Completion
Dear Readers,
A Message from your City Manager
Matt Downing
As we transition from fall into the winter and holiday seasons, I am pleased to share this new edition of the Arroyo Grande Gazette This issue includes an update on the ongoing Lopez Lake litigation, along with resources to help you stay informed as the situation continues to unfold. You will also find our Department Spotlight on the Arroyo Grande Police Department, featuring our new Chief of Police, Dave Culver, and the leadership he brings to our community
We are continuing to make steady progress on the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project and appreciate your patience as this essential work advances. We are nearing project completion! This edition also highlights our new FlashVote program a quick, easy tool that helps the City better understand community concerns and hear how residents feel about key issues. Our first survey focused on communications, and we look forward to using this platform to stay more connected with you.
We also have a wonderful lineup of community events to kick off the holiday season. The Art in the Park Holiday Market returns on December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans. On December 7th, the festivities continue with the City’s Holiday Parade at 5:00 pm, preceded by the Jingle Bell Dash at 4:00 p.m. And on December 14th, join us at Elm Street Park from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for our annual Tree Lighting and Snow event, complete with plenty of snow and a special appearance by Santa, who will help the Mayor light the tree at 6:00 p.m.
As always, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, where important decisions are made about the future of Arroyo Grande your city and your voice in action
Thank you for staying involved and for being part of what makes our City such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Sincerely,
Matt Downing
Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project Update
AUTHOR Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk & Communications Coordinator
The Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project is shaping up, with the new bridge taking visible form this fall. Since our last update, crews have reached several major milestones
Work began with storm drain installation and forming the north abutment stem wall Falsework, the temporary framework that supports the bridge during construction, was removed, allowing the structure to stand on its own. The bridge soffit, which forms the bottom surface of the bridge that cars pass over, was formed, and the abutments were backfilled. Rock slope protection was installed to stabilize the surrounding areas
The bridge stems, vertical walls that run parallel to traffic and support the bridge deck, were formed and reinforced with rebar, then pre-stressed to strengthen the span. Interior stems, which provide additional support within the bridge structure, were poured along with utilities.
In mid-October, crews poured the bridge deck and then completed the posttensioning
work that strengthens and extends the life of the structure Most recently, they finished the headwall and backwalls, which are the vertical walls at each end of the bridge that help retain soil and support the approach
Each milestone brings us closer to a modern, safe, and long-lasting bridge. The Traffic Way Bridge Replacement is not just infrastructure, it is an investment in the future of Arroyo Grande.
Each milestone brings us closer to a modern, safe, and longlasting bridge.
The City will celebrate the completion of this momentous project with a ribboncutting ceremony in the new year, so stay tuned for details!
Sign up for Traffic Way Bridge notifications on the City website by selecting City Spotlights, or download the MyAG app and enable push notifications to follow progress and event updates
Keeping You Connected: Your Voice Matters
AUTHOR Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk & Communications Coordinator
This fall, the City of Arroyo Grande launched its first FlashVote survey to gather quick, reliable feedback on how well the City keeps residents informed. The survey, conducted September 16–18, 2025, marks the beginning of a more data-driven approach to community engagement, one that makes it easier for residents to share their opinions and easier for City staff to understand what communication tools and topics matter most
FlashVote is an independent survey platform used by local governments across the country to collect statistically valid community input in just 48 hours. Residents who sign up receive short surveys by email, text, or phone, each taking one minute or less. Responses are published publicly and the feedback is designed to reflect the entire community.
For this first survey, the City asked residents to weigh in on how they receive City information, how they prefer to receive it, and what types of updates they want most Of the 613 invited participants, 361 responded (a strong 59% response rate), along with an additional 229 (non-panel) members, for a total of 590 respondents This robust sample size provides a reliable overview of community sentiment.
As the survey results show, residents use a wide range of tools to stay informed about City activities, and many expressed strong preferences for how they like to receive updates
HowResidentsRespondedAbout CityCommunications
A key takeaway from the results: 77% of respondents believe the City does an excellent, good, or OK job keeping them informed.
Thisbaselineisencouraging,showingthat residents generally feel connected to City decision-making and activities. However, thefeedbackalsohighlightsopportunities for improvement, particularly in how and whereinformationisshared.
