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

Welcome to March 2021! If it's possible for some years to feel longer than others, I think we all just experienced the longest one yet! As we approach the one-year mark of the pandemic's impact on our society, I find it fitting that this time should coincide with the start of Spring. While I doubt that last March anyone could have predicted where we would be today, it is becoming clearer every day that there is reason to be optimistic about the end of the pandemic.

As COVID-19 vaccination production continues to ramp up and more vaccine providers come online, more vaccination appointments will become available at our County Super POD sites, as well as at other vaccination providers (more details in our "How to Register for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments" article below). The good news is that our case data continues to drop rapidly in Orange County, which means more business activities and sectors will be able to open per State guidance in the coming weeks. The low case numbers are a direct result of your continued vigilance, so let's continue to work together to maintain the gains we have made.

There is good news around town this month. The City is in the very final stages of closing our deal with In-n-Out Burger, and Clyde's Hot Chicken is preparing to begin its construction soon. Many adult and youth sports teams have received approval to begin competing in games. Our Parks and Recreation Department has planned an exciting activity guide for spring, including the return of our family-favorite egg hunt events. More details about all of these stories can be found in this edition of the Yorba Linda Connection.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone
City Manager
City Council Meeting Recap
The City Council Meeting Recap for the March 2, 2021 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.
How to Register for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments
Orange County residents have several options for receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. While many people have signed up to be vaccinated at a County Super POD site through Othena, Orange County's vaccine appointment scheduling platform, the system is just one of several venues in which a person can register to get vaccinated. Major health care providers, including UCI, Hoag, Providence (St. Jude), and Kaiser are regularly receiving vaccine distributions and providing appointments to customers. Also, pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid are offering appointments as well. These vaccine providers are working hard to provide vaccinations to as many qualifying people as possible. More information and links to other providers' registration portals are available on the City's website.

Who is eligible to be vaccinated?
The following populations, as described on the County's website, are currently eligible to be vaccinated:
  • Phase 1A populations (all tiers, including people age 65+); and
  • Phase 1B, Tier 1 populations, which includes:
  • Education;
  • Food Service, Grocery and Agriculture Workers;
  • Child Care Providers; and
  • Emergency Services.

Please note that the County is actively vaccinating Phase 1A populations and is waiting to receive the vaccine allocation required to begin making Phase 1B appointments. Other providers, like the networks and pharmacies listed above, may have received their vaccine allocation for Phase 1B populations.

Registering for a Vaccine Appointment through Othena
To register for a vaccination appointment at a County Super POD, visit Othena.com, select the "First Time User" button, and answer the questions. After registering, users will be put into a digital waiting room to wait their turn for a vaccine appointment. The Othena system generates email appointment invitations as soon as appointments open up at a vaccine dispensing location. If users download the Othena app, the app will notify users when appointments become available. Please be advised that appointments are limited by vaccine availability, but capacity is frequently expanding as more doses become available.

Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at the Super POD site of their appointment to receive a vaccine.

If you need help with the registration process or have questions, please call the OC Health Care Agency's hotline at 714-834-2000. The hotline is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions related to Othena and vaccine-related issues. Individuals who lack access to technology can call the hotline for assistance with Othena registration and support.

Residents can also visit COVIDVaccineFacts.com for the latest information on who is currently eligible to receive the vaccination and learn about its safety and efficacy. Residents can also find vaccine information and resources at yorbalindaca.gov/covidvaccine.
High-contact and Moderate-Contact Sports Games Can Resume in Orange County
The California Department of Public health announced on February 19 the new guidelines for youth and adult sports, which took effect last Friday, February 26. The new guidance accelerates outdoor high-contact and moderate-contact sports teams' opportunity to play games in counties where COVID adjusted cases are less than 14 cases per 100,000. While OC remains in the Purple Tier, OC's adjusted case rate fell below the required threshold, meaning that the following high-contact and moderate-contact sports can resume gameplay in Yorba Linda and Orange County.

RED Tier Sports
Outdoor moderate-contact sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, etc., are now able to compete in games with modifications.

Moderate-contact sport modifications include strictly adhering to informed consent. When feasible, additional general guidance is strongly recommended, including face covering during play, physical distancing, hygiene and sanitation, limit mixing of participants, and travel considerations.

ORANGE Tier Sports
Outdoor high-contact sports, including football, soccer, water polo, basketball, etc., are now able to compete in games with modifications.

