Issue 18 | November 18, 2021
Grover Gazette
Message From the City Manager
Greetings City of Grover Beach,

What are you thankful for? This is a natural question as Thanksgiving is upon us and thoughts turn to getting together with family, friends and loved ones. 2021 has been a roller coaster of a year with numerous challenges and difficulties from the impacts of a global pandemic that have affected our health, economy, spirit and mental well-being. However, there is still much to be thankful for and it’s important to find those rays of gratitude within us and express them to ourselves and others.  

Here’s a list of what I’m thankful for 😊: 

  • My wonderful family including my wife Samantha, my kids Reid, Chloe and Tyler, my parents and sister, and my extended family both near and far 
  • Health and well-being, which has been put to the test over this past year, but I’m appreciative of our health system for everything our doctors, nurses and other health professionals have done to help all of us
  • Supportive, dedicated and thoughtful City Council providing policy leadership for our community and City organization and always looking at how Grover Beach can be even better
  • Dedicated, talented and compassionate City employees who care about serving Grover Beach along with fellow city and county managers who serve their respective communities
  • Amazing local business owners who put their heart and soul into their businesses every day and provide jobs and economic activity for our community
  • Tremendous local community members who care about and support one another in our beachfront city on the Central Coast 

As you enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to ask yourself what you are thankful for to recognize the positive in our lives. If you’re so inclined, you can share your thoughts with us as part of our Thanksgiving Thankfulness Contest by emailing us at [email protected] by Nov. 18 (accompanying photos are welcome). More information is available on our website

Thank you for being part of our community, and as always let us know what your City government can do to help you at [email protected] or (805) 473-4550. Have a healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Matthew Bronson
City Manager
In the News
What are you thankful for this season?
Today is your last chance to share what you are thankful for this season for a chance to win a delicious Thanksgiving spread! Submissions should be sent to [email protected] today, November 18. Accompanying photos are highly encouraged. Three winners will be announced Friday, November 19 ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The grand prize entry will win a dinner for four from The Spoon Trade, while the second and third place winners will receive a Cornish game hen and Thanksgiving dessert!
Grover Beach Breaks Ground on Major Street Improvement Project for South Oak Park Boulevard
Grover Beach city officials celebrated the start of new construction on South Oak Park Boulevard between West Grand Avenue and Mentone Avenue, marking a new phase of annual major street improvements and repairs throughout the community. South Oak Park will be reconfigured to include a single travel lane in each direction, enabling the installation of on-street parking and a buffered bike lane.

Addressing Homelessness in Grover Beach
With homelessness being a significant challenge throughout the region, Grover Beach has remained committed to collaborating with local partners to pursue homeless services and prevention efforts in our area. This work is guided by principles of showing compassion while advancing public safety and includes:

  • Eviction prevention
  • Mental health services
  • Winter warming centers
  • Childcare support
  • Expansion of affordable housing
  • Increased services and new shelter options

These ongoing efforts have allowed the City to take recent steps to improve public spaces such as cleaning and trash removal in active encampments in compliance with legal requirements. Individuals in these areas are being connected to services and housing options to help move beyond homelessness.

Grover Beach to Make it Easier to Build Housing with Upcoming Code Updates
Consistent with the Council’s Major City Goal of addressing housing and homelessness, the City of Grover Beach is continuing to take steps encouraging housing construction to meet the diverse needs of its community. City code updates recently given the green light by the Grover Beach City Council will directly contribute to increasing overall housing stock including affordable housing availability. 

West Grand Avenue Enhancements Planned for Street, Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements
The Grover Beach City Council recently heard an update on upcoming street, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements on West Grand Avenue. In conjunction with the City’s West Grand Avenue Master Plan, which lays the groundwork for the revitalization of this commercial area, these improvements will make West Grand Avenue more accessible and enjoyable for residents, visitors and business owners alike

Staff Spotlight
Honoring Retiring Members of GBPD
Commander Angelo Limon, a graduate from Cal Poly University – San Luis Obispo, joined the Grover Beach Police Department as an officer in December of 1997 after working for three years as a police officer in Visalia, CA. Angelo has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Sergeant and Commander. Angelo was also a member of the Police Department’s Tactical Response Team as an officer. In July 2005, Angelo was promoted to Sergeant where he served as a patrol watch commander supervising officers in the field. Angelo graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute program and was also assigned as the supervisor in charge of the police department’s Field Training Program. In September 2015, Angelo was promoted to Commander, completed the POST Management Course and was assigned to manage the Operations Division overseeing patrol operations. In 2018, he was assigned to manage the Administration Division where he was responsible for managing the Detective Bureau, Records Bureau and the Communications Center. Angelo has been responsible for the recruitment of new police department employees and his efforts have led to a fully staffed police department. After 27 years of law enforcement service, Angelo will retired in December so he can spend more time with his wife and three children.
Sergeant Roy Ituralde began his career in law enforcement at the young age of 43 after a 26-year career in retail grocery as a supervisor. Roy attended the Allan Hancock Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in June 2005. Roy was hired by the Grover Beach Police Department in September of 2005 as a Police Officer. As a Police Officer, Roy has worked on patrol, on the Special Enforcement Team, Undercover Tobacco Enforcement and Undercover Human Trafficking Enforcement Team. In 2007, Roy was assigned as a Senior Police Officer where he became responsible for training new police officers and acting as a Watch Commander in the absence of a Sergeant. In 2013, Roy was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Bureau. He has been responsible for being the Traffic Sergeant, an Instructor in TASER, Batons and the WRAP restraint device. Roy also maintained the Police Department’s jail facility as the Jail Coordinator and he was the Coordinator for the department’s Daily Training Bulletins. After 16 years of law enforcement service, Roy will be retiring in December so he can spend more time with his family doing activities such as traveling, camping, fishing and golfing.
Sergeant Celis Rabena began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Reserve Police Officer with the Exeter Police Department. In 1998, Celis went to work as a full-time officer for the Farmersville Police Department. Celis worked patrol and taught DARE. In 2000, Celis has an opportunity to re-join the Exeter Police Department as a full-time police officer. During his time as a Police Officer, Celis was recognized by his peers as the Officer of the Year in 2001, was responsible for raising $10,000 to start the Police Explorer Program for kids, worked as a Field Training Officer training new recruit officers, was a member of the Tri-City SWAT team and was a motorcycle officer. In 2005, Celis was promoted to Sergeant and was recognized by his peers as the Officer of the Year in 2005 and 2011, he was able to complete his bachelor's degree and graduate from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. As a Sergeant, Celis was assigned to the Tulare County Emergency Management Team and was promoted to Team Leader with the SWAT Team. In 2012, Celis was promoted to Lieutenant of the Exeter Police Department. He was assigned both administrative and operational tasks which included becoming the SWAT team Commander in 2013 and President of the Exeter Responds Program which helped at-risk youth avoid gang violence.

