Garden Grove residents voice concerns over homelessness and building violations

The City of Garden Grove City Council convened on April 8, 2025, to address various community concerns and administrative matters. The meeting began with a brief recess to allow attendees to clear the room before moving into the oral communication segment, where residents voiced pressing issues affecting their neighborhoods.

Devon Marsh was the first to speak, raising concerns about the Building and Safety Department, specifically regarding an employee, Rita Kramer. Marsh alleged harassment and described a recent court case involving a citation for a shed on his property. He claimed that Kramer was unwilling to negotiate and presented false documents in court, which he offered to share with the council.

Following Marsh, Raquel So addressed the council about ongoing issues with the homeless population near her properties on Gilbert Street. She expressed frustration over the police's inability to respond effectively to incidents, noting that the situation has escalated to the point where she feels unsafe conducting business. So requested guidance on how to manage the situation, emphasizing the need for timely police intervention.

Kyle Mason echoed So's concerns, sharing his experiences with the homeless encampments in the riverbed area. He reported a lack of police response to calls and urged the council to take action, including installing barriers to prevent access to the riverbed. Mason expressed a sense of urgency, stating that residents are considering taking matters into their own hands due to the perceived inaction.

Maureen Blackman then invited the community to a town hall event titled "Meet on Main," scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the Gem Theater. The event aims to discuss the city’s strategic plan for addressing homelessness, providing residents with an opportunity to learn about ongoing efforts and engage with city officials.

After the oral communication segment, the council moved to the consent calendar, where they approved the minutes from the previous meeting without any objections. The meeting then transitioned to the successor agency segment, where members confirmed their attendance before adjourning to return to the city council meeting.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant community concerns regarding homelessness and city services, with residents seeking more effective solutions and communication from local authorities. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing these issues in future discussions and community events.