[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6504634,"mediaKeyId","5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5","parentId",5575102,"title","Garden Grove reports 21.5% increase in graffiti removals after expanded abatement services","audioSeconds",116,"startMs",9570000,"endMs",9686000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5&start=9570&end=9686","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5/thumbnail_9570000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504634/Garden-Grove/Orange-County/California/Garden-Grove-reports-215-increase-in-graffiti-removals-after-expanded-abatement-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504634-653e03e228ccd3ec7baa21e18c3c2d5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004629&Signature=hUbRirrjzWxoOvkF1usdFIP7TM3nBBMXsFNiQl9GlbGIDNryQrsWfpDauxv3l4Ogwb4iSSHN0zQzmLQllnYu6Hwk81Z9gyjuSv3IqYJR9zjUV1cvyctEXo6y5O6qSwNoWOkrAfJ9lprW-kHZ3mc14A6BUKOYbB9DD80TEbyIJmfT0ktz-DUJlxidCffAcU9dretOlpP-lmQwe9eoIV~u0mwOp9T8Eas74smvslJ-xaDI~dY3ekiDV14OHIN0l7~WKR4qoxZMZnfpQiLGnLdOZZ3ABaDUvpJTsCMEFhGO1GydqaWlXQrBLSRBZdkdyO5mX76Idb5QeIi44iqu19V73g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Garden Grove","date","2025-08-13T05:55:16Z","article","City staff told the Garden Grove City Council Tuesday that an expanded graffiti abatement program in fiscal year 2024–25 produced measurable gains in responsiveness and overall removals.

Public Works reported that the city added an extra graffiti removal truck during a pilot period and increased coverage to seven days a week. That expanded staffing allowed contractors to remove graffiti proactively on private property facing public streets and to respond more quickly to chronic problem areas. Staff credited the increase in service with improved cleanliness and cross‑departmental coordination.

Key figures reported by staff:

- During the pilot and expanded period, contracted crews removed 930 incidents of graffiti on private property and 3,918 incidents on public property (pilot timeframe Aug–Nov 2024).

- Fiscal year 2024–25 total work orders for graffiti abatement: 14,723, compared with 12,155 work orders in FY 2023–24 — a 21.5% increase year over year.

- Code enforcement opened 2,677 cases in FY 2024–25; 428 of those were related to private‑property graffiti.

Staff also said the program supported emergency cleanups requested by the Garden Grove Police Department and completed pressure washing of sidewalks and bus benches. The report recommended continued monitoring of service levels and exploring long‑term adjustments as needed.

Public commenters raised questions about citations issued for private property cleanup. Code Enforcement staff responded that property owners receive notice letters and are typically given time to remove graffiti before fines are assessed; staff said they would follow up with specific business owners who reported unexpected fines.

The report and recent monthly metrics (April and May 2025) were posted to the city website for public review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-08-12: City of Garden Grove City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public works reported expanded graffiti‑abatement services produced a 21.5% increase in work orders in FY 2024–25, with more proactive removals on private property and expanded seven‑day truck coverage during the pilot period.","taxTitle","Garden Grove, Orange County, California","taxId",2926,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504637,"Garden Grove public employees press council as mediation looms; union leaders urge respectful bargaining",1012,2211000,3223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5&start=2211&end=3223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5/thumbnail_2211000.jpg","/articles/6504637/Garden-Grove/Orange-County/California/Garden-Grove-public-employees-press-council-as-mediation-looms-union-leaders-urge-respectful-bargaining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504637-93a7bf634498e834086aa9c536323cd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004629&Signature=Bj-CfMbBtYB1~65k~P~NnuQ9GDEm-YyTCWIrXBhrvptwL4BFVXxtEltK7aEAH9EBDh5x3XUpVveLQ9WY5QAI0-wTBWpl0Fffogb0EL4Q3Xb4akj6Be3iaOSJUG4JPbSbGQohdJP8lPU7d4nRuuoCjDA5W~KM7yv0FsukI2IsjEnIdDk~oS20gRJTC0hKAydqxaMOoxkmdMKA1w2OREXWUWDHr2Zig~uVcAE-sJ0s0wauWNCnqSqrP170VDzEKQne-yqk8~4ksuBwNT-VO2JHDwE4eVH9WSVZZCL4dtOtPbO~zpz~AxbkFsy5nwmwrN1iEjKflwcOU-Gs6322LJxkXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Garden Grove Employees League (GGEL) and the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) addressed the council Tuesday to press for a settlement as labor negotiations approached mediation.

