SLO County CSDs Allowed to Continue Water Talks, but Split Vote Raises Concerns

Cambria and San Simeon districts consider sharing wastewater infrastructure, but San Simeon's divided board vote could signal future challenges.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cambria and San Simeon Community Services District boards have been authorized to continue discussions about a potential alliance that could involve sharing wastewater infrastructure, such as Cambria's brine disposal and San Simeon's ocean outfall. However, a narrow 2-1 vote by San Simeon's board raises questions about the future viability of such a partnership.

Why it matters

The talks between the two districts could lead to a cost-effective solution for Cambria's water reclamation plant, which has faced challenges with brine disposal. For San Simeon, the partnership could help address the high costs associated with relocating its wastewater treatment plant as required by the Coastal Commission. But the divided vote on San Simeon's board suggests there may be internal disagreements that could complicate the negotiations.

The details

The Cambria Community Services District's general manager, Matt McElhenie, has proposed having treated brine from Cambria's water reclamation plant piped or hauled to San Simeon's existing ocean outfall, as Cambria's current disposal option is cost-prohibitive. Another part of the potential partnership could involve pipelines to carry San Simeon's wastewater to Cambria's treatment plant. While these options would be expensive, grants may be available to help with the costs.

  • On February 26, the county Planning Commission unanimously approved a coastal development permit for Cambria's stalled water reclamation plant, a decision that is likely to be appealed.
  • On March 9, the San Simeon Community Services District board voted 2-1 to continue discussions about the potential alliance with Cambria.

The players

Cambria Community Services District

The local government agency responsible for providing water, wastewater, and other services to the Cambria community.

San Simeon Community Services District

The local government agency responsible for providing water, wastewater, and other services to the San Simeon community, which has been trying to disband due to the high costs of state-mandated requirements.

Matt McElhenie

The general manager of the Cambria Community Services District.

Karina Tiwana

The vice chair of the San Simeon Community Services District board.

Holly Le

A director on the San Simeon Community Services District board.

Michael Donahue

A director on the San Simeon Community Services District board who voted against continuing the talks with Cambria.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.