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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

Happy June! I would like to first congratulate all those promoting and graduating this week. Nearly 2,000 seniors will earn their high school diplomas from our award-winning Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District this week. As the summer days approach, I would like to remind residents that with this heat also comes fire season. Our wet winter has resulted in higher than normal vegetation. The City is increasing its fire safety efforts, utilizing additional resources to ensure that yards and larger land parcels are cleared of combustible weeds and debris. Please also take the time to safeguard your own home to ensure your property is maintained in a “fire safe” condition.

In other City news, you will continue to see more businesses opening up in the Town Center. The City recognizes there may be added parking and traffic congestion in the area due to final construction and several improvement projects taking place concurrently; however, please take advantage of the available parking in the public parking structure which is open and readily accessible to all downtown business patrons.

Lastly, for those who view our City Council Meetings via the online broadcast, you will see a major improvement in the quality of the production. The video system in the City Council Chambers was recently upgraded to high definition, providing viewers with an optimal viewing experience. Additionally, users will experience a new mobile responsive design feature that automatically resizes video elements to allow for optimal viewing across all devices (desktops, tablets, and mobile phones).

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 June 4, 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.

Yorba Linda Town Center Update

Many of the businesses in Town Center have now opened their doors and are reporting higher than expected volumes within their first weeks of opening. Many thanks to our Yorba Linda community for supporting new businesses throughout the community by shopping and dining locally. The remaining tenants in Town Center have projected openings as follows:

Opening this month – Club Pilates
Opening in summer (July/August) – Seasurf Fish Co, Blind Pig, Marinate Korean BBQ, Clean Juice, and Firehouse Subs
Opening in fall (September-November) – Regal Cinemas and Open Bar Tap House

Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Construction Update

Construction continued throughout the month of May at the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center site. The under-slab utilities and foundations continued at both the Library and Arts Center buildings. The water service, sewer, and storm drain lines were connected at Lakeview Avenue and the site utilities continue to be installed. The first set of footings were installed at the Library building and slab-on-grade preparatory work began. The concrete for the slab-on-grade will be placed and finished this month and continue into early July. Concrete was recently placed at the Arts Center west retaining wall footing and the masonry walls are starting to be constructed. New a erial video footage of the site is available on the project website . Please look for construction updates in future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection.

City Council Adopts Ordinance Prohibiting Short-Term Rental Operations

Since approximately 2015, the City has been monitoring the short-term rental (STR) of residential properties. Over this period, the popularity of STR operations in Yorba Linda neighborhoods gradually has increased with the proliferation of web-based hosting platforms. Community concerns related to associated land use impacts (e.g., increased noise, parking demand, trash, etc.) have increased along with the increase in number of properties operating as STRs. The City Council held a study session on this topic on May 7, 2019, and received significant community input on both sides of this issue. After thoughtful consideration, the City Council directed City staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting short-term rental operations in all residential zones in the City. The City Council adopted the ordinance specifically banning STRs on June 4, 2019.

Annual Pavement Preservation Project Planned for Yorba Linda Streets

The season is here for street paving and pavement preservation. The City's Annual Pavement Preservation Program keeps streets in good condition, provides residents with better driving conditions, extends the lives of streets, and protects the public's infrastructure investment.

Initial preparation work is currently being completed for the project, with the slurry seal treatment anticipated to begin in early July. This year’s project is intended to cover the areas east of Valley View Avenue, north of Yorba Linda Boulevard, west of Village Center Road, and South of Bastanchury Road. The work consists of repairs to designated areas of asphalt concrete and crack sealing followed by a slurry seal treatment of the entire roadway.

The overall project is anticipated to be completed by early October. Door hangers with additional information will be distributed to help minimize construction impacts to the public. During construction, drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to be prepared for delays or take alternate routes, watch for traffic or lane changes, proceed slowly, and to be alert to workers and equipment in the roadway. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 714-961-9170.

TCA Introduces Sticker Transponders

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), operator of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads in Orange County, are introducing new tolling technology that will enable its account-holders to use all toll facilities in California while making payments easier.

