Issue 36 | May 26, 2023
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

May is normally the start of our spring and summer special event season in Grover Beach, and this year is no exception. We began this month with our annual Mother-Son Dance, which is a wonderful community tradition and the only event of its kind in our area. The event sells out each year, and "couples" dance the night away and enjoy a delicious dinner. We also hosted the annual Spring Garden Tour, showcasing beautiful landscaping and gardens in our City. Special thanks to our new local plant store, Moon and Co., for graciously hosting the tour's final stop. Lastly, the inaugural "Strawberries through Grover Beach" event was held this month at the train station and sponsored by numerous local businesses. A huge shout-out to the community organizers who put on this amazing new event celebrating our community!

Looking ahead, our beloved summer concerts are almost here! Beginning on June 4 and continuing throughout the summer, the 21st annual Grover Beach Summer Concert Series will be rocking Ramona Garden Park on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m. Our free concert series is one of the best around. The concert series features a wide mix of rock, blues, jazz and other bands over 12 weeks, local vendors, delicious food and refreshing beverages. The concerts are a wonderful staple of Grover Beach, and if you haven't yet been, come check them out!

Moving from special events to City government, the City Council recently received an update on the City's budget for the new fiscal year beginning in July. Overall, the City continues to be in good financial shape, with a projected surplus next fiscal year and healthy reserves. Budget increases recommended for City departments include the replacement of Police and Public Works vehicles, along with a new Maintenance Superintendent position in Public Works. There will also be a substantial increase in costs for fire and emergency medical services, as the funding in recent years has not kept pace with the rising costs of these services. The combination of these higher costs and funding needs for capital projects and other items will lead to budget gaps in future years unless there is a reduction in costs or an increase in revenues. This issue will be an area of focus for the Council over this next year to determine the most appropriate actions for the City.

Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to our Police Department for the fantastic job they do in keeping our community safe. From securing stolen vehicles to enforcing our new camping ordinance to responding to immediate situations, our Police personnel are committed to our community and serve Grover Beach with distinction. You can check out the Police Department's 2022 Annual Report for more information about how we carry out this work—and if you want to join our department, we have openings!

Thank you for being part of our Grover Beach community! Let us know how we can help you and if we can answer any questions about City services or projects at (805) 473-4567 or gbadmin@groverbeach.org.

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
Summer Concert Series
Get ready for another fantastic summer of music, food and good company! The 21st Annual Grover Beach Summer Concert Series is back and better than ever. 

Starting June 4 and running through August 20, concerts will occur every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Avenue.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy the sounds of some of the best musicians in the area. 

This year's lineup is comprised of a variety of musical styles and genres. All concert admissions are free, and delicious food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Don't miss out on this fantastic community event that's been entertaining locals and visitors for over 20 years!
Grover Beach City Council Receives an Update on the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2023-25 Budget
At its meeting on May 8, the Grover Beach City Council received an update on the fiscal year (FY) 2023-25 budget process and proposed work programs for the Major City Goals. The City will be holding a public hearing on June 12 to review the proposed budget for the next two years and receive direction from City Council on any adjustments.

Grover Beach Police Department Releases 2022 Annual Report and Establishes 3-Year Strategic Plan
The Grover Beach Police Department (GBPD) released its 2022 Annual Report this month, highlighting the department's accomplishments and efforts to foster transparency from the past year. In addition, GBPD developed its first 3-year Strategic Plan that will be implemented between 2023-2026.

Grover Beach Awards Community Grants to Local Nonprofits
On May 22, the Grover Beach City Council approved 11 recommended recipients for the FY 2023-24 Community Grants Program. The program distributes $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to nonprofit organizations that provide key community services or programs for Grover Beach residents. 

Staff Spotlight
Mike Flores, Accounting Technician III
Meet Accounting Technician Mike Flores! Mike was born and raised in Sacramento before relocating to the Central Coast in 2018.

Before joining the City of Grover Beach, Mike was an accounting technician for Santa Barbara City College and the City of Chico and an accountant for the State of California.

Mike is currently pursuing his bachelor's in accounting and hopes to earn a Master's in Business Administration within the next year. Mike enjoys serving the public and has been thrilled to join the City of Grover Beach’s team.

In his free time, Mike likes to spend time with his wife and their two dogs at the beach and hike the many wonderful trails the County offers.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Community Events
Recap: Mother-Son
Luau-Themed Dance
Mother Son Dance Collage

The Mother-Son Luau-Themed Dance on May 12 was a night to remember! Festivities included delicious food, music and family-friendly luau-inspired activities.

Pairs and friends showcased their best moves, grooving to the beats of tropical tunes and took advantage of the photo booth by posing with leis, sunglasses and colorful props!

Duos also unleashed their artistic sides at the arts and crafts station. Moms and sons teamed up to hand paint clay surfboard and starfish ornaments as a special keepsake to take home from the night.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Mother-Son Luau-Themed Dance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Grover Beach sunset with beach and lighthouse
What is the Master Fee Schedule?
What is the Master Fee Schedule?

The Grover Beach Master Fee Schedule is a comprehensive document that outlines the fees and rates associated with various services, permits and activities provided by the City of Grover Beach. It serves as a guide for residents, businesses and developers to understand the costs and charges for different City services.

Why is the Master Fee Schedule important?

The Master Fee Schedule ensures transparency and consistency in the fees and rates charged by the City of Grover Beach. It helps residents, businesses and developers to plan and budget for services they may require, such as building permits, business licenses, parks and recreation activities and public works projects.

How is the Master Fee Schedule determined?

The fees and rates in the Grover Beach Master Fee Schedule are determined by considering various factors, such as the cost of providing the service, staff time, materials, overhead expenses and applicable legal requirements. The calculation process aims to ensure that fees and rates are fair and proportionate to the services provided.

Fees and rates are established by Resolution or Grover Beach City Council Ordinance and are subject to increase effective July 1, 2023.

Where can I find the Master Fee Schedule?

Encroachment Permit
An encroachment permit is required for all work in (or use of) the public right-of-way. This includes public streets, sidewalks and utilities.

If you are hosting a project or event within Grover Beach, you may need to file for an encroachment permit. A permit can be required for any reason and any duration of time.

If you are unsure whether your project or event is located in the public right-of-way, you can contact Public Works directly at publicworks@groverbeach.org to confirm.

For more information and to apply for an encroachment permit, you can visit the Encroachment Permits webpage.
We're Hiring!
Work with us! City Employment Opportunities Include:
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550