Good morning Gonzales!

There’s a lot of news to share this morning. Let’s get started!

Shelter-in-Place Order

While the County of Monterey has received a variance in the Coronavirus road to reopening, it is important to understand that we remain under a shelter-in-place order. This means that residents continue to be under a directive to stay at home except when reporting to work in an essential business or an industry that has been reopened with conditions. You can read more about that here.

Residents can leave home to run essential errands such as going out for food, medication, or other essential supplies. The order has not been lifted. Click here to view the most current order, dated May 26, 2020.

Facemasks

Everyone, twelve and older, is required to wear masks in public and to maintain a social distance of six feet. Leaving home for exercise and fresh air is still allowed and encouraged. A facemask is not required while exercising, but you must have one with you in the event that you encounter another person at a close distance.

COVID-19 Data

Monterey County has been working to present COVID-19 data for the county in a more readable and understandable format. You can visit this web page to view current data. If graphs and charts are not your things, scroll to the bottom of the page to view the raw data.

CrisisIbility Podcast

Recently, Gonzales City Manager, René Mendez was a guest on a podcast called CrisisIbility. You can view it here. The podcast focuses on opportunities and examples of innovative leadership as models for positive change in the world. City Manager Mendez talks about The Gonzales Way and how a mindset of Love, Care & Connect can shift the view of government doing “for people” to government doing “with people.” It is a simple change of wording that has had a powerful impact on how we work together for peace, prosperity, and equity in Gonzales. We hope you will take some time to watch the podcast. Gonzales, YOU are doing the work of living in community that is a shining example to others.

Census Workers/Field Representatives

2020 Census field representatives are now out in communities throughout the country, reaching out to those households who did not submit a Census form. You may have recently received a door hanger with a Census survey. Please complete and mail it if you have not previously responded. You may soon receive a knock on the door by a field representative. Here is a link to information on how you can identify a legitimate Census field representative. Please note that Census workers WILL NOT ask you for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or citizenship status. If anyone does, close the door immediately and report the person to the police department through the non-emergency dispatch number” 831-755-5111.

Little Free Pantries

The City of Gonzales needs your help to keep our Little Free Pantries full. You can drop off non-perishable food items in the collection container near the front door of City Hall (147 Fourth Street). You can also place these items directly in the pantries. See the KICK Kiosk slideshow for pantry locations and suggested food items.

Annual Report

The City of Gonzales 2019 Annual Report is now posted on the city’s website in both English and Spanish. Please share this beautiful tribute to our community with your family, friends, and neighbors. We hope you find it an inspiring reminder of all of the hard work we have been doing together as a community for many, many years.

2019 City of Gonzales Annual Report (English)

2019 Ciudad de Gonzales Informe Anual en Español