Issue 07 | December 16, 2020
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

December is a time for reflection and there is much to reflect on in this unprecedented year. I first want to acknowledge the extraordinary election we just experienced with record high voter turnout despite numerous challenges. In addition to a new federal administration, 2021 will see a new City Council serving in Grover Beach. I want to congratulate Mayor Jeff Lee and Council Member Karen Bright for their re-election and welcome Council Members Anna Miller and Robert Robert to the Council. Along with returning Council Member Mariam Shah, we have an excellent City Council that will provide policy leadership to advance the city in the coming years. 

I also reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic that we have experienced throughout this year which has impacted all of us. I am proud of our community’s response to support one another and follow public health guidance to keep us safe and am proud of our heroic first responders and front-line health care professionals. However, we face the most serious time of the pandemic right now with rising case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths following surges from Halloween and Thanksgiving. Many of us know individuals who have had this virus which has personalized this beyond something we just read about. We are all weary of dealing with COVID, but we need to double-down over these coming weeks to stay at home as much as possible, avoid social gatherings, and wear a face covering to not overwhelm our health care system while still supporting our local businesses in a safe manner. Hope is on the horizon as vaccines are coming in 2021 that will end this pandemic and allow us to do the things that we all love to do once again.  

I want to close on a positive note as we finally end 2020 and begin a new year. While this holiday season may look different, it’s still important to recognize the magic of the season with those around you at home. You can also recognize the artistry of Grover Beach residents and businesses in decorating for the holidays as we have over 60 entries in our annual Holiday of Lights decorating contest (see www.groverbeach.org for an interactive map). Lastly, I want to recognize the Grover Beach community spirit that has shined bright throughout this difficult year and will lead the way to a brighter and better 2021.

As always, let us know what your City government can do to help you at cityhall@groverbeach.org or (805) 473-4550. Thank you for being part of our community and I wish you a happy and safe holiday season!  

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
Grover Beach Welcomes Newly Elected Council Members
New and returning City Council Members were sworn in at the December 14 Special City Council Meeting. Mayor Lee, who was re-elected, also appointed Mariam Shah to a one-year term as Mayor Pro Tem. We also thank outgoing Council Members Barabra Nicolls and Desi Lance for their service.
City Launches New Round of Business Assistance Grants Given COVID-19 Financial Impacts
In light of the additional challenges from the State’s recent Regional Stay Home Order given rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Grover Beach City Council approved a recommendation from staff to allocate $500,000 for a third round of business assistance grants for Grover Beach businesses.

Grover Beach City Council Closing the Year with Key Actions for the City's Future
The City Council's recent adoption of two significant plans, the 2020-2028 Housing Element and the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan, is a solid finish to what has been a challenging year. Both plans provide a long-term road map for addressing important community needs and priorities.

Grover Beach Spreads Holiday Cheer with Virtual Celebrations
Although COVID-19 has impacted many celebrations this year, the City of Grover Beach is continuing its tradition of igniting the holiday spirit in the community. The Parks and Recreation Department will announce the winners of the Holiday of Lights Virtual Decorating Contest on the City's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor.

Staff Spotlight
Janet Reese
City of Grover Beach Associate Planner
Janet has been working at the City since 2004. She started as the Building and Planning Technician, then served as Assistant Planner before stepping into her current role as Associate Planner. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and Natural Resources with a concentration in Environmental Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Before joining the Grover Beach team, Janet worked for the City of Temple City, where she started as an aide to the Housing Rehabilitation Program funded by Los Angeles County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds, then transitioned to the Licensing Specialist and Building/Housing Assistant positions.
 
Based on her experience with the CDBG program, Janet began overseeing Grover Beach’s CDBG program shortly after arriving. What was once a relatively incidental part of her duties became a major component in 2012 when the City left the entitlement program (where the County was responsible for the bulk of the responsibilities) and entered the competitive State program. Since entering the competitive State program Janet has assisted in the City receiving three CDBG contract awards totaling almost $7.5M, the majority of which is being used for upgrading deficient water lines throughout the City. In addition to managing grants, Janet also actively works on development applications, General Plan and Code updates, including the recent Housing Element update, commercial cannabis permits, and other special projects.
 
In her free time Janet enjoys spending time with and chauffeuring her daughters around town, volunteering as a Girl Scout troop leader and advising/coaching her daughter's high school dance team. Janet also likes to put her crafting skills to use, periodically creating costumes and props for her daughters' dance productions or even holidays like Halloween.  
Upcoming Meetings & Events

Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
December 17, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

Holiday Closures of City Facilities and Services
December 24 and 25, 2020 and January 1, 2021

City Council Meeting
January 11, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
Winners will be announced on the City's social media pages! Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay safe this holiday season?
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

San Luis Obispo County is currently subject to the State's Regional Stay at Home Order as part of the Southern California Region. During these next few weeks with ICU capacity in our region reaching dangerously low levels, it is critical to stay home except for accessing critical services and getting outside to exercise for mental and physical health. Visit ReadySLO.org to understand what restrictions are in place and find helpful resources for businesses and individuals.

While restrictions on non-essential travel and gatherings will change the way we celebrate this year, it's important to find ways to stay connected meaningfully as we await vaccine distribution which will lead to a brighter 2021.
CELEBRATING SAFELY

To protect yourself and others, it’s important to avoid in person gatherings with those outside your household during this time of rising COVID-19 cases. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected virtually with family and loved ones far and wide. 

  • Prepare and share a holiday meal together over video conferencing
  • Send goodie bags with treats, games and crafts to enjoy together virtually
  • Plan a remote Secret Santa gift exchange and open gifts during a virtual gathering
  • Have a virtual “Ugly Christmas Sweater” contest
  • Download Teleparty to stream Netflix movies and shows with others
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550