Beginning this month, The Toll Roads' FasTrak® account-holders will transition from hard case transponders to a new sticker transponder that is small, durable and free. The thin, bandage-size transponder adheres to the inside of a vehicle's windshield to collect tolls. All of California's tolled bridges, lanes and roads, will begin transitioning to the technology in 2019. To learn more, visit thetollroads.com/sticker .

Coyote Awareness & Reporting

Many Yorba Linda residents experience encounters with wildlife, including coyotes, especially when enjoying Yorba Linda's trails and open spaces. Yorba Linda's 19-mile northern wildlife interface with Chino Hills State Park and a shared southern boundary with the Santa Ana river bed make Yorba Linda conducive for coyote habitation. This time of year, coyotes are more prevalent in the community as they search for food and water for their young pups born earlier this spring.

For the most part, coyotes coexist well within the urban environment and will not affect our daily lives. The best way to minimize the nuisance and losses caused by urban coyotes is by being proactive in keeping coyotes at bay by eliminating sources of food and water. The City of Yorba Linda offers these helpful tips for residents to discourage wildlife activity in their neighborhoods:

Fully enclose all outdoor animal areas;
Keep cats and small dogs indoors or in the close presence of an adult;
Keep pets indoors when not supervised;
Keep trash containers closed;
Keep yards free from potential shelter such as thick brush or weeds;
Enclose the bottoms of porches and decks; and
Eliminate all potential food and water sources.

The general policy of the City of Yorba Linda , Orange County Animal Care , and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is not to trap coyotes as killing and/or relocating urban coyotes has proven to be ineffective over the long term. However, the City does contract with a professional urban wildlife company on an as needed basis. Residents may report coyote sightings to the City using the online coyote reporting form . Ill or injured coyotes should be reported to Orange County Animal Care at 714-935-6848. If a coyote becomes aggressive or threatening, residents should dial 911 immediately.

Regional Housing Needs Assessment Update

State housing law requires that cities update their housing plans every eight years in order to meet certain state-mandated housing requirements to address the state’s housing crisis by providing more affordable housing options. Recent state laws attempt to address the state’s concern that housing production has not kept up with housing demand, which has resulted in rising housing costs. Among these requirements is zoning a sufficient number of properties to allow for a certain number of housing units to be constructed. This state-determined number is called the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA, and in 2012, the City of Yorba Linda was assigned a RHNA of 669 units. For most of southern California, the S outhern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is responsible for working with the state to determine how the RHNA is disaggregated down to each city. City staff has been closely monitoring various SCAG policy committees as they discuss the RHNA process to ensure the RHNA allocation assigned to Yorba Linda for the upcoming cycle is fair. The City will continue to provide updates as information is received.

Summer Brings Higher Temperatures and Higher Wildfire Risk

As the weather grows warmer and drier throughout Southern California this summer, the potential risk for wildfires will increase. Although experts can't predict exactly when a wildfire will occur, wildfires are an inevitable part of life in Southern California and many residents have not made the necessary preparations. Protect your home this summer by reviewing these resources from Orange County Fire Authority :

Clear your property of any combustible weeds and debris;
To evaluate the potential risk for a fire at your home, consider scheduling a free Wildfire Home Assessment by contacting OCFA at 714-573-6774. Guidelines to conduct your own home assessment are also available;
Under certain weather conditions, the National Weather Service will issue a Red Flag Warning; be prepared by reviewing the criteria and precautions for a Red Flag Warning;
Using OCFA's supply checklist, prepare a disaster supply kit, or GO! Bag, with food, water, and supplies for each member of your household (including pets); and
Register for the County of Orange's emergency notification system, AlertOC, to receive emergency alerts by phone or text message.

