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Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

The most unique summer in our City's history is now well underway, but despite the ever-present reminder that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, it is not difficult to find joy in bright mornings and warm summer evenings. While every season has its strengths, summer is special to us. Yet, for many of us this summer might represent cancelled vacations, added stress from kids at home (still), or the frustration caused by the pandemic lingering on. With so many people spending so much time at home, moments like these serve as an important reminder that there truly is no place like home. Where you choose to live is one of the most important decisions you will make in life -- and you have chosen to live here! Our City staff does not take that choice for granted as we seek to deliver exceptional services to every resident and business that calls Yorba Linda home. In every season, we are proud to make this City a place worthy of calling home.

While this season is far from the summer we imagined, the City is pleased to announce that our Parks and Recreation Department is able to offer a number of fun-filled events, programs, and classes. From a re-imagined Adventure Camp to virtual recreation classes, our staff has worked hard to provide a variety of great opportunities that meet the State's guidance on COVID-19. For a list of free activities, I encourage residents to visit our Virtual Recreation Center which has activities for all ages.

If anything can be learned from this time, it is that access to timely and accurate information is important. I'd like to thank you for subscribing to the "Yorba Linda Connection" and taking a proactive approach to engaging with the community. Additionally, I invite you to sign up for notifications from the City , and AlertOC for emergency notifications. The City's social media channels are also great sources of information and engagement. Please be sure to encourage your friends and family to subscribe as well.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

COVID-19 Precautions Are More Important Than Ever

With COVID-19 case counts escalating in Orange County and California, leading to the reclosure of some business operations previously allowed to reopen, residents are reminded that taking the proper precautions to avoid COVID-19 exposure is of vital importance. Our collective effort to slowing the spread of coronavirus will help businesses reopen sooner, and keeps each other safe. During this time, residents are strongly recommended to avoid hosting or attending any event with people outside of their immediate household, and to wear a cloth face covering in accordance with State orders.

To keep yourself and others safe, and to help businesses to return to normal as soon as possible, please observe the following:

Wear a mask . By current State order by the California Department of Public Health , a cloth face covering is required to be worn whenever you leave your home, with some limited exceptions. Coronaviruses can be spread through inhaling respiratory droplets, so wearing a face covering may lower your chances of contracting the virus, and significantly decreases your ability to unknowingly spread the disease to others. For more information on proper mask etiquette, please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus .

Practice good hygiene . Maintain good hygiene practices by frequently washing your hands, avoid touching your face, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, and monitoring your health daily. These practices have been heavily advertised because they are effective for stopping the spread of many kinds of viruses and bacteria, in addition to COVID-19.

Observe six feet of social distancing . Wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene is still no substitute for physically distancing from others. The best method to avoid sickness and infection from COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with others. By maintaining a safe social distance of six feet, especially indoors, you can reduce your chances of becoming infected.

Testing Locations . If you think you may have COVID-19, the most important thing to do is to isolate yourself from others and contact your healthcare provider about testing and care. Most people will have mild illness (or even no illness) and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested. If testing is recommended, there are many free resources available and your healthcare provider should direct you to a location served by your health plan. If you do not have insurance, there are many locations that provide free testing. For more information and to locate a testing site, please visit the OC Health Agency's COVID-19 testing website .

Thank you for protecting the health of the entire community by following these recommendations. For more information, please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus . To view local COVID-19 case counts, testing site locations, and health orders in Orange County, visit the OC Health Care Agency website .

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the June 16, 2020 City Council Meeting is now available online . 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.

City Offers Summer Recreation Programs

The Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Department is back and proud to offer summer programs for everyone to enjoy! To learn more, download a copy of the Summer Camps Flyer (PDF) . Further details, program schedules, and online registration are all available at YLRecOnline.com now!

Adventure Camp Yorba Linda

This newly designed camp includes all of the favorite Yorba Linda summer activities in one: Adventure Playground, Water Wednesday, and Summer Youth Programming! In Adventure Camp Yorba Linda, campers will experience different activities, including fort building, maze games, ziplining, wiffle ball, crafts, water activities, and more!

Two sessions per day are available each week: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Choose the time that best fits your schedule! Adventure Camp Yorba Linda is available for students entering second through seventh grade and the fee is $100 per week. Adventure Camp will be held at the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House, Adventure Playground, and adjacent park areas. There are still some spaces available, so register now!

Additional Camps and Classes

The City is pleased to offer a variety of camps and classes, including some of the City's most popular class offerings, with in-person and virtual options for all ages. Find the full listing of all camps and classes available this summer by visiting YLRecOnline.com . Available camps and classes include, but are not limited to:

Art & Sewing;
Computer Skills;
Educational Classes;
Fitness;
Lego, 3-D Printing, & Stop Motion Animation;
Performing Arts;
Spanish; and
Tennis.

