Dear Cambrians,

The Month of May marks the beginning of the wildfire season in many areas, as the weather becomes warmer and vegetation dries out, increasing the risk of wildfires. Of course, wildfire season in California has become more or less year-round, making ongoing preparedness even more essential.

May is also National Wildfire Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting wildfire prevention and preparedness. This month encourages individuals and communities to protect themselves and their properties from wildfire risks proactively.

I wanted to share an important update regarding the continued progress the Cambria Community Services District is making toward wildfire preparedness and evacuation readiness.

On April 26, Fire Chief Michael Burkey and I participated in Mill Valley’s full-scale evacuation drill, conducted in partnership with the Southern Marin Fire Protection District. This visit was the culmination of a year of collaboration and communication between the Fire Chief and Southern Marin's leadership team, who generously welcomed us to observe the evolution of their multi-year evacuation planning efforts.

During the drill, Chief Burkey and I were guided by Southern Marin Fire leaders through key operational chokepoints to understand better traffic flow, evacuation bottlenecks, and the coordinated response strategies in a real-time simulation. We were introduced to representatives from all the involved allied agencies, law enforcement, transportation, emergency services, and city officials, who play a critical role in making the drill successful and adaptable over time. Most notably, we witnessed firsthand the lessons learned through five years of iterative improvements to this drill, which has grown into a comprehensive, community-wide response model. This experience was invaluable. It gave us a clear picture of what is required for a successful evacuation drill and how Cambria can begin to chart its own path toward a similar level of readiness. These insights will directly inform the CCSD’s own evacuation planning efforts as we work to tailor them to the unique geography and risks of our community.

Chief Burkey and I returned deeply encouraged and excited about the direction we are heading. We are committed to applying what we’ve learned as we move closer to conducting Cambria’s first community-wide evacuation drill. With thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and community participation, we believe Cambria can become a model for rural wildfire readiness along the Central Coast.

Thank you for your continued support as we invest in the safety and resilience of our town. 

Let’s stay alert, stay informed, and stay ready.

Administrative & Finance Departments 

Cambria Community Services District Earns District of Distinction Silver Level for the First Time Ever in 2025

On April 23, 2025, the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) announced that for the first time in its history, it has earned the “District of Distinction” Silver Level accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations.

“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices,” said Neil McCormick, SDLF Chief Executive Officer. The committee members who review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance, and certified general managers. In addition, the district’s board of directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

Furthermore, to receive the recognition, the district’s website must include posting of transparency requirements, including: election procedure and deadlines, posted board meeting schedule and agendas, current district budget, most recent financial audit, and a list of compensation of board members and staff or a link to the State Controller’s webpage with the data. 

The Cambria Community Services District provides water, wastewater, fire protection and emergency services, parks, recreation, and open space, for our community in a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive manner.

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. Special districts are public agencies created to provide one or more specific services to a community, such as water service, sewer service, parks, fire protection, and others. The District of Distinction Accreditation is one of California’s most respected recognitions for special districts. To qualify, a district must demonstrate sound fiscal management policies and practices and comply with legal requirements and best practices in governance. To maintain the designation, accreditation must be renewed every three years.

The Cambria Community Services District is honored to be among only 47 out of nearly 2,000 special districts in California to receive this prestigious recognition. 

In addition to this achievement, CCSD was awarded the Transparency Certificate of Excellence by SDLF in both 2021 and 2024, further affirming the District’s commitment to open and accountable government. Furthermore, General Manager McElhenie earned the distinguished Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) designation in 2024, demonstrating his dedication to excellence in public service and leadership within special districts.

For more information about the Special District Leadership Foundation's programs, including the District of Distinction visit http://sdlf.org/programs.

CCSD Office Closure for Memorial Day

Please be advised that the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) administrative office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial 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, May 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Facilities & Resources Department

East Ranch Restroom

The East Ranch restroom project is close to being complete. The next steps include dropping the power pole and running electrical to the restroom. Once that's complete, the County will conduct a final inspection. 

