Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda
A Message from the City Manager
Dear Community Member,

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through August. With the events that have transpired in our City and across the world over the last several months, 2020 already feels like a few years packed into one! As I reflect on recent events and challenges that have defined this year, I believe this may be the perfect opportunity to do a little "housekeeping" and make intentional changes that better our lives. For many, volunteering in community service is a rewarding and noble way to engage with the community. There are many organizations and opportunities in Yorba Linda for those looking to give back to the community. For information on volunteer opportunities visit the City's website, inquire with your faith community, or call a local nonprofit whose mission you admire. Volunteering is a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends.

Throughout this pandemic, the City has worked hard to provide exceptional services to residents young and old. Our Senior Lunch Program and Grocery Distribution for seniors and those experiencing food insecurity has been dutifully serving our local community during the pandemic, and will be enhanced through the Meal Gap Program which launches today. This program was approved by the City Council at the July 21 meeting, and partners with local restaurants to provide fresh boxed meals for participants of our food distribution programs. For our youngest residents, the City's modified "Adventure Camp" has provided a much needed dose of outdoor recreation during these difficult times. People of all ages have been enjoying the activities provided by the City's Virtual Recreation Center and other offerings from our Parks and Recreation team.

Our City staff takes great pride in the work of maintaining a beautiful City and providing exceptional enrichment opportunities, even during challenging times such as this. Yorba Linda is your home and our collective work to make this City better, together, never ends. Thank you for your engagement and stay well.
 
Best Regards,

Mark Pulone
City Manager
Protect Yourself and Others!
The City of Yorba Linda continues to follow the OC Health Care Agency’s efforts which encourage people to take care of themselves and those around them during this public health emergency. There are several things we can all do to stay healthy and to keep our families, friends and co-workers well. View the City of Yorba Linda's public service announcement from Mayor Beth Haney on Protecting Yourself and Others with Proper Hygiene.

Please, do your part to protect yourself and others by:
  • Staying home if you are sick;
  • Wearing a face cover in public;
  • Staying at least 6 feet apart from others;
  • Washing your hands often;
  • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces;
  • Covering coughs and sneezes; and
  • Avoiding touching your face.

For flyers, videos and more information in multiple languages including tips for what to do if you live in a large household and what to do if you test positive for COVID-19, please visit ochealthinfo.com/protecteachother.
City Council Meeting Recap
The City Council Meeting Recap for the August 4, 2020 City Council Meeting is now available online. These recaps are intended to summarize action taken by City Council, and are not intended to function as a replacement for official meeting minutes. City Council Meeting agendas and minutes, as well as recaps from previous meetings are always available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website.
Yorba Linda Completes Second Round of Small Business Relief Program
The City of Yorba Linda is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Small Business Relief Program - Round 2, which will be sending checks this week for one-time grants of $5,000 for 24 small businesses in Yorba Linda that had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the City will have dispersed $1.78 million in emergency assistance to small business in Yorba Linda. Funding for the program came from CARES Act money provided to the City through Orange County's 3rd District County Supervisor Don Wagner's office, and from money that had been planned for the City's annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular that was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
TAPS Brewery + Kitchen Now Open
The new TAPS Brewery + Kitchen restaurant opened in the Bryant Ranch retail center on July 24. This exciting new restaurant on the east end of Yorba Linda offers an expanded outdoor dining area and will be offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Be sure to check it out soon. For more information and their menu, visit lovetbk.com.
Clyde's Hot Chicken Approved by Planning Commission
The new flagship Clyde’s Hot Chicken restaurant was approved by the Planning Commission at their regularly scheduled meeting on July 15. The ground-up restaurant will be located on the vacant lot at the northwest corner of School Street and Arroyo Way. This new restaurant will feature a 4,824 square foot building with a drive-through, indoor and patio dining, and an exciting rooftop patio for dining! Clyde’s Hot Chicken is an Orange County based Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant offering high-quality southern-influenced cuisine in a fast-casual dining environment. The first Clyde’s Hot Chicken restaurant opened in Downtown Fullerton in 2019, and a second location in Montclair opened later that year. The Yorba Linda Town Center location will be the first ground-up development for the growing chain and will become their “flagship” location. The Clyde’s’ project team is currently preparing a plan check submittal to obtain building permits with hopes of breaking ground in Fall 2020. 
Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Update
Construction continued throughout the month of July at the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center site. Significant progress was made last month to finish grading, site concrete pavement, and curbs. Additionally interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, painting, stone, exterior glazing, wood ceiling grid, and interior light fixture installation continued. Initial tree planting also began in the parking lot.

