City of Grover Beach Service and Facility Changes in Adherence to Countywide “Shelter at Home” Order
GROVER BEACH, CA – The City of Grover Beach has been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and following the direction of the County Public Health Department. Public health and safety is a top priority for all of us as this is a serious public health concern given the spread of the virus around the world. The City took a series of initial actions over the past week including cancelling or postponing events along with recreation classes and facility rentals and closing City facilities to public access through the end of March. The City Council also declared a local emergency declaration on March 16, 2020 as a precautionary measure in responding to this public health situation and enable reimbursement of related costs.
The County of San Luis Obispo issued an executive order on March 18, 2020 for a countywide “shelter at home” beginning at 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2020 to slow the spread of infection from this virus. The order is in effect until April 17, 2020 and will be re-evaluated every two weeks. In accordance with this countywide order, the City is focusing its service delivery to the community during this timeframe to “essential governmental functions” allowed under the executive order which are defined as the following services:
• Police patrol and dispatch
• Water treatment and water/wastewater distribution
• Infrastructure projects
• Stormwater response
• Permit review and issuance
Fire and emergency medical services will continue to be provided to the public by the Five Cities Fire Authority. Essential City administrative functions that will continue include payroll/accounts payable along with executive management and communication. During this time, City facilities including City Hall and Community Centers will be closed to public access and as an employee workplace with City staff primarily working from home. Facility closures also include park facilities such as restrooms, playgrounds, sports courts, and the skate park to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Individuals can still access outdoor park areas while adhering to social distance requirements. The Police Station and Corporation Yard will remain in operation given their essential services function.
“We know this is a challenging time for all of us,” said City Manager/Emergency Services Director Matthew Bronson. “Grover Beach is a strong and resilient community and City government is taking the necessary steps to continue providing important public services while ensuring the health and safety of our community.”
The public is encouraged to visit www.readyslo.org for more information from the County about the COVID-19 pandemic and the “shelter at home” order. The City is also posting information on its website at www.groverbeach.org about the City’s response to the pandemic including public notices from the County and other information about the “shelter at home” order. The public can also call the City’s main telephone line at (805) 473-4550 or send an email to cityhall@groverbeach.org to ask questions or get more information about the City’s response or services.
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