interruptions in our services. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience. Our phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same, and you can continue to reach us at:

• Phone: (805) 927-6223
• Website: www.cambriacsd.org 

We look forward to welcoming you to our new office and continuing to serve you with the same dedication and care. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Board of Supervisors Appointment of Three CCSD Candidates

The Cambria Community Services District was scheduled to hold its district election on November 5, 2024, for three Directors, with terms beginning on 12/6/2024 and ending on 12/1/2028.

As of the 83rd day prior to the election, three candidates have filed a declaration of Candidacy for three positions. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office did not receive any petitions requesting the district election to be held in the district. Accordingly, a district election will not be held for these positions. The three candidates are as follows:

• Karen A. Dean – Term 12/06/2024 – 12/1/2028
• Harry Farmer - Term 12/06/2024 – 12/1/2028
• Tom Gray - Term 12/06/2024 – 12/1/2028

Pursuant to Elections Code section 10515(b), the Board of Supervisors will appoint the three candidates listed above no later than November 5, 2024. After the Board of Supervisors has made the appointment(s), their office will send out the Certificate of Appointment and Oath of Office forms. 

President Gray, Director Farmer, and Director Dean's wealth of experience and commitment to the CCSD will be invaluable in driving our District forward. On behalf of Cambria Community Services District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our returning board members. We are excited for the journey ahead and the impactful work we will accomplish together.

Facilities & Resources Department

Creeks to Coast Cleanup

Let's all work together to keep our waterways and parks clean and protect the beautiful natural environment of SLO County. Join the cleanup on Saturday, September 21st, from 9 am to 12 pm at one of many locations around SLO County - a part of a statewide and even international cleanup day! Register to participate in one of our many SLO County locations for ECOSLO's annual Creeks to Coast Cleanup by clicking here.

East Ranch Restroom

East Ranch Community Park Public Restroom Building Installation Project

The Cambria Community Services District is requesting formal, sealed bids from licensed contractors for the installation of a prefabricated restroom building, associated building utilities, and a concrete walkway. The full request package and Addendum Number 1 to the Bid Documents can be accessed here.

Environmental Monitoring for the East Ranch Community Park Restroom Installation Project

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is requesting proposals from qualified environmental firms for environmental monitoring services for the East Ranch Community Park Restroom Building Installation Project (“Project”). The CCSD requires that proposals provide complete environmental monitoring services (including biological, archaeological, and Native American cultural resources) before, during, and after the construction activities associated with the Project, as well as the writing and submission of monitoring reports to San Luis Obispo County (SLO County) The Project is located at the Cambria Dog Park, 2021 Rodeo Grounds Drive, Cambria, CA 93428. (APN 013-131-038). The full request package can be accessed here.

Maintenance Technician Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for one vacancy in the Facilities & Resources Department for the Maintenance Technician position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Sand for 24/25 Storm Season

In preparation for the upcoming storm season, SLO County Public Works has generously provided free sand to help protect our community from potential flooding and erosion. This resource is available to all Cambria residents who may need it.

Details:

• Location for Sand Pickup: 2021 Rodeo Grounds Road and Lampton Park at the corner of Lampton and Windsor
• What to Bring: Please bring your own shovel, containers, or bags for transportation. Tractors are not allowed to take sand from the district's sand locations. Sandbags are available at most local hardware stores but not at the Cambria Fire Department. 

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to help safeguard your properties. 

The CCSD would like to express our sincere gratitude for the county's generous provision of free sand. Your assistance has been invaluable in helping us protect our homes and properties from potential flooding and erosion.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, September 23, 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.  

SAFER Firefighter Paramedic or SAFER Firefighter EMT Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the SAFER Firefighter Paramedic or SAFER Firefighter EMT-1 position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For more information, please visit our website.

SAFER Firefighter Kyle Herrera has accepted another position in Santa Barbara. His dedication, hard work, and positive attitude have made him a great asset to our community. We are thrilled about this new opportunity for him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Reserve Firefighter Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Reserve Firefighter position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Water Treatment Operator Adam Steventon has accepted another position in Antioch. His dedication, hard work, and positive attitude have made him a great asset to our community. We are thrilled about this new opportunity for him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Rodeo Grounds Pump Station Back-Up Power System Replacement Project

The Cambria Community Services District is requesting proposals from licensed electrical contractors for the replacement of a backup power supply generator and automatic transfer switch and the disposal of the old generator and transfer switch. The completed project shall result in a fully functional, permanent-mounted, diesel-powered generator and automatic transfer switch. The full request package can be accessed here.

9/23/2024 - Scheduled Water Shutdown on 400 Block of Wellington Drive

The CCSD Water Department will have a scheduled water shutdown on the 400 Block of Wellington Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on September 23, 2024, to perform routine maintenance. Traffic control measures will be put in place in the affected area. For your safety and the safety of our workers, we kindly ask you to:

1. Follow Traffic Signs and Directions: Pay attention to and follow all traffic control signs and signals in the area.
2. Watch for Workers: Be vigilant and watch out for our workers who will be on-site. Please slow down and drive carefully near the work zones.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation and patience. Your safety and the safety of our workers are our top priority.

Wastewater SST Projects

The Wastewater SST project updates are posted on our website.

CCSD Board Meetings

September 12, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

• The Board of Directors amended and approved the Strategic Plan Update
• The Board of Directors approved the relocation of the San Simeon Creek Stream Gage Station for the San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District
• The Board of Directors approved an Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with SWCA for assistance with the WRF CDP Application and adopted Resolution 28-2024, amending the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Final Budget 
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 29-2024, amending the Board and Standing Committee Bylaws
• The Board of Directors approved a Landowner Access Agreement with Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District regarding access to and use of the real property to implement a Habitat Restoration Project for the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and directed staff to bring back an Addendum to the Agreement to include a detailed habitat restoration project map, detailed scope of the project, and pictures of the habitat restoration plants.

September 19, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

• The Board of Directors approved an amendment to the General Manager position description
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 30-2024 approving an Agreement with Umpqua Bank for the Commercial Card Program
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 31-2024 declaring office furniture surplus property and authorized sale by the General Manager
• The Board of Directors approved a partnership between SLOCOG and the CCSD for the installation and operation of eight DC Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers in the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall parking lot
• The Board of Directors approved an Agreement for Consultant Services with Spohn Ranch, Inc. for the preparation of plans and specifications for the Cambria Skatepark
• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 32-2024 approving a First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Linnvestments, LLC

Upcoming October Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Discussion and consideration regarding creating a policy for Streetlights and Lights at Other District Facilities under CCSD's jurisdiction
• Discussion and consideration of approval of the Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Testing Program with Global Water Innovations
• Discussion and consideration of approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services with a vendor for replacement of the Rodeo Grounds backup generator
• Discussion and consideration of approval of a Public Works Contract with a vendor for the installation of the East Ranch Community Park restroom building
• Discussion and consideration of approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services with a vendor for environmental monitoring for the East Ranch Community Park restroom building installation project
• Discussion and consideration to approve an Addendum to the Landowner Access Agreement with Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District regarding access to and use of real property to implement a Habitat Restoration Project for the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
• Discussion regarding Cambria Skatepark maintenance cost and funding
• Discussion and consideration on reading written comments at Board meetings
• Consideration of approval of the CCSD's Climate Adaptation Policy
• Receive a presentation from Stillwater Sciences and file the completed Instream Flow Study
• Receive, review, and file the completed Watershed Sanitary Survey

On Monday, September 23, 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 as always, we 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