2/13/2026 Letter from the General Manager
Dear Cambrians,
The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is happy to announce that the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission will consider the District’s Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) at its meeting on February 26, 2026.
The upcoming hearing represents a significant milestone for the community. The Water Reclamation Facility was originally constructed in 2014 during an unprecedented statewide drought under an Emergency Coastal Development Permit. While the facility has existed for more than a decade, it has operated only under emergency authorization while the District worked through the extensive environmental review and coastal permitting process required for long-term approval.
Over the past three years, the District has focused substantial effort on advancing the project toward permanent authorization. This work has included updated environmental analysis, engineering refinements, biological and groundwater studies, and ongoing coordination with County Planning staff, the California Coastal Commission, and multiple state and federal resource agencies. The District’s goal throughout this process has been to ensure that the facility operates in a manner that protects the San Simeon Creek watershed, the lagoon, and surrounding environmentally sensitive habitats, while maintaining a reliable water supply for the Cambria community during drought conditions.
District staff hosted two representatives from the County Planning Commission and a representative from the Coastal Commission for a site visit and tour of the Water Reclamation Facility and surrounding areas. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the facility, discuss environmental protections and monitoring measures, and observe the relationship between the facility, San Simeon Creek, and surrounding habitat areas firsthand. The District found the meeting to be productive and informative and appreciates the continued collaboration and engagement of agency staff throughout the review process.
The Water Reclamation Facility is designed to improve water supply reliability during drought periods by treating brackish groundwater and returning advanced-treated water back into the groundwater basin. The project is intended to protect the community’s existing water supply and reduce the risk of emergency shortages in the future. The Planning Commission hearing will provide an opportunity for public input and consideration of the project’s consistency with County and Coastal policies. Community members are encouraged to participate in the process by attending the meeting or submitting comments to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building. Information regarding the meeting agenda, staff report, and participation details can be found at the following link:
If approved locally, but appealed, the project will continue through the California Coastal Commission review process as required under the Coastal Act.
CCSD Board of Directors Seeking Public Input Related to Strategic Plan
The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Board of Directors invites public input on the District’s Strategic Plan Objectives and Supporting Actions, which were most recently updated during a facilitated workshop on March 4, 2025.
The Board previously received community input at its Regular Board Meeting held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar.
An additional opportunity for public input will be provided at a Special Board Meeting for a Strategic Plan Workshop on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cambria Fire Department, 2850 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428, and will also be accessible via Zoom webinar.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting to provide comments. For those unable to attend, written feedback submitted in advance of each meeting will also be considered by the Board. The Board values community participation and looks forward to receiving input on the Strategic Plan.
How to Participate
Feedback is anonymous and will be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant. All public input received by February 23, 2026, will be compiled and included in the March 2, 2026, Strategic Planning Workshop agenda packet. Please submit your comments using the form below.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK HERE.
Administrative & Finance Departments
CCSD Office Closure for Presidents Day
The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) administrative office will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
For any Water and Wastewater emergency services during this time, please contact our 24-hour main line at (805) 927-6223. The office will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Facilities & Resources Department
Facilities & Resources Department staff have been diligently working with vendors over the past several weeks to move forward with renovations at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall. The Cambria Community Services District extends its sincere appreciation to the Cambria Local Advisory Board and Highway 1 Tourism Alliance Inc for their generous support through a Cambria Local Area Grant.
This meaningful investment is helping fund essential paint, kitchen, and flooring improvements that will enhance the functionality, safety, and appearance of the Veterans’ Hall. Painting and shiplap installation are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the kitchen renovation scheduled to start shortly after those phases are completed. CCSD is deeply grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to preserving an important community gathering place that serves residents, local organizations, and visitors alike. Their continued support plays a vital role in strengthening community spaces and enriching the overall Cambria experience.
Pre-Renovation: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Dining Room & Main Hall
Post-Renovation: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Dining Room, Main Hall, Fireside Room & Lobby
Waste Connections Clean-up Week
Mission Country Disposal is hosting Spring Cleanup Week in Cambria from Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 6, 2026.