City Seeking Applicant to Fill Traffic Commission Vacancy

The City Council of the City of Yorba Linda is seeking applications from Yorba Linda residents to fill one vacancy on the Traffic Commission. The Commission, appointed by the City Council, is comprised of five members who serve alternating four-year terms. The term for this appointment will terminate on December 31, 2020. The Traffic Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Yorba Linda residents interested in applying for appointment are encouraged to file a brief application form with the City Clerk's Office prior to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Application forms may be obtained at Yorba Linda City Hall, 4845 Casa Loma Avenue, in the Office of the City Clerk or by going to the City’s website . For more information, please call the City Clerk's Office at (714) 961-7150. The deadline for filing applications is June 27, 2019 by 5:30 p.m.

Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program with Festival

This summer, the Yorba Linda Public Library is excited to offer summer reading programs for readers of all ages from June 15 through August 17, 2019. This year's program theme is "It's Showtime at the Library" and the stage is set for readers to discover new people, places, and ideas through reading and attending special events at the Library. Best of all, participants can win exciting prizes just for reading!

The program will begin with a Summer Reading Kick-Off Festival this Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Library. Attendees will enjoy exciting activities such as game booths, face painting, balloon art, crafts, a rock climbing wall, and bounce house! For more information, please call 714-777-2873 or visit the Library's website.

Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Offers Summer Fun for the Entire Family

Summer is nearly here and the Parks and Recreation Department is bringing exciting events and programs to make your family's summer a memorable one! Mark your calendar for these programs:

Summer Camps and Programs: Enjoy over 100 summer camps and programs offered throughout the City. Camps and programs cover a wide range of categories and schedules from half-day to full-day camps. A full listing of all available camps is available online;
Summer Swim Lessons: Dive into summer with swim lessons beginning the week of June 17, 2019. Swim lessons range from infant and parent to preschool and youth classes. New this year are two programs: Blue Swim Program and Junior Guards Program. The Blue Swim Program prepares students in confidence and longer swim times in preparation of swim team practice and drills; Junior Guards Swim Program prepares students to become familiar with lifeguard water rescue techniques, including CPR and first aid procedures. Classes fill up quickly so register now;
Concerts in the Park: This summer's concert series is going to be a blast! Enjoy spending your Sunday evening with family and friends at Hurless Barton Park each Sunday from July 21 through August 25 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m; and
Movies in the Park: Grab your family and friends, bring your own picnic dinner, and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars on a 20-foot inflatable screen. All movies begin at dusk.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Yorba Linda is now accepting applications for two positions: a full-time Human Resources Manager (Administration Department) and a part-time Office Assistant II (Finance Department). For all the detailed information, including the deadlines to apply, please visit the City's Employment Opportunities webpage .

Prevent Drowning and Learn the ABC's of Water Safety Adding Safety Features to Pools Reduce Drowning

To reduce the incidence of drownings in California, the Pool Safety Act went into effect in January 2018. This law applies to any newly constructed or remodeled pool or spa at a private, single family home. Under the new law, before final building permits are issued, the City's building inspector must confirm the new or remodeled pool or spa has at least 2 of the 7 drowning prevention safety features listed below:

An enclosure which meets the requirements and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the home;
Removable mesh fencing that meets specifications in conjunction with a self-latching, self-closing gate, and can accommodate a key lockable device;
An approved safety cover;
Exit alarms on the home's door that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa;
A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed at least 54 inches above the floor on the home's door providing direct access to the pool or spa;
An authorized alarm placed in the swimming pool or spa that will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water; or
Any other means of protection if the protection is determined to be equal or greater than the previous features.

Although the law only applies to newly constructed or remodeled pools or spas, these safety features are proven to prevent drownings and the City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Fire Authority, encourage pool owners to consider installing one or more of these features at home, especially in homes with small children. To receive updates on pool safety initiatives, building code updates, and other safety information, the City encourages residents will pools to join the City's Pool and Spa Registry . For additional drowning prevention information, please visit the City website.

Edison to Host Informational Meeting

Come learn about Southern California Edison's Wildfire Mitigation and Outage Communications Program at an upcoming Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center. As the State of California is experiencing a new year-round fire season, SCE wants to make sure communities are informed and prepared as they implement their Wildfire Mitigation Program (including the Public Safety Power Shutoff protocol) that may impact your home. For detailed information, view the Informational Meeting Flyer .

