New paint. New signage. New landscaping. New business opportunities. Yet another sign of vitality along West Grand Avenue. Over the past twelve months, three local businesses have participated in the City’s Façade Improvement Program. Through an application process, matching grants, zero interest loans, and low interest loans (through Mid-State Bank) are available. Properties generally must be located on West Grand Avenue within the Improvement Agency Area (from the Pacific Coast Highway to 11th Street). Of those that have recently participated in the program, two provide local services to the community - Sterling Insurance on 5th Street and The Veterinary Clinic on 6th Street. One is distinguished with a fountain centerpiece, the other with an inlaid brick patio open to West Grand Avenue. Take a stroll and see which is which! The most significant clean-up effort underway is the Grover Beach Inn (formerly The Knight Inn). Straddling 5th Street just south of Grand Avenue, prospective buyers (through a lease-purchase agreement) have been cleaning up the place since last fall. No need to go into the number of construction-sized trash containers that have been filled and emptied to date! With monthly tenants gone and new security room locks in, the charge is to get ready for the upcoming tourist season. From the outside, watch for: Updated painting scheme with all new doors Planter boxes with colorful flowers draped along the top railing A more modern and updated roof sign to match the new painting scheme and theme Colorful banner signage to proclaim “Fun at the Beach!” For more information about the City’s Façade Improvement Program, call the Community Development Department at (805) 473-4520.