May 2008 - Jul 2008

Clam Chronicle
Volume 14, Issue 2
City Directory
City of Pismo Beach
Paid Parking Begins in Downtown Areas of Pismo Beach
the city’s core downtown
area. Using automated pay
parking stations located
in the downtown core, all
visitors and vehicles are
required to pay for parking
between 10:00 am to 6:00
pm daily.
Ted Ehring
440-4037
Shelly Higginbotham
235-6604
Bill Rabenaldt
748-8264
Kris Vardas
710-6549
911
773-4657
773-4655
773-4656
773-4658
773-7040
773-7034
773-7031
773-7029
In This Issue:
Page
2
Fire Watch
3
Police Beat
4
5
Lifeguard Program
6
7
May 2008 •
Paid parking is in effect in
City Council:
Mary Ann Reiss
709-6296
Departments:
Emergency
Admin/City Clerk
Finance
Eng./Public Works Planning
Building
CVB
Fire
Police
•
The Park Bench
Tourism’ly Yours
Library News
Chamber of Commerce
9
APage in History
10
Paid Parking FAQ’s
12
Calendar of Events
The Automated Pay Parking
Stations have been installed
and are conveniently located
on each block and parking
lots where pay parking is
required. PAY TO PARK signs have been erected to designate which parking spaces
and parking lots are required to have paid parking receipts displayed in parked vehicles.
Using a Pay Parking Station is as easy as 1-2-3: Pay Park and Display. After parking
your vehicle, walk to the nearest Pay Parking Station, put in the amount of money for the
time you need, and press the green button. The station will print out your parking receipt.
Instructions on the face of the Pay Parking Station are clearly printed and easy to read.
Take your receipt and place it face up on the right-side of your dashboard. This will show
your vehicle has been paid to park. Current charges to park are $.75 to $1.00 per hour,
depending on location and can be purchased for amounts from 1 to 8 hours. Coins and
Cards are the accepted forms of payment at the pay stations. Hours of enforcement for
these paid parking locations are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
City parking staff will be leaving notices and brochures on the parked vehicles to remind
owners of this new pay policy and changeover. Parking staff will be canvassing the
downtown core business area affected by this parking change to help communicate and
educate the operation of this new program.
When it comes to parking in the core downtown business district, it is different than the
rest of Pismo Beach. The City Council of Pismo Beach enacted this course of action to
upgrade and develop more parking alternatives as the city grows and tourism increases
in our city. All fees collected from this program will be utilized to improve parking in the
City of Pismo Beach.
Citizens can contact the Parking Management Office with any problems, complaints or
issues.
City of Pismo Beach – Parking Division
585 Dolliver Street (at the corner of Dolliver & Hinds)
Pismo Beach, CA. 93449
805-773-7451 voice
805-773-1725 fax
Continued on Page 10
CDF/Pismo Beach Fire Department
The Fire Safe Council Pismo Beach focus group has made great progress with improving fire
Fire
Watch
PG 2
safety in the Pismo Heights. The most important and visible project has been the fuel reduction
project around the community. CAL FIRE inmate fire crews supervised by a Fire Captain spent
the summer months cutting and piling flammable vegetation. After the rains came making it safe,
fire crews returned and burned the piles to eliminate the hazard. In addition to this project the Fire
Safe Focus Group has had other important accomplishments this year:
• Earned $16,000 in “In-Kind Donations” which consists of the time the members
of the Focus Group spent in organization, meetings and approved Fire Safe Projects in our
neighborhood. This includes the dedicated CAL FIRE sponsors and our very supportive
government representatives of Pismo Beach City Council and our County Supervisor.
• Raised over $3,000 in hard money donations from the members of the focus group and
residents of the Heights for a very significant combined $20,000 contribution to fire safety in the
Pismo Heights.
• Approximately $3,000 was used to reimburse CAL FIRE crews for equipment expenses
for the vegetation reduction project. The crews labor is free to the community.
