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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

Throughout the past month, the City has been at work on several exciting projects. In addition to the Town Center construction, major improvements are being completed in the Main Street District on Main Street and Lemon Drive. By late April, residents will see resurfaced streets, new sidewalks, and decorative lighting in this area. Detailed information on the project, as well as a photo of Main Street's new monument sign are included in this issue of the "Yorba Linda Connection." Despite higher than average rain, measures are being taken at the new Library and Cultural Arts Center to recover and reduce potential schedule delays as construction continues. Project updates for the Library and Cultural Arts Center are available on the project website .

Also of interest to the community, the City of Yorba Linda, along with other North Orange County cities, known as the North Orange County Service Planning Area ("North SPA"), have been collaborating on a regional approach to address homelessness in the area. This includes identifying suitable locations for multiple shelters to provide homeless individuals in the region with needed facilities and services. Although no shelters are planned in Yorba Linda, we anticipate contributing to new shelters planned elsewhere in North Orange County.

Thank you for reading and staying connected with the City of Yorba Linda.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the March 5, 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 March 5, 2019 City Council Meeting Recap on the City website .

View the Latest Aerial Footage from Public Library & Cultural Arts Center

A significant number of rain events since the January 5 groundbreaking have resulted in delayed progress at the Public Library and Cultural Arts Center site; however, measures are being taken to recover and reduce significant schedule delays. Last month, water trucks were enlisted by the contractor to haul ponded water from the site in an effort to get the site back to a condition where grading can resume. Aerial video footage of the site is available on the project website, newylpl.com . Look for construction updates in future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection and on the project website .

Special Election Scheduled for Tuesday, March 12; Early Voting Available this Weekend

Yorba Linda residents will vote in a Special Election on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 to fill the Third District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors . The vacancy was created when Todd Spitzer, who previously represented the Third District, was sworn in as Orange County District Attorney in January. Residents wishing to cast their ballot early may do so at one of the early voting locations available Friday, March 8 through Monday, March 11; a list of these locations is available on the City website . Candidate statements and polling place information is available on the OC Registrar of Voters website .

Improvements on Main Street and Lemon Drive Continue

The construction at Main Street and Lemon Drive has reached several exciting milestones with more improvements on the way. Most recently, the brick monument construction and tree installation at Main Street and Imperial Highway was completed. The monument and tree will serve as a focal point to the newly renovated Main Street for years to come. During the last week of February, the reconstruction of the roadway portion of Lemon Drive between Main Street and Valencia Avenue was completed. A final asphalt layer and striping will be added upon completion of the project. On Main Street, the majority of the west side of the street has been improved with new hardscape, including newly constructed sidewalks and brick pavers. The east side of Main Street is currently under construction and will have complementing sidewalks and brick pavers. Following the completion of the hardscape, decorative lighting and landscape will be installed on Main Street. Hardscape improvements, street lighting, and landscape improvements will also be installed in the parkway areas on Lemon Drive. Residents can expect to see Main Street and Lemon Drive's completed new look in late April.

City Launches New GIS Mapping Application

The City of Yorba recently launched Map Yorba Linda , a user-friendly web-based mapping application designed for residents, businesses, or anyone looking to live in the City of Yorba Linda. Residents can now retrieve property information, including details about street sweeping, refuse collection, street lighting and landscaping maintenance district zones, water and sewer providers, hazard zones, and other general property information with the click of a button. Future property details will be added as they become available. Visit this new application today from a computer or mobile device! Users can also view a short video introducing the functionalities of the new application.

Regional Effort to Address Homelessness

In an effort to comply with a Federal Mandate as well as a recent case law, Martin v. Boise (2018), the North Orange County Service Planning Area (“North SPA”), comprised of the cities of Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Stanton, and Villa Park, has been collaborating on a regional approach to address homelessness in the North SPA, which includes identifying suitable locations for multiple shelters to provide homeless neighbors in the region with needed services.

