See What's New in the City of Yorba Linda

Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

CITY HALL

COMMUNITY

SERVICES

A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

Happy New Year, Yorba Linda! This year, to continue to enhance the City's communications efforts, we will be adding a monthly City Manager's Message to the "Yorba Linda Connection" to highlight City news.

January began on an exciting note with the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Public Library and Cultural Arts Center. Over 100 community members braved rainy weather to join City officials to celebrate the next exciting milestone in this highly anticipated project. Construction is now underway and the facilities are expected to open in Summer of 2020.

Next Wednesday, January 23, the City is partnering with OC Animal Care to offer a Coyote Awareness Meeting to provide residents with important safety tips for coexisting with Yorba Linda's wildlife population. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center.

Construction continues on another highly anticipated project, the Yorba Linda Town Center . Several businesses are completing the last of their improvements and preparing to open in February, with openings of the anchor tenants, Bristol Farms and Regal Cinemas, expected to follow later this year.

The City is also moving forward with the rehabilitation of the City-owned historic Trueblood Home. This project, which has been of significant interest to the community, will turn the 1918 home into a fully functioning, modernized building intended for governmental use while retaining its architectural style and defining features.

I'd like to thank you for subscribing to the "Yorba Linda Connection" and taking a proactive approach to staying informed about the latest City news. Please be sure to encourage your friends and family to subscribe as well. I look forward to sharing updates with you throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the January 15, 2019 City Council Meeting is now available online . Following each City Council Meeting, a recap is posted to the Latest News section of the City website. 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. View the January 15, 2019 City Council Meeting Recap on the City website .

Coyote Awareness Meeting Scheduled in Partnership with OC Animal Care

Join the City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Animal Care , for an informational community meeting regarding coyote awareness on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Imperial Room at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Avenue. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the coyote presence in Yorba Linda, coyote behavior, deterrents, ways to decrease negative encounters, and other helpful information. There will be a brief presentation with Q&A to follow. For additional information, please contact the Administration Department at 714- 961-7110.

In addition, the City of Yorba Linda would like to remind residents that coyote sightings can be reported on the City website . Coyote reporting is helpful for the City to track trends in coyote behavior.

Yorba Linda City Council Appoints New Commissioners

The Yorba Linda City Council appointed several new Commissioners to fill vacancies on City Commissions . The City's Commissions are responsible for providing recommendations to the City Council and staff on City policies, programs, and services. Commissioners are appointed to serve a four-year term. A list of recently appointed Commissioners is included below. Those listed with an asterisk (*) are re-appointments.

Library Commission - Ryan Bent * and James Granitto
Parks & Recreation Commission - Doug Dickerson*, Erin Hamilton, and Rachel McLure*
Planning Commission - Don Bernstein*, Karalee Darnell*, and Michael Masterson*
Traffic Commission - Nathaniel Behura*, Matthew Cugini, and Dennis Equitz

A list of all City Commissions, as well as application information, can be found on the City website .

Community Gathers for New Public Library and Cultural Arts Center Groundbreaking

On Saturday, January 5, 2019, members of the community gathered at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center. The event featured remarks by Mayor Tara Campbell and City Manager Mark Pulone, who shared background on the project, including its historical significance. The groundbreaking marks the start of the next project milestone, the construction phase. The 45,000-square-foot Public Library and separate 13,500-square-foot Cultural Arts Center are anticipated to open in Summer 2020. For additional information and project updates, please visit the project website . Photo courtesy of Larry Cohn Photography

City Council Approves Senior Housing Complex

At the December 18, 2018 City Council Meeting, the Yorba Linda City Council approved an affordable housing agreement with Orange Housing Development Corporation and C&C Development. The developer will construct a 48-unit senior apartment complex on City-owned property located at the northeast corner of Lakeview Avenue and Altrudy Lane. The City recommended that 20% of the units be allocated for senior veterans. The new development will help the City to meet its state-mandated requirements for affordable housing while also providing vital housing for seniors and veterans. Construction of the project is expected to commence in late 2019.

City Applies for Annexation of Cielo Vista Property

At the City Council Meeting on December 4, 2018, Yorba Linda City Council moved forward with applying to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to annex the property known as Cielo Vista into the City of Yorba Linda. Currently located in an unincorporated area of Orange County and within the City’s sphere of influence, the property is located to the north of Via del Agua/Stonehaven Drive and east of Dorinda Road and San Antonio Road. View the project vicinity map .

The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently approved subdivision of the 84-acre vacant property with 42.1 acres being allocated for 80 single-family residential lots and the remaining 42.7 acres to be preserved as open space. Should the City’s application for annexation be approved, the City would have jurisdictional authority over the property following construction, as well as receive a share of property taxes. Typically, the application for annexation process takes 3-4 months; an update will be provided in a future issue of the “Yorba Linda Connection.”

Rehabilitation of Trueblood Property Moves Forward

At the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, the Yorba Linda City Council approved an agreement with a developer to complete the rehabilitation of the Trueblood House, a historic property owned by the City. Built in 1918, the home is listed on the City's local historic register and former President Richard Nixon is said to have spent time in the home. Located at 4801 Park Avenue, the rehabilitated property will be a fully functioning, modernized building intended for governmental use and will retain the architectural style and defining features of the original structure, including craftsman-style elements. An 18-month time frame is anticipated for the completion of the project.

Coffee with a Cop

Yorba Linda Police Services invites the community to join them for a morning of coffee and conversation at the upcoming Coffee with a Cop event scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. The informal event, which will be held at the East Lake Village Clubhouse, 5325 Village Center Drive, will allow residents the chance to meet recently appointed Chief of Police Services Lt. Cory Martino and local deputies and to ask questions. For more information, view the event flyer or contact Kara Taylor, Crime Prevention Specialist, at 714-779-7098, ext. 108.