• Received Non-Profit status support through the San Luis Obispo County Community
Fire Safe Council to manage the private fundraising for the fuel reduction projects.
• Because of our significant “In-Kind Donations” and hard money contributions along
with the successful project completion this year, we were able to demonstrate sustainability as a
focus group for the future.
• In addition to these important activities, members of the Focus Group have developed
a proposal to improve emergency ingress & egress. The neighbors have been developing a
proposal to bring to the City on improving access through adding additional red curbing.
• Communication has been made with Judkins School representatives to identify
their highest level priorities in fuel reduction on their property and to address the blockage of
Wadsworth from their drop-off traffic.
• An application has been submitted for a grant to hire “fire goats” to graze on the
vegetation around the Heights to maintain the efforts that the fire crews did this year.
The Fire safe council is a statewide organization providing educational and organizational support
to homeowners around the state to improve preparedness from wildland fires. Members of the
Fire Safe Council include all stakeholders who are impacted by fire. This includes community
members, environmental organizations, utilities, political leaders, insurance agencies, ranchers
and others. The Pismo area has been identified as a high fire hazard severity area. The community
asked and attained “focus group” status from the County Community Fire Safe Council and
is eligible to receive support for improving fire preparedness. This effort began when several
Pismo Heights community homeowners came to the Fire department and to the Fire Safe Council
seeking support to improve fire safety concerns. They have become educated in fire safety
issues and motivated to take action on a priority project list formed jointly with your local CAL
FIRE/Pismo Beach Fire department.
CDF/Pismo Beach Fire Department
(Cont.)
Some of their goals include:
• Education of fellow homeowners for wildland fire safety
• Reduce flammable vegetation clearance around homes
• Improve emergency access & evacuation
• Create a shaded fuel break around the community
• Upgrading the existing emergency water system to the approved water master plan
The Pismo Fire Safe Council Focus Group http://firesafecouncil.
org/ has achieved recognition as a motivated and educated
group. Please visit the following websites for valuable fire safety
information for your home. http://www.fire.ca.gov/ Additionally,
we have a local web site for your fire department http://cdfslo.
org/ which provides more focused information and updates of the
Pismo focus groups recent project.
Please join us for Fire Safe Council Pismo Beach focus group
quarterly meetings. Call 773-7031 for meeting dates.
If you would like to form a focus group in your area to improve fire
safety; please contact your local fire station.
Helping Us Help You
Independence Day will soon be upon us and our town will fill up on the 4th of July with folks here
Police
Beat
to enjoy our annual fireworks extravaganza. Unfortunately some people haven’t quite realized
that the only extravaganza taking place should be from the licensed and supervised fireworks
display from the end of the pier…all other fireworks in Pismo Beach are illegal.
Sometimes residents and visitors are confused about our local fireworks prohibition, especially
when they see state fire marshal-approved fireworks being sold in communities bordering Pismo
Beach. They may think that fireworks that explode (such as firecrackers and bottle rockets) are
prohibited, but ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are permitted. That is not the case in Pismo Beach as
all types of fireworks are prohibited within our city limits.
There is a very practical explanation for this prohibition. Pismo Beach has many homes in nearly
every subdivision with highly flammable shake roofs. In addition, because of our California
climate our rainy season has long since passed when July 4th arrives. As a result the natural
vegetation on our hillsides and bluffs can be tinder dry. The last thing we need is a wildfire
caused by fireworks threatening our homes.
Please do your part to help keep Pismo Beach fire safe over the upcoming holiday by following
these steps;
• Please remember that all fireworks of every type are illegal in Pismo Beach. If you want
to purchase and light fireworks please do so only in the areas of the county where it is permitted,
but please, not in Pismo Beach.
• If there are vacation rentals, or secondary homes near your residence please educate
these neighbors of our local fireworks law. Many people are just not aware of our fireworks
prohibition and just need a little reminding.