In August, the remaining overhead utility line, stone and curtain wall are scheduled to finish. The end of this project is now in sight as construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. New aerial video footage of the site is available on the project website.
Summer Movies in the Park Showing: Sonic the Hedgehog
Join us Saturday, August 15 at Eastside Park for a Movie in the Park night-out. We will be showing Sonic the Hedgehog on our 400 square foot screen! The movie will start at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). Seating will all be available on the lawn in 44 pre-marked 10' x 10' spaces socially distanced from other households. Registration is required to attend this event to ensure it is not over capacity. Seating will given on a first-come first-pick basis upon arrival. This a FREE event, but pre-registration is required online at YLRecOnline.com. Registration begins today, August 10 at 10:00 a.m. (Activity #16063).

Important Information to ensure a successful and safe event!
  • One registration per household;
  • One vehicle per registration;
  • Check-In/seating will begin as early as 7:00 p.m.;
  • Bring blankets and lawn/picnic chairs; 
  • Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Registration receipt and proof of pre-registration will be required; 
  • Seating will be on a first-come first-pick basis;
  • No animals allowed (with the exception of service animals); 
  • No RVs or campers will be permitted;
  • Congregating with members of other households is strongly discouraged to conform with social distancing guidelines; and
  • Park restrooms will be open for use.
Library Offers Curbside Pick-up Service
The Library launched a Curbside Pick-Up Service to the public in May. Library patrons can request up to five available items (including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs) through the Library’s online catalog, or by contacting the Library via email or phone by calling 714-777-2873. This convenient and contactless service operates during the following hours:

Mondays: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays - Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Special Hours for ages 65+: Tuesdays - Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

To find out more about how contactless curbside pick-up works, visit the Library's website at ylpl.org/curbside/.
National Night Out Goes Virtual!
While this year's National Night Out had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, the Orange County Sheriff's Department is excited to announce their Virtual National Night Out video series! Every Tuesday in August, the Sheriff's Department will share a video post on their social media accounts that provides helpful information on crime prevention topics. The Virtual National Night Out PSA and the first episode are already online.

The following videos will air in August:
  1. August 4: Vehicle Burglaries with Deputy Marina Ramirez
  2. August 11: Residential Property Crimes with Deputy Olivia Coco
  3. August 18: Economic Crimes with Investigator Mike Sakamoto
  4. August 25: Personal Safety with Deputy Jason Arellano
City Council Meeting Cancellation
The September 1, 2020 City Council Meeting has been cancelled. The Yorba Linda City Council will reconvene at the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting agenda will be available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website prior to the meeting.
Labor Day Holiday Closure
In observance of Labor Day, all City offices, including the Library, Police Services Substation, and all Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020. City offices will reopen to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8. Please note, Republic Services will not conduct regularly scheduled refuse and recycling collection service. Service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
City Offers Free Trees to Beautify Neighborhoods
As part of the ongoing beautification efforts by the City of Yorba Linda, the City is offering a new Street Tree Beautification Program. At the request of a property owner, the City will select and plant one 5-gallon tree within their public parkway. The selected tree will be complementary to the neighborhood and shall be maintained by the property owner. The City will make up to fifty 15-gallon trees available per fiscal year on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to have a tree planted in your public parkway, please contact the Public Works Department at 714-961-7170.
Restaurant Week 2020 Starts Today!
The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce and City of Yorba Linda are excited to announce the second annual Yorba Linda Restaurant Week! Today through August 15, visit participating restaurants throughout Yorba Linda to sample special menu items and exciting promotions. Some lucky diners will win an exclusive dining package! To be entered into the raffle, submit at least three purchase receipts from participating restaurants during Restaurant Week (look for the Restaurant Week window sticker) to the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce. The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to dine local and support our Yorba Linda restaurants during this great event. For more information or to enter the raffle, visit ylrestaurantweek.com.
Great Outdoor Dining at Derricks Grille
The outdoor patio at Derrick's Grille at Black Gold Golf Club is a great place to relax and have a bite to eat. The scenic atmosphere overlooking the golf course can't be beat, especially during Taco Tuesdays at Derrick's Grille! You can get three delicious tacos and bottomless chips & salsa for just $9.

This week, during Restaurant Week 2020, Derrick's Grille is offering 10% off your meal if you mention the Restaurant Week ad (offer good Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). For the current menu and information on promotions like Taco Tuesdays, please visit blackgoldgolf.com.
City Seeking Nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year
The City of Yorba Linda is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year recognition, and the deadline for nominations is now less than a month away! Please help us honor our local heroes whose selfless dedication to serving others stands as the ultimate example for all of us to follow. Nomination forms and detailed information are available on the City website; completed nomination forms must be submitted by Thursday, September 3, 2020. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Geoff Spencer at 714-961-7110.
Santa Ana Riverbank Restoration Update
City staff recently reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers for an update on their riverbed project along La Palma Avenue. Work in the riverbed has temporarily stopped due to the completion of the cleanup effort by the Army Corps' temporary contractor, who was hired to stabilize the site after the original contractor was removed from the project due to excessive delays. The Army Corps is currently updating the specifications for the outstanding improvements required to complete the riverbed restoration project. Once the specifications are updated, bids will be solicited for a period of 30 to 45 days with an anticipated award date sometime in September. Construction will likely resume sometime this Fall and is anticipated to last until the end of 2021. More updates will be provided in future issues of the YL Connection.
Annual Weed Abatement Program Underway
Yorba Linda is fortunate to have a great deal of open spaces, hillsides and panoramic views that provide our citizens with beautiful scenery. However, much of the open space is comprised of natural vegetation that dies off during spring and summer. This vegetation then becomes dry weeds that pose a fire hazard. Many of the City's larger properties have a portion of their property abutted against overgrown and dry vegetation, such as on a rear slope or other vacant land, and this too can present a potential fire hazard.

