Message From the City Manager |
Greetings City of Grover Beach,
September has been quite a month, from searing temperatures that threatened our state’s power grid to rare rainfall that provided a momentary respite from our ongoing drought. These weather events are reminders that while there are many things affecting us that we can’t control, we have a responsibility in local government to address big issues to make our communities better.
Despite our recent rain, we are in a historic drought that has significantly impacted our water supply. Lopez Lake, which supplies 1/3 of our water, is currently at 24% capacity and projected to go below 10,000 acre-feet by December. The groundwater basin, which supplies 2/3 of our water, is dropping as well. We currently have sufficient water supply for community needs, but if we have a third consecutive dry winter, there may not be enough supply to meet the current demand in the 2024 water year. As a result, the City Council has declared a Stage 3 water shortage with a 20% reduction requirement by customers to reduce our water consumption. The Council also directed staff to pursue a short-term supplemental water agreement with other agencies. There is no construction currently underway on large projects, though we may have to adjust the timing of building and development projects, including much-needed housing, based on water conditions. Our community has a record of meeting the challenge of water conservation, and I’m confident these steps will help us ensure sufficient water supply before the Central Coast Blue recycled water project is online in 2025. For more information on the Stage 3 declaration and ways to conserve water, please visit groverbeach.org/221/Water-Conservation-Programs.
Another key issue is addressing homelessness in our community. Homelessness is not solely a City issue, as State and County governments are responsible for mental and public health along with substance abuse services. But cities across the state are grappling with the impacts of homelessness on our streets and public spaces while wanting to help unhoused individuals find a pathway toward self-sufficiency. Our approach is based on showing compassion while ensuring order. This includes funding for rapid rehousing and eviction prevention, support for the “Cabins for Change” housing project developed by the 5Cities Homeless Coalition and regular cleanings of encampment areas to reduce the size and scale of these areas. All of this must be done while meeting legal requirements that preclude removal of homeless individuals from public property unless there is available shelter or designated space. We’re doing what we can on this vexing issue to help people who are in need while maintaining safe public spaces for our community.
Water and homelessness are examples of big issues that your City government is working diligently to address. However, we have much more underway for our community such as the Measure K-14 street repair projects, West Grand Avenue streetscape improvements, beloved community events like the recent Stone Soup Music Festival and the upcoming fall and holiday events. Grover Beach is a place that addresses challenges head-on while celebrating our quality of life in this special community. Let us know how we can help you and if we can answer any questions about City services or projects at (805) 473-4567 or gbadmin@groverbeach.org.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bronson
City Manager
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Joint Meeting on Central Coast Blue Project |
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On September 14, the Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach City Councils held their first annual joint meeting regarding the Central Coast Blue Project. Central Coast Blue is a recycled water project that will provide a drought-resilient water supply to the South County Region for years to come. At this meeting, staff provided an overview of the project including the location of the facility, the purification process, benefits to the region project funding and future construction and operation plans.
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Temporary Emergency Housing Construction Progresses in Grover Beach |
The City of Grover Beach, County of San Luis Obispo and 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) are making progress on the construction of the temporary emergency shelter on 16th Street and Long Branch Avenue in Grover Beach to better assist those experiencing homelessness. The independent cabins were installed on September 1.
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Grover Beach Declares Stage 3 Water Shortage |
On September 26, the Grover Beach City Council declared a stage 3 water shortage requiring all residents to reduce their water consumption by 20%. The new condition requires all residents to adhere to a mandatory 20% reduction in water consumption. To ensure that Grover Beach continues to provide sufficient water to meet community needs, the Council also directed staff to proactively explore supplemental water supply options.
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Upcoming Fall Events in Grover Beach! |
The City of Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to a season of fun fall activities! The City of Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to a season of fun fall activities! From running over the dunes to a pumpkin carving contest, everyone can get in the fall spirit.
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Wendi Sims, City Clerk/Executive Assistant
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Wendi Sims started with the City in 2016 as a temporary Administrative Assistant at the front desk. The three-week assignment turned into six years when she was asked to stay on as a floater to help other departments. In May of 2018, she was asked to fill in as the interim Deputy City Clerk and in November, she was made the interim City Clerk when the former clerk retired. In March of 2019, the City Manager appointed her City Clerk.
Wendi was born and raised in Arizona and moved to California in 2003 after a 17-year career with Hilton Resorts, where she spent the last seven years as the Convention Services Manager. Before coming to the City, Wendi worked various outages for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant and ConocoPhillips Oil Refinery and also did an outage at a nuclear plant in Louisiana.
Wendi is known for her love of animals and when she is not at work, she is home taking care of her flock of chickens, three cats, a bunny, a tortoise and her 16-year-old dog, Morticia. Wendi is happily married and helps her husband run their business, Sims Septic Pumping & Repair. She was also blessed to have her mother move in with them from Scottsdale back in 2020, and they love to garden in the beautiful raised garden beds in their front yard, go shopping and have a glass of wine on their back patio.
"While being a City Clerk was not the career I ever thought of pursuing, now that I am in this position, I find it very satisfying," said Wendi. "I like being a part of the City of Grover Beach and seeing the ideas and direction from the Council successfully transitioned into actions and completed projects by the staff. I enjoy interacting with the Grover Beach community. There is something new every day, and it is definitely not a boring job."
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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City Hall Schedule
Columbus Day - City Hall Closed
October 10, 2022
City Council Meeting
October 11 @ 6 p.m.
Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
October 20 @ 6 p.m.
Joint City Council & Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission Meeting
November 1 @ 6 p.m.
Veteran's Day - City Hall Closed
November 11, 2022
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The City of Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 33rd Annual Dune Run and Walk on Sunday, September 18. Residents of all ages enjoyed a run or walk over the scenic boardwalk and beach. After the race, the City of Grover Beach hosted an awards ceremony recognizing the first and second place racers for all age and gender categories. This unforgettable tradition offers a great way for residents to get active each fall. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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How do I apply for a home construction permit? |
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The City of Grover Beach is here to help residents with the permitting process for home construction projects. A permit is required for all work that involves remodeling, adding or removing square footage, adjusting signs or requires electrical, plumbing and mechanical equipment.
The Community Development Department will work with you throughout the entire permitting process, which includes an application review, several plan checks and inspections. Please visit the Permit Application Process webpage for details about obtaining a permit.
Grover Beach is also pleased to offer discounted permit fees for energy-saving and conservation upgrades. Single-family residential homes are eligible for a 30% discount on permit fees for electric car charging systems, furnace or heater replacements, greywater systems, insulation and energy upgrades, photovoltaic systems and water heater replacements.
For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 473-4520.
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National Emergency Preparedness Month |
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How You Can Stay Prepared
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and here are 4 easy steps you can take to prepare for an unexpected disaster:
- Discuss the specific needs of yourself, your pets and your family with your household.
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Create a Family Emergency Plan Checklist with contact information, evacuation plans and meeting locations.
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Create a disaster supply kit equipped with food, water, prescription medications and other essential supplies.
- Practice your emergency plan with everyone in your household.
To learn more about how you can be prepared for an emergency, visit ReadySLO.org
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Work with us! City Employment Opportunities Include: |
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Community Development Director - The City of Grover Beach is seeking a resourceful and creative Community Development Director who will direct, manage and supervise all aspects of the Community Development Department, including planning, building, code compliance, housing, community block grant programs and commercial cannabis regulatory oversight. If you have strong management and customer service skills, a problem-solving mindset and excellent attention to detail, submit your application by October 7 to join the innovative Grover Beach team.
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City of Grover Beach
154 S 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 473-4550
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