“The GGPD’s School Resource Officers’ passion and drive come from knowing that children are truly innocent victims of circumstances beyond their control,” said Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin.

The SROs honored with the Raise Foundation’s Shining Light Award were: Captain Ed Leiva; Lieutenant William Allison; Sergeant Jon Wainwright; Officers Gary Elkins, Andy Flaws, Jason Fulton, Robert Kivler; and Detective David Young.

Four full-time SROs assigned to Garden Grove Unified School District intermediate and high schools help provide campus safety and create a positive connection between the community and the police department. The SROs also work closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove and several other non-profit groups that support children’s needs.

In addition, the City of Garden Grove actively places efforts in raising awareness and preventing child abuse through family support services and events offered by the Magnolia Park Family Resource Center and the Buena Clinton Youth and Family Center.  One example is Family Fun Day, at Magnolia Park, on Thursday, April 25, where families can enjoy activities geared towards quality family time.

Other activities observing the Blue Ribbon month include a proclamation designating April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Garden Grove to be placed on the Tuesday, April 9 regular Garden Grove City Council meeting agenda; and a pinwheel garden “planted” at the Garden Grove Chapman Library to raise awareness and memorialize children who died last year from abuse and neglect.

The Raise Foundation is officially designated as Orange County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council. For more information about the Raise Foundation’s Blue Ribbon awareness campaign, visit www.theraisefoundation.org.

Carly’s film drew inspiration from the testimonial of Johannes de Vries, who was instrumental in saving the lives of Jewish citizens during World War II. Hearing his story made Carly realize that Johannes and his family were courageous because they helped others in need, even if it meant risking their own lives.

“Congratulations to Carly for her first-place submission,” said Dina L. Nguyen, Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education trustee. “GGUSD students are creative and insightful scholars who have a deep understanding of what true kindness is.”

Irvine had a total of three students submit work to the competition including Evelyn Martinez, who was a participant in the arts category, and Vian Nguyen, who was a finalist in the poetry category. The three students were among over 8,000 participants from around the world.

The event includes an Easter egg hunt and visit from the Easter Bunny.

Shown here is a scene from last year’s Eggs-cavation.

In addition to Santa arriving on the city’s fire truck, there were was a children craft area, holiday refreshments, letters to Santa, a balloon animal artist, bounce houses, eight snow slides made of more than 40 tons of snow, and performances by the youth onstage.

BY LOREEN BERLIN: Garden Grove held its inaugural “Winter in the Grove” on Dec. 1, which is a combination of the City’s Winterfest and Christmas Tree Lighting held at Village Green Park on Main Street.

In addition to Santa arriving on the city’s fire truck, there were was a children craft area, holiday refreshments, letters to Santa, a balloon animal artist, bounce houses, eight snow slides made of more than 40 tons of snow, and performances by the youth onstage.

Entertainment was provided by St. Columban School, The Learning Spot Dance Academy, Christ Cathedral Academy Advance Choir and Trinity Christian School.

Also, Jessica Torres, the 2018 “Voice of Garden Grove” runner-up, sang along with the Foundations Dance Company and Bolsa Grande High School Concert Choir. Lighting of the community Christmas tree was Mayor Steve Jones and the Garden Grove City Council, followed by visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Food for purchase was available from local non-profits.

The Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 270 sold chili dogs, Fundación Jalisco USA sold tamales, and Buena Clinton’s Concilio de Padres sold pan dulce and coffee.

Other offers included C & M, kettle corn and lemonade. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Garden Grove offered free hot chocolate  and once again 7-Eleven donated cookies for the event.

The 24-foot Christmas tree will remain lit during the month of December.

The Rancho Alamitos High football team celebrated after beating Loara, 42-14, last week at Glover Field.

Rancho went undefeated in Garden Grove League play and now heads to the CIF playoffs, riding a six-game winning streak during which it has outscored opponents 212-42.

Rancho hosts Northwood in the first round of CIF playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

To view Rancho’s stellar season, visit www.rahssports.wordpress.com.

How sweet it is!

The Rancho Alamitos High football team celebrated after beating Loara, 42-14, last week at Glover Field.

Rancho went undefeated in Garden Grove League play and now heads to the CIF playoffs, riding a six-game winning streak during which it has outscored opponents 212-42.