Based on the local mandate by U.S. District Federal Judge David Carter, cities in the North SPA are required to work on a homeless housing plan for the region, which shall include creating Navigation Centers designed to house and service North Orange County cities’ homeless population. The requirement for the North SPA is to create Navigation Centers that would provide comprehensive supportive services including vocational services, recreational services, mental health, transportation services, and 200 beds to the homeless residents of the North Orange County region. If cities do not comply with the mandate to add emergency housing, they will not legally be able to keep the homeless from creating an encampment in public areas, such as city halls, senior centers, parks, and neighborhood sidewalks, including sidewalks in front of residents’ homes.

This decision, along with the recent Orange County Federal Court case presiding under Judge Carter, significantly limits the City’s ability to manage and control homeless proliferation and public camping in our community. In order to comply with these Federal requirements and court decisions, and to ensure that the City maintains local control over enforcement of its own anti-camping ordinance in public areas, including public sidewalks, the North SPA cities have identified two potential locations for Navigation Centers– one in Placentia and one in Buena Park.

The City anticipates more information on the proposed locations and management of the proposed Navigation Center will be available in the coming weeks.

Pizza with a Cop

Yorba Linda Police Services invites the community to come and meet their deputies over a slice of pizza at the upcoming Pizza with a Cop event scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The informal event, which will be held at the Yorba Linda Country Club, 19400 Mountain View Place, will allow residents the chance to ask questions and get to know Yorba Linda Police Services staff. Space is limited; to reserve your space, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Kara Taylor at 714-779-7098, ext. 108, or email her at kmtaylor@ocsd.org . For more information, view the event flyer .

Save the Date for the City's Annual Egg Hunts

Grab your baskets and your running shoes, two of the City's most popular annual events are just around the corner! The 23rd Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt will be held on Friday, April 19, 2019 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House. The event, geared towards ages 7-13, requires pre-registration, which can be completed online or at your favorite Recreation facility. The following day, on Saturday, April 20, the 36th Annual Egg-Citement Hunt will be held at Hurless Barton Park. This free event is geared towards children ages 2-9 and no registration is required. In addition to the egg hunt, which will start promptly at 10:00 a.m., the event will feature crafts, games, face painting, a petting zoo, and a photo opportunity with the Bunny himself!

Honor a Local Hero with a Military Banner

The Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Military Banner Program, which recognizes active duty and Gold Star military personnel. Each banner will list the name of the honoree and the branch of the military in which they serve and signifies the community's gratitude for their service. Banners will be displayed on light poles on Yorba Linda Boulevard beginning at Valley View Avenue and continuing east for a one-year period beginning in mid-May. Applications are available on the Military Service recognition page of the City website and will be accepted through April 1, 2019. The cost to purchase a banner is $85.

Tips for Securing Your Home Against Intruders

Yorba Linda Police Services , along with the City of Yorba Linda, would like to remind residents that the first step to preventing residential burglaries is securing the home. Mostly a crime of opportunity, burglary capitalizes on the carelessness and neglect of the homeowner or renter. To prevent burglary, vandalism, and other property crimes, Yorba Linda Police Services suggests residents review the following tips to protect their home and property:

Take the time to complete a thorough inspection of your home for safety measures. A great place to start is by completing Yorba Linda Police Service's detailed Home Security Checklist, which provides a checklist of areas to review, including exterior doors, garage and sliding doors, windows, outdoor security, and outdoor valuables and personal property;
Once you have completed the Home Security Checklist, if you have identified significant gaps in your home security, consider scheduling a home security check with Yorba Linda Police Services. This can be scheduled by contacting Crime Prevention Specialist Kara Taylor by emailing her at kmtaylor@ocsd.org; and
If you are are planning a vacation, schedule a complimentary Vacation Home Check by completing a short form on the City website at least seven days in advance of your departure. Deputies will perform a physical checks of your property throughout your vacation to ensure security.

Stay Informed Through AlertOC

With the recent tragic place crash, the City of Yorba Linda would like to remind you to stay informed through AlertOC . Along with the County of Orange , the City utilizes AlertOC, a mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of important information during emergency events. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the County or City of Yorba Linda can be sent to your home, cell, or business phone. Alerts can also be sent by text message to cell phones, email accounts, and hearing impaired devices. Registration with AlertOC can be completed online . Residents who have previously registered are encouraged to log in to their account to confirm their contact information is still current and cell phone numbers are listed.

