Issue 05 | October 19, 2020
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

Not many school-age children are aware of elections or those running for office. But that was me at age 9 as I wore buttons in support of candidates running for president and U.S. Senate. I’ve always been passionate about civic involvement and the election season is a special time for me as we participate in our civic duty to decide on those who will lead us and on issues that will shape us. I’m constantly impressed with elections officials who are committed to fair and secure elections and make time to visit polling places in our city every Election Day to watch democracy in action. 

Voting in our 2020 election will be done in only 15 days and I don’t need to remind you of how important this election is on all levels. But I do want to highlight the various ways that the County Elections Office has established for us to safely and securely vote this year. In addition to voting by mail postmarked by November 3, you can also drop off your ballot at a County ballot box located outside at Grover Beach City Hall next to the Police Station from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The locked ballot box is brought inside every night and submitted ballots delivered by a designated City employee to the County Elections Office in San Luis Obispo. This box has been well-used with over 1,000 ballots submitted and delivered thus far. In addition, the Grover Beach Community Center will be used as a Voting Serving Center beginning October 31st through November 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. where residents will be able to drop off their ballots or vote in person following public health guidance. 

Lastly, a personal note to our community. This has been a challenging election period for all of us and whatever happens with individual candidates and measures, each of us has a role in building an even stronger community in Grover Beach following the election. This role can take any number of shapes such as sharing input with City officials, organizing a neighborhood watch block, serving on a City commission, volunteering for a community group, or just making sure to treat others with kindness and respect. We have an amazing community, so please don't hesitate to let us know what your City government can do to help you at [email protected] or (805) 473-4550. And make sure to vote!

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
November 2020 Election
All residents are encouraged to vote this election to ensure they have a voice in determining the direction of our city, state and nation's future. More information about the our local election, including council candidates and Measure F-20, can be accessed by visiting the City's website.
Microgrant Program Has Now Helped 40 Local Businesses
The City awarded a second round of business assistance microgrants to 23 local businesses. Through this program to date, the City has awarded over $250,000 to help 40 Grover Beach businesses combat economic setbacks brought about by COVID-19 health restrictions.
Supporting Students with Free Wi-Fi at City Parks
Grover Beach students can safely and securely complete their school work when visiting 16th Street Park and Grover Heights Park, where there is now password-protected and FREE wi-fi service available from Peak WiFi.
Staff Spotlight
Madison Ochotorena
Recreation Coordinator, Parks & Recreation Department
Madison joined the City of Grover Beach in March 2020. Just three days into her new job, COVID-19 required all employees to work from home! Despite this, she has quickly learned the ropes and provided her personal touch to many new virtual events. She excels with online platforms and has expanded the Department's social media presence and is also planning new future programming for the community.

Before joining the Grover Beach team, Madison was the events manager for a Los Angeles nonprofit called Race to Erase MS. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with a concentration in Sport Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, going to the gym, sports, trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.
Upcoming Meetings & Events

City Council Meeting
October 19, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting
October 28, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting
November 16, 2020 @ 6 p.m.
Check out our virtual Halloween celebrations during this spooky season!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of Grover Beach street repair projects?
The City is busy repairing local residential streets through Measure K-14 funding with 38 blocks of improvements under construction this fiscal year. The next project consists of
16 blocks on 14th Street, North 8th Street and South 9th Street, with construction beginning in November. This will be followed by a 22-block project on streets around Grover Beach Elementary School with construction planned for next spring. The Council has identified another 54 blocks of local residential street projects to address within the next couple of years. Major streets of a regional nature, like Grand Avenue, are not covered by Measure K-14 funds. Learn more here.
We're Hiring!
Police Officer
(Lateral and Academy Graduate)
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550