PROCLAMATION OF THE GROVER BEACH CITY COUNCIL
HONORING CLIFFORD CLARK
WHEREAS, Mr. Clifford Clark moved with his wife Mary Lee and young children to the unincorporated community of Grover City in 1957; and
WHEREAS, in 1959 Mr. Clark became the first City Clerk and City Attorney for the newly incorporated Grover City. In fact, he not only crafted many of the original documents necessary for incorporation, but also drove to Sacramento with his young family to ensure the documents could be recorded before the end of calendar year, thus ensuring the City would not be delayed in receiving its first check for sales tax revenue; and WHEREAS, in 1961, Mr. Clark and some local businessmen joined together to start a community bank called "Mid-State Bank" which eventually had branches throughout the Central Coast; and WHEREAS, Mr. Clark also volunteered and supported the then all-volunteer Grover City Fire Department.
He was honored in 1992 for his more than 30 years of service to the City as a member of the Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Mr. Clark was instrumental in obtaining and donating the properties necessary for the organization and implementation of the Ramona Garden Park as well as the Exploration Station children’s center located in the City’s first fire station, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Clark and his wife, Mary Lee, started the Grover Beach Community Library in the front area of his law office building; and
WHEREAS, one of his most substantial contributions to the community was the development of the Clark Center located on Lucia Mar Unified School District property in Arroyo Grande. This state-of-the-art performing arts center was the original idea of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, who recognized there was a need to provide a center that could serve the cultural and educational needs of the community; and WHEREAS, the list of accomplishments could indeed go on but, suffice to say, Mr. Clifford Clark was truly a "Civic Pioneer" and worthy of the first Mayor's Commendation in November 2012.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Grover Beach City Council does hereby officially honor CLIFFORD CLARK for his legacy of service to Grover Beach and the surrounding area.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Grover Beach to be affixed this 26th day of January 2026.
Kassi Dee, Mayor
Attest:
Wendi Sims, City Clerk
Agenda Item No. 1
Placement: Presentation
Meeting Date: January 26, 2026