A THREE-ALARM fire hit a two-story office building in Garden Grove in April. Discussions are underway about the fate of the Public Safety building in Garden Grove (OCFA photo).

Building stuff is very much in the news for cities in the West Orange County area. 

In Garden Grove, the city has its Civic Center engagement project underway, the centerpiece of which is building a new police headquarters building. Such a structure would likely involve demolishing the existing GGPD HQ and constructing a new, multi-story facility nearby.

But it’s worth pointing out that “cop shop” is only one part of the Public Safety building on Acacia Parkway. The other half is an Orange County Fire Authority – originally Garden Grove Fire Department Station 1 – facility and offices.

What happens to that operation? Does it move to a new location, or does it piggyback with the police? We are told that discussions are underway about the fire facility’s future and that nothing’s really been decided.

But … building a new fire house could free up more land in the Civic Center for other uses, including additional parkland. Stay tuned.

The attraction of Argoland

As reported in The Tribune recently, the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education has voted to approve the construction of a new “modular” two-story classroom building on the campus of Garden Grove High School. It will replace a gaggle of so-called “portable classrooms” at the northeast corner of the campus.

One of the reasons given at the school board meeting for the new building was to not only accomodate enrollment growth, but also the “hundreds” of students on a list applying to transfer to the GGHS attendance area.

We know that all the high schools in the GGUSD are wonderful, but it’s nice to know when you’re in demand.

Drink up and be (straw) berry

THE STEELCRAFT urban eatery is on Euclid Street in Garden Grove (OCT photos).

Got a powerful thirst? Head to the SteelCraft outdoor urban eatery in Garden Grove. Two more businesses will soon be able to serve alcohol.

According to the Zoning Administrator, the new additions are Off-Duty, which will serve meals, craft wines and wine cocktails for on-site consumption, and approval of a conditional use permit with a new liquor license at the existing La Taqueria.

Together with Beachwood Brewing, there will be three places in SteelCraft to celebrate that “it’s five o’clock somewhere.”

“Usually Reliable Sources” alternates with Jim Tortolano’s “Retorts” column.