• Please feel free to contact the Police Department at 773-2208 whenever you see or hear
fireworks being used. Your call can make the difference in preventing someone else’s tragedy.
Working together we can all make a difference in keeping Pismo Beach fire safe.
PG 3
2008 Junior Lifeguard Program
Program Description
To provide the youth of our community with life skills in fundamental ocean swimming techniques
and acquaint them with the hazards of ocean swimming in a courteous, respectful, and positive
teaching environment.
Requirements
Open to youth ages 9-17. Participants must be of age by June 30th, 2008. All returning and new
applicants must pass a basic swim test of 100 yards in order to participate in the program. Times
are as follows:
Group AA Group A
Group B
Group C
16 through 17 years:
14 through 15 years:
12 through 13 years:
9 through 11 years:
1:30 minutes or less
1:40 minutes or less
1:55 minutes or less
2:10 minutes or less
Registration Period
The program is limited to the first 120 youths that register after passing the required swim test. A
parent or legal guardian must accompany participant on registration day. Registrations for returning
participants only will be on Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sinsheimer Pool
(900 Southwood Dr. in SLO). Registration for both new and returning participants will take place
on Saturday, May 10th from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 14th from 7:30 to 8:30
p.m. also at Sinsheimer Pool. Registration is taken on a first come, first serve basis.
Registration forms, payment and uniform sizing will be completed on site after applicant has
successfully passed the swim test. DUE TO THE MANDATORY SWIM TEST, REGISTRATION
WILL BE ACCEPTED ON SITE ONLY AND WILL REQUIRE PAYMENT MADE TO THE CITY OF
PISMO BEACH.
Program Content
Participants will learn the basic components of water safety, lifeguarding, surf rescue, ocean
swimming, surf riding, care and handling of ocean rescue equipment, CPR, first aid, marine
life studies. Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguards will also have an opportunity to compete in Junior
Lifeguard competitions, learn to kayak, take a field trip to the Mustang Water Slides and participate
in an overnight campout. Experienced Pismo Beach Lifeguards will provide instruction. For
more information please call Michelle Pearson at 805-773-7031 or email Captain Rick Howard at
rhoward@pismobeach.org.
Program Schedule & Enrollment
Dates: Monday through Friday, June 30th through August 8th, 2008.
Time: M-Thurs.: 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Fri.: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (for competitions)
Location:
Meet at Lifeguard Tower 2 (south side of Pismo Beach Pier).
Cost:
$328 for all participants
$50.00 refund processing fee will apply to refund requests after May 23rd, 2008.
Enrollment fee includes:
Navy Blue Boardshorts with Junior Guard Patch, Gold T-Shirt
and Grey Sweatshirt, Beanie Surf Cap, U.S.L.A. Membership,
Individual/Group Photo, and Travel Bag. Girls and Boys Navy
Blue Swimsuits can be purchased separately at GH Sports
Outlet.
PG 4
The Park Bench...News of Your City’s Parks and Programs
There are a wide variety of programs and special events being offered through the recreation
department.
A condensed list of activities is below. You can visit www.pismobeach.org for descriptions, times,
prices and a more complete schedule.
• Self Defense & Pepper Spray Classes
• Drama Camp
• Tai Chi Classes
• Camp Fire
• Karate Classes
• Science Camp
• Self Defense & Empowerment Workshops
• Basketball Camp
• Active Fit Seniors
• Outdoor Nature Camp
• Arthritis Exercise
• Preschool Camp
• Ballroom/Hula/Tap/Latin American Dance
• Surf Camp
• Walking Club
• Volleyball Camp
• Ballroom/Hula/Tap/Latin American Dance
• A Walking Club
• And more…
• Musical Theater Classes
Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park
Art in the Park will be held the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, May 4 through October 25. Local
artisans, including photographers, sculptors, painters, jewelers, potters, furniture craftsman, and glass artists will display
their creations to the sounds of music performed by local musicians. Local vendors will be on hand for the sale of flowers,
coffee and tea, and other activities.
