Garden Grove, CA

The 63rd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival kicked off on Friday, May 26, 2023 and continues through Memorial Day. The festival features classic carnival rides as well as a variety of strawberry-themed contests for festivalgoers to participate in. But the real star of the show is the strawberry treats attendees can purchase from vendors.

The festival is an opportunity for different non-profits in the area to not only raise awareness for their organizations but raise money as well by hosting food and game booths. This year non-profit food vendors included the Greater Garden Grove Kiwanis Club which offered funnel cakes, the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove which featured strawberry lemonade on their menu and Job’s Daughters who have made quite the name for themselves with their strawberry shortcake.

Here is every we tried at this years festival. Spoiler alert: We ate a lot of strawberries.

1. Funnel Cake with Strawberry Drizzle

A classic fair food. I think it could’ve been enhanced with some fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top, but overall can’t go wrong with funnel cake. – CB

I love funnel cake. I’d eat it in any shape, form or flavor. Proving itself as no exception, the strawberry glaze was excellent. Notably, it’s more of a strawberry jelly taste than an actual strawberry, if that is of any importance to you. -DE

Price: $10

2. Strawberry Lemonade

I love a fresh lemonade, especially with a bonus flavor such as strawberry or lavender. The strawberry bits added to the taste, but unfortunately kept getting stuck in the straw, making it tricky to drink. – CB

I’m always cautious around lemonade because it can be so sweet – I typically water it down. But, to my surprise, this one wasn’t overwhelming. A happy medium. -DE

Price: $4

3. Strawberry Shortcake

This was probably my favorite of the strawberry items we ate. It was a good level of sweetness and if you could get the whipped cream, cake and strawberry all in one bite it was delicious. – CB

The cake was so buried in whipped cream and strawberries I feared it might be an afterthought. Delightfully, it wasn’t. At the bottom of the dish, I was greeted by a perfectly baked, just-sweet-enough cake. -DE

Price: $9 for strawberries, shortcake and whipped cream.

4. Dr.Pepper Strawberry and Cream soda

I had been wanting to try this new flavor, and a strawberry festival seems like a perfect opportunity to let attendees try it with an added bonus of pairing it with a scoop of ice cream. Dr. Pepper isn’t a soda I typically reach for, but I’ve got to say I was a fan of this combo. – CB

Dr. Pepper is my favorite soda, but I can’t imagine drinking this flavor sans ice cream. It makes the perfect float, but it’s a little too dessert-y to be appealing on a regular basis. But no harm in trying it here because it’s free! -DE

Price: Free

5. Strawberry Cheesecake

This cheesecake was listed as a strawberry cheesecake and turned out to be a classic cheesecake with strawberries on top. The cheesecake was good, but I did have my hopes up that it would be strawberry flavored. – CB

I have the same gripe as above. I’ll add that it was a well-crafted cheesecake, with a nice, crumbly crust. -DE

Price: $5 for a slice.

6. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries. They were tasty, but also messier to eat than I was anticipating. – CB

The strawberries were SO perfect. My bites would reveal the deep red hue that we all hope we get when we bite into one. My chocolate kept detaching after my first bite, so really it was strawberries with chocolate shelling on the side. No complaints, though. -DE

Price: $10 for five chocolate covered strawberries.

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A basket of strawberries at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival on May 26, 2023. (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)

7. Fresh Strawberries

Surprisingly we only spotted two local strawberry vendors throughout the festival. After a day of non-stop sweets, it was nice to end out the day with fresh fruit. – CB

I’d imagine that when you show up to the strawberry festival with pure strawberries, the pressure is on. They didn’t disappoint. -DE

Price: $8 for one basket.

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Amidst record-breaking homeless deaths and a cold weather shelter debacle that prompted a dispatch of street medics this year, an 85-bed referral-only shelter is coming to Garden Grove.

The shelter has been dubbed the Central Cities Navigation Center, and it will serve the central Orange County cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Westminster, which combined counted a total homeless population of at least 588 people in the 2022 Point-in-Time survey.

At their regular Tuesday meeting, Garden Grove City Council members unanimously approved the new shelter’s operator, Volunteers of America Los Angeles, a non-profit founded in 1896 – one of Southern California’s oldest and largest.

In doing so, city council members approved a $5.2 million agreement with the nonprofit for an initial two-year term, with the option of extending for up to three more years, with funding for the agreement coming in from each of the three cities as well as the County of Orange.

“From 2017 … all the way until now, it’s amazing to see how far as a city we have come as far as prioritizing our unhoused population, prioritizing mental health and substance abuse (issues),” said City Council Member Kim Nguyen during the meeting.

“I have family who I really care about who have been unhoused, who have had to deal with substance issues and mental health,” Nguyen said. “There is just not enough of a safety net in resources and opportunities for these individuals to thrive.”

