STEVE JONES is back as Garden Grove’s mayor, but two new council members were seated on Tuesday night: Cindy Tran and Joe DoVinh (Orange County Tribune photos by Jim Tortolano).

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

A “new look” Garden Grove City Council was seated Tuesday night as a pair of new members were sworn in.

CINDY TRAN (District 3).

Now on the city’s decision-making body are Cindy Tran (District 3) and Joe DoVinh (District 4).  Re-elected and also sworn in for another term were George Brietigam (District 1) and Mayor Steve Jones.

Saying their goodbyes were Councilmember Phat Bui (District 4) and Mayor Pro Tem Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen (District 3).

JOE DOVINH (District 4).

Also making his parting appearance was Police Chief Tom DaRé, retiring from the GGPD after 32 years of service, the last three-and-half as head of the department.

“I want to thank all my supporters,” said Tran. “All of you who cast the votes for me to be here.” She added, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be on this awesome board.”

DoVinh congratulated Tran on winning her election in her first try. “This is my third race,” he said, and his first elective office.  

He promised his constituents that “I will be here working for you.” In addition to thanking his family and supporters, he paid tribute to those to who didn’t live to see his Nov. 8 victory, saying “I know they are looking down on us.”

DaRé’s farewell described his tenure as chief this way: “It really is a dream come true.” As a man who was born and educated in Garden Grove, a graduate of Garden Grove High and with the GGPD since 1990, he was described as a “hometown hero.”