Tim Steed of OCEA told the council the union and the city are scheduled to enter mediation on Friday to break a negotiation impasse and said the sides are “a lot closer than it appears.” The unions called on the city to demonstrate a public commitment to settling the contract and to respect the workforce that maintains city services.

Multiple speakers representing GGEL described the range of public‑works, water, sewer, signal and parks positions the union covers and said members provide work that Garden Grove residents rely on daily. Michael Rocha, GGEL president and a public‑works employee, said the union represents about 88 members and that prior proposals from the city felt dismissive; he called for the council to direct the city manager to seek a good‑faith resolution in mediation.

Gloria Alvarado of the Orange County Labor Federation and other labor allies urged visible council support for the workforce and asked council members to instruct negotiators to come to mediation ready to bridge remaining differences. Speakers noted the union had ratified proposals internally but said outstanding issues required mediation.

Council members said they expect the city’s bargaining team to attend the mediation and urged both sides to reach an agreement. No agreement was announced at the meeting; staff said mediation was scheduled for Friday and councilmembers asked to be briefed following the mediation.","Representatives from the Garden Grove Employees League and the Orange County Employees Association urged the council to resolve an impasse in contract negotiations. Mediation between the union and the city is scheduled for Friday; unions say the matter is close and seek a good‑faith resolution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504642,"Garden Grove residents press council for immigrant protections; city attorney outlines legal limits and next steps",2045,1279000,3324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5&start=1279&end=3324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5/thumbnail_1279000.jpg","/articles/6504642/Garden-Grove/Orange-County/California/Garden-Grove-residents-press-council-for-immigrant-protections-city-attorney-outlines-legal-limits-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504642-128329ba4c3893b3c0c32fc5af8f2c52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004629&Signature=acvDTRgeFNSvpOE0Tanz~d4WckYUEj-5TLBxVSxP77dNsmOL8SAqKDLk28TgH52tfxTgNF35-miXh5kCh88WMKiz0ZUItEz3i8cQ~aVD99Zx9mkWCnPP3bV9kuvtEeqGzWDaV1acsarRhhtp1W6bbNHQhLyZZQXVDaEFKcvvPwmt29FMsvrsC3H2RbpRR-pbiTpZV-NUzmZFqj-dr2K1RsMjgmxo2W5qY6FtQqh5PYi~UIIm9gLnKnuiuzoypUcknD6aPHg1oslDDd0go6li7nj426BT~cBXM8VRJLLP2eUQTvpmg8Lus~VswXUbvfgTwYRc82utYp6IPbZheq0Nkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A string of residents and community organizers used Tuesday’s Garden Grove City Council meeting to press elected officials for stronger local protections for immigrants, legal assistance funding and “know‑your‑rights” education after recent enforcement actions were reported in the area.

Speakers described parents fearful to leave home, cited local ICE activity, and asked the council to pass resolutions, publicly reaffirm non‑cooperation policies, fund legal defense programs and provide public reporting when ICE operates in the city. Several said other California cities have taken such steps and urged Garden Grove to act.

Council members took extensive public comment. Councilwoman Ariana Arcegui asked the city attorney to clarify the city’s authority: Garden Grove is a general‑law city subject to state law, City Attorney Omar Sandoval said, and therefore cannot override federal operations. He explained the legal distinction between a resolution (a policy statement) and an ordinance (a local law that can carry fines or misdemeanor enforcement), and noted that ordinances cannot bind county, state or federal actors. Sandoval also confirmed that the city has a resolution stating local officers do not do immigration enforcement.

On the practical question of notification from federal agents, the city attorney said courtesy calls by federal agents have occurred in the past but are not mandated and federal agents are not required to provide advance notice of operations. He told the council that any ordinance or resolution would need to be agendized by a majority of the council for action.

Multiple community members urged the city to fund legal defense, offer know‑your‑rights training, require public reporting when federal actions occur, and explore “safe city” resolutions. Several speakers cited research and broader economic impacts of immigration enforcement. Council members said they are hearing the public’s concerns, noted ongoing outreach to congressional offices to trace whether Garden Grove residents were detained, and described legal constraints on what the city can order directly.