Earlier this month, the city rolled out a $4 million street medicine program in partnership with CalOptima, the county’s publicly-funded health care plan for the poor, as well as the unhoused healthcare group Healthcare in Action, which will drive out to CalOptima members who live on the streets and under freeways.

[Read: Trench Foot & Infections: Street Medics Treating Homeless People Brace for Storm Aftermath]

Street medics came to the forefront in Orange County this year, called to service after a cold weather shelter debacle that delayed the county’s opening of an emergency rain season refuge by months, leaving people vulnerable to hypothermia and other weather-related ailments.

City Councilmember Cindy Tran hailed both the street medic team and shelter before the vote as two welcome signs that people in Garden Grove “will get taken care of.”

“And have a place to stay.”

Other council members said the shelter would enable them to more easily penalize those who sleep in public spaces.

“We’re well on our way to meeting our threshold for the Boise decision,” said City Councilmember George Breitigam, referencing a court decision that barred cities from enforcing anti-camping laws if their homeless population outsized its shelter bed availability. “It puts us in a big leap forward for that.”

Officials also approved a contract with Thomco Construction Inc. for the shelter’s actual development.

With Thomco submitting the lowest construction bid, city staff have clocked the total cost of the agreement at around $4.2 million.

In Los Angeles County, Volunteers of America oversees a total of 2,800 beds and, on an annual basis, around 13,5000 unhoused people through more than 90 programs and shelters in Los Angeles, Pomona, La Puente, and Hacienda Heights.

It comes after Garden Grove City Council members voted to acquire and rehabilitate a 9,653 square-foot building on 13871 West Street, which is now expected to provide up to 85 people with the following services, according to city staff:

“We have residents complain that they have homeless people in alleyways defecating on the streets, wielding weapons … we have a responsibility to them to keep them safe and keep our neighborhoods looking great,” said Nguyen before the vote. “But we can’t forget that these individuals, they’ve been on the street for 5, 10,15, 20 years-plus.”

Some of them “have served our country,” Nguyen said. “And something happened in their life that got them to this point, and it’s going to take more than one day, one interaction with an officer or mental health provider to undo that.”

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Garden Grove, California, is a charming city in the heart of Orange County, with its vibrant community and rich history. But did you know it's also just a short drive from some of Southern California's most stunning beach destinations? In this article, we'll guide you through the top beaches near Garden Grove, detailing their unique attractions, parking and accessibility options, and fascinating histories. Get ready to embrace the sun, sand, and surf as you embark on a beach-hopping adventure.

Address: 103 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as "Surf City USA," is a prime destination for beach enthusiasts, with 10 miles of pristine coastline and a vibrant surf culture. The beach offers ample parking, with several lots and metered street spaces available, and is easily accessible by foot. Along with surfing, visitors can enjoy beach volleyball, bonfire pits, and the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. The area is steeped in history, from the oil boom of the early 20th century to its modern-day surf competitions.

Address: 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661

Newport Beach boasts a variety of beach experiences, from the family-friendly sandy stretches along Balboa Peninsula to the secluded coves of Crystal Cove State Park. Parking options vary by location, with metered street parking and lots available. The beach is also home to the historic Balboa Pavilion, which dates back to 1906 and offers a glimpse into the area's early tourism industry. Don't miss the chance to take a scenic stroll or bike ride along the beachfront boardwalk.

Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular spot for families, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with its wide sandy shores and calm surf conditions. The beach offers ample parking in a large lot, with a day-use fee, and is easily accessible by foot. Visitors can enjoy beach volleyball, surf fishing, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which offers a chance to observe local wildlife. The beach has a rich history, with Native American settlements, Spanish land grants, and a WWII-era gunnery and bombing range.

Address: 110 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Seal Beach is a quaint coastal community with a charming Main Street and a picturesque sandy beach. Parking can be found in lots and metered street spaces, with easy access to the beach by foot. The beach offers swimming, surfing, and the Seal Beach Pier, the second-longest wooden pier in California. Seal Beach has an intriguing history, from its early 20th-century amusement park to its role as a naval weapons station during World War II.

With a variety of stunning beaches just a short drive away, Garden Grove, California, serves as the perfect starting point for a sun-soaked coastal adventure. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and Seal Beach each offer unique attractions, histories, and picturesque landscapes that make them must-visit destinations. Pack your sunscreen, towels, and beach gear, and set out to explore the vibrant and diverse world of Southern California's best beaches near Garden Grove.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Garden Grove is a charming community filled with a diverse range of activities, attractions, and delicious dining options. This article will delve into the many benefits of living in Garden Grove, California, showcasing the unique characteristics that make it a delightful destination for families and individuals alike. So, let's begin our journey and explore the wonders of this vibrant city.

Garden Grove Park

A favorite among locals, Garden Grove Park offers a peaceful retreat from bustling city life. With its lush greenery, playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas, it's an ideal spot for family outings or a leisurely stroll.

