Cambrian letters to the editor, Sept. 8, 2016

Tennis club loses a pair of stalwarts

Both Bud Goff and Barbara Munson, who recently died and were featured in a full page of The Cambrian obituary section last week, were active in the Cambria Tennis Club. My wife and I played with them, in fact.

Like all club members, they were very interesting/exceptional people. We need new members like them. Everyone is welcome to join, go to www.cambriatennisclub.org, or see you on the courts on Drop-in Saturdays.

P.S. Let’s not sell the Community Health District offices!

Ban campfires in state parks

I am concerned that campfires are still allowed in our state parks. Prior to the Chimney Fire, my family stayed at the upper campground at San Simeon State Park. Most of the campers had built campfires, as did we, and I remember feeling uneasy because it was windy and some of the fires seemed too big.

Now, after having experienced the fear and devastation of the Chimney Fire, I feel strongly that campfires should not be allowed, even in so-called designated areas, until the threat of fire is reduced or gone. It is, to say the least, counterproductive to be making campfires while firemen are risking their lives putting them out and keeping us safe. I have been told campers will be monitored and advised about fire safety, but is that enough?

On holidays such as Labor Day, our campsites are full of visitors, who may or may not be as invested in our concern with being one of the worst fire hazard areas in the state. Common sense should prevail, and the safety of people, animals and property should be the No. 1priority. Please contact our state park personnel or Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian if you agree.

Business outlook needed on CCSD

I have been a resident here for three decades and am excited to see retired businessmen among the candidates running for CCSD director. Having people who understand business operations, including financial accountability and profitability, vying for board seats is a breath of fresh air. New ideas and fiscal controls are sorely needed.

We have major expenditures for infrastructure improvements coming sooner than later, and it is crucial to have a balanced, fiscally responsible approach in allocating the ratepayers’ money toward these expenses. Further, they understand that the divisions that exist in our small town undermine our overall financial and social health and they will represent the residents, businesses and tourism board in a manner that does not burden or benefit one group over another, as we are all Cambrians.

I am voting for R. Thomas (Tom) Kirkey and Dewayne Lee this November, and I encourage you to do the same.

Choose challengers for CCSD board

It is the Cambria residents, not the CCSD board members, who successfully addressed the drought through their heroic water conservation. Now Cambrians are burdened by an enormous debt to an out-of-state hedge fund. Can we pay this debt? If approved, will this questionable, grossly expensive emergency water supply facility be too expensive to run? This is not guaranteed water delivery or fiscal responsibility.

Why did the CCSD majority approve the well-compensated general manager’s salary increase when Cambria is financially distressed? So many unknowns do not inspire confidence.

This November, there are good alternatives: CCSD nominees with no agenda other than to serve Cambrian residents’ best interests. Harry Farmer, Tom Kirkey and Dewayne Lee will respond honestly and capably to Cambria residents.

Make hydrants a priority in Cambria

I used to attend many CCSD meetings, would occasionally ask questions but would never get answers. I know that the board is not obliged to answer, but feel that it is most important that they urgently check into concerns about Cambria’s fire hydrants and report back to the community. I have therefore decided to use our local paper to get the board’s attention.

I checked with our fire department, and they are now not involved in the maintenance and servicing of the hydrants, but this task is now being carried out by CCSD employees. I would be interested in knowing the reason for this change. I have also noted from the board’s June reports that 50 percent of the hydrants have received attention. I have observed that hydrants along some main roads and in a few areas received a fresh coat of paint, but I would like to know the following.

1. What work has been done? Were the valves lubricated, and were any exercised as it does not appear that any flushing occurred?

2. Is there a plan to exercise the hydrants?

3. How many hydrants received attention, how many remain to be done, what is the schedule for completion, and is there a record for public review of work done?

4. Were any problems encountered and was it found necessary to replace any parts?

5. If a property suffers fire damage and a hydrant did not function properly because of poor maintenance, is the CCSD financially liable for any resultant loss?

I hope to learn that there is a complete plan in place and that the importance of this task is given top priority, especially in view of the fires that are occurring all around us.

Two challengers introduce selves

We are Dewayne Lee and R. Thomas (Tom) Kirkey and we are excited to be candidates for the board of directors of the CCSD. We are running on a platform of tight fiscal management and accountability, infrastructure improvements, bringing factions within the community together to work for our common good, manage our vital forest and truly developing a fire safety program working in concert with the our local fire department and Cal Fire. Tantamount to these is improving public confidence in the board by creating an environment in which all residents have a voice in determining Cambria’s future.

To learn more about us and what we envision for Cambria, read our upcoming statements, look for us in your neighborhood, or call us directly to express your concerns and/or desires. Dewayne Lee can be reached at 805-203-5312. and Tom Kirkey can be reached at 805-434-7813.

Your vote is important. We encourage you to support our efforts to bring fresh ideas to the management of our community while rebuilding public trust.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 10:08 AM with the headline "Cambrian letters to the editor, Sept. 8, 2016."