Concerned Citizens for Avila
A Community Action Group
February 22, 2018
Together we can protect the natural environment, 
safety and accessibility of Avila.
Cal Fire Chief Paul Lee addresses a crowd of over 100 about  
fire danger  and emergency preparedness, February 8, 2018.

Loud and Clear:
Be Prepared, Stay Informed, Leave Promptly
We've heard the message many times, but hearing it right from Cal Fire Chief Paul Lee at the February 8 emergency preparedness discussion elevated these items to front and center:
  • Create an emergency backpack that you can easily grab. There are many lists online.
  • Plan what you will do if told to leave your house. What additional items will you take? Practice.
  • Leave ASAP when you hear an evacuation order. Nothing is more important than your life.
  • If you see smoke, leave immediately. Don't wait for evacuation guidance.
  • A battery-operated radio will help receive emergency instructions and news.
  • Reverse 911 is an automatic alert system for landlines. If you only have a mobile phone it needs to be registered at https://slosheriff.onthealert.com/
Chief Lee discussed wildland fire prevention and suppression strategies. Cal Fire has on-going programs for vegetation control including a lot of work in Wild Cherry Canyon, with $289,000 spent during the last 2.5 years. Ontario Ridge is critical due to all the communication equipment located in this area. Cave Landing presents a unique set of problems with illegal fires and sometimes uncooperative people.

We learned Tsunami warnings usually give approximately 2 hours of warning--get to high ground asap. Once there wait for instruction. For fires, the beach can be a place to go; it has a paved area which can help depending on the situation. For vegetation around your house it is not advised to scrape the hillsides which might cause mudslides; rather, cut back and clear around trees. Our water purveyors are responsible for maintenance of fire hydrants.

A few other points:
  • Station 62 on Sparrow Road is staffed by 2 full-time employees, 24/7.
  • Training classes can be set up for CPR, CERT; minimum 15-20 people.
  • Speed bumps can be an issue for fire engines; they hinder response time.
  • San Luis Bay Estates roads are well maintained, but they are narrow and likely would not be approved if proposed today.
CC4A President Betty Hartig and Chief Lee

Cal Fire's position:  No more large developments due to current congestion issues. Chief Lee explained this position is only a recommendation; your elected Board of Supervisors has the final decision. If you agree evacuation routes are inadequate, please let our supervisors know by email or by attending a meeting and speaking during public comment.

You can view a video of the presentation and discussion HERE.
Read a Summary of Expanded Golf Course Development Application
 and Golf Course Events Application HERE. 

Emergency Plans
San Luis Bay Estates has an Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Plan on its website. You can read it HERE.
Sheriff's Town Hall Meeting February 22
The Avila Beach Civic Association is holding a town hall meeting tonight,  Thursday, February 22, starting at 5:30 pm, at the Avila Beach Community Center. Please see  HERE for more information.
Where Oh Where is the Background Report?
We are still waiting for the Draft Background Report for the Avila Community Plan Update. We have been told several times: "Due to the need for additional departmental review, management has delayed the release of the Draft Background Report."