Shakespeare in the Park
Performances begin in August. Stay tuned to the City’s web site and Channel 20 for dates and times. For the ultimate in
Pismo Beach Shakespeare experience, come to see the INDEPENDENT Players, an 18 person professional troupe from
Los Angeles. Performances are provided for donations, sponsorships are welcome .
Farmers Market
Beginning April 19 – November 29, come to the Shell Beach Farmers Market at Dinosaur Caves Park on Saturdays from
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Enjoy purchase of fruits and vegetables, fish and dairy, baked goods, organic foods, flowers, jewelry,
pottery, woodcrafts, photo Art, and food concessions.
Other Activities are planned for Dinosaur Caves Park throughout the summer – stay tuned to the City’s Channel 20 and web
site advertisement!
Senior Dances
Join in the fun at the monthly senior dance held at the Pismo Beach Vets Hall at 780 Bello Street the first Monday of every
month at 1:00 PM. $5.00 will get you in for a great afternoon of dancing and fun.
Summer Leisure Guide
The Summer 2008 Leisure Guide can be
found on the City of Pismo Beach Recreation
division web site (www.pismobeach.org).
Click on departments, then recreation, then
the guide option will come up.
Hard copies have been made available to children at Shell Beach and Judkins
School, and can also be picked up at the Shell Beach library and City Hall at
760 Mattie Road. The guide will provide final times, dates and contacts. The
guide also provides a pictorial tour and directions to all the City parks.
Park and Facility Rentals
Hold your private event
at any City facility.
For rental information
and fees visit
www.pismobeach.org
or contact
Vicki Davenport at
773-7039
PG 5
City Receives “Plant of the Year” Award
On
January 18, 2008, the City’s Wastewater Operations staff and Public Works
Superintendent were honored and privileged to receive the “Plant of the Year” award
for treatment plants less than 5 Million Gallons per Day (MGD). The award was
presented at the annual banquet for the California Water Environment Association
(CWEA) Tri-Counties Section. This award wouldn’t have been possible without the
recent treatment plant upgrade.
The treatment plant upgrade and expansion was completed in July 2006 at the cost of $12 million. The original treatment
plant was constructed in 1953 and the town had since grown into a major tourist destination. The wastewater staff would like
to say thank you to everyone that made this award possible. The citizens, City Council and City management have earned
the right to be recognized as leaders in the protection and enhancement of the water environment.
The Tri-Counties Section is an affiliation of the CWEA and includes San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. It
is a not-for-profit association of more than 8,000 professionals in the wastewater industry. The award evaluates a treatment
plant using nineteen different criteria ranging from permit compliance to maintenance efficiency, public relations and facility
accomplishments. Having received this award, the treatment facility is automatically nominated for the Statewide “Plant of
the Year” award, which will be presented at the 80th Annual CWEA State Conference in Sacramento in April.
Tourism’ly Yours
Pismo Beach KITEXPO
April 26 – 27
This Xtreme Big Air Kite Boarding Event is the ultimate opportunity to get the leading edge
information from industry experts about new technology and techniques. Test all the newest
2008 kites and boards. This is the largest kite-boarding event in California and in the country.
Registration is FREE! For more information, please visit http://XtremeBigAir.com/KiteXPO/ or call
805-773-9200
Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves
May – November (1st Sunday of each month)
Over 90 local artists and craftsman displaying paintings sculpture, pottery, glass art, textile,
jewelry, wood, metal furniture, health and beauty products and more. Enjoy coffee, pastries,
barbeque and on-site massage. For more information, call Shannon at 805-704-8128
Got Meeting
Space?
If you’re interested in
having your next business
meeting, seminar or civic
organization in Pismo
Beach, please call us at
the Conference & Visitors
Bureau (CVB) 773-7034.
