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Garden Grove honors Strawberry Festival volunteers, Eagle Scout project; OC Humane presents adoptable dog
Summary
City council presented proclamations and recognition to Strawberry Festival volunteers and a local Eagle Scout, and heard an Orange County Humane Society adoption presentation showing a young dog available for adoption.
The Garden Grove City Council on Monday recognized volunteers behind the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, named the 2025 Strawberry Ball king and queen, presented an award to a local Eagle Scout for a flagpole installation, and heard an adoption showcase from the Orange County Humane Society.
The council presented proclamations for Joe Hammer and Sue Catlin as the 2025 Strawberry Ball King and Queen and thanked the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association for organizing the festival that drew an estimated 275,000 visitors over Memorial Day weekend. "We are very proud to recognize a devoted group of individuals who have played significant roles in continuing the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival's reputation as a premier community event," a council member said during the recognition.
Nut graf: The city highlighted volunteer-run programs that generate grants and services for local nonprofits and schools. Festival leaders said the association gives more than $100,000 annually in grants and scholarships and has contributed more than $8 million to charities since 1958.
Festival president Steve Sanders told the council the volunteer board of 42 directors and associates keeps the event free to enter and aims to increase community donations. "It's a community event, and we're very proud that, for at least the last half dozen years, we were able to contribute at least $100,000 back into the community," Sanders said.
The council also presented a certificate to Rondo Tran, an Eagle Scout candidate from Boy Scouts of America Troop 222, for leading and fundraising the installation of a 25-foot U.S. flagpole at the Medal of Honor Bike and Pedestrian trail (Bridal of Honor trail). City staff said Tran fully funded the installation through fundraising and plans to use remaining funds to further enhance the space.
At the meeting's start and again later, the council hosted OC Humane Society's "Pets at the Podium" segment. An animal control officer and a representative from OC Humane introduced "Maddie," a 9-month-old husky-shepherd mix found May 9. The shelter representative summarized the adoption package — required application, proof of residency or lease showing pets allowed, an adoption fee that covers spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, a vet visit and a wellness check — and directed interested residents to the OC Humane website's available pets search.
Ending: The council thanked volunteers and organizers, noting the festival's role in local fundraising and community engagement. The city made no formal policy changes related to these recognitions during the meeting.