Rancho hosts Northwood in the first round of CIF playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

To view Rancho’s stellar season, visit www.rahssports.wordpress.com.

The Student Exchange Program, which began in 1991, gives local youth the unique opportunity to learn about Korean culture first-hand.

The Sister City Association of Garden Grove is looking for Garden Grove Unified School District high school students to participate in their annual Student Exchange Program. Students who qualify will receive a scholarship to travel to Anyang, Republic of Korea – Garden Grove’s sister city – during GGUSD’s spring break.

The Student Exchange Program, which began in 1991, gives local youth the unique opportunity to learn about Korean culture first-hand.

If you know anyone that would be interested in participating, please share this information with them. For full details about the program, visit http://ggsistercity.org/student-exchange/.

Three of the Vaquero runners finished in the top four, led by Andrew Hernandez, who took second with a time of 15:57.1 He was just three seconds behind Drake Prince of High Tech High in Chula Vista.

Hernandez was followed by Daniel Rioquinto with a time of 16:24.0 and Raymond Ruvalcaba in 16:28.9.

BY TED APODACA: The Rancho Alamitos High boys cross country team won the title in the Division 3 juniors division at the Dana Hills Invitational on Saturday at Dana Hills High.

Three of the Vaquero runners finished in the top four, led by Andrew Hernandez, who took second with a time of 15:57.1 He was just three seconds behind Drake Prince of High Tech High in Chula Vista.

Hernandez was followed by Daniel Rioquinto with a time of 16:24.0 and Raymond Ruvalcaba in 16:28.9.

In the boys senior race, Andrew Lopez led the Vaqueros with a 3rd place overall finish. Lopez finished the race in 16:25.2. Rancho’s Richard Le also ran the senior event, finishing 44th overall in 18:40.9.

Rancho was led by Don Molina in the Division 3 sophomore boys race with a 15th place overall finish. Molina finished the three-mile course in 17:35.5. Kevin Pinzon had a strong showing in 58th overall at 18:45.7.

The event is sponsored by the Garden Grove  Chamber of Commerce. Cost to attend is $20.

For information, call Chamber CEO/President Cindy Spindle at 714-638-7950 or email her at ceo@gardengrovechamber.com.

Miss Garden Grove Sarah Bui and Miss Garden Grove Outstanding Teen Sophie Nessary will pass their crowns to new queens at the 2019 Miss Garden Grove and Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Hilton Bell Intermediate School, 12345 Springdale St. in Garden Grove.

The event is sponsored by the Garden Grove  Chamber of Commerce. Cost to attend is $20.

For information, call Chamber CEO/President Cindy Spindle at 714-638-7950 or email her at ceo@gardengrovechamber.com.

Garden Grove Fire Chief Tom Schultz will retire, effective Friday, Sept. 14.

Schultz has notified City Manager Scott Stiles of his decision. He will serve as temporary chief until the end of the year, when a City Council decision is expected on whether to retain current city fire services or eliminate the department and contract with the Orange County Fire Authority.

“It’s been my deepest privilege to serve and protect Orange County for 34 years,” Schultz said. “This is an amazing community that has shown me their care and support since Day 1… I feel this is a good decision and the right time to retire. I believe that together, we’ve made things better and made many great accomplishments, such as improving firefighter safety, service delivery to our citizens, and adoption of best industry practices. My family has been instrumental in helping me make this important decision.”

“I have the highest of commendations for the quality leadership Chief Schultz has provided for the Garden Grove Fire Department,” said Stiles.

The announcement comes as the city grapples with budget problems that have led to Measure O, a proposed 1 percent sales tax increase that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. City officials have said raising the local sales tax from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent will generate enough revenue to continue funding public safety services at levels residents are accustomed to.

Under a proposal to contract fire services with the Fire Authority, the city would save money, a high level of fire services would be maintained, and most of the current fire personnel would retain their jobs with the authority, officials have said.

According to Garden Grove Human Resources Director Laura Stover, Schultz will continue to perform his fire chief duties as a retired annuitant, at the same hourly rate he currently receives, and will not receive pension or non-hourly rate benefits. Under CalPERS requirements, he cannot serve for more than 960 hours in the fiscal year (July through June).

Schultz joined the City of Garden Grove on April 29, 2015, following a 30-year career with the Fullerton Fire Department.