Midweek specials.
No meeting is too small
Pismo Classic Car Show
June 20 – 22
The Budweiser Clydesdale Horses will again be at the show. The scene has become a familiar one throughout the years.
The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, pulling a red, white and gold beer wagon will come to life with the cheers and
applause of onlookers. Also, live entertainment, food and drink, and many booths. For more information, call Just Cruzin’
Productions (866) 450-7469
July 4th Celebration
If you enjoy Pismo Beach fireworks from your backyard, balcony, or the beach, please remember you can help by donating
to the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Fundraiser. Every dollar helps for a more extraordinary display. For
more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 805-773-4382
St. Anthony’s Celebration
August 16 – 18
The St. Anthony’s Celebration Committee Sponsors this annual event to celebrate the cultural contribution of the area’s
Portuguese descendants and heritage. The parade begins on Sunday at 11:00 AM with Sopas being served at the St.
Anthony’s grounds at 390 Bello St.
Visit www.ClassicCalifornia.com, the official Pismo Beach Visitor Guide web site.
PG 6
Library News
A
huge thank-you to everyone who completed our recent survey. We had an outstanding
response! In fact, we had even more participants than the large branches did with multiple public
meetings. Your responses were no surprise. You wanted more open hours (51%) and more books
and materials (45%). There were many suggestions for improvement, ranging from building a new
facility to installing wireless Internet access to serving cookies! Some of your suggestions require
years of planning. I’ve made a list of some that can be easily and inexpensively implemented and accomplishing those will
be my goal this year.
First up, I’ve asked that an additional day be added to our schedule. We’re in a tight budget year, with probably more to
follow, so you won’t see that implemented for awhile.
Second up, you wanted wireless Internet service. I’ve asked our Library’s Tech Support unit to add us to their planning
list.
Third up, you asked for more BBC/Masterpiece Theater-type programs. Using funds from our Shell Beach Woman’s Club
bequest, I’ve just placed an order for 12 DVDs, including biographies, mini-series and historical events.
If you have specific requests throughout the year, please do let me know. Your Friends of the Library makes gift funds
available as needed and I’m always looking for suggestions.
We’ve just completed our annual winter reading program for adults “Wine Not Read a Good Book?” Your Friends of the
Library and other donors rewarded finishers with gift certificates, gift bags and other prizes- many following our wine theme.
If you patronize any of these businesses, please thank them for supporting your library: Alex’s BBQ, Avila Vineyard, Laetitia
Vineyard, Marie Callender’s, Talley Vineyard, Tolosa Winery, Trader Joe’s and local artist Judy Chapel. Missed it?? Look for
another program with new challenges coming in November.
Your Friends of the Library had continued to fund our popular KidzArt classes by local artist Judy Chapel. Several classes
have had a full enrollment. Many thanks to Judy and the Friends!!
Are you E-Bay literate?? Want to help us out? On several occasions, we’ve had donations of collections, signed copies or
antique books. We’d like to offer these on E-Bay and need a volunteer willing to list them for us.
If your household includes a school-age child, you probably encounter school reports throughout the year. Check out the
Library’s web site for an excellent resource. Begin at www.slolibrary.org., select “on-line research databases”, then “Social
Studies Fact Cards”. Developed by California teachers, they’re a useful resource for Indians, missions, states, and more.
Come on by on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between noon and 5:00 pm. See you then.
Chamber of Commerce
Plan your neighborhood celebrations and backyard b-b-q’s now for the grand 2008 4th of July
Fireworks extravaganza. Whether you plan to watch the show at the beach or from your own
home you won’t want to miss this very amazing night of artistry in the sky. The Pismo Beach
Chamber of Commerce is once again in the planning and fundraising stages for the annual 4th of July celebration in Pismo
Beach. This incredible citywide event includes entertainment and vendors at the pier throughout the day and is finished
with an amazing fireworks show. If you would like to make a contribution to the 4th of July Fireworks show you may do so
at the Chamber office (581 Dolliver Street) or by phone with your Visa or Mastercard (773-4382).
