Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda |
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A Message from the City Manager |
Dear Community Member,
On behalf of the City of Yorba Linda: Happy new year! While many of us are developing new year's resolutions to prioritize important aspects of our lives, such as our personal health and wellness, let's not neglect our role in creating a healthy and positive community. I invite everyone to join me in a collective commitment to resolutions that advance our society through good citizenship and civic participation. Some of the tenets of good citizenship include mutual respect, volunteering/mentoring, obeying laws, hard work and dedication to excellence in all matters, and understanding others' needs. For 2021, let's resolve not just to be good neighbors but effective neighbors who find countless ways to make our little corner of the world a better place. While 2020 challenged us in irreparable ways, I can think of no better response than pulling together as a community and rising to those challenges with enthusiasm, grace, and dedication. Together, we can make 2021 Yorba Linda's best year yet.
Instead of New Year's Resolutions, the City of Yorba Linda is guided by our 2020 Strategic Plan, which many of our readers are likely familiar with. Adopted by the City Council last March, the 2020 Strategic Plan is a management tool for identifying the City’s past achievements, future goals and objectives, and setting the course necessary to achieve these objectives. The Strategic Plan's mission statement reads, "The City of Yorba Linda enhances quality of life by providing exceptional services and amenities in a transparent and financially responsible manner that responds to and exceeds community expectations." Like you, the coming of the new year has energized the City, and we look forward to continuing our relentless pursuit of exceptionalism.
Some of the things we look forward to in 2021 include the addition of an In-N-Out Burger (details in this newsletter), the finished restoration of the Trueblood House, and our Council Chambers' remodeling at City Hall. We also hope that the County of Orange's mass vaccination efforts can help us fully open our new Library and Cultural Arts Center and we can offer a full summer of library and recreation programs and events. While we face many challenges from the pandemic that still need solutions, there is reason for hope and optimism. If we work together to make our community an exceptional place, our pride as the people of Yorba Linda will have endless merits.
Best Regards,
Mark Pulone
City Manager
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City Council Meeting Recap |
The City Council Meeting Recap for the December 15, 2020 City Council Meeting is now available online. These recaps are intended to summarize the City Council's actions 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.
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City Seeks Applicants to Fill Commission Vacancies |
Yorba Linda's City Council is seeking applications from Yorba Linda residents to fill three vacancies on the Library Commission, and two vacancies each on the Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Traffic Commissions. The Commissions, appointed by the City Council, are comprised of members who serve alternating four-year terms. All appointments have a three term limit and serve at the pleasure of the City Council. Yorba Linda residents interested in applying for appointment are encouraged to file a brief application form with the City Clerk's Office prior to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021. Application forms may be obtained from the City Clerk at Yorba Linda City Hall, 4845 Casa Loma Avenue, or on the Commission Information page of the City’s website.
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County Launches "Operation Independence" to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine to OC Residents |
The County of Orange is proactively leading Orange County’s response to COVID-19. The next critical phase is providing the vaccine to residents in a phased, tiered approach.
The County’s effort, named Operation Independence, has the objective of setting up regional vaccine points of dispensing sites (PODs). Due to the scope and size of these PODs and based on the high demand for vaccines, these sites are being referred to as County Super PODs. The Super PODs are expected to dispense thousands of vaccines each day once they are fully operational.
The County anticipates the need for at least five Super PODs to be brought online as they are approved, staffed, and have COVID-19 vaccines available. The location of the County Super POD sites are in development and will be announced soon. Once finalized, the County Super POD sites will be opened in a phased approach and located regionally throughout Orange County.
Currently, vaccinations are being provided to qualifying Orange County residents and those who work in Orange County that fall within Phase 1a (all tiers). Vaccines will be dispensed at County Super PODs only to qualifying Orange County residents and those who work in Orange County. A vaccine will not be delivered unless identification and documentation of vaccine eligibility are presented at the site. To view a list of who is eligible to receive the vaccine, visit the OC Health Care Agency website.
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Westbound 91 Full Closed Friday Night |
A full closure of the westbound 91 between the 71 in Corona and the 241 Toll Road will occur Friday, January 15 at 11 p.m. to Sunday, January 16 at 5 a.m. The closure is needed for crews to safely remove overhead signage. Please avoid the area if possible. Otherwise, significant delays can be expected. Allow for extra time and use alternate routes.
Other roadways will be closed starting at 10 p.m. to support the full closure of the westbound 91, including the westbound Green River Road on-ramp and off-ramp, the southbound 71 to westbound 91 connector, and the westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside and Orange Counties. Construction activity may change due to weather or other factors.