Many residents noted a desire for more timely updates, clearer explanations of complex issues, and easier access to information The survey also showed that whenresidentsaren’tsurewheretolook, they often rely on word of mouth. This indicatesthatwhileinformationisreaching residents, it isn’t always coming directly fromofficialCitychannels,anareawhere staff can focus on expanding awareness andaccessibility
HowResidentsPrefertoReceive Information
When asked to select their preferred communication methods, residents overwhelmingly chose email as their top choice Other frequently selected options included website updates, social media, anddirectmailforkeyissues.
The preference for email underscores the community’s desire for concise, easy-todigest updates delivered directly to their inboxes
This aligns with national trends showing email as one of the most effective and trusted forms of public communication
Residents also expressed interest in a balanced mix of both digital and traditional tools, reinforcing the need for a multichannel strategy that reaches all age groups and communication styles.
OpenComments:WhatWeHeard
FlashVote surveys offer an opportunity to askopenendedquestionswiththeability for respondents to provide written responses. The open-ended question generated a wide range of ideas, with severalconsistentthemes:
Morefrequentemailupdates
Easier access to information online, especiallyprojectdetails
Moreinteractiveopportunities,suchas surveysandfeedbackforms
Community Members appreciate the communicationtoolscurrentlyinplace,but they want more opportunities to stay informed and engaged throughout the decision-makingprocess.
What’sNext:HowtheCityWillUse ThisFeedback
The results of this first FlashVote survey reaffirm that residents value clear, timely communication from their local government. The City is committed to listeningtothisfeedbackandwillcontinue evaluating opportunities to strengthen outreachefforts,includinghowinformation issharedacrossplatformsandhowupdates areprovided.
This survey represents the City’s ongoing efforts to support proactive, transparent, and inclusive communications. Future FlashVote surveys will help the City track progress, better understand community needs,andcreateongoingopportunitiesfor meaningfulengagement.
The City provides a variety of options to help keep the community connected.
HowtoStayInformed
The City provides a variety of options to helpkeepthecommunityconnected The MyAG mobile app provides a mobilefriendly way to access the City’s website andservices,anddeliverspushnotifications onimportantCitynewsandupdates
Community members can sign up for “NotifyMe”emailandtextalerts,choosing thespecifictopicstheywanttofollow The City also shares updates across its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and X, featuring RecreationServicesactivities,weeklyTraffic Way Bridge updates, short recap reels highlighting what happened at each City Councilmeetingandmuchmore.
For those who prefer traditional formats, theCityNewsletterisavailableinprintatall City offices and in the Council Chamber, and can also be accessed online anytime through the City’s Outreach page at arroyograndeorg/PublicInfo The City’s website, arroyogrande.org, also features rotatingSpotlightsthathighlightCitynews, upcomingevents,andcommunityupdates AnewPopularResourcessectionhasbeen addedtothehomepageaswell.Theselinks are selected based on the most common searches and topics residents look for on the website, and the list will be updated regularlyasthosetrendsarereviewed.
Together,thesetoolsensurethatresidents can receive information in the way that worksbestforthem.
Residentswhowishtoparticipateinfuture surveys can sign up here: wwwflashvotecom/arroyogrande
Proactive Planning for a Resilient Water Supply Proactive Planning for a Resilient Water Supply
AUTHORS Nicole Valentine, Director of Administrative Services & Shane Taylor, Utilities Manager
Arroyo Grande relies on Lopez Lake for 66% of its drinking water, making the stability of this water supply a critical priority In November 2025, the City was presented with a $1.43 million invoice from San Luis Obispo County Zone 3, covering costs related to ongoing litigation against the County over water releases designed to protect endangered steelhead trout While the City is fully committed to environmental stewardship and protecting wildlife, these regional decisions have a direct impact on the City’s water system and financial planning.
To avoid an immediate burden on ratepayers, the City is evaluating financing options to cover these unexpected litigation-related costs while continuing to provide reliable water service. At its Nov. 25, 2025 meeting, the City Council authorized an interfund loan to the Water Fund to fund $1.43 million in unbudgeted litigation costs owed to the County through June 30, 2025 The City’s Measure O-06 Sales Tax fund has sufficient available cash to support this need via loan without affecting any capital projects A forthcoming water rate study will provide a long-range financial plan that assesses future rate adjustments, prepares for infrastructure needs, and accounts for potential true-up litigation bills in future years.