It is the responsibility of the City to monitor these properties and to provide annual Weed Abatement and Rubbish Removal notifications, as permitted in the California State Government Code Chapter 13; Weed and Rubbish Abatement. The 2020 Annual Weed Abatement Program commenced in April of this year, with over 1100 notices being sent out to private property owners whose properties have the potential to have weeds and/rubbish. Property owner were asked to abate any of these conditions on their properties by June 8, 2020.

City Staff initiated inspections on June 9, and as of August 4, approximately 1122 properties have been abated of these conditions and have passed their weed abatement inspections. The City is so thankful to these property owners whose work reduces fire risk, creates beautiful landscapes, and improves neighboring property values.

A public hearing will be held at the August 18, 2020 City Council meeting to take testimony and comments from the pubic regarding the Annual Weed Abatement Program and to hear evidence as to why the remaining non-compliant properties should be deemed public nuisances and to initiate the weed abatement on said properties. 

Community Preservation staff is available to answer calls regarding weed abatement efforts, code enforcement matters, and on-going neighborhood problems. The Community Preservation hotline phone number is 714-961-7138. For more information, visit the Community Preservation website.

Water Safety Barriers Help Prevent Drownings
The Orange County Fire Authority would like to remind residents about the importance of preventing drowning accidents. Adequate water safety barriers are essential to protecting children, and adults, safe from all water sources. Barriers buy time and offer protection if they are installed correctly and are in good working condition. The more barriers you install and maintain, the safer your family will be. Take time to identify your risks and take action! Here are some important options to consider:

Non-Climbable Fences
  • Install a 4-sided isolation fence tall enough (4-5 feet) to prevent children from climbing over;
  • Make sure the bottom of the fence is close enough to the ground to prevent a child from crawling under; and
  • Ensure patio furniture is kept away from the fence so a child cannot use the items to climb.

Self-Closing or Latching Gates
  • Install a self-closing or self-latching gate with a locking mechanism;
  • Gates should be installed so that they open outward, away from the pool; and
  • Regularly inspect gates for damages to ensure a child’s safety.

Pool and Spa Covers
  • Purchase and use a pool and spa cover to protect children and pets; and
  • Covers for the pool and spa act as a horizontal fence should children or pets get near the water.

Alarms
  • Having alarms on your doors, windows, and on the pool is important in case a child or pet comes in contact with water unexpectedly;
  • Child wristband alarms and pet collars are available to purchase for additional protection. The base alarms are triggered as soon as the child or pet gets them wet, alarming others in the area; and
  • Purchase and use portable alarms that can be used at any pool, residential or community.

Indoor Barriers
  • A child can drown in less than two inches of water. Purchase and install indoor barriers such as toilet latches, baby gates, and child-safe doorknob handle covers to ensure children cannot get into any rooms where water can be accessed.

For more more tips to prevent drownings, and pool/beach safety information, please visit OCFA's Drowning Prevention website.
Protecting the Environment Begins at Home
Preventing pollution can seem like a daunting task; however, there are small changes everyone can make in their home which can make a big difference. The City of Yorba Linda and the OC Stormwater Program encourage you to take these steps at home to prevent stormwater pollution:

  • Do not rinse spills on the patio or driveway with water. Instead, sweep outdoor spills and dispose of them in the trash. For wet spills like oil, apply cat litter or another absorbent material, then sweep and bring to a household hazardous waste collection center (HHWCC);
  • Securely cover trash cans;
  • Take household hazardous waste, such as unused paint, cleaning products, and used vehicle fluids, to a household hazardous waste collection center. These items should be stored in closed, labeled containers inside or under a cover;
  • Always pick up after your pet. Remember to flush waste down the toilet or dispose it in the trash; and
  • Bathe pets indoors or have them professionally groomed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, August 15
Seating opens at 7 p.m.,
Movie begins at dusk.
Sunday, August 9 -
Saturday, August 15.
See Participating Restaurants at
QUICK LINKS
4845 Casa Loma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-961-7100
CONNECT WITH THE
CITY OF YORBA LINDA