Issue 22 | March 23, 2022
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

In local government, we often talk about laws, budgets, services and other “things” that define what we do. At the end of the day, however, local government is about people, both the residents and the businesses we serve in our community, as well as the employees who provide these services. I’m constantly reminded of the importance of keeping people front and center in how we carry out the work of the City and demonstrate the value of local representative democracy. 

This month marks the return of in-person City Council and Commission meetings after two years of meeting virtually due to COVID-19. Our use of virtual meetings was important given public health concerns and allowed the City Council and Commissions to continue their work to improve the City throughout the pandemic. We provided a “call-in” feature at each meeting to ensure transparency and give the public an opportunity to share comments on agenda items. However, meeting in person again has been a welcome change for Council Members, Commissioners, staff and the public to be together in conducting the people’s business. We invite you to attend Council and Commission meetings, but we will still have the call-in feature available so people can continue to provide comments if they are not able to attend in person. 

March is also the month when the Council will take final action on the City’s first-ever district election map for Council seats. This effort started in 2019 when the City, like other jurisdictions, faced a legal challenge under the California Voting Rights Act over the existing at-large Council election system. Though a legal settlement compelled us to make this change, the Council believed that electing Council Members by smaller districts instead of citywide would make running for Council more accessible to residents. Following the 2020 election, the City began a process to solicit public input into identifying “communities of interest” and hired a demographer to draft potential maps. This open and inclusive process generated nearly 50 maps submitted from the public. The Council ultimately selected Plan 910 as the final map, which will be considered for adoption on March 28. Here’s a link to the district election webpage for more information.

Lastly, the City’s focus on helping the community was evident in the Council’s recent approval of the property acquisition at 955 South 4th Street for a future homeless housing facility using one-time American Rescue Act Plan funds. This facility would be developed and operated by the 5Cities Homeless Coalition to help provide much needed housing units for unhoused individuals. More details are to come, but this is a big step forward in how the City addresses one of the most challenging issues of our time, and one that is faced by every community in our region. 

We look forward to seeing you at a future meeting or City event as we come back together in person as a community! 

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
Newly Adopted Council District Map!
📍The first reading of the ordinance to adopt Plan 901 took place on March 14, 2022. The new City Council district map will be adopted during its second reading on March 28, 2022. 

📢 Thank you to all those who participated in the first Grover Beach districting process! Your input has helped shape the City's elections for the next ten years!

Property Acquisition for Homeless Facility
In response to the need for additional housing options for the City of Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo County’s homeless population, the City Council unanimously voted to acquire the vacant property at 955 South 4th Street to serve as a future site for a homeless housing facility using allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at the March 14 City Council meeting.

Grover Beach Approves an Update to the Building Permit Fees After 20 Years
For the first time in 20 years, the City of Grover Beach updated a portion of the Master Fee Schedule to implement new building permit fees that reflect modern inspection services rates. Updating the current building permit fees enables the City to meet market demands and hire top tier service providers that provide the necessary oversight of construction and remodels throughout the City. 

Grover Beach Community Center Little Free Library
The City of Grover Beach installed a Community Center Little Free Library located at 1230 Trouville Ave, Grover Beach, which is now open to the public. The library will function as a free book-sharing box, where anyone may take a book or leave a book to share with others. Community members are not required to share a book in order to take one, but it is highly recommended to ensure books are always available for the public.

Staff Spotlight
Bryce Moses, Grover Beach Police Officer
Introducing Officer Bryce Moses! Officer Moses, a 2-year law enforcement veteran, came to the Grover Beach Police Department after serving with the Santa Maria Police Department. Bryce grew up in Lompoc, CA and later attended CSU Monterey Bay where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He hopes to continue his education by obtaining his master’s degree. 

Bryce enjoys being a police officer and the challenges he faces each day at work. In the future, Bryce hopes to join the SWAT team, become a range master and be a Sergeant. He is currently a member of the Police Department’s drone unit. 

When asked what he likes best about working in Grover Beach, Bryce said he really enjoys the community support and the positive department culture. In his free time, Bryce enjoys hiking, archery, and being with his dogs.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
City Hall Schedule

City Council Meeting
March 28 @ 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting
April 6 @ 6 p.m.

City Council Meeting
April 11 @ 6 p.m.

Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
April 21 @ 6 p.m.

City Council Meeting
April 25 @ 6 p.m.

Community Events
2022 National Arbor Day Event
The Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a free special event in honor of National Arbor Day on Friday, April 29 from 3-5 p.m. at 16th Street Park. For more information, please email the Parks & Recreation Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which City Council district do I live in, and what is the new election cycle?
Check out the adopted City Council district map on the City's website or by using the interactive review map to find out which district you now reside in.

Starting with the upcoming November 2022 election cycle, Grover Beach will use district-based elections to select City Council members from four districts who live in their district and an at-large Mayor. Council seats for districts 1 and 2 are up for election this year, and districts 3 and 4 will be up for election in 2024. The at-large Mayoral seat is up for election every two years.

Visit groverbeach.org/districting for more information.
Know the Code
How the Grover Beach Municipal Code (GBMC) City Rules Affect You
Public Dog Leashing Code

Did you know that all dogs in public spaces must be secured by a leash?

Grover Beach Municipal Code 3521 states that all dogs on any public street, alley, lane or open public space must be secured by a leash in the hand of the person responsible for the dog. There are, however, some exceptions. A leash is not required if the dog is secured within a vehicle, or if the dog is at “heel” beside a competent person and the dog is obedient to that person.
We're Hiring!
Work with us! City Employment Opportunities Include:
  • Engineering Technician
  • Police Officer - Lateral Transfer/Academy Graduate
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550