Item 212/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Omar Sandoval
Dept:
City Manager Dept: City Attorney
Date: 5/26/2026
Subject: Adoption of resolution ratifying the proclamation of a local emergency on May 22, 2026, concerning the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located 12122 Western Avenue. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to adopt a resolution ratifying the proclamation issued by the City Manager acting as the Director of Emergency Services declaring the existence of a local emergency on May 22, 2026, due to the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located at 12122 Western Avenue.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On May 22, 2026, effective 9:30 a.m., the City Manager acting as the Director of Emergency Services adopted a proclamation declaring a local emergency due to the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located at 12122 Western Avenue.
At the time of the proclamation, one of three chemical tanks with approximately 34,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate showed evidence of failure with releases of vapors and the possibility of an explosion leading to major damage to surrounding properties a nd possible contamination of the local air quality at levels hazardous to humans and animals. The Orange County Fire Authority issued an evacuation order within the area bounded by Garden Grove Blvd. to the south, Springdale St. to the west, Orangewood Av e. to the north, and Dale St. to the east, affecting the City of Stanton in addition to Garden Grove. This area was later expanded to Valley View St. to the west, Trask Ave. to the south, and Ball Rd. to the north, also affecting the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Seal Beach, and Westminster, with approximately 40,000 residents in the expanded area.
Pursuant to State Law and Section 6.08.070 of the Garden Grove Municipal Code, the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to proclaim a local emergency when the City Council is not in session, provided that the City Council takes action to ratify the proclamation within seven days thereafter.
Item 212/2026
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total financial impact associated with the emergency response is currently unknown. The Finance Department has set up a special account to track all costs incurred by the City in responding to the emergency, which include support provided by multiple departments assisting the City’s public safety responders, and services provided to t he members of the public through the evacuation center at Garden Grove Park, and a call center established at the City Hall.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt the resolution ratifying the proclamation of a local emergency on May 22, 2026, concerning the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located 12122 Western Avenue.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. City Manager/Emergency Services Director’s Proclamation
2. Resolution