Greetings City of Grover Beach,
2020 has been a year like no other. In a year where we have already endured a global pandemic, an economic downturn, and social unrest, our state now faces the most significant scale of wildfires experienced in a single year. Though these current wildfires are outside of our area, we are all connected to this unfolding situation, from the smoke drafting into our region to the personnel from our own Five Cities Fire Authority serving on fire lines around the state. I am thankful for the professionalism and expertise of our firefighters, as well as our police officers and other first responders committed to helping keep Grover Beach safe.
As we approach the last few months of 2020, there are many ways that our community has adapted to this difficult year. We now have over 20 businesses operating outdoors given indoor restrictions, with some modifying their business model to fit the new realities. Workplaces have shifted to a more flexible environment, combining remote and in-person work to minimize close contact and support working parents. Parents have also shown creativity in helping their kids with distance learning while we wait for schools to reopen safely.
City government has also adapted to this difficult year while delivering results. Though our workforce is largely remote, consistent with State orders, we have continued to receive development applications, issue building permits, process utility payments, maintain City facilities, oversee capital projects, and provide 24/7 public safety services. We started a grant-funded sidewalk project on South 10th Street and Manhattan Avenue and will begin construction later this fall on our next Measure K-14 local street repair project on North 8th Street, South 9th Street, and 14th Street. The Council also approved a hotel project on a vacant property on El Camino Real near Oak Park Boulevard, which will generate future jobs and economic activity.
Lastly, the 2020 election is approaching and I applaud the candidates who wish to serve their community by running for the four seats on the City Council on the ballot. I also encourage residents to learn about Measure F-20 which is a 1% sales tax to address community needs identified by the public. More information on this measure is available at Measuref-20.org.
We’re all in this together and your City government is here to support you. Let us know how we can help at cityhall@groverbeach.org or (805) 473-4550.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bronson
City Manager