Atlantis Play Center

Perfect for families with young children, Atlantis Play Center features a variety of play structures designed to spark imagination and creativity. This whimsical park transports visitors to a world of mythical creatures, with its dragon-themed slide and sea serpent swing.

Crystal Cove State Park

Just a short drive from Garden Grove, Crystal Cove State Park is a stunning coastal destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking and birdwatching to exploring tide pools, this park provides a picturesque escape from urban life.

Brodard Restaurant

A must-visit for food enthusiasts, Brodard Restaurant is known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With their signature nem nuong cuon (pork spring rolls) and a wide variety of flavorful dishes, it's no wonder Brodard is a local favorite.

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

For those craving a taste of Mexico, Sabroso! Mexican Grill offers a mouthwatering menu of traditional dishes. Their handmade tortillas, savory carnitas, and fresh guacamole are just a few reasons why this spot is a must-visit.

Carolina's Italian Restaurant

Carolina's Italian Restaurant has been serving Garden Grove for over 35 years, offering a delightful dining experience with their delicious homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and welcoming atmosphere.

Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

The Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is an all-in-one family vacation destination, featuring a massive indoor water park, spacious suites, and various on-site dining options. This resort provides endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

Held annually since 1958, the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating the city's rich agricultural history. The festival features carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and delicious strawberry-themed treats.

Village Green Park

Home to the Garden Grove Clock Tower, Village Green Park is a charming spot in the heart of the city. With its picturesque gazebo, lush landscaping, and multiple events throughout the year, this park is a great place to gather with friends and family.

Garden Grove, California, is a city brimming with charm, offering a wide range of activities, attractions, and dining options for all ages. From the whimsical Atlantis Play Center to the delectable Brodard Restaurant, there are countless reasons to call Garden Grove home. So, come and experience the warmth and beauty of this welcoming community and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In Garden Grove, the city’s largest mixed residential and commercial mixed-use development is finally taking shape.

Plans to turn the Brookhurst Triangle — a prime plot of land bound by Garden Grove Boulevard, Brookhurst Street and Brookhurst Way that has sat empty for more than three decades — into a city landmark began in the early 2000s.

Following the completion of the first phase of the Brookhurst Place project in 2018, the city and the developer Kam Sang Company came together to break ground on the next phase on Tuesday, June 6.

Brookhurst Place, a 14-acre project, is situated in the heart of Orange County Koreatown. And when completed, it will include 700 residential units, a 1-acre public park, a 1-acre urban trail, up to 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and a 100-key hotel.

Phase I of the development added 180 rental apartment units in what is called Building 1. And Phase II construction will begin with a 112-unit, six-level apartment building — aptly named Building 2 — with two levels for parking and four levels for residential units, said Monica Covarrubias, Garden Grove’s senior project manager.

“We don’t have an exact timeline,” said Covarrubias. “There’s still a lot of supply and demand delays due to COVID even though we technically are already out of the pandemic.”

Construction projects like this, she said, typically take 24 months, but it will be dependent on the availability of supply materials.

The proposed budget for this second phase is $42 million, Covarrubias said, with developer Kam Sang Company footing the bill.

Garden Grove city council person Cindy Tran, left, and CEO of Kam Sang Company Ronnie Lam take a selfie during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of Brookhurst Place, Garden Grove’s largest residential and commercial mixed-use development in Garden Grove on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)

This next phase of development will also include Buildings 3 and 4 which will add 350 apartment homes, of which 60 will be affordable housing units, and 58 for-sale condominiums.

Given that the development is situated in Orange County Koreatown, where Orange County’s Korean Americans have found community since the 1970s, the developers of the Brookhurst Place community are “aware and they are very much in tune to the fact that it is in the Koreatown district,” said Covarrubias.

Kam Sang Company is considering paying homage to the Korean American community in the development, Covarrubias said.

The $42 million project will support Garden Grove in many ways, she said. Construction plus the opening of retail businesses as well as the hotel will create jobs for local residents.

“It also increases the opportunity for tourism to our city,” Covarrubias said.

“We are delighted to have the unwavering backing of the city of Garden Grove as we enter Phase II of this development,” said Ronnie Lam, president and chief executive officer of Kam Sang Company. “Their continued support not only reinforces our vision but also strengthens the project’s potential to create significant impact in terms of housing availability and economic development.”

Plans for the Brookhurst Place mixed-use development began in the early 2000s when it was deemed redevelopment property, according to the city’s website.

Kam Sang Company entered the picture in 2010, following its development of the Sheraton Garden Grove. And along the way, residents have protested the plans, saying it was not in their best interest.

In 2014, the City’s Planning Commission finally approved Kam Sang Company’s development plans, and in 2015, the state gave its approval to begin construction.