Issue 09 | February 17, 2021
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

I’m normally an optimistic person but let’s face it, January was a rough month. COVID-19 cases were extremely high following the holiday surge and businesses continued to face significant restrictions. We had the promise of a historic vaccination effort that was hamstrung by limited vaccine supply and assistance from the federal and state governments. We also had the riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 that shook our faith in our governance and led to an inauguration with an unsettling military presence rarely seen in this traditional peaceful transition of power. 

But we have persevered and February is showing signs of hope and optimism for our future. COVID numbers are down and businesses have taken another step towards safely reopening and providing jobs for employees. Our vaccination efforts are kicking into full gear with more vaccine supply and resources arriving and our county is seen as a model for other counties in how local government employees, health care workers, and community members work together to support this important activity. Activities in our nation’s capital are focusing on governance with the new administration and Congress determining future policies to guide our country.  

Closer to home, Grover Beach continues to lead locally with civility, transparency, and results. Our financial outlook is strong with a projected budget surplus this year that allows us to support one-time needs such as a new playground at 16th Street Park and restriping of West Grand Avenue. We project a multi-million dollar budget surplus for each of the next five years given increased revenue from voter-approved Measure F-20 and the City’s cannabis businesses along with a prudent level of reserves for future uncertainties. We continue to face important community needs that require sizable resources including fixing major streets, adding more sidewalks, supporting our public safety services, and continuing to support businesses. But our City’s financial position will allow us to make significant progress thanks to the investments that residents have made in our community. 

Lastly, we appreciate the community input submitted about key priorities for the City to focus on over the next two years. Key themes included street repairs, homelessness, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, beach access, and business support and economic development particularly along West Grand Avenue. This information was shared with the City Council in preparation for their FY 2021-23 goal-setting workshop scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 26. This workshop will be streamed on our website and shown on Channel 26 and open for public comments like regular Council meetings. 

Thank you for living, working, investing, or playing in Grover Beach. 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
Earn Gift Cards to Local Businesses through Grover Beach#BuyLocal Program
In partnership with the South County Chambers of Commerce, the City launched the #BuyLocal program as part of an ongoing effort to stimulate the economy, retain local jobs and help small businesses recover and thrive. Spend $100 or more at a participating small business in Grover Beach to receive a $25 gift card! 
Public Participation Informs Grover Beach Council's FY 2021-23 Goal Setting Process
Given the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, as well as the recent passage of Measure F-20 by Grover Beach voters to generate additional funds for City initiatives, community input was more important than ever this year.


Grover Beach Continues Progress on Street Improvements with New Projects
Furthering a longstanding Major City Goal, the Council provided direction for moving forward with the final design for the South Oak Park Boulevard Complete Streets Project on January 25. Additional street projects are currently underway through the Measure K-14 Street Rehabilitation Program. 

Grover Beach Budget Forecast Shows Strong Financial Position to Address Community Needs
The Grover Beach City Council recently received the City’s Mid-Year Financial Review for the current fiscal year (2021-22), which highlighted Grover Beach’s strong financial position heading into the next year’s budget. The City’s favorable mid-year budget projections and five-year financial forecast will allow for substantial progress towards addressing community needs

Staff Spotlight
Karla Mattocks
Management Analyst/Human Resources
Karla brings many years of business experience in the field of Human Resources to Grover Beach, including staffing and recruitment, onboarding and managing a broad range of HR duties. She often likes to say that she endeavors to put the “human” into all aspects of Human Resources.

Karla’s roots are firmly embedded in San Luis Obispo County and working with the City of Grover Beach gives her the opportunity to give back to the City, City employees and the coastal communities where she was born and enjoys living. 

Karla was born in San Luis Obispo and raised in Northern California. She lived in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (18 years) before returning to the Central Coast in 2013. She acquired a love of travel and a solid fluency in Spanish during her time in Mexico.  

Karla has extensive family history on the Central Coast. Her grandfather, Edgar S. Mattocks, and his wife, Mattie Smyer, were longtime residents of Shell Beach. They opened the original Mattie’s Tavern in Pismo Beach, which was sold after Edgar's passing and the name changed to McClintocks’. Mattie Road is named after Mattie Smyer and was built to provide access to Mattie’s Tavern after the new Highway 101 was opened. 
Upcoming Meetings & Events

City Council Meeting
February 22, 2021 @ 6 p.m.

City Council FY 2021-23 Goal-Setting Workshop
February 26, 2021 @ 9 a.m.

City Council Meeting
March 8, 2021 @ 6 p.m.
City parks and playgrounds are OPEN with physical distancing required in accordance with public health guidelines.

For more information on community events contact [email protected].
Grover Beach Public Art Program
West Grand Avenue is adorned with wonderful art designs from local artists. Meander through the City to see the creative designs! Pictured left: Octopus by Scott Lakey.

National Arbor Day
In honor of National Arbor Day in conjunction with the City’s recent 60th anniversary of incorporation, we are setting a goal to plant 60 new trees throughout the year with the public's help! We are giving away goodie bags while supplies last! Help us meet our goal by planting a tree and posting photos/videos to social media with the hashtag #GroverBeachArborDay. For more information, visit ArborDay.org.

Virtual 5k Fun Run & Walk
Register online at www.GroverBeach.org to
participate and earn a chance to win up to $100
in gift cards to local Grover Beach businesses.
Co-sponsored by students in the Cal Poly
Experience Industry Management Department.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the 5Cities
Homeless Coalition.

Follow the City's website and social media for information about virtual recreation classes and programs!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools we have to end the COVID-19 pandemic. San Luis Obispo County is currently vaccinating seniors age 65 and older, as well as frontline healthcare workers identified as eligible in the Phase 1 tier. More appointments are added as additional supply becomes available.

Visit RecoverSLO.org/vaccines to get more information about COVID-19 vaccination distribution in San Luis Obispo County and to sign up for a vaccine appointment based on eligibility.

How can I get more involved with the City?
Applications are now open for several Grover Beach Commission seats, including the Citizen Oversight Committee for City Revenue Measures, Planning Commission, and Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Commission! This is a great opportunity to participate in civic service and help shape the direction of our City's future. Visit the City's website to learn more and apply.
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550