Clean-up Week reminders for all residents:
- Single-family residents may place up to 6 additional 32-gallon-size bags of trash alongside their normal carts at no additional charge during these weeks, on the morning of their normal pickup day only
- Please ensure organic and recycled materials are sorted properly, as all additional bags go directly to the landfill, and are not reviewed for recyclable or organic material
- Bulky items must be neatly bundled or bagged. No hazardous materials, concrete in trash bags, or items longer than 4' (rugs, tables, pipes, lumber, etc.)
- ALL bulky item pickups must be called in or scheduled online at least 5 days prior to your regular pickup day, by the service account holder
For more information, please click here.
Cambria Fire Department
Defensible space is crucial for your home’s wildfire safety. It’s the buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. This space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property. For more information, please watch the video below and click here for additional information.
Prescribed Burn Notice - Rancho Marino
The Cambria Fire Department would like to inform the community that prescribed burn operations will take place in the Rancho Marino area from Monday, February 16, through Friday, February 20. Residents may observe smoke in and around the area during this period. These prescribed burns are carefully planned and serve an important role in reducing wildfire risk and promoting overall forest and vegetation health.
Community members are encouraged to avoid the area when possible, exercise caution while traveling nearby, and contact the Cambria Fire Department at (805) 927-6240 with any questions or concerns.
Fire Engineer Recruitment
The Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications to establish an eligibility list for a potential Fire Engineer vacancy. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please click here.
Water & Wastewater Departments
Please refer to the February 12, 2026 Board Meeting agenda packet to read the latest utilities report.
Stuart Street Tank Project Update
The Cambria Community Services District continues to make progress on the Stuart Street Tank Project. A construction progress meeting was held on January 28, 2026, to review the status of Tank No. 2 and discuss upcoming work related to Tank No. 1.
Tank contractor and General Contractor updated progress timeline and outlined remaining responsibilities required to complete Tank No.2.
Remaining work includes completing coating inspector punch-list items, final coating touch-ups, and installing, testing, and adjusting the required tank appurtenances and safety features, including the electrical, piping, telemetry, and cathodic protection systems. Once these tasks are completed, the tank will be ready for final disinfection, testing, and commissioning. The new tank will be disinfected in accordance with AWWA C652, Method 2, followed by bacteriological and VOC testing. District staff will coordinate with the Division of Drinking Water and complete all required procedures prior to placing the tank into service. Once the tank is placed in service, work on Tank No. 1 can commence.
Tank No. 1 – Upcoming Work
Preparation is underway for the demolition of Tank No. 1, which will include:
- Relocation of the propane tank
- Removal and relocation of antennas
- Relocation of District communications equipment
Once Tank No. 2 is fully operational, demolition can begin on Tank No. 1.
Project Coordination
The District continues to work closely with its contractors, engineers, inspectors, and regulatory partners to ensure the project proceeds safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable standards.
Additional updates will be posted as major milestones are reached. For questions regarding the project, please contact Cambria CSD staff.
For the latest project updates, visit the page below regularly. We’ll post ongoing information, including construction milestones, road closures, and any potential service impacts.
https://www.cambriacsd.org/stuart-street-tank-construction-project-updates
CCSD Board of Directors Meeting
Special Board Meeting - Strategic Plan Workshop
📅 Date: March 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 2850 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation:✉️ Written comments may be submitted via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or through the submission portal anytime before the Board meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting to provide comments. For those unable to attend, written feedback submitted in advance of the meeting will also be considered by the Board. The Board values community participation and looks forward to receiving input on the Strategic Plan.
Feedback is anonymous and will be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant. All public input received by February 23, 2026, will be compiled and included in the March 2, 2026, Strategic Planning Workshop agenda packet. Please submit your comments below.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK HERE.
Regular Board Meeting
📅 Date: March 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Public Participation:✉️ Written comments may be submitted via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or through the submission portal anytime before the Board meeting.
CCSD Standing Committee Meetings
Finance Committee Meeting
📅 Date: April 13, 2026
⏰ 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: April 13, 2026
⏰ 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.
Fire Protection Committee Meeting
📅 Date: April 16, 2026
⏰ 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: April 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 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.
Meet the General Manager
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, 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.
Matthew McElhenie