Cambria Fire Department

Earthquake Safety Message

Dear Cambria Residents,

As your Fire Chief, it’s my job to keep our community safe and informed during all types of emergencies. Although wildfire is constantly on our minds, I also want to emphasize the importance of being prepared for other emergencies, including earthquakes. Living on California’s Central Coast means we must always stay ready for seismic activity. A major earthquake can strike without warning, preparation is our best defense.

Here are the key steps to take now:

• Secure your space: Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to walls. Store breakables on low shelves.
• Create an emergency kit: Include enough food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies to last at least 72 hours.
• Develop a family plan: Know how to communicate and where to meet if separated. Practice earthquake drills at home.
• During a quake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On, get under a sturdy table or against an interior wall away from windows.
• After the shaking stops: Check yourself and others for injuries. Shut off the gas if you smell a leak. Be prepared for aftershocks.

We work every day to protect our community, but your personal preparedness makes all the difference. Let’s stay resilient, together.

Stay safe,

Michael Burkey

Fire Chief

Meet the Fire Chief

On Tuesday, May 20, 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. 

2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

July 1, 2025 is the deadline to abate and remove the fuels and vegetation for vacant parcels requiring abatement.

Each year, the Cambria CSD Fire Department conducts a Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. The FHFRP is carried out pursuant to the authority contained in Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. and is initiated by the CCSD Board of Directors adoption of a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on the identified properties to be a public nuisance.

This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them prior to cutting. Property owners are required to clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property by the deadline of July 1, 2025.

The following are vacant parcel guidelines to help you comply:

• Remove combustible construction materials and trash from the property.
• Trim weeds and annual grasses to 4 inches in height. Avoid exposing bare soil or creating a situation that would encourage erosion.
• All downed trees and rounds or dead limbs within 30 feet of any structure must be removed. Tree stumps fallen over shall be cut and retain no more than six feet of the log within this 30-foot zone.
• All downed trees beyond 30 feet from any structure 12 inches in diameter or greater may remain on the parcel. However, the entire trunk must be completely on the ground. Materials less than 12 inches in diameter shall be cut and removed from the property.
• All standing dead trees that pose a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure shall be removed.
• Remove ladder vegetation from under trees and shrubs, maintaining 6 feet of vertical clearance for trees greater than 20 feet in height.
• All Poison Oak, Scotch/Irish/French or other broom-type plants, Pampas grass, Jubata grass, and (Crocosmia) also known as Fire Weed, shall be removed. Isolated specimens may be left with greater than ten (10) feet separation, and all dead material removed. 

For more information, please click here.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Please refer to the May 8, 2025, Board Meeting agenda packet to read the latest utilities report.

Annual Consumer Confidence Report

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires the CCSD to provide to its consumers. The purpose of the CCR is to raise customer awareness of the quality of their drinking water, where their drinking water comes from, what it takes to deliver water to their homes, and the importance of protecting drinking water sources. In the past, the CCSD has mailed its customers a printed copy of the CCR to comply with the SDWA. The California Department of Public Health began allowing for electronic delivery of the CCR in 2013.  CCSD encourages electronic delivery because it reduces the consumption of paper and minimizes printing, mailing, and handling costs to the CCSD and its customers. Hard copies will be made available to the public at various locations including the Cambria Library, Chamber of Commerce, Cambria Tourism Board, Veterans Memorial Hall, local public schools, and to leasing offices of certain multifamily properties. Paper copy of the CCR will be mailed only upon request. Please submit a request for paper copy online at www.cambriacsd.org/annual-ccr or by calling (805) 927-6223. 

CCSD Board of Directors Meetings

Regular Board Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

Public Participation:
✉️ Written comments may be submitted via email to boardcomment@cambriacsd.org or through the submission portal at least 24 hours before the meeting.

CCSD Standing Committee Meetings

Finance Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

Resources & Infrastructure Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

Fire Protection Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

PROS Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Veterans' Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
💻 Zoom Webinar: Available for virtual attendance

Public Participation:
✉️ Members of the public can submit written comments to be read at Standing Committee meetings.

On Tuesday, May 20, 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