Paul and Louise Squibb, owners of the historic Squibb House, loved Cambria. When they took a walk around town, they picked up any trash that detracted from Cambria’s attractive ambience. They were out walking so often, that they became well known for tidying up the town. Others often joined them, and picking up trash while strolling around Cambria became known as Squibbing. Eventually, SLO County Supervisors designated May 1 as the town’s official Squibbing Day.

That got lost over the years, but Beautify Cambria and the Cambria Historical Society have brought it back.

It seemed appropriate that Squibbing Day was revived the day after Halloween, November 1, 2015, when Cambrians channeled the Squibbs’ spirits and picked up tons (well, it felt like it) of trash from Cambria’s downtown and Moonstone Beach Drive. Ages ranged from seven to seventy — with a few outliers. Even visitors stopped by to find out what was happening, and several said they planned to take the idea to their own home towns.

Everyone enjoyed homemade chocolate and pumpkin brownies, dark chocolate chip cookies and other sweet delights along with lots of lemonade when they deposited their haul and picked up their tote bag and “I Squibbed!” button. Interesting finds included a set of vampire teeth, a hub cap and a hand (even if it did belong to a scarecrow!).

Cigarette butts were ubiquitous, confirmation that our project to install cigarette disposal receptable on all of our newly installed trash-recycling-planters was very much needed.

We thank everyone who came out to help beautify Cambria on our first and subsequent Squibbing days. You are the people who make good towns great!