This approach allows the City to pay the invoice now while delaying repayment until the Water Fund is financially stabilized through water rate adjustments
The interfund loan is part of a broader strategy to protect water service, safeguard the community’s water supply, and maintain financial flexibility while upholding the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship
By taking proactive financial and operational steps, Arroyo Grande demonstrates its commitment to both environmental responsibility and community resilience. The City continues to conduct a detailed water and wastewater rate study and a long-range financial plan, which will guide future rate adjustments and infrastructure planning to ensure a sustainable and affordable water system for years to come.
For more information on this Council action and the Lopez Lake litigation, visit ArroyoGrandeorg/LopezLakeLitigation You can also check out the Summer Edition of the Arroyo Grande Gazette, which includes the article “The Legal Battle at Lopez Lake” for background information
Department Spotlight
POLICE DEPARTMENT
AUTHOR Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk & Communications Coordinator
The Arroyo Grande Police Department (AGPD) plays a vital role in keeping our community safe, connected, and supported each and every day With 27 sworn officers and five administrative professional staff members, the department operates around the clock 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide reliable public safety services As the CitywelcomesitsnewChiefofPolice,let’stake a closer look at the people, structure, and valuesthatguideAGPD’swork.
AGPDconsistsoftwomaindivisions,eachwith specialized responsibilities that together form acomprehensivepublicsafetyoperation
PatrolServicesDivision
This division conducts day-to-day policing activities, including patrol operations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and proactive crime prevention. Patrol officers are the Department’s most visible presence, responding to calls for service and engaging directlywiththecommunity SupportServicesDivision
Behind every patrol response is a network of administrative and investigative professionals Support Services manages records, property and evidence, case processing, and conducts follow-upinvestigations
When cases require deeper analysis or specialized expertise, detectives step in to carry investigationsforward.
Together, the two divisions work seamlessly Patrol responding quickly and effectively, and SupportServicesensuringcasesarethoroughly documented,processed,andpreparedforfiling withtheDistrictAttorney’sOffice
AGPD’sApproachtoPublicSafety
AGPD’s mission goes beyond enforcing laws. PublicsafetyinArroyoGrandeisrootedintrust, transparency, and strong community relationships. Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility; AGPD works closely with City departments, regional partners, and the community to deliver coordinated, high-quality service
Within the City, officers partner with staff to support major community events such as the Harvest Festival and Holiday Parade, helping plan and execute safe, well-organized experiencesforresidentsandvisitors
In the field, AGPD works side-by-side with the Five Cities Fire Authority on everything from traffic collisions to structure fires, ensuring timely,unifiedresponsestoemergencies.
Greg Pierce, Support Services Commander Greets Cadet Kai Ayala
Pierce, Services Commander Greets Cadet Kai Ayala
Alejandro Estrada, Senior Officer
Alejandro Estrada, Senior Officer
Regionally, AGPD participates in specialized teams that strengthen public safety across South County These include the Major Traffic Collision Investigation Team a joint effort with the Cities of Grover Beach and Pismo Beach as well as the San Luis Obispo County RegionalSWATTeam,whichincludespersonnel from seven local law enforcement agencies. These partnerships allow AGPD to leverage shared expertise and resources, ensuring that ArroyoGrandebenefitsfromabroadnetworkof coordinatedsupport.
“Public safety is most effective when it is a shared responsibility.”
-Chief Dave Culver
AfterjoiningAGPDasanofficerin2019,he advanced into leadership, serving as the Support Services Commander before his appointmentasChiefofPolice.
MeetA ACare
Chief C career
after graduating from the Allan Hancock CollegePoliceAcademyin2008 Hewentonto serve the Santa Maria Police Department in a wide range of roles, including patrol officer, detective, SWAT team member, field training officer, and community service officer. Those experiences prepared him for the next chapter of his career in Arroyo Grande, a community he feltdrawntobothprofessionallyandpersonally.