Fight the Bite During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

Beginning June 26, 2019, the City of Yorba Linda and the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) will join agencies across the nation in observing National Mosquito Control Awareness Week in an effort to educate the public on the important role they play in reducing disease-carrying mosquitoes . Of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, 53 species occur in California and 23 in Orange County. Although some species of mosquitoes are not vectors for disease, mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNV), a potentially fatal disease affecting the central nervous system, have been found in Orange County; last year, 11 cases of WNV were reported within the County, including one death. Learn more about the impact of WNV by viewing one Orange County resident's story in the OCMVCD's "West Nile Virus: A Survivor's Story" video .

Orange County is also home to invasive Aedes mosquitoes, which can transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. There have been no local outbreaks of these viruses in the county, however the presence of Aedes mosquitoes increases the risk. These mosquitoes are now established in 28 cities and unincorporated areas around the county.

The City of Yorba Linda and the OCMVCD encourage residents to take these simple precautions to "fight the bite" this summer:

When enjoying the outdoors, apply mosquito repellents containing DEET(R), Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
Ensure window and door screens are in good repair and keep all unscreened doors and windows closed;
When travelling, visit the CDC website for prevention tips specific to your destination;
Eliminate breeding sources from your yard by draining any containers filled with water, such as plant saucers, pet bowls, and bird baths at least once a week, or after rainfall; and
Report mosquitos, dead birds,and neglected pools, spas, or fountains to OCMVCD.

For additional information, contact the OCMVCD at 714-971-2421 or visit their website .

Independence Day Facility Closure

In observance of Independence Day, all City facilities will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Additionally, there will be no refuse or recycling collection service; collection will be delayed by one day.

Celebrate Independence Day at the 4th of July Spectacular

Gather your family and friends to join the City of Yorba Linda as we light up the summer sky at the 4th of July Spectacular. One of the City of Yorba Linda's most beloved traditions, this year's event will feature family activities including interactive stage activities, dancing, delicious food, live music featuring Eric Sage’s Ultimate Rock Show , a Kids’ Zone featuring inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, carnival games, and prizes; and, of course, a fantastic fireworks show to conclude the evening's activities! The event will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at Veterans Park (4756 Valley View Avenue) and Yorba Linda Middle School (4777 Casa Loma Avenue). The fireworks show will begin at 9:00 p.m. For more information, please view the event flyer or call 714-961-7160.

Keep Our Local Beaches Clean by Preventing Urban Runoff

Summer is here, and along with it comes warm weather activities like trips to the beach. Pollution in local creeks and channels, however, could decrease days spent enjoying the surf and sand by making beaches unsafe for swimming. By simply changing one or two individual practices, you can help reduce urban runoff, improve the health of waterways, and keep local beaches open all summer long:

Keep trash off the ground and pick up pet waste;
Sweep sidewalks and patios, instead of hosing them down. Not only does this prevent wasted water, it also reduces runoff which picks up pollutants on the ground carrying them to nearby storm drains, which drain to the ocean;
Clean up outdoor spills with mops or absorbents instead of washing spills into a gutter or storm drain; and
Do not overwater your lawn.

For more information about preventing urban runoff to the oceans, visit the OC Stormwater website .

Yorba Linda Police Services Hosts Active Shooter Training

In light of recent shootings in public areas, Yorba Linda Police Services (YLPS) is hosting a free “Acts of Mass Violence” (active shooter) training for the entire community. The training will take place on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Yorba Linda Community Center.

Topics will include:

Understanding the law enforcement response to an active shooter/ mass casualty incident;
Developing protocols in order to increase survivability and decrease the number of victims;
Empowering citizens to know what to do during an incident;
Understanding the psychological and physical impact; and
Being aware of resources to mitigate the effects of trauma.

Seats are limited and a RSVP is necessary to save a seat. For more information and to RSVP, please view the Active Shooter Training Flyer .

City Seeking Nominations for the 2019 Citizen of the Year

The City of Yorba Linda is currently accepting nominations for the 2019 Citizen of the Year recognition. 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 5, 2019. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Allison Estes at 714-961-7110.