I am a resident of Avila and would like to address several issues to bring awareness to the general public. This is a message to all who visit Avila that needs serious attention, litter-ally. In the last several years, I have noticed the amount of trash on the beach and sidewalks. The majority of the trash is left behind by individuals who seemingly have no respect and are ignorant about life in general. It is sad to see people who have left their garbage behind for others to see.
There are individuals who have been of service volunteering time keeping the area clean. I, myself, have been a great asset to this town, constantly picking up trash and identifying hazards keeping this town clean and safe for all people and wildlife. Summer months—especially weekends—are particularly the worst.
Now, with farmers market starting up in April, the trash is overwhelming, with trashcans overflowing and trash left behind. I have no problem with visitors, but when the sun goes down, beaches and sidewalks are trashed. This is a message and a wake-up call for people in general. Avila is an amazing, beautiful, pristine place to live and visit. So please help keep the town and beaches clean by simply picking up and using trash cans.
Also, I would like to bring awareness of the potential health hazards of swimming and bathing in the nearby creek that flows into the ocean. There are signs posted, but they are ignored, and I have witnessed people, especially children, wallowing and swimming in the creek. Pets are also vulnerable and can transmit potentiality harmful bacteria. This creek flows through San Luis Obispo and onward into the ocean. There are other hazards like pollutants that are present especially after storm runoff.
The solution: pack-in, pack-out, and stay out of the creek. My message is a clear and a wake-up call to those who are out of touch with reality. This is a problem everywhere up and down the coast, but here in Avila, it’s become more like an amusement park. I would like to see feedback on this issue from locals, the general public, tourists, and officials. I have some simple requests:
No. 1: Signs that read: HELP KEEP AVILA CLEAN, PLEASE USE TRASH CANS. Or face a fine of up to $250.
No. 2: Larger, more visible signs posted over existing signs explaining potential health risks of pollutants and bacteria levels in creek. “Swim at your own risk.”
No. 3: More trash cans.
Help keep Avila clean.
Robert lives in Avila Beach and wants to go by a first name only for privacy reasons. Send comments to the executive editor at [email protected].
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