High-contact sport modifications include strictly adhering to informed consent and testing (antigen or PCR) performed on coaches and players with results made available within 24-hours of play. Testing requirements are only for high contact sports such as football, rugby, and water polo for teams with players age 13 years and older. However, if 50% or more of a team's participants are under 13, the entire team is exempt from testing. Coaches, however, will still be required to meet the testing requirements.

When feasible, additional general guidance is strongly recommended, including face covering during play, physical distancing, hygiene and sanitation, limit mixing of participants, and travel considerations.

The guidance only covers outdoor sports, and there has been no change in guidance for indoor sports. If you have questions, please contact your sports group. To read the full guidance, visit the CDPH website.
City Council Appoints Commissioners
Yorba Linda's City Council has reappointed several members and appointed new members to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and Traffic Commission:
  • Tim Garvey (Parks and Recreation Commission, reappointed);
  • Anthony Johnson (Traffic Commission, reappointed);
  • Janice Lim (Parks and Recreation Commission, reappointed);
  • Robert Pease II (Planning Commission, reappointed);
  • Sean Phayakapong (Traffic Commission); and
  • Shivinder Singh (Planning Commission).

The new members of the Planning Commission were sworn in last week at the February 24 meeting of the Planning Commission. The reappointed and newly appointed members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic Commission will be sworn in at their next regularly scheduled meeting. These commissions will also reorganize by selecting the Chair and Chair Pro Tem positions at their next meeting.

The City of Yorba Linda would like to thank the outgoing commissioners, Marilyn R. Allen-Adams, Cheri Hansen, Robert Lyons, and Randie Noell, for their many years of service to the Yorba Linda community.
Library Expands Hours and Operations
The Library is expanding services to include operations on Fridays beginning March 5. Hours of operation on Fridays will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and include appointment-based browsing opportunities and materials pick-up. An appointment is not needed to pick up holds in the lobby. The new hours are:

  • Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed.

Additionally, the library will be offering various events beginning in March including a reading incentive program for youth, virtual class visits for local kindergarten students, weekly virtual family storytimes, as well as a poetry and photography contest for teens. For more information on upcoming library services, please visit the Yorba Linda Public Library’s website at ylpl.org/.
In-N-Out Burger Construction Starts Next Week
Passers-by will notice something exciting on Imperial Boulevard starting next week: Construction of the new In-N-Out Burger! The City closed escrow with In-N-Out on Thursday, March 4, and thanks to over a year of preparation and planning, the company will waste no time launching into construction. While many patrons have experienced In-N-Out Burger's iconic and ubiquitous locations, the company is bringing a fresh restaurant design to Yorba Linda that includes a large covered outdoor dining patio and a drive-thru lane with a significantly expanded capacity to eliminate traffic on Imperial Boulevard and surrounding streets. In fact, the lane is designed to fit 30 vehicles at a time, which even surpasses the projected queuing need identified in a traffic impact analysis prepared by an independent consulting group. In-N-Out anticipates that their doors will open this fall. We will provide more construction updates in future issues of this e-newsletter.
Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Relocates to the Trueblood House
With the restoration of the Trueblood House complete, the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce has finally moved into their new home. This craftsman-style house, located at 4801 Park Avenue, was designed and built by Nathan Trueblood between July 1910 and October 1913 and was listed as a historic resource in 1981. Reconstruction began in 2020 and concluded last month, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for project partners. The Chamber of Commerce is leasing the property from the City and will be opening for business soon.
The Spring Edition of The Guide Launches This Weekend
The Parks and Recreation Department’s spring session of classes will begin on March 29 and the digital edition of The Guide-Spring 2021 will be available online to residents this weekend. The Spring edition includes a variety of programs and services for all ages including updates on the Egg-citement Hunt, the Flashlight Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, Teen events, Adult Softball leagues, and exciting Cultural Arts Center classes!. Visit www.YLRecOnline.com to view a full listing of classes available and to register online. Be sure to mark your calendars now: online registration begins March 10 for residents. 
 
RESIDENT ONLINE REGISTRATION
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
 
NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION
Wednesday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m.
  
