Greetings City of Grover Beach,

I hope you all had a great summer. This month marked the beginning of the school year, which is a big moment for families in our area, including ours as we now have two kids in high school (a junior and a freshman) along with a 5th grader in elementary school. We have great schools here, and we appreciate all the teachers and staff who care about the learning and wellbeing of the kids in our community.

We’ve had fantastic events in Grover Beach the past month as we wrapped up the summer and began the fall. Our Police Department hosted the 2nd Annual Back to School Movie Night on Aug. 2 at 16th Street Park, showing the animated classic “Despicable Me.” It was a fun night for families and kids of all ages, including mine. The Police Department also participated in the annual National Night Out event on Aug. 6, which encourages residents to get together in their neighborhoods. I joined Chief Jim Munro in attending these gatherings and heard valuable input from residents about our City. We concluded the 22nd Annual Summer Concert Series after a 11-week run of free concerts beginning in June, which drew over 12,000 total attendees. The musical vibe continued last weekend with the annual Stone Soup Music Festival put on by the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Stone Soup is a quintessential Grover Beach event with eclectic music, local vendors and a diverse crowd of locals and visitors enjoying this beloved community gathering.

Moving into the fall, we have a great set of events lined up starting with our 35th Annual Dune Run & Walk at the beachfront on Sept. 15. The event features a 5K run/walk and travels a beautiful course over the beach boardwalk and dunes. Event registration is available on the City’s website. We have another Movie Night in the Park lined up on Sept. 27 at 16th Street Park, featuring Pixar’s “Elemental.” We’re also busy planning for our holiday activities beginning with the Halloween Trunk or Treat on Oct. 25, Santa’s Workshop and Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 6 and Holiday Parade on Dec. 14. More information is on our website and in the Fall Activity Guide. Big thanks to our Community Services staff for putting on these wonderful events, along with our community partners and sponsors!

Lastly, I’m thrilled to share the news that the City has received $3.3 million in grant funding to improve Ramona Garden Park. This funding will enable us to install a long-awaited playground at the park next year along with a music bandshell and amphitheater for our concerts and events. The project costs are just over the amount funded by the grant, so we’re launching a community giving campaign this fall so the community can help support these improvements to our beloved Ramona Garden Park.

There’s a lot more happening in our City, but I’ll save that for future columns. Thank you for being part of our Grover Beach community. Let us know how we can help you or answer any questions about City services or projects at (805) 473-4567 or gbadmin@groverbeach.org.

Matthew Bronson

City Manager

The City is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $3.3 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund Phases 1 and 2 of the Ramona Garden Park Rehabilitation Project.

The funding will enable the City to make improvements to the park as envisioned in the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan. These include the construction of a new playground, amphitheater, restrooms and more.

“We are thrilled to receive this CDBG grant,” said Mayor Karen Bright. “This essential funding will help us achieve the vision set forth by the community in the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan."

Dune Run & Walk Returns to Grover Beach Sept. 15

The 35th Annual Dune Run & Walk is returning to Grover Beach on Sunday, Sept. 15!

Prepare yourself for a memorable and scenic 5K run or walk along the beautiful Grover Beach boardwalk and dunes. The Dune Run & Walk welcomes participants of all abilities, featuring a fun and challenging course with soft and hard-packed sand, dirt trails and wooden boardwalks.

Pre-register for the race online today!

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Micheal Flores - Finance Manager

Meet Micheal Flores, the new finance manager for the City!

Micheal has been a valued member of the City team since 2022, initially joining as an Account Technician III. Selected as finance manager from over a dozen candidates, Micheal brings extensive municipal finance experience from roles at the City of Chico, the County of San Luis Obispo and the California Prison System.

He holds a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from the University of Southern New Hampshire and was named Employee of the Year 2023. Micheal has been pivotal in the City's ERP transition and will continue to enhance municipal financial management and oversee key reports under the Administrative Services Director.

Let’s celebrate Micheal for his exceptional contributions and dedication to our City!

What should I know about the Buy Local Program?

What is the Buy Local Program, and why was it created?

In June 2024, the City of Grover Beach, in collaboration with the South County Chambers of Commerce, launched the Buy Local Program, an initiative to support local businesses impacted by construction of the West Grand Avenue Streetscape 4th-Street Project. The Buy Local Program aims to stimulate spending at affected businesses by offering customers gift cards purchased by the City.

What benefits does the Buy Local Program offer?

For every $100 spent at eligible local businesses in the West Grand Avenue Streetscape 4th-8th Street Project area, customers can receive a $25 gift card to a Grover Beach restaurant, brewery, winery or retail establishment. A complete list of participating businesses can be found on the Chambers’ website. This program allows residents and visitors to support the local economy while enjoying shopping and dining experiences.

What is the area of eligibility?

The area of eligibility spans from PCH/Highway 1 to 10th Street, between Ramona Avenue and Rockaway Avenue.

How can I submit my receipts?

Program details, including how to submit receipts, can be found on the Chambers’ website. Receipts must be dated after June 25, 2024, to qualify. 

How much funding is available for this project?

On June 24, the Grover Beach City Council allocated $15,000 to the Buy Local Program, and the offer will continue on while funds and supplies last.

Understanding the 2024-25 Water Rates

On August utility bills, City water customers will notice a 4% increase in water rates. This scheduled rate increase is part of the 2021 rate schedule now in effect.

On May 13, 2024, the City Council returned water rates to the 2021 rate schedule, which includes annual increases to water rates from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2025. This rate schedule enables the City to maintain water quality standards and fund critical infrastructure maintenance.

Additionally, customers will notice a credit from the City on the August bill. This credit is the difference between the new rates effective July 2024 and the previous rates of June 2024. The City’s billing system can only apply one rate to a two-month billing cycle, so the credit is the difference between the two rates to credit customers for June 2024.

Residents can learn more about 2024-25 water and wastewater rates by visiting the City’s dedicated webpage.

Work with us! City Employment Opportunities Include:

Maintenance Worker I

Community Services Technician