The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center is open to serve the Pismo Beach Community
seven days a week. If you have guests coming to visit, stop by the visitor information center to collect all kinds of information
to keep your guests busy and entertained during their visit. Also available, free of charge, are local Pismo Beach/South
County maps, event calendars and so much more. You can also visit our web site for various business referrals, www.
pismochamber.com.
PG 7
Street Maintenance Project
The City’s street maintenance project for the 2007-2008 fiscal year is 99% complete!
This has been the largest street project in the history of the City and includes a budget
of approximately $4 million.
In 2006 City Council adopted the new Pavement Management System. This
pavement “master plan” recommended that future street maintenance focus on the
City’s arterials and collectors. In keeping with this recommendation, this year’s project
included paving on James Way, Five Cities Drive, Oak Park Boulevard, Price Street
downtown, Price Street between Mattie Road and Cliff Avenue, Shell Beach Road, Highland Drive and Hinds Avenue
between the freeway overpass and Price Street. The project also included the following work:
• Shell Beach Veteran’s Hall parking lot repaving
• Pismo Beach Veteran’s Hall parking lot repaving
• Ocean Boulevard curb construction and access ramp construction
• “A” Avenue repaving
Striping work will continue for the next few weeks and then the project will be complete.
The City used a relatively new “green” procedure on Oak Park Boulevard, Price Street and Five Cities Drive. Recycled tires
were ground into chips, melted and mixed with an asphalt emulsion and then used to create a rubber interlayer that will help
stop cracks in the underlying pavement from reaching the surface. The process is called a “Cape Seal”. Rock is rolled into
the rubber interlayer and then covered with a sand- asphalt emulsion to create a smooth surface and keep the rocks from
becoming dislodged. This product was used successfully on Shell Beach road last year. The City expects the new surface
to last at least seven years before additional work is needed.
Employee Spotlight
Mark Coppes is the City’s new Parking Supervisor. Mark is a second generation
Mark Coppes
Parking Supervisor
native Californian who comes to Pismo Beach from Oceanside, CA. The majority
of his career was spent at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department where he
spent 20 years as a law enforcement officer and supervisor. Leaving San Diego,
Mark spent 2 years with the Breckenridge, Colorado Police Department. While
assigned to this Colorado ski town, Mark was responsible for the supervision of
the parking operations and code enforcement. Returning to Southern California,
Mark spent 5 years at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s,
Office of Inspector General. Here, Mark was responsible for investigating
allegations of waste, fraud and abuse concerning this transportation entity’s
resources.
Mark has been married to his high school sweetheart Rebecca for 28 years and
they have two adult children. Mark’s education includes an undergraduate
degree in Business from the University of Redlands and his Master’s degree
from Azusa Pacific University in Organizational Management. He also holds
two professional credentials, a CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner and a CFS
– Certified Fraud Specialist, from the two nationally recognized governing
organizations. Mark has owned a small investigative firm and is also a
California Licensed Private Investigator.
Mark and his family have fulfilled a life long dream to live and enjoy the
central California coast and plan on making Pismo Beach their residence.
PG 8
Ever wonder who that voice was at
the end of the line when you called
City Hall? Who was it that came
out to do a meter read? Who made
sure your streets were safe or your
parks clean? Each issue of the
Clam Chronicle introduces you to a
member of the City’s staff and helps
you put a face with that name.
A Page in History
Pismo Car Shows
By Effie McDermott
In June, Pismo Beach will once again host the car show and our downtown will become a street show for auto buffs and car
fans. We have a rich tradition of being a magnet for parades of autos going up and down the coast, dating back to the days
of The El Pizmo Inn and Tent City. With the coming of Highway 101 in 1925, the auto and Pismo Beach were a match made
in Heaven. Fed by a steady stream of travelers along the highway, for decades our signature lodging was motor courts and
auto camps. As the motor lodges aged, the cars became collectors’ items.
