Dear Cambrians,

I want to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our Cambria Community Services District team, the individuals who serve our community daily with passion, professionalism, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether delivering clean, reliable water to homes and businesses, maintaining our facilities, preserving open spaces, keeping us safe through fire and emergency services, or addressing community inquiries and concerns, our team is often behind the scenes, making a tremendous, positive difference.

These employees repair water lines in the middle of the night, respond to service calls under challenging conditions, manage financial operations with careful oversight, oversee community programs, keep our facilities spotless and well-functioning, and make sure our community’s health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority.

This year, we also celebrate the completion of two significant projects: the AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) endpoint installation and the East Ranch restroom. The AMI project involved upgrading all water meters with new digital endpoints that allow for near real-time water usage tracking. This technology helps us quickly detect leaks, improve billing accuracy, enhance system monitoring, and empower residents to manage their water use better. The installation process required extensive planning, coordination, and field work over a year, and it represents a significant leap forward in modernizing our water system.

Likewise, the East Ranch restroom, now completed and ready for public use, provides a long-needed amenity for the community. Both projects required over a year of focused effort and are a testament to the dedication of our staff.

In addition, we are pleased to report that the Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released to construct the Stuart Street tanks, marking another significant milestone toward improving Cambria's water storage and fire resilience. All credit is due to the CCSD staff, Committee members, and Board of Directors, whose commitment and perseverance made these achievements possible.

They do all this with a strong spirit of cooperation, a deep understanding of the community’s needs, and a genuine care for the people they serve. Our team’s expertise, patience, perseverance, and loyalty make Cambria a wonderful place to call home.

I am genuinely proud to work alongside these talented, devoted individuals. Please join me in extending a heartfelt “Thank you” to all the CCSD employees for their continued service, kindness, professionalism, and significant contributions to our community.

Notice of Inflationary Increases to Water and Sewer Rates in Accordance with a Previously Approved Schedule

(Si le gustaria recibir este documento en Español, por favor llame a CCSD (805) 927-6223.)

Notice of Inflationary Increases to Water and Sewer Rates in Accordance with a Previously Approved Schedule

Resolution 28-2025 Adopting Water and Sewer Inflationary Rate Increases for Fiscal Year 2025/26

On June 12, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) voted to approve inflationary increases for water and sewer rates, effective on or after July 12, 2025, pursuant to a previously approved schedule, in accordance with Government Code Section 53756. The rate adjustments are authorized by CCSD Resolution 32-2022, adopted on May 19, 2022, and Resolution 43-2022, adopted on June 23, 2022, in accordance with Proposition 218. The new water and sewer rates are shown below.

Rate Adjustments Needed to Fund Normal Operating Costs of the Water & Sewer Utility Systems

The rate increases are necessary because the CCSD’s water and sewer utilities rely primarily on revenues from service charges to fund the costs of providing service. As such, water and sewer rates must be set at levels adequate to fund the costs of operating and maintaining the District’s water and sewer utility systems to support safe and reliable service.

The key factors driving the need for the previously approved rate increases include: a need to restore balanced budgets to bring revenues back in line with the costs of providing service and restore financial stability, to help fund critical improvements to aging infrastructure, to help fund the District’s highest-priority water and sewer system capital needs, to provide a minimal prudent level of funding for repairs, replacements, and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure.

Water Rates

CCSD’s water rates include both 1) fixed charges levied on each account regardless of water use, and 2) water quantity charges billed based on metered water use in each billing period. Residential customers pay a uniform fixed charge per account plus water quantity charges billed via three graduating rate tiers, with water purchased first in Tier 1 and then subsequently in higher tiers that are more expensive as water use increases.  Commercial rates include fixed charges that vary by meter size – with higher charges for customers with larger meter sizes that place more demand on the water system – plus a uniform volumetric rate for all water use.  Quantity charges are billed in units of one hundred cubic feet (ccf), with 1 ccf equal to approximately 748 gallons.

Sewer Rates

CCSD sewer rates include both 1) fixed charges levied on each account regardless of usage, and 2) sewer quantity charges billed based on metered water use in each billing period. Sewer quantity charges for commercial customers vary based on wastewater class and strength, with lower charges for customers with lower-strength wastewater and higher charges for customers with higher-strength wastewater, which costs more to process and treat in order to comply with CCSD’s wastewater discharge permit requirements.

Stuart Street Tank Construction Project Request for Proposal

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is requesting proposals from qualified bidders for the demolition and disposal of two bolted steel water storage tanks, and construction of two (2) new welded steel storage tanks, one 212,000-gallon and the other 125,000-gallon, site improvements including grading, site drainage, modification of existing retaining wall, and replacement of fencing in accordance with Exhibit C (Drawings), and Exhibit D (Technical Specifications).