Chief Culver describes becoming Chief of Policeasthegreatestaccomplishmentofhis professionalcareer,andheishonoredbythe trust the City Council, City Manager, and communityhaveplacedinhim.Reflectingon his first few months in this position, Chief Culver is confident that the department is well-positioned to meet future challenges through teamwork, innovation, and continueddedicationtoservice
VisionfortheFuture
Looking ahead, the Chief is focused on strengtheningAGPDthrough: Pursuitofinnovativetechnology
Achievingfullstaffinglevels
Launching a three-year strategic plan withmeasurablegoalsandclearfunding priorities
This strategic plan will guide AGPD’s operations and community engagement long-term, ensuring the Department can meetnewdemandsasArroyoGrandegrows
AGPD is evaluating how to best support a growing city while maintaining the supportive, community-oriented environment residents rely on. The Department’s forward-looking approach emphasizes sustainable growth, technological advancement, and strong communityrelationships.
Meetthe dedicatedleaderswho guide theArroyo Grande Police Department
Patrol Services Commander Zak Ayala Support Services Commander
Patrol Sergeants/Watch Commanders
Jason Castillo
Jeffrey Corral
Reggie Bio
Steven Doherty
In Other News . . .
Preliminary Public Review Draft of the General Plan Now Available!
The Draft General Plan is here! The General Plan Team is excited to announce the release of the Preliminary Public Review Draft General Plan. The General Plan is the City's longterm “blueprint” for future growth and development and addresses a variety of issues, including land use, health, safety, and circulation The Draft General Plan was shaped over the last two years through an extensive public outreach process that engaged residents, businesses, developers, and decisionmakers. Feedback can be submitted through the project website (PlanArroyoGrande.com).
New Playground at Parkside Park Now Open!
Residents in the Parkside Village Assessment District asked for new playground equipment in their neighborhood park. The request was reviewed and included in the FY 2024–25 Engineer’s Report which confirmed that the estimated $250,000 cost for new equipment and surfacing was appropriate. After sharing design options with residents, a final playground design was chosen The new playground was officially unveiled on October 16, 2025.
City Launches Redesigned Website
The City of Arroyo Grande is pleased to announce the launch of its refreshed and redesigned website, www.arroyogrande.org. One of the key updates to the site is the new Popular Resources section, which highlights frequently accessed information based on website analytics and search trends. This section will continue to evolve as new resource needs are identified, ensuring that high-demand topics remain easy to find. the City of Arroyo Grande has also added a new accessibility feature to its website to help ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This upgrade improves usability for individuals with disabilities and allows all users to navigate City services with greater ease.
UPCOMING RECREATION SERVICES EVENTS
ART IN THE PARK HOLIDAY MARKET
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the Art in the Park Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Heritage Square Park. Browse an incredible selection of locally made gifts from jewelry, clothing, candles, and skincare products to plants, books, crochet creations, and sweet and savory treats! Celebrate the season, support local artists, and find something special for everyone on your list. The Vintage Renegades will be doing an acoustic performance live from 12 pm to 2 pm on the bandstand!
Mayor’s Challenge
Celebrate the season by showcasing your holiday spirit! The Mayor’s Challenge Holiday Decorating Contest invites both Arroyo Grande businesses and residents to light up the town with dazzling decorations. Submit your entry online between December 1st and 14th at arroyogrande.org/rec and check out the map, which will be available online, to tour all the sparkling displays around town! Winners will be announced on December 17th in the categories of Most Festive, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, and Best Overall
UPCOMING RECREATION SERVICES EVENTS
Tree Lighting & Snow
Celebrate the season at the 4th Annual Tree
Lighting and Snow Event on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 5–7 PM at Elm Street Park! Experience the magic of winter with 20 tons of snow perfect for sledding and snow play plus horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores roasting, festive music, and beautiful photo ops. Kids will love the Winter Wonderland Bounce Town, and everyone will be filled with cheer when Santa arrives at 6 PM to light the dazzling holiday tree!
Holiday parade & JIngle Bell Dash
The 22nd Annual Holiday Parade lights up the charming Village of Arroyo Grande on Sunday, December 7th, 2025! Beginning at 5 PM, the streets will come alive with more than 50 dazzling floats, marching bands, spirited dance troupes, local businesses, and community groups spreading holiday cheer The magical evening concludes with a visit from the parade’s beloved Grand Marshal Santa Claus himself!
Get ready to jingle all the way! The Jingle Bell Dash returns on Sunday, December 7th at 4 p.m., just before the Holiday Parade! Kids from preschool through 6th grade can join the fun and race down Branch Street in a festive chase after the Grinch.
