Garden Grove Deputy City Manager Mike Fenderson

Mike Fenderson, deputy city manager for Garden Grove and a 27-year employee of the city, retires Dec. 31. Hundreds of friends and associates will gather Thursday to honor the 57-year-old Fenderson, who has overseen the city’s recreation, administrative services and community services departments during his tenure. Fenderson spoke with Times correspondent Cathy Werblin about changes he has seen and what his future holds.

Q: What have been your most challenging projects in your various positions with the city?

A: Changing the image and identity of Garden Grove from what it was in the 1950s to the good place it is to live today. Garden Grove incorporated in 1956 and already had 42,000 people--it grew up and developed with no local control or planning. . . . The other thing was the sudden change in demographics. I can remember one night at a City Council meeting around 1975, a group of people came complaining about an apartment complex near Bolsa Grande High School. Refugees from Camp Pendleton had moved in there, and residents were complaining about drying fish on roofs and cooking on hibachis in the living rooms. It looked like a Vietnam village. It was a challenge to work with that community and help them understand the rules and regulations in this country.

Q: What in your 27 years of working for Garden Grove makes you most proud?

A: Being involved with starting social service programs and transitioning them to nonprofit status. We started the Amparo program for runaways, the Turning Point drug diversion program, the adult day services and senior meals and services programs that are still running here. I also saw the development of the Gem Theater, the Village Green cultural arts complex and the Community Meeting Center. Being involved through various civic appointments and being elected president of the California Recreation and Park Society in 1984 were also highlights.

Q: What will you miss most?

A: The people. I’m looking forward to retiring, but I’m not looking forward to leaving the city. I’ve been doing this every day, all day, since 1970. But I’m looking forward to a whole new life out there.

Q: How will you spend your time?

A: I’m going to be a ski host at Mammoth seven days a month during the season, and I plan to travel in the motor home as much as I can. The year after I graduated from high school, I spent the winter working and skiing at Squaw Valley, then took a 37-year break. Now I’m headed back to the mountains. I’ve come full circle.