In 1986 the Pismo Beach Business Improvement Group, pondering new ways to improve business
and raise money to fund community projects, embraced the idea of a car show proposed by downtown
businessman Paul Bailey. Being a collector of antique autos and a car show aficionado, Bailey was
familiar with car shows. Not only did he offer to chair the event and enter five show cars, he offered
to underwrite the event to make it happen. He volunteered and asked only that, if the car show made
money, he be repaid.
According to Bailey and 1987 BIG president Les Splear, the first car show was June 28-29, 1986, and was put on entirely
by volunteers. It attracted 300 entries and 10,000 visitors. An immediate success, it made enough to pay Bailey back as
well as put a couple of hundred dollars in the BIG treasury. Being too close to July 4th, it was moved to mid-June and soon
became one of the most popular car shows in the state and an annual fundraiser for our community.
Splear thinks back on how much work went into it those first few years, and wonders how they ever did it -- developing the
program, soliciting the entries, advertising, fliers, instructions, programs, banners, lapel pins, souvenir buttons, a BBQ and
dance, $3,000 in raffle prizes, marking the streets, coordinating food and vendor booths, scoring the ballots, judging and
presenting the awards -- all with no paid staff and no computers. City employees volunteered, the Chamber of Commerce
pitched in, and the Moose Lodge put on a pancake breakfast. Mayor Nebb Eldwayen welcomed everyone to town.
Beginning with the 2nd show, Bailey sponsored celebrities like astronaut Gordon Cooper and a quick draw shoot out on
Cypress Street.
Glo Rivera and her family-run promotion company helped originally as volunteers, but after a few years they contracted
with BIG to run the event, which they did until 2004, with a portion of the proceeds going to BIG to sponsor local festivals
and events. In 1989 Rivera reported that the event took 12,000 hours, beginning a year in advance and utilizing over 100
volunteers. By 2005, when the city contracted the show to Just Cruzin’ Promotions, it had earned its place as a major
annual event for the city. In 2007 Just Cruzin’ added the Budweiser Clydesdales. Through the live charity auction Just
Cruzin’ raised $60,000 to donate to the Veterans Car Show in Loma Linda. In 2008 the Pismo Beach car show is expected
to have 1,000 entries, the Clydesdales, and 125,000 visitors over 3 days.
This photo of El Pizmo Inn, taken around the turn
of the last century, shows National and Tourist
automobiles cruising gingerly onto the beach at
the end of Pomeroy Avenue. In this photo, they
traverse a wooden-planked roadbed at the end of
Pomeroy as they ease into the sand to follow the
ruts of the pencil-thin tires of those who preceded
them driving along the surf line. Sitting on logs on
the sandy beach with a parasol and in their Sunday-go-to-meetin’ clothes are the car show enthusiasts of the day, taking
it all in.
In 1924 the pier’s high seawall was built across the end of Pomeroy, blocking it at the location in the picture, but leaving beach ramps at other streets. As tourism grew, the beach from Main
to Oceanview was blocked off to cars and preserved as the “Safe Zone”,
Price Historical Park
which was later expanded to encompass all the beaches in the city limits
Open May - October
-- banning cars from the sand. But the car is still king in the streets come
1st and 3rd Sundays, except holidays.
car show time.
Price House tours at 1:00 p.m.
It’s just a little bit of the hidden history of Pismo Beach.
Effie McDermott can be reached at 773-4854 or emcdermott@kcbx.net.
Info: 773-4854
PG 9
Paid Parking Frequently Asked Questions
Why is paid parking necessary in the downtown area?
• To better manage parking
• To provide funding for parking projects and maintenance
• To eliminate general taxpayer funding of parking projects
Why are there no meters in front of each parking space?
