On August 30th
, the City of Gonzales, in partnership with the Gonzales Unified School District, celebrated the academic achievement of 30 of our local graduates with the annual “Future Focused” student banner ceremony at Central Park. Students will be representing our town throughout colleges and universities near and far, such as at the University of Portland, UC Davis, UC Merced, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College and Sonoma State among others.
Gonzales Community Center Complex
• At their September 5th meeting, the City Council approved the building footprint of the Gonzales Community Center Complex (see image below), getting us closer to a final design. We are set to receive the final 50% Design in early September and expect the Design Development Phase to be completed by October 30th. After that, the Design/Build Team will move into construction documents and permits to work toward the groundbreaking of Phase 1 in May of 2024!
The design with a portable stage for the community hall was approved at the September 5 th meeting.
City of Gonzales
City Manager Report
August 2023
June 2023
• Staff and the team of consultants plan to hold numerous user group meetings to continue the refinement of the building design and aesthetics in September. • Staff and consultants have been working around the clock to provide information and requested documentation to USDA staff to secure a $9 million dollar loan needed for the construction of Phase 1.
• Phase 1 includes the Teen Innovation Center, the Library, Site Work, and the Outdoor Amphitheater (see image below).
Economic Development and Revenue Generation
• The City’s Community and Economic Development Department has secured a Regional Early Action Planning Grant from AMBAG in the amount of $128,750. These funds will support the City’s Housing Element update. Specifically, it supports rezoning and environmental review work.
• The Rianda Cooler project continues to move forward. The project is set to go for LAFCO for annexation on September 25th. The project is expected to bring in 436 jobs and contribute $75,000 in taxes for the City. It is expected to open in the Spring of 2025. • D’Arrigo and Avila Construction are moving forward an application for an H2A Housing Project just outside Gonzales. They will be hosting Public Information and Feedback Sessions on September 27th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm; October 9 th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm;
and October 21st from 2:00pm - 3:30pm at Fowler Hall in the Gonzales Community Church, located at 340 Day Street.
• City representatives attended the Pajaro CDC’s grand opening on August 30th and are looking at ways to bring small business support programs here.
Community Engagement
Save the Dates and be on the lookout for more information for the following:
• October 14th & 15th for the 1
st Community-wide Garage Sale. Register your site by
October 13th. Scan the QR Code to register or for more information.
• October 21st for Annual Halloween Movie in the Park at Centennial Park. • October 28th the City will be hosting a Fall Festival along Fourth Street.