For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or email YLParksandRec@yorbalindaca.gov
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 back for 2021 with COVID-19 safety modifications:

The 24th annual Flashlight Egg Hunt will be hosted on two nights; Friday, March 26, and Friday, April 2 at Hurless Barton Park at 7:30 p.m. The egg hunt will include two hunt zones and individually spaced sections throughout the park to ensure room for social distancing. Parks and Recreation staff will be hosting trivia contests on the Kahoot app, so participants may bring a cell phone or tablet to join in on the fun! Participants should bring a flashlight, running shoes, and a basket to collect eggs at night in our glow-in-the-dark hunt zones!  Pre-registration is required online at www.ylreconline.com (Activity #’s 17245 or 17246). Registration is limited to Yorba Linda residents, children ages 7-13, and each night will be limited to 50 children. A waitlist will be established after registration reaches capacity.

The 37th annual Egg-citement Hunt will be *HOPpening* at Hurless Barton Park on Saturday, April 3. This year’s Egg-citement Hunt is designed as a 15-minute experience for families and children 2-9 years of age. Children will enjoy a quick hunt for eggs, games, visit a self-directed photo station, and take-home a craft kit and goodie bag. To ensure proper social distancing measures, families must pre-register for a 20-minute timeslot. Registration is limited to Yorba Linda residents and immediate family members only. Registration timeslots will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Registration is free and is available online at www.ylreconline.com (Activity #17267). The Kristen Fowler Group proudly sponsors this event.

Residents can register for these events beginning March 10 at 10 a.m. Walk-ins and day-of registration will not be accepted for either event. Space is limited, so please sign up early! Masks will be required while participating in both events. For more information on either of these events, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or by email at YLParksandRec@yorbalindaca.gov.
Clyde's Hot Chicken Nears Construction Kickoff
The new flagship location for Clyde’s Hot Chicken restaurant is getting closer to starting construction. To be located on the vacant lot at the northwest corner of School Street and Arroyo Way, the 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 building plans are currently under review, and the team hopes to receive their building permit soon. Once fully permitted, they plan to start construction as soon as possible.
Get Ready To Change Your Clocks!
The least-anticipated night of the year is coming up soon! Always the second Sunday of March, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 14, 2021. While most electronic devices will automatically adjust themselves, analog clocks and many appliance-timers will need to be set ahead one hour as we "spring forward." On the bright side, this change provides an extra hour to enjoy sunshine and beautiful evenings in Yorba Linda.
Open Bar Taphouse Site Update
The City has received several inquiries about the future of the former Pancake House structure on the corner of Lakeview and Yorba Linda Boulevard. As many residents are aware, the Town Center owner has been working for several years to find a great tenant for this prime location and entered into an agreement with a group to build an exciting new restaurant concept called Open Bar Taphouse. Construction began last year after the group received their approvals and permits, but they were unable to complete the project. The owner is actively courting new tenants for the location and has expressed his intention to demolish the structure which has become dilapidated and unsightly. City staff is working with the owner to help them achieve demolition as quickly as possible.
Yorba Linda's New Public Library and Cultural Arts Center Wins Design Award
The American Society of Civil Engineers, Orange County Branch (ASCE OC) has recognized the City's new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center with the 2020 Award for Outstanding Community Improvement Project! ASCE annually recognizes improvement projects from throughout Orange County that are innovative and impactful across a wide variety of categories. The City will receive the award at the 2021 Annual Awards Virtual Derby on March 18, 2021. Pictures of the beautiful facility, located at 4852 Lakeview Avenue, can be found at newylpl.com.
Help The City Identify Potential Sites for New Housing
The City of Yorba Linda, along with all jurisdictions throughout the State, is mandated by California State Law to prepare a Housing Element update for State certification. The Housing Element is a part of the General Plan and includes goals, policies, and quantified objectives to further the development and preservation of housing. State Housing Element law requires that each City and County identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs within their jurisdiction during an eight-year planning period, which extends from October 2021 through October 2029 for the 6th cycle planning period.

As part of this process, the City would like your input on potential sites for where new housing could be considered. Are there areas in the City currently underutilized or properties that should be considered for potential redevelopment for housing? Are you aware of any property owners considering the development of their properties? To provide a comment, visit Map Yorba Linda and click on the "Public Housing Element Comments" button. Click on any parcel to leave your comments. Your input will help City staff develop a list of potential housing sites, which will be made available for public review and comment. This is a virtual brainstorming session and not a commitment – any and all ideas are welcome!
OCTA Seeks Community's Input on Bus Service Changes
The Orange County Transportation Authority continues to adjust OC Bus service during the COVID-19 pandemic and wants to hear from riders and members of the public about how to help keep Orange County moving safely. Members of the public are encouraged to share their opinions on all of the changes to date by filling out an online questionnaire – available now through March 26. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. For more information, visit the City's website or ocbus.com/2021buschange.
City to Issue Weed Abatement Notices
Last year's Blue Ridge Fire was an important reminder of why we must all take fire safety seriously. The City's annual weed abatement program exists to keep the City fire-safe by ensuring that yards and larger land parcels are cleared of combustible weeds and debris. It's that time of year again for residents to get an early start on weed abatement.
 