No city ordinance or resolution was adopted at the meeting. City staff said they have made inquiries to congressional offices to determine whether specific Garden Grove residents were detained; councilmembers asked staff to continue those inquiries and to brief the council on options the city can legally pursue. Community organizers said they will continue to press for concrete city action.","Dozens of residents urged the council to adopt stronger local protections for immigrants and more active assistance after local ICE actions were reported. City Attorney and council members reiterated the city's legal limits as a general‑law city and explained what local measures the council could take or request.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504647,"Garden Grove council approves routine contracts, purchases and zoning updates; waives showmobile fees for Stanton festival",189,6129000,6318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5&start=6129&end=6318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5/thumbnail_6129000.jpg","/articles/6504647/Garden-Grove/Orange-County/California/Garden-Grove-council-approves-routine-contracts-purchases-and-zoning-updates-waives-showmobile-fees-for-Stanton-festival","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504647-3c7a6a50f54eb857cb2f39b0f4dd60d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004629&Signature=iVUefU-bx7r~ZeEtbgEi3DncuT7mD99FvD-PRvdVWTZS9U-FBR5ZZ6iKj2wor6ZKkOJgnZ8Py6DshE6H~ba9H9GoX11IR15U7q81Xwr7C4NasxDZboQRdptjo8wM3aF2VWOtUQKK6BPsyLd3db8PCzGuN-xzCIrirhfGjm37YG-Ndq2cFzlyOcxFODBQcIf-V74XnJ96wMUD4MX5XXoCJTDjdxQQU9LCw6O7NudZYbgkQeo2xPg07ABxX2g2G-Gh3SeagpeWeRM8SIIUGPnAgHhXXrh5vjaxzrb4E1jnVUQvNCt9y9TSIxaNYCIxIGbfD54-CLVK55CXy8QRweQh-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Garden Grove City Council members approved a package of routine and administrative items on Tuesday, including purchase orders, contracts for city services, and text amendments to the municipal code meant to conform local zoning to state law.

Key outcomes at a glance:

- The council approved a co‑sponsorship and fee waiver for the City of Stanton’s request to use Garden Grove’s showmobile for the Saint Polycarp Catholic Church family festival (requested dates: Sept. 19–22); the council voted 7–0 to waive the $1,050 rental fee and authorize use of the showmobile outside city limits.

- The council approved several purchase orders and contracts: custodial services to Merchants Building Maintenance LLC (multi‑year contract), small equipment purchases from Allen’s Lawn and Garden Center, two John Deere backhoes from Coastline Equipment, and multiple police vehicles from Olathe Ford (7 vehicles). Each of these items passed on unanimous council votes.

- The council adopted three code amendments on second reading: updates to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules (Ord. No. 2966), broader land‑use text amendments to conform to state and federal law (Ord. No. 2967), and amended permitted construction hours (Ord. No. 2968). Each ordinance passed on second reading by unanimous vote.

- The consent calendar (items 6–18) and successor agency minutes were approved on a single motion.

City staff presented the written request from Stanton and the staff recommendation for the showmobile waiver. Councilmembers who spoke in favor noted Garden Grove residents attend the Stanton church event and that the location sits just across the city line.

Several purchase‑order items were noncontroversial and discussed only briefly before being adopted. The council also approved the introduction (first reading) of an ordinance to prohibit outdoor alcohol advertising within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, childcare centers, libraries or where such displays face those areas; the ordinance was introduced and passed on a unanimous vote for first reading.

