Cambrian letters to the editor, Jan. 28, 2016

Does Cambria need luck of the Irish?

As the rains continue, the Santa Rosas are returning to their Irish green. Given the direction of Cambria Community Services District “policy” over the past decade, one wonders who will be enjoying the verdant Ranch views a decade from now.

The impending fuzzy-math water rate hikes/wastewater hikes have many Cambrians angry, fearful, suspicious, bitter and heartbroken.

What has made Cambrians so angry? Most people seem to be focused on CCSD mismanagement of our water and Cambria coffers. Others are angry that the CCSD hides behind a PR person who spins the business dealings of CCSD and the “ignorance” of any who oppose CCSD. Are we paying for a PR person? When did Cambria Village become a corporatelike entity?

Many Cambrians are fearful of CCSD’s absolute (unchecked) power corrupting absolutely. Locals fear retribution from CCSD if they protest or complain. They fear being unable to pay rate hikes this year or, as the “special” clause allows, rate hikes every year for the next five years.

Many Cambrians are suspicious of a CCSD hidden agenda, its power to select which protest letters get to “an official from the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” and the very obvious inroads being made toward gentrification. Who will be able to afford living in Cambria? People who are comfortably well off.

As I watch the greening of the Santa Rosas, I’m thinking it’s going to take the Luck of the Irish to save the heart and soul of Cambria.

Clarifying points on rate protest

Cambrians for Fiscal Responsibility (CFR), would like to clarify a few points raised in last week’s Cambrian (Jan. 21), related to the CCSD’s proposed rate increases and protest.

1) Many protests are not sealed, as protesters take their protest letter/form directly to the CCSD.

2). The CCSD rescinded the rate increases in 2008, not because of the closeness of the vote (the board had already voted and implemented the increase), but because of the threat of a lawsuit from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

3). Cambria made history through CFR’s Proposition 218 efforts, by becoming the first in the state to have had two successful Prop 218 protests; not one!

4) Protests can be submitted on any color paper, not just green.

Since the CCSD chose not to provide ratepayers’ with a protest form, CFR is providing protest forms for those who wish to protest the proposed rate increases. We placed a full page ad in the Cambrian, as well as 20,000 fliers in the Cambrian and Tribune (printed on white and green colored paper), to serve as a protest form, and on the flip side, several reasons for protesting. Volunteers, when available, are handing out protest forms at the Post Office, Farmer’s Market, or you may request an electronic version by emailing: cambrians4fiscalresponsibility@gmail.com — or by calling 924-1404. We suggest you take your protest directly to the CCSD and have them date-stamp the original, as well as a copy for your records.

HART-felt thanks to Christmas Market

As someone wisely said, “It’s never too late to say, ‘thank you.’ ” Accordingly, the Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) extends a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers — elves, photographers and Santas, including Mrs. Claus — who selflessly gave their time and energy to the Santa Booth at the annual Cambria Christmas Market this year.

The event proved an outstanding success, providing much-needed funds for HART’s resident felines. We are deeply grateful to all the elves who spent cold nights shepherding guests, both young and old, as they met with Santa to share Christmas wish lists and have their photos taken by our tireless photographers.

We owe special thanks to Tom and Betty Barton, our own Santa and Mrs. Claus, who donated their time and attention to young admirers for 14 busy nights, and to Ross Miller and Gary Swauger who filled in during the remaining evenings of our lively 21-night run. Our talented photographers captured many happy (and occasionally tearful) moments on film, sending pleased parents and children home with framed photographs of their memorable visits with Santa. Our appreciation cannot be overstated. Volunteer commitment keeps HART’s doors open and allows us to continue providing a safe and caring environment for homeless cats and kittens.

Kudos to our elves: Bonnie Ahlstrom, Verlinda Bailey, Susan Barghini, Joan Berry, Terry Hanson, Lynn and Gary Lamb, Judy Lyon, Bruce Marchese, Diane Norton, Sabine Oliver, Loree Parral, Ann Pope, Patti Rowe, Midge Schulkin, Russ Wiggins and Mike Zarowitz; photographers: Bonnie Little, Tom Lott, Megg McNamee, Gary Swauger and Marilyn Zahm; and to Christmas Market Manager George Marschal.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Cambrian letters to the editor, Jan. 28, 2016."