In 2015, Celis and his family wanted to relocate to the Central Coast and he was hired by the Grover Beach Police Department as a Sergeant. Celis was assigned to patrol and took on additional tasks at the department. He was able to organize a remodeling of the Grover Beach Police Department including the full repainting and modernizing of office workspaces. Celis was also a key leader within the organization when it came to raising money for Cancer Awareness through the Pink Patch Program. Celis was instrumental in organizing a golf fundraiser that raised over $17,000 for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center in San Luis Obispo County. In 2017, Celis was chosen by his peers to be the Officer of Year for the Police Department as well as the Employee of the Year for the City of Grover Beach. In 2020, Celis was assigned to a newly created Detective Sergeant position where he was responsible for overseeing the Detective Bureau and the Cannabis Regulatory Program. After 25 years of law enforcement service, Celis will be retiring in December so he can spend more time with his family.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
City Hall Schedule

Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
November 18 @ 6 p.m.


City Council Meeting
November 22 @ 6 p.m.


City Hall Closed for Thanksgiving
November 25 & 26


Planning Commission Meeting
December 7 @ 6 p.m.


City Council Meeting
December 13 @ 6 p.m.
Community Events
Holiday Activities
Grover Beach residents have much to look forward to this season, from fun virtual contests with exciting prizes to beloved annual holiday traditions! Get the details and follow the City's social media for updates on:

  • 54th Annual South County Holiday Parade, Santa's Workshop & Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Holiday of Lights Decorating Contest
  • Season of Hope Toy Drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Draw a District Map for Grover Beach?
The Grover Beach districting process will determine which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into each of the City's future four voting districts. By drawing a map, you are helping ensure that communities have the strongest voice possible in expressing their district preferences. When voters with similar interests are drawn into a district together, their combined voices give them a greater opportunity to express their views and elect council members of their choice.

There are both paper and online mapping tools available for Grover Beach residents to draw maps. These tools, as well as other districting information, can be accessed by visiting groverbeach.org/districting.
Know the Code
How the Grover Beach Municipal Code (GBMC) City Rules Affect You
Home Occupation Permits
What are Home Occupation Permits?
Home-based businesses within a residence are allowed under GBMC Article IX Chapter VI Section 6.20.070. Those wishing to operate a business within their residence must obtain a Home Occupation Permit and comply with all applicable regulations. The one-time fee for a Home Occupation Permit is $75. 

In conjunction with the Home Occupation Permit, the applicant would also need to obtain a Business Tax Certificate.

What regulations apply?
GBMC Article IX Chapter VI Section 6.20.070(E) defines home occupations as an accessory use to the full-time use of the property as a residence. The business can have a maximum of one employee in addition to the full-time residents.

The home occupation cannot take up more than 25% of the total floor area of the residence or a maximum of 500 square feet, whichever is smaller. If garage space is used for business purposes, the required off-street parking spaces must continually be maintained.

No signs, window display or outdoor storage of equipment, materials or supplies associated with the home occupation are allowed.

For a full list of general standards and regulations for a home occupation permit, please see the Code section referenced above.

What kinds of businesses fall in the definition of a Home Occupation?
GBMC Article IX Chapter VI Section 6.20.070 (F) says that a home occupation can include office work, arts and crafts work (e.g. small handcrafted items, painting and photography), as well as repair services for small non-hazardous items such as sewing machines, jewelry and computers for mobile businesses where the customer does not visit the residence.

What are Some Prohibited Uses?
GBMC Article IX Chapter VI Section 6.20.070 (G) lists the prohibited uses for a home occupation, which include, but are not limited to: on-site sales of products or services, welding or machine shop operations, carpentry, wood working or cabinet making and construction contractor facilities. 

Have More Questions About Home Occupation Permits?
For more information, please visit the Home Occupation Permit section of the GBMC noted above. Links to the Home Occupation Permit and Business Tax Certificate applications are shown below.


If you have additional questions regarding a Home Occupation Permit, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 473-4520 or email us at [email protected].
City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550