Home Gardeners Reminded of Deadly Citrus Disease in Orange County

This spring, the City of Yorba Linda, along with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , remind home gardeners of the threat of Huanglongbing (HLB), a deadly disease which affects citrus trees. The disease is spread by a pest called the Asian citrus psyllid, a small insect that feeds on citrus tree leaves, which causes a bacteria, called Huanglongbing, to spread. If a tree is infected, it can die in as little as five years. The disease is not harmful to humans or animals. Cases of of HLB have been detected in Orange County with one case reported and treated in Yorba Linda in 2018. Per CDFA guidelines, all citrus trees within a 400-meter radius of an infected tree are treated. In the case of an infection, those in the affected area will be notified by the CDFA at least 48 hours in advance of treatment. For information on prevention and detection of HLB, please visit the City website .

Safety Tips for Walking and Running at Night

Yorba Linda is home to over 100 miles of maintained trails, making it a walker or runner's paradise. With busy work and school schedules, many individuals choose to use run or walk at night, which can pose some safety concerns. The City of Yorba Linda would like to remind those enjoying Yorba Linda's trails system to follow these precautions when walking or running at night:

Although pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings, always pause to make sure motorists have seen you before crossing; try to make eye contact with oncoming motorists if possible;
Pay attention to your surroundings and run without earbuds or other audio devices that will prevent you from hearing vehicles and other sounds around you. If you do choose to listen to music, consider using only one earbud;
Wear reflective or brightly colored clothing. A headlamp will also make you more visible to motorists;
Take a familiar route and be sure a friend or family member knows which route you will be running or walking;
Carry identification with you (e.g. a driver's license or identification bracelet);
Run against traffic so you can have a clear view of what is ahead. If you find headlights blinding, consider wearing a cap or visor;
Bring your cell phone with you to use in an emergency. A variety of applications, including the Road ID app, allow you to upload your emergency contacts to your phone and even allow friends or family to track your location;
When possible, use the buddy system. This can be a great motivator as well!

Household Hazardous Waste Items Can be a Fire Hazard

From pool cleaning supplies to unused paint from home improvement projects, many residents may be storing hazardous household waste in their garage or home. Although they are doing the right thing by not improperly disposing of these substances, these items can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances and should not be stored on a long-term basis. The City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Fire Authority , would like to remind you to share these tips for using and storing household hazardous waste:

Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources and open flames, including water heaters and fireplaces;
Do not smoke near any type of flammable product;
Carefully follow instructions on the labels of all flammable liquids and other hazardous products to prevent accidents or injuries at home;
Keep hazardous materials in their original containers and never remove labels or instructions;
Never mix hazardous products as they might react, ignite, or explode when combined;
Never leave household hazardous products or waste within reach of children or pets;
When possible, look for environmentally friendly products or search online for simple recipes using natural ingredients; and
Safely dispose of hazardous waste free of charge by visiting an Orange County Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

Pollution Prevention Tips for Gardening Activities

With spring around the corner, many residents will be refreshing their gardens by planting new flowers, fertilizing, and updating their watering schedule. As you update your garden for the new season, the City of Yorba Linda encourages you to be mindful of the environment by following these helpful tips:

Carefully follow directions on fertilizers and be sure to measure amounts rather than estimate them. Be sure to avoid fertilizing if rain is predicted within 48 hours;
Water your lawn and garden by hand to control the amount of water you use. Set irrigation systems to reflect seasonal water needs. If water flows off your yard and into your driveway or sidewalk, your system is over-watering; and
When adding new plants, choose plants that are native to Southern California that will require less water.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

This Sunday, March 10, 2019 will be the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. The City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Fire Authority , would like to remind remind residents to complete an important task in addition to adjusting their clocks - changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Maintaining the batteries in these potentially life-saving devices twice per year helps to ensure your family's safety in the event of a fire.