Stanton mayor requests California National Guard to patrol the evacuated city.
The city of Stanton, located in Orange County, California, is currently under a state of emergency due to the looming threat of a catastrophic explosion from a malfunctioning industrial tank in nearby Garden Grove. This situation has prompted local officials, including Stanton Mayor David John Shawver, to call for assistance from the California National Guard to ensure the safety of residents and properties in the affected area.
Mayor Shawver has issued a directive for the complete evacuation of Stanton, emphasizing that the entire city falls within a mandatory evacuation zone. In an email sent to constituents, he urged everyone to leave the area immediately, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Shawver noted that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has deployed 22 additional deputies to safeguard residences and businesses during this critical period.
In a recent phone interview, Mayor Shawver clarified that he has formally requested assistance from both county and state agencies to mobilize the National Guard. He is actively communicating with state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Congressman Lou Correa’s office, as well as Orange County’s Emergency Operations Center, to facilitate this request. However, he added that discussions surrounding the deployment of the National Guard remain uncertain, as the decision must ultimately be made by county officials.
The mayor expressed his belief that bolstering security personnel would mitigate potential risks of looting or vandalism during the evacuation. He pointed out that while the additional OCSD deputies are managing evacuations and securing the area, they are also engaged with residents, making their responsibilities particularly demanding.
OCSD Sergeant Lizbeth Gwisdalla confirmed the agency’s proactive measures, indicating that a Mobile Field Force with enhanced resources has been activated. Deputies have been conducting door-to-door evacuations and are currently overseeing road closures and high-visibility patrols to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not enter the evacuation zone.
Stanton, covering slightly over 3 square miles, is home to fewer than 40,000 residents, as per the 2020 U.S. Census data. As of May 23, the city remains under mandatory evacuation, with no specified timeline for residents to return to their homes. While the situation evolves rapidly, local authorities are focused on ensuring public safety amid the looming threat posed by the malfunctioning industrial tank.
