Guardian Angels Fly into San Juan

The famous crime-fighting group, the Guardian Angels, has just launched a new chapter in Orange County.

Events in North Orange County inspired San Juan Capistrano resident Lani Martins take the leadership reins. 

“When the the Guardian Angels from Riverside/San Bernardino, Los Angeles and San Diego counties came to Orange County to patrol the homeless encampments and shelters for 14 hours at a time so the homeless could feel safe enough to sleep,” Martins said. 

Martins was intrigued and decided to research the group.

The Guardian Angels were established in 1979 to provide solutions for safe neighborhoods, schools and the internet from bullying, gangs and violence, she said. They consist of volunteers who donate their time and energy to ensure that citizens can safely enjoy their communities.

The Guardian Angels have 130 chapters in 14 countries providing safety around the world. They needed a leader in Orange County.

So the next thing you know, Martins is the new chapter leader of the Orange County Guardian Angels chapter. 

The new Orange County chapter has partnered with four other Orange County organizations, including Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy, Bully Buster OC, California Krav Maga and Divas in Defense, to collaboratively work toward making San Juan Capistrano and surrounding areas safer.

The Orange County Guardian Angels will host their first Bully Buster workshop for children and open training for adult volunteers on Saturday, April 21 at .

The workshops will begin at 10 in the morning and last throughout the afternoon. The Guardian Angels encourage parents to join their children at the workshop to make safety education a family matter.      

“In addition to patrols, we have a Junior Angels program, which includes the Bully Buster workshops provided by Ryan Foland, free self-defense classes at Zen Dojos for Guardian Angel members and a senior citizens safety program,” Martins said. 

Paul Benavidez, owner of Zen Dojos, said he's proud to support the Guardian Angels by opening his martial arts studio for this kick-off workshop.       

“As a SJC resident and local business owner, I strive to support the strengthening of our community,” Benavidez said. “Whether its fundraising for local schools, offering free anti-bullying workshops, or teaching self-defense seminars, I see the need to be proactive in the community."

Foland, leader of the Bully Buster Workshops, believes they can make a difference.

"Through local partnerships and by providing the community with various workshops and programs to become more aware of how to create a safer community, the OC Guardian Angels is making crucial grassroots efforts that will help maintain crime and violence in San Juan Capistrano and the greater Orange County area," he said.