To comply with California Government Code, the City will issue notices in early April to homeowners with potential fire hazard conditions based on vegetation or rubbish on the property. Those who receive a notice are required to clear their property of all combustible vegetation, including dead leaves, weeds, brush, and tree limbs, as well as excess trash, wood, and other combustibles. The Orange County Fire Authority also assesses properties for fire risk and issues notices on an as-needed basis.
 
Please keep in mind that weed abatement season is year-round in Southern California. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that their property is maintained in a “fire-safe” condition to protect themselves and their neighbors. For additional information about the weed abatement program, please contact the Community Preservation Division at 714-961-7138.
Caltrans Seeks Input on Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs for its Active Transportation Plan
Caltrans District 12 is excited to announce the kickoff of its Active Transportation Plan. As part of a statewide effort, the District 12 Caltrans Active Transportation (CAT) Plan will identify bicycle and pedestrian needs on, across, or parallel to the State Highway System in Orange County. The Plan’s overarching goals are improving safety and access for people and strengthening and reconnecting local active transportation networks while focusing on social equity, partnerships, and robust engagement.

Stakeholder feedback collected through a Public Survey will play an important role in the outcome of the Plan. The survey will allow participants to identify and submit feedback on locations around the State Highway System where walking or biking can be improved. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

For additional information, please visit the CAT Plan website.
Santa Ana River Army Corp Project Update
The Army Corp Project's contractor, Silverstrand Construction, has completed initial prep work in the Santa Ana riverbed, including site-clearing, the restoration of dewatering wells, installation of water quality measures, and new fencing along the project perimeter. The contractor has now started storm drainpipe extension work as well as initial rock removal from the embankments. This phase of the work is anticipated to wrap up soon. At this time, no major hauling is taking place; rocks removed from the embankments are currently being stockpiled in the project staging area within the riverbed. Staff will continue participating in project update meetings to stay informed and help monitor the project's progress and impacts.

Residents can view the presentation from the contractor's public meeting in December 2020, which includes a site map and an estimated project timeline.
Be Mindful of Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste products, including cleaning products, aerosol cans, pesticides, batteries, paint, lighter fluid, and gasoline pose a risk to your health and safety. These products are typically corrosive or toxic and can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances. These products require special care to prevent fire, injury, or pollution of the environment. The following tips will help you achieve your spring-cleaning goals without putting your property or safety at risk:

Use and Storage
  • Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources and open flames, such as hot water heaters and fireplaces;
  • Don’t smoke while using any type of flammable product, including nail polish, polish remover, alcohol-based hair products, and similar cosmetic items;
  • Carefully follow instructions on the labels of all flammable liquids and other hazardous products to prevent accidents or injuries at home;
  • Keep hazardous products in their original containers, and never remove labels or instructions;
  • Never mix hazardous products. They might react, ignite, or explode when combined;
  • Never leave household hazardous products or waste within reach of children or pets; and
  • Go green! Look for environmentally friendly products or search online for simple recipes using natural ingredients.

Disposal
  • Never dispose of household hazardous waste in your regular trash. Once in landfills, these products can potentially contaminate our source of drinking water.
  • Never dump household hazardous waste on the ground, down storm drains, or into toilets, drains, or sinks. It can seep into groundwater and waterways, contaminating lakes, the ocean, and local beaches; and
  • Orange County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste items for FREE at any Orange County House Hazardous Waste Collection Center. The nearest location is at 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, Anaheim, CA, 92806.

For additional fire prevention and safety tips, visit the Orange County Fire Authority's website.
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, March 26, 2021
7:30 p.m.
Hurless Barton Park
Activity #17245
*Preregistration required
Friday, April 2, 2021
7:30 p.m.
Hurless Barton Park
Activity #17246
*Preregistration required
Saturday, April 3, 2021
9:30 a.m.
Hurless Barton Park
Activity #17267
*Preregistration required
QUICK LINKS
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Please note that due to COVID-19, City Hall is open on an appointment-only basis during normal operating hours. For facility hours and contact information, please visit the City's website.
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4845 Casa Loma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-961-7100
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CITY OF YORBA LINDA