The full request package can be accessed here.

Annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

To obtain details on Cambria's water quality, please consult this year's Consumer Confidence Report. The "Safe Drinking Water Act" requires this annual report to be available to all CCSD customers in July each year. The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report is posted below.

If you would like a printed copy of the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report, please email engineering@cambriacsd.org.

Administrative & Finance Departments 

CCSD Office Closure for Juneteenth

Please be advised that the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) administrative office will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth.

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 Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Low Income Wastewater Utility Reduction Program

CCSD Customers who participate in the CARE program through PG&E may be eligible for CCSD's low-income wastewater utility reduction program. This program allows for a 40% reduction in wastewater fees. Property owners may also receive a fire suppression assessment fee waiver. Please contact our office for more information. Eligibility requirements include:

• Completion of a CCSD Low Income Wastewater Utility Reduction Program Application.
• Copy of your CA driver's license or ID card. The address on your card must match the PG&E service address.
• Participation in the PG&E Lifeline (CARE) program.

Low Income Reduction Application

Programa De Reduccion Para Drenaje De Bajos Ingresos

Coming Soon: EyeOnWater for Cambria Residents

Track your water use. Catch leaks early. Save money. Help conserve.

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is rolling out EyeOnWater, a free, easy-to-use digital platform that will allow customers to monitor their water use in near real-time. This tool is part of our upgrade to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a smart system that automatically sends water usage data from your meter to the District securely and accurately.

Once the system is fully up and running, CCSD customers can view their water use in 15-minute intervals, detect leaks quickly, set usage goals, and more—all from a smartphone or computer.

What EyeOnWater Will Let You Do:

• See Your Usage in Detail
  View your water use by the hour, day, week, or month. Interactive graphs make it easy to spot patterns or high-use days.
• Get Leak Alerts Instantly
  Suppose EyeOnWater detects continuous or unusually high usage (like from a running toilet or broken irrigation line). In that case, you’ll get a text or email alert before it shows up on your bill.
• Track Trends and Set Goals
  Compare usage over time and set personal water use targets. You’ll get alerts when approaching or exceeding your goal, helping you avoid surprises and conserve more.
• Access Anytime, Anywhere
  Whether you're at home or away, you can check your water usage at any time via the mobile app or online portal.

What’s Happening Now:

CCSD is installing (AMI) “endpoints” on water meters throughout Cambria. These devices transmit usage data to our system and are necessary for EyeOnWater to function. Once all meters are upgraded, there will be a short integration period during which we will test the system, confirm accuracy, and activate customer accounts.

When we’re ready, we’ll notify customers with instructions on how to sign up and connect to EyeOnWater. All you’ll need is your ZIP code and CCSD water account number.

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.

East Ranch Restroom

The Cambria Community Services District is pleased to announce that the new East Ranch public restroom is officially open as of this morning. We appreciate the community's patience during construction and look forward to this new addition serving residents and visitors alike.

A huge shout-out to the CCSD Staff, specifically Utilities Department Manager Jim Green, Program Manager Tristan Reaper, Administrative Technician Eric Johnson, and Facilities & Resources Manager David Aguirre, for their invaluable assistance in managing and completing this project.

Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall

The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) owns and operates the Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Building. As part of a facility rental, renters and their guests are allowed to use the Veterans Hall parking lot.

Please note that the public may not use the Veterans Hall parking lot for unrelated events or gatherings occurring in the area. To ensure fair access for those who have paid to rent the facility and parking lot, we kindly ask the community to use alternative parking locations during events not hosted at the Veterans Hall.

If you would like to rent the Veterans Hall building or parking lot, please visit our website at https://www.cambriacsd.org/cambria-veterans-memorial-hall. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Wednesday, June 18, 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. 

Cambria Wildfire Readiness: It Starts with You  

Fire Doesn’t Stop at the Fence Line. Neither Should Preparedness.

Cambria is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, surrounded by dense wildland vegetation, which increases the potential for rapid fire spread. Additionally, narrow roads and limited access routes can complicate evacuation efforts and hinder emergency response. In such settings, creating and maintaining defensible space around properties is vital.  

Plan with your family and coordinate with neighbors to ensure everyone is ready to evacuate and respond safely during a fire emergency. Cambria’s older population and smaller household sizes make strong community networks essential. Building these connections and proactively preparing greatly improves your chances of surviving wildfires and minimizing damage. 