The series of approvals leaves the council’s operating agenda current and clears the consent calendar for more substantive hearings and staff reports later in the meeting.","The council approved consent items, purchase orders for vehicles and equipment, adopted several zoning/administrative code updates, and agreed to waive showmobile rental fees for a Stanton church festival. Multiple items were approved by unanimous votes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504651,"Garden Grove council denies appeal, upholds approval for 50,300 sq. ft. industrial building at 7441 Lincoln Avenue",1588,7090000,8678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5&start=7090&end=8678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575102-ff0cb347ce10551ae2d2c7ea13e993d5/thumbnail_7090000.jpg","/articles/6504651/Garden-Grove/Orange-County/California/Garden-Grove-council-denies-appeal-upholds-approval-for-50300-sq-ft-industrial-building-at-7441-Lincoln-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504651-f41b9eedaa54c6466c13d090e8f00c06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004629&Signature=I~pf2uulLznAkqAKOIjwi4-XmBN7c~xxD8GLuj60aR67MY38ep17KjgGeyUFwLGM56kMOJfbVKdLj1Cz2Dym3uaG1C-LBfqiB3jkYL3YOUbj7jmwPE9BbFF0KcSedmNpcxpiyuWbaKk8LZtcxR2OfoasOIZwSvjUgDUg491-3iysPJvptOsvvEkuDUPHU6I8EVkgyPxETfUDfVHEE5nYM6dkKxBscLFr36KIo2LQZh49DonXH7ULYpWxLG4WXUoo-uItY3390eR1as4HNf9D-Y1BaH6ikC~IcahhRZGLvwojCqh0hMgS0A~bgtiPIQWlTPTzcs591hqjEPaVCYRgVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Garden Grove City Council on Tuesday denied an appeal by the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER) and upheld the Planning Commission's June approval of Site Plan SP‑158‑2025, a proposal to replace an existing 44,000‑square‑foot industrial/office building with a new 50,300‑square‑foot industrial shell building at 7441 Lincoln Avenue.

SAFER sought an environmental review, saying construction emissions of diesel particulate matter could pose a cancer risk to nearby homes and thus trigger the “unusual circumstances” exception to the Class 32 (infill) exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The council voted 7–0 to deny the appeal and adopt the Planning Commission’s exemption determination.

City staff and the project proponents told the council the site already houses industrial uses, is under five acres, and is served by existing utilities and public services. Planning staff recommended denying the appeal after reviewing SAFER’s technical comments and the applicant’s responses.

At the public hearing, SAFER’s attorney Hailey Uno said the project’s construction equipment DPM emissions “would expose nearby sensitive receptors to a cancer risk of 48.2 per million, far exceeding the air district’s significance threshold of 10 per million.” The applicant’s representatives countered that the city’s review and the health‑risk assessment prepared for the city showed impacts below the South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds and that SAFER’s submission overestimated emissions.

The applicant explained the existing building dates from the 1980s and is unlikely to meet modern industrial tenant demand. Henry Hong, representing the applicant, said the replacement would provide a modern, Class A industrial building that supports local jobs and economic activity. The project includes 52 parking spaces and a mezzanine level for additional office space, and the site plan complies with zoning setbacks, parking and landscaping requirements.

Planning staff noted the Planning Commission considered the matter at a noticed hearing on June 5. The commission voted to approve the project and apply the Class 32 exemption; SAFER appealed that determination to the council. Staff also noted a municipal‑code standing issue: SAFER is a nonprofit and did not claim individual standing under a local code provision, although CEQA itself allows any person to challenge a non‑elected body’s CEQA determination by appeal to the elected body.

After questions from council members about construction‑period mitigation, staff and applicants said construction activities are subject to existing regulatory controls (SCAQMD rules, municipal code construction noise and dust requirements, water‑truck dust suppression, and regional water board regulations). Council members who asked about timeline were told plan check and construction would likely take place over roughly two years, depending on permitting and market conditions.

The council moved to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s decision; the motion carried 7–0.

The developer, project staff and SAFER members were present for the hearing. The City Clerk recorded the council’s 7‑yes vote to deny the appeal.

The council’s decision leaves in place the Planning Commission approvals; any further environmental or entitlement requirements (building permits, plan check conditions, and construction mitigation) will be handled in subsequent permit reviews.","The City Council denied an appeal by environmental group SAFER and upheld the Planning Commission's finding that the proposed redevelopment of 7441 Lincoln Avenue is exempt from CEQA under the Class 32 infill exemption. Council vote: 7–0 to deny the appeal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Garden Grove reports 21.5% increase in graffiti removals after expanded abatement services

Garden Grove public employees press council as mediation looms; union leaders urge respectful bargaining

Garden Grove residents press council for immigrant protections; city attorney outlines legal limits and next steps

Garden Grove council approves routine contracts, purchases and zoning updates; waives showmobile fees for Stanton festival

Garden Grove council denies appeal, upholds approval for 50,300 sq. ft. industrial building at 7441 Lincoln Avenue