Residential Architect Receives Business of the Quarter Recognition

At the January 15, 2019 City Council Meeting, Daniel Dascanio Residential Architect was recognized as the City of Yorba Linda Business of the Quarter for his longevity in business and innovation in the field.

Since 1992, Mr. Dascanio has provided residential home architectural design services to Yorba Linda and the greater Orange County area. A longtime Yorba Linda resident, Mr. Dascanio is a creative and talented designer who produces impressive and unique custom homes while providing an excellent level of service to the residents of Yorba Linda, including assisting them with facilitating the permit process with the City. The City of Yorba Linda values the significant impact Daniel Dascanio Residential Architect has had on the community.

For more information about Daniel Dascanio Residential Architect, visit their website . For information on the City's Business of the Quarter program, including a list of previous recipients, visit the City website .

Latest News from the County of Orange

The new year has brought several changes at the County level which affect Yorba Linda. On Monday, January 7, 2019, Todd Spitzer was sworn in as Orange County District Attorney . Spitzer previously represented Yorba Linda on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. A special election to fill his seat will be held on Tuesday, March 12. For information on the Third Supervisorial District Vacancy Special Election, visit the Orange County Registrar of Voters website . A list of all current local, state, and federal representatives is available on the City website .

In addition, on January 7, Don Barnes was sworn in as Orange County Sheriff . The Sheriff oversees all Orange County Sheriff's Department operations, including those of Yorba Linda Police Services .

Finally, the North County office of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder will be relocating to Anaheim in mid-February. The new office, which will replace the Fullerton location, will be located at 222 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805, and will offer expanded services. For a list of available services, view the Clerk-Recorder's informational flyer , or visit their website .

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) Returns for Winter Session

During a large-scale disaster, the response of any community's emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed for a variety of reasons. This leaves the community to provide for their own well-being and safety until first responders arrive. This reality is the cornerstone of the Yorba Linda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

You can help yourself prepare for a disaster by enrolling in the upcoming session of the Yorba Linda CERT program to prepare yourself to assist your family, neighbors, and coworkers in the event of an emergency. Scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 5, 2019, the session will cover a variety of topics including:

Fire Safety;
CERT Team Organization;
Light Search and Rescue;
Terrorism Awareness;
Disaster Psychology; and
Disaster Medical Operations.

Classes will be held at the City of Brea Civic & Cultural Center (1 Civic Center Circle). For the full schedule of classes and registration information, view the City website . For additional information, contact Mike Ferdig at 714-961-7014 or email him at mferdig@yorbalindaca.gov .

Parks & Recreation Department Seeks Nominations for Wall of Fame

The Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging the community to nominate exceptional local athletes for the Athletic Achievement Recognition Wall of Fame. The program honors athletic accomplishments by individual athletes or sports teams in Yorba Linda as well as outstanding contributions by athletic organizations serving Yorba Linda. Visit the Wall of Fame page of the City website for a list of previous recipients and to complete the nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 1, 2019. For additional information, please call 714-961-7192.

Orange County Fire Authority Reminds Residents to Check their Landscaping for Fire Hazards

Orange County Fire Authority , along with the City of Yorba Linda, reminds residents to check their home's landscaping for fire hazards. Characteristics of fire prone vegetation include:

Fine, dry, or dead material within plant;
Strong odor when leaves are crushed;
Sap that is gummy, resinous, and has a strong odor,
Loose or papery bark; and
Plants with volatile waxes or oils in their leaves, twigs, or stems.

In addition, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Palm, and Pine trees are all commonly used in residential landscaping to create "privacy screens," but are highly flammable. These species should be closely monitored and not installed near power lines.

For tips on making your landscape more fire resistant, view OCTA's informational flyer , or visit the OCTA page of the City website . You can also contact OCFA Vegetation Management at 714-573-6774.

Preventing Urban Runoff is Everyone's Responsibility

Whether using reusable bags at the store, carpooling to work or school, or planting drought-tolerant plants, many of us are making an effort to be more environmentally conscious - but have you thought about the impact of urban run-off from your home or business?

Urban runoff is the water that flows off our driveways, yards, streets, and parking lots during dry weather from over-watering and other sources. This water mixes with anything used or placed outside our homes and businesses including trash, oil, yard and pet waste, as well as pesticides and fertilizers. When this polluted water enters the storm drains, it empties into waterways and eventually the beach and ocean, posing a health threat to animals, humans, and the environment.

The City of Yorba Linda encourages you to do your part to reduce urban runoff. By simply changing one or two of your individual practices at your home or business, you can help reduce runoff and protect water quality. Here are some general tips:

Protect the environment by using commercial car washes. If you must wash you car at home, use a nozzle on your hose to turn off the water when not in use, utilize biodegradable soap, and, if possible, wash your car on grass or gravel to help absorb the water;
Check your sprinklers to conserve water and prevent over-watering or runoff. If any water runs off your lawn or yard, you're using too much;
Sweep up dirt, soil, landscape and green waste. Never hose these materials into the storm drain; and
If your pet spends time in your yard, check regularly for pet waste, pick it up, and dispose of it in the trash or toilet.

City Facilities to Close in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all City offices, including City Hall, the Library, the Police Services Substation, and Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, January 21, 2019. City offices will reopen to normal business hours on Tuesday, January 22. The holiday will not affect scheduled refuse and recycling collection or street sweeping.