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Library Adjusts Grab and Go Service Hours |
To best serve the Yorba Linda community's needs, the Library has modified its operating hours. As previously reported, the new Public Library is now open for Grab & Go Service, including holds pick-up and materials browsing. Reservations are required and can be made with a valid Yorba Linda Public Library card via the Library's website. The new hours for Grab & Go Service are:
- Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday & Friday: closed
To learn more about this service and to schedule your reservation today, please visit ylpl.org/grab/. The pick-up of holds is available during library operating hours and does not require a reservation. Hours are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.
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Sign up for AlertOC Emergency Alerts Now! |
Recent red flag warnings and regional fires demonstrate why it is more important than ever for residents to register to receive emergency updates through AlertOC, the County's mass notification system. Residents may receive emergency alerts to include disaster notifications, evacuation notices, public health emergencies, public safety emergencies, or any emergency information as defined by the City. Residents can register for AlertOC or manage their existing profiles by visiting AlertOC.org, or by texting ALERTOC to 888777. Also, it is a good idea to verify your contact information is up to date by logging on to the AlertOC website, especially after changing your residence or phone number.
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Register Now for Winter Programs |
Registration is now available for the Parks and Recreation Department’s winter programs. A variety of classes are available for all age groups with added-modifications to promote safety for all participants. Browse the winter issue of the activity guide online and register for programs online at YLRecOnline.com.
Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, all programs and registration dates are tentative and subject to change. Based on current restrictions, various classes will be required to run outdoors with continued modifications.
For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or email YLPR@yorbalindaca.gov.
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City Seeks Community Feedback on RHNA Appeal and Housing Needs Survey |
In December, the City of Yorba Linda filed a formal appeal requesting a revision of the City's draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation. The City has determined that its draft RHNA allocation (2,411 units) was calculated in a manner that did not follow state housing laws and requested an adjustment of the City’s housing responsibility. More information on the appeal can be found on the Housing Element Update website.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will hold a RHNA public appeals hearing for Yorba Linda on January 15, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Public comments are welcome at this meeting. The City encourages any concerned residents to either send in written comments to housing@scag.ca.gov or provide verbal comments at the hearing via Zoom. For a summary of the issues of concern by the City that may be considered in your comments, visit the City's website.
As the City works to update its Housing Element (part of the City's general plan required by State law), the City also encourages residents to participate in a brief survey to solicit feedback and identify the community’s most important housing needs. The survey includes an opportunity to provide input on potential sites for where new housing should be considered. If you have any questions, please email our Housing Element team.
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City Hall Remains Open On Appointment-Only Basis |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has found innovative ways to continue operating and fully support our customers' needs. To protect our guests' and employees' health, the City continues to only open City Hall on an appointment-only basis during normal business hours, in addition to enhanced cleaning protocols and safety modifications. To set up an appointment, please call the appropriate department, or visit the City's Modified Building Operations page for Building related inquiries. Per State guidance, visitors will be required to wear face coverings and not enter City Hall if they feel ill or unwell. Operating hours and availability of appointments are subject to change based on State and CDC guidance.
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2021 Yorba Linda City Championship Registration Opening Soon |
Save the date! The 2021 Yorba Linda City Championship is happening on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, at Black Gold Golf Club. The Yorba Linda City Championship is an official SCGA sanctioned tournament and part of their Player of the Year rankings! For additional information and to sign up, visit blackgoldgolf.com/ylcc.
Black Gold Gold Club is also offering to-go food options for golfers through Derricks Grille. There is a limited menu with a grilling station set up outside. Also, Derricks Grille will soon offer made-to-order pizzas with endless options for toppings. Follow Black Gold Golf Club on social media for more announcements.
Tee times for Black Gold Golf Club can be made at chronogolf.com or by calling the Golf Shop at 714-961-0060.
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Old Public Library Makes Way For In-N-Out Burger |
Residents have likely noticed the demolition of the old Yorba Linda Public Library on Imperial Highway. Following the opening of the beautiful new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center campus on Lakeview Avenue, work began to remove the existing structure and prepare the site for the construction of a new In-N-Out Burger restaurant. The demolition project is nearing completion as retaining walls are mitigated for asbestos before removal, utilities are removed, and the site is roughly graded to a generally level area. The project is expected to finish early next month.
Once the site work is finished, the City will then prepare to close escrow and officially transfer the property to In-N-Out as the new owner. The restaurant has received all of its development entitlements and necessary permits to begin construction soon after acquiring the site. Their team hopes to begin construction this spring, with a Fall 2021 grand opening!