Community Liaisons

New Online Sign-Up Option for Liaisons

We’ve adding a new feature to our website, allowing community members to sign up online to become a Community Liaison. This tool makes it easier to invite neighbors, friends, or anyone interested in actively participating in community readiness. Please share the link and encourage others to join our growing network. Click here to sign up.

The CCSD recently sent a Wildfire Readiness document to all ratepayers. Download a copy of the document below.

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. 

Wildlife Awareness During Weed Abatement

As we reach the peak of weed abatement season, the Cambria Community Services District would like to thank the community for its continued efforts to reduce fire risk and maintain defensible space. As wildfire season approaches, these proactive measures are critical to protecting homes, lives, and our environment. While vegetation clearing is essential, we also want to remind residents to be mindful of the wildlife inhabiting our area, particularly young fawns and turkeys, often hidden in tall grasses and brush during this time of year.

Fawns are frequently left alone by their mothers during the day and may lie quietly in shaded or grassy areas. Similarly, wild turkeys often nest on the ground, with hens sitting on eggs or tending to young poults hidden in tall grass and brush. It’s important not to assume a fawn or turkey nest has been abandoned if found alone.

Before beginning any weed abatement work, walk your property and carefully check for wildlife. Use a stick or rake to gently disturb dense vegetation before using any mechanical equipment. Avoid working during early morning or evening hours when fawns and turkeys are more likely to be resting or nesting.

If you discover a fawn or a turkey nest, flag the area and return later to give them time to move to safety. Please also remind any landscapers or contractors working on your property to stay alert and exercise caution during abatement.

Fawns rely on camouflage and stillness for protection, which unfortunately makes them vulnerable during brush-clearing activities. A few moments of care and observation can prevent injury and protect the wildlife, which is a part of Cambria’s character. Thank you for helping to keep Cambria both fire-safe and wildlife-friendly.

No extensions will be granted for the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) requirement.

It is crucial that all parcel owners meet the weed abatement deadline and clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property to prevent fire hazards and maintain a safe environment for everyone. While many owners hire contractors to perform this work, it is your responsibility to verify that the work has been completed. Unfortunately, the District does not provide individual notifications to parcels that fail inspection. Instead, this information is publicly available when the Public Nuisance List is presented during Board meetings.

Contractors

The Cambria Community Services District and the Cambria CSD Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency.

We are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors and assume no responsibility or liability for satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by them. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s service charge, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill, or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. 

Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for your convenience.

Failure to Abate Vacant Parcels

If your parcel appears on the list, it is essential that you take immediate action to abate your lot by the deadline before the next Board meeting, when the next phase of the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program begins.

Failure to do so will result in additional charges being applied to your property. The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Properties that do not meet the requirements will be subject to penalties and abatement by the district’s contractor, at the property owner's expense. 

For more information, please click here.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Please refer to the June 12, 2025, Board Meeting agenda packet to read the latest utilities report.

Water Systems Operator T3/D2 Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Water Systems Operator T3/D2 position. For more information, click here.

CCSD Board of Directors Meetings

Regular Board Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025

⏰ 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. 

Regular Board Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025

⏰ Time: 9:00 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

CCSD Notice of Intent to Fill Finance Committee Member Vacancy

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is accepting applications to fill one (1) seat on the Finance 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 Finance Committee Member Vacancy

The CCSD Board of Directors will consider all applications and appoint a Finance Committee Member to fill the vacant term at the Regular Board meeting on July 10, 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. 

Finance 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.

Finance Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, June 16, 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, June 16, 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.

PROS Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 18, 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.

Joint Finance and Resources & Infrastructure Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: 1551 Green Street, Cambria, CA 93428 

Debra Scott, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Karen Dean, Chair of the Resources & Infrastructure Committee, hereby call a Special Joint Meeting pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956. The Special Joint Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 1551 Green Street, Cambria, CA 93428. The purpose of the Special Joint Meeting is to discuss or transact the following business:

• Tour of Lift Station B-4.

No formal action of any kind will be taken.

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

Joint Finance and Resources & Infrastructure Committee Meeting

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: 5500 Heath Lane, Cambria, CA 93428

Debra Scott, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Karen Dean, Chair of the Resources & Infrastructure Committee, hereby call a Special Joint Meeting pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956. The Special Joint Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at 5500 Heath Lane, Cambria, CA 93428. The purpose of the Special Joint Meeting is to discuss or transact the following business:

• Tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and AMI Water Meter Installation Demonstration. 

No formal action of any kind will be taken.

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

On Wednesday, June 18, 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