• To centralize the issuance of parking receipts
• To eliminate the need to maintaining hundreds of individual parking meters
• Centralized Parking Pay Stations offer more payment options
Where are the Parking Pay Stations?
• The Parking Pay Stations are located throughout the paid parking areas of downtown
• Parking Pay Stations are marked with specialized signage noting the locations
• Refer to the enclosed map, for the exact locations
How do I use the Parking Pay Stations?
•
Insert Coins or Credit Card/Debit Card. Time may be purchased in 1-hour increments with card(s) and
various amounts of time with coins.
• Paid Parking can be bought up to 8 hours maximum and can be pre-purchased before the operating hours
of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Once you have decided on the amount of parking time and paid your amount, press the green button and
a receipt will be issued to you. This parking receipt needs to be displayed face-up on the right side of your
dash to confirm your purchase.
What are the hours of operation?
• Paid Parking is enforced from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday, including week-ends and holidays.
• Parking prior to 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm is FREE!
What are my parking alternatives?
• Park before or after the enforcement hours.
• Park farther from the downtown area, where free parking along city streets can be found.
• Park off-street in private parking areas or dirt lots available to the public. Do not park on private land, if so
marked.
If I have problems, complaints or issues, who can I contact?
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City of Pismo Beach – Parking Division
585 Dolliver Street (at the corner of Dolliver & Hinds)
Pismo Beach, CA. 93449
805-773-7451 voice
805-773-1725 fax
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Calendar Of Events
JULY
JUNE
MAY
1 PRBC – 6:00 p.m.
1
Art in the Park - Dinosaur Caves
1
City Council meeting – 4:30 p.m.
4
3
City Council meeting – 4:30 p.m.
3
PRBC – 6:00 p.m.
6 City Council meeting– 4:30 p.m.
5
PRBC – 6:00 p.m.
4
Independence Day – City Hall Closed
13 Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m.
10 Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m. 4
Concert & Fireworks on the Pier
20 City Council meeting – 4:30 p.m.
17 City Council meeting – 4:30 p.m.
6
Art in the Park - Dinosaur Caves
21 CVB – 3:00 p.m.
19 CVB – 3:00 p.m.
8
Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m.
26 Memorial Day – City Hall Closed
20-22 Pismo Beach Classic Car Show
15 City Council meeting – 4:30 p.m.
Art in the Park - Dinosaur Caves
26 Memorial Day Ceremony @ Pier - 11:00 a.m 24 Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m. 16 CVB – 3:00 p.m.
25 Parking Committee meeting – 10:00 a.m. 22 Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m.
27 Planning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m.
23 Parking Committee meeting – 10:00 a.m.
28 Parking Committee meeting – 10:00 a.m.
Note:
CVB - Conference & Visitor’s Bureau
PRBC - Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission
Art in the Park is held at Dinosaur Caves Park
For additional information on Calendar of Events, please visit the
City’s web site at www.pismobeach.org
CITY NEWSLETTER
The City is pleased to be publishing the City newsletter.
The Clam Chronicle is mailed to City residents on a quarterly basis, in February, May, August and November.
We appreciate your questions or comments. Please call
the Administration Office at 773-4657 or send an e-mail to
ecolborn@pismobeach.org.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
All meetings are open to the public and are
held in the City Council Chamber at City Hall,
760 Mattie Road.
CITY OF PISMO BEACH POLICY OF
NON-DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF
HANDICAPPED STATUS
The City of Pismo Beach does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The City Manager or his assigned
representative, has been designated to coordinate compliance with
the non-discrimination requirements contained in “Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended 99 29 U.S.C 794)”. The City
Manager may be contacted at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach,
CA 93449 or by calling 773-4657.
City of Pismo Beach
760 Mattie Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
PRST STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PISMO BEACH, CA 93449
PERMIT NO. 2
ECRWSS
Resident
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
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