April kicked off a busy time of year for the City of Gonzales. On April 20th we held our Annual Show & Shine Car Show, which was a blast. We had great weather and a great time with everyone that made it out.
On April 26th, the City was awarded the Monterey Bay Business Council’s Community Builders Award at their Annual Gala. It was an honor to receive the recognition and be amongst other trailblazers in the area.
Finally, on April 27th, we celebrated a day that so many of us have been waiting for – the Groundbreaking of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex. The day was filled with Gonzales supporters and people of all ages excited to see this project finally happen. The project will begin construction of Phase 1 in May, and we plan to open its doors in early 2026.
Staff continues to work on the Capital Campaign and is actively seeking grants for Phase 2 of the project.
City of Gonzales
City Manager Report
April 2024
Circulator Presentation and Council Approval
MST presented their Circulator Project to the City Council on April 1st. This circulator will be a new bus route around town that can help get the community to their destination in 30–40-minute intervals. The intent is to have a bus stop within a 5-to-8-minute walk from everyone so that anyone that wants to can get to their final destination via an MST bus. The following are the locations where the bus stops will be accessible to the public: 5th Street at Day Street (South Bound), 5th Street at Day Street (North Bound), Mustang Way at Meyer Park, Fanoe Road at Fanoe Vista Apartments, Burgundy Way at Canyon Creek Park, 8th Street at Center Street, Alta Street at 1st Street, Kathrine Street at Dole Packing, Puente Del Monte Ave. at Pape Material handling, C Street at S. Belden Street, and Fairview Drive at Elko Street.
Economic Development and Revenue Generation
• In April, the Planning Commission and the City Council heard the proposal to amend our local sign ordinance that may give way to a digital billboard for the community. This opportunity can potentially bring in additional non-restricted revenue as well as serve as an important communication tool for the community. The final hearing will be held on May 20th and if approved, it will allow us to look for a partner to come in and propose a project. • City staff has submitted four grant applications in support of our Gonzales Fire Department, and has been working with Congresswomen Lofgren’s Office to identify potential funding sources.
Housing
• The Visita Lucia Housing project continues to move along. Staff is working to respond to public comments received during the public comment period. • CHISPA is also working on plans for the property on Alta Street. They will be proposing a project shortly that will hopefully help us address some of our housing needs.
Community Engagement
• As the City prepares for the 4th of July, the City would like to remind everyone that Illegal Fireworks are ILLEGAL!! Anyone caught using them will be prosecuted and the case will be filed with the DA’s Office. • The City has also acquired a drone to support local enforcement. • The City Council will be considering an Ordinance at their meeting of May 20th, which can make it a violation to use the Safe and Sane Fireworks after 10:30PM on the 4th of July.
Save the Date for the upcoming events:
• Chair Yoga will continue Saturday mornings
(9:00AM) through the end of May.
• Fourth of July Parade and Celebration at
Central Park hosted by Gonzales Rotary.