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City Launches Flag Design Contest |
Flags are important symbols of our community’s identity. We invite residents to participate in a special contest to design an official flag for the City of Yorba Linda!
Submitting an entry is easy. Review the guidelines, determine meaningful symbols of Yorba Linda, choose up to three colors, and get creative! As determined by a panel of judges, the top entries may be submitted to the City Council for final approval. But act quickly; the deadline for submissions is February 22, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
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New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Public Library and Cultural Arts Center |
Thanks to grants generously provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center campus, located at 4852 Lakeview Avenue. The charging stations, located along the north side of the parking lot, are part of the City's effort to provide infrastructure for the growing adoption of electric vehicles and to promote a cleaner environment. Check it out next time you visit the Library or Cultural Arts Center! |
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Trueblood Housing Restoration Nearing Completion |
The restoration of the Trueblood House is nearing completion and should be finished by the end of the month. This historic property, located at 4801 Park Avenue, has been of great interest to the City of Yorba Linda due to its iconic look and visible location at the Yorba Linda Town Center's gateway. The developer has done an incredible job rebuilding the house to its former glory and has significantly enhanced the Imperial Highway and Lemon Avenue streetscape. Once finished, the City will lease the property to the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce to host their local office operations. The Chamber team will use the month of February to relocate from their existing lease space into the Trueblood House and expects to be open for business in their new location beginning early March.
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Shop Where Your Heart Is: Support Yorba Linda's Businesses Today! |
The City of Yorba Linda and the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to support local small businesses by shopping locally whenever possible. COVID-19 has challenged our small business community in countless ways, but when you shop where your heart is and support local businesses, you are directly helping our community recover. Whether you add a to-go meal from a local restaurant to your family's weekly meal plan or commit to buying only locally sourced goods, your support goes a long way! |
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City Facilities Closed for 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 18, 2021. The holiday will not affect scheduled refuse and recycling collection or street sweeping. |
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It's Time To Check Smoke Alarms |
Almost two-thirds of all home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Protect your family by installing smoke alarms, inspecting them regularly, and practicing home fire drills. The following tips can help keep you and your family safe:
Install
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways outside bedrooms or sleeping areas, and on every level of the home;
- Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall. Make sure they are at least 10 feet from the stove and three feet from doors leading to the kitchen to reduce false alarms;
- Keep smoke alarms away from bathrooms with tubs or showers, heating or cooling ducts or vents, and ceiling or whole-house fans;
- Check the back for the manufacture date and replace all alarms when they are 10 years old;
- Use interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound;
- It’s safest to use both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. Ionization alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires; and
- Special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing people.
Inspect
- Test all smoke alarms once a month; and
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well.
Protect
- Draw a home escape plan that shows two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place;
- Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear it; and
- Practice home fire drills at least twice a year.
For additional fire prevention tips, visit the OCFA website.
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Changes To Organic Recycling On The Horizon |
In September 2016, then-Governor Brown signed into law SB 1383, the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the last 30 years. SB 1383 requires the state to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025. Currently, organics comprise two-thirds of disposed waste in California landfills. Organic waste includes lawn and landscaping debris, wood and lumber, food, and fibers, such as paper and cardboard. The law also requires the state to increase edible food recovery by 20% by 2025.
The goal of SB 1383 is to reduce methane emissions at landfills. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is produced when organics break down in landfills. Landfills are the third-largest emitter of methane in the State of California. Meeting the requirements of SB 1383 will require the coordinated efforts of state and local governments, businesses, and residents. Planning is now underway across California to ensure that the needed programs and services are in place within the next year. These new requirements are going to change the way residents dispose of their solid waste and recyclables. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming changes to your services and possible future rate-changes. Learn more about SB 1383 by viewing CalRecycle’s informational video at CalRecycle.ca.gov.
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Preventing Urban Runoff is Everyone's Responsibility |
This year many of us may be resolving 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 your 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, regularly check for pet waste, pick it up, and dispose of it in the trash or toilet.
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Weekly Flag Raising Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial |
The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association invites residents to honor and celebrate local veterans by attending a Flag Raising Ceremony held every Thursday at 4:15 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial site (4766 Valley View Avenue, Yorba Linda). Please visit the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial website for more information and details for other events hosted by the Veterans Memorial Association.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2021
6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2021
6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021
6:30 p.m.
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4845 Casa Loma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-961-7100
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CONNECT WITH THE
CITY OF YORBA LINDA
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