The Garden Grove City Council took up two notable items at its February 24 meeting — passing the first reading of a nitrous oxide ban and opening a formal discussion on adding multilingual "Freedom" signage to a city street in honor of the Vietnamese American community.

Nitrous Oxide Ordinance Passes First Reading Unanimously

The council voted 7-0 to advance a first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide products within Garden Grove city limits. The measure adds Chapter 6.50 to Title 6 of the Garden Grove Municipal Code.

City Attorney Sandoval outlined the key provisions: the ban covers nitrous oxide products sold at retail, with limited exceptions for food products such as whipped cream dispensers, automotive applications, and medical or dental use as dispensed by licensed pharmacists. Any other sale would be prohibited.

Photos submitted to the council showed flavored nitrous oxide products — in grape and strawberry varieties — being sold at local smoke shops and liquor stores. City Attorney Sandoval noted the flavoring appeared designed to appeal to younger buyers.

A public commenter during oral communication described personally witnessing a young man using nitrous oxide outside a senior center. "There was a young 20-year-old man sitting on the steps, not bothering anybody," the commenter said. "He puts nitrous oxide back in his backpack. Any seniors there see that, that makes them cry."

The ordinance was continued from the February 10 meeting and passed its first reading without opposition. A second reading and final vote will be required before the ordinance takes effect.

Council Explores 'Freedom Way / Tự Do' Street Designation

In a separate discussion, the council directed city staff to explore adding a bilingual co-designation to Trailway, a residential street south of the 22 Freeway near Brookhurst Street. The proposal, brought forward by Council Member Dovinh, would add supplemental signage reading "Freedom Way / Tự Do / Libertad" — with Tự Do being the Vietnamese phrase for freedom — above existing street signs on both sides of the roadway.

Dovinh emphasized that the proposal would be an additional sign rather than a formal street rename, which would avoid triggering a cumbersome address-change process for the approximately 32 residential properties on the street.

Staff noted that any additional signage would require an engineering review for wind load capacity before installation. Council Member Dovinh also proposed that a nearby city-owned alley could be considered for a separate designation — "Công Lý" (Justice / Justicia) — drawing a connection to the pledge of allegiance: "with liberty and justice for all."

Council Member Cindy Tran expressed interest in extending the concept to Woodbury, another nearby street. Staff indicated they would explore both options and return with a recommendation.

No vote was taken on the street naming proposal; the council directed staff to continue research and return with additional information.

Housing Authority Marks 50 Years

The meeting also recognized the 50th anniversary of the Garden Grove Housing Authority, which administers approximately $40 million annually in federal housing assistance. City Manager Lisa Kim highlighted the agency's 95% voucher utilization rate and noted that the authority became the first in the region to eliminate veteran homelessness from its waiting list — a milestone that drew particular praise from council members.

The Garden Grove City Council meets next on March 10, 2026.