Issue 11 | April 22, 2021
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

Happy April, Grover Beach! The renewal over the past couple of months has continued as we progress forward this spring. We are making great strides towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic as more and more people get vaccinated while we continue for the time being to keep distance, wear face coverings, and avoid large gatherings particularly indoors. I just received my second vaccine shot thanks to the great work of the SLO County Public Health Department in operating our regional vaccination clinics. From the beginning, SLO County government has been committed to taking care of its people and I am grateful for what this county has done in its COVID-19 response. 

It’s said that the only constant in life is change and this is true for our community. We are continuing to transform our streets with two active Measure K-14 street repair projects under construction and a third beginning design shortly. We just began removal of the existing 20-year-old playground equipment at 16th Street Park as we install a new modern playground this summer for children and families in our community. We recently presented the largest Capital Improvement Program in our City’s history with 22 projects totaling $13 million for next fiscal year and many more projects lined up for the next several years to improve our infrastructure. Lastly, we’ve unveiled new public art on City-owned utility boxes along West Grand Avenue created by residents of Grover Beach and other nearby communities to liven the appearance of our primary thoroughfare. 

I also wanted to take a moment and acknowledge a change on the City Council in the recent appointment of Daniel Rushing to a vacant position on the Council. The vacancy was created with the resignation of Mariam Shah as she and her family moved out of the city. Ms. Shah served the community with honor and dedication in over six years of service on the City Council and her contributions will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Rushing will be a great addition to the Council as an active member of the community with strong experience, vision, and interests for the future of Grover Beach and I look forward to working with him as a member of the Council. 

We don’t just change for change’s sake in Grover Beach, we change to make our community an even better place. Thank you for being part of Grover Beach and living, working, investing, or playing here. Let us know what we can do to assist you at (805) 473-4550 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
Welcome Council Member Daniel Rushing!
This week we welcomed Daniel Rushing as Grover Beach's newest council member, who will fill a recently vacated term that expires December 2022. The City Council interviewed eight applicants for the position and appointed Rushing by unanimous vote.
City's Largest Capital Improvement Program Advances to Address Community Needs
At its March 22nd meeting, the Grover Beach City Council directed staff to finalize the Fiscal Year 2022-26 Capital Improvements Program. This includes $13 million for 22 proposed projects in the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1 (FY 22), which is the City's largest single year of capital projects to improve public infrastructure in Grover Beach.
Grover Beach Kicks Off 2021 Arbor Day Celebration
To kick off the City's Arbor Day celebrations this month, the Grover Beach City Council adopted an Arbor Day proclamation that recognizes the importance and value of planting trees. The community is also encouraged to plant and care for trees, as well as join in the City's Arbor Day celebrations where participants can receive a free Arbor Day themed goodie bag!

Talented Local Artists Help Transform Grover Beach Utility Boxes
Seven City-owned utility boxes along West Grand Avenue have been transformed into public art. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of designs while they are out and about in Grover Beach, including coastal and wildlife-inspired scenes, a fun take on the city's agricultural history and several more modern-inspired designs.

Staff Spotlight
Yesenia Noriega | Accounting Specialist
Yesenia Noriega has been working for the City and serving the Grover Beach community for 26 years. She has made herself invaluable over the years, having "worn many hats" during her time with the City. This has included Front Desk, Utility Billing, Business Tax Certificates and Payroll roles.

Yesenia is a long-time resident of San Luis Obispo County, having been born, raised and currently residing in Santa Maria. Her father and mother both came to California looking for the American Dream and were sharecroppers with the Santa Maria Berry Farms for 30 years. Yesenia says she learned the true meaning and value of hard work by spending her summers with her siblings and parents picking strawberries.

Yesenia is happily married with two children - Ethan is 10 years old and Isaiah is 18 years old and graduating from high school this year. During her free time, Yesenia loves spending time with her family and, of course, shopping!

While Yesenia looks forward to learning and expanding the possibilities within the Administrative Services Department before she retires, she plans to continue serving the community for many more years before that time comes.
Upcoming Meetings & Events

April 26, 2021 @ 6 p.m.

May 4, 2021 @ 6 p.m

City Council Meeting
May 10, 2021 @ 6 p.m.

Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
May 20, 2021 @ 6 p.m.
In honor of National Arbor Day, plant a tree and share photos/videos to social media with the hashtag #GroverBeachArborDay! For more information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?
San Luis Obispo County is now vaccinating residents age 16 and older. Please note that all those under 18 will be matched with a Pfizer appointment and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their vaccine appointment.

A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools we have to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine offers hope of sending our kids back to school, going to concerts and birthday parties, wine tasting, and enjoying normal life on the Central Coast.

Visit RecoverSLO.org/Vaccines to schedule an appointment and get answers to frequently asked questions about available COVID-19 vaccines.

City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550