Concerts in the Park

The City is still working towards offering our summer Concerts in the Park series, and will publish details when we are ready to make an announcement.

The best way to stay up to date on the City's current offerings is to follow the Parks and Recreation Department's social media accounts , sign up to receive their e-newsletters , and visit their reservation website ylreconline.com .

Yorba Linda Successfully Shares $1.7 million in Small Business Relief Program Grants

The City of Yorba Linda is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Small Business Relief Program, which was able to rapidly disperse one-time grants of $8,000 to 206 small businesses in Yorba Linda that had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the City dispersed almost $1.7 million in grants, sending 100% of the CARES Act money given to the City to assist struggling small businesses.

Created by City Council action at a Special Meeting on May 27, the mandate of the Small Business Relief Program was to provide economic aid to small businesses as fast as possible. The City of Yorba Linda's quick action and successful administration of the program resulted in a short turnaround, with many businesses receiving checks shortly after the application window closed. The funding for this program was made available to the City by the County of Orange, with County Supervisor Don Wagner supporting cities in the Third District to manage their own programs and disperse grants rapidly.

Small Businesses play a vital role in the local economy, and the City encourages residents to continue to shop and dine locally. If more funding becomes available, the City will advertise the program in a similar format and encourage additional small businesses to apply for assistance. Please follow the City's social media channels or look for announcements through direct email blasts.

Building Division Launches New Text-Based Appointment Support Service for City Hall

While Yorba Linda's City Hall is currently open during our normal business hours on an appointment-only basis, the Building Division has launched a new text-based service to facilitate customer-entry into City Hall for their appointment. The Building Division is responsible for regulating building and associated construction activities to protect public health, safety and welfare pursuant to uniform construction codes governing land use and code enforcement. The staff's activities include building plan review and inspection during construction. For more information about this text service, please view the Latest News article on the City's website, or view the Modified Building Operations During COVID-19 webpage .

Buena Park Navigation Center Opens

On Monday, June 29, the second of two navigation centers supported by the North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA), comprised of cities in North Orange County including Yorba Linda, opened in the City of Buena Park. This 149-bed, 15,000 square foot facility will work not only to house people experiencing homelessness, but will provide health resources, job and social skills, and opportunities to reunite with family and friends. To learn more, visit the City of Buena Park website or take a video tour of the Buena Park Navigation Center.

Trueblood House Groundbreaking

The reconstruction project of the Trueblood House broke ground on Tuesday, June 30. 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 gateway to the Yorba Linda Town Center. The City will be leasing the property to the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce to host their local office operations. Grading permits have been issued, and the reconstruction is estimated to last eight months for an early 2021 completion. Look for updates in future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection.

Clyde's Hot Chicken Closes Escrow

Clyde's Hot Chicken has passed a major milestone in coming to Yorba Linda! The City closed escrow in June with the owners of Clyde’s Hot Chicken for the property located in the Town Center at Arroyo and School Street. As part of the building process, Clyde’s has submitted their design plans and the City anticipates their project going to the Planning Commission in July for review of all entitlements. The owners are hoping for construction to begin early in the fall.

Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Update

Construction continued throughout the month of July at the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center site. In June, the interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, painting, exterior soffit metal panel, quarry stone, exterior glazing, wood ceiling grid and interior light fixture installation continued. The bathroom ceramic tile is complete, and the construction trailers and temporary power poles were removed from the property. Finish grading has also continued, along with the concrete curbs, light pole base installation and landscape irrigation. The plants for this project were also selected. The remaining overhead utility pole was removed in June and the stone and curtain wall are scheduled to finish in early July. The project is currently on track to finish and open later this year. New aerial video footage of the site is available on the project website .

Summer Movies in the Park Kick Off

Join us Saturday, July 18 at Eastside Park for a Movie in the Park night-out . We will be showing Frozen II on our 400 square foot screen! The movie will start at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). Seating will all be available on the lawn in 44 pre-marked 10' x 10' spaces socially distanced from other households. Registration is required to attend this event to ensure it is not over capacity. Seating will given on a first-come first-pick basis upon arrival. This a FREE event, but pre-registration is required online at YLRecOnline.com . Registration begins Monday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. (Activity #15832).

Important Information to ensure a successful and safe event!

One registration per household;
One vehicle per registration;
Check-In/seating will begin as early as 7:00 p.m.;
Bring blankets and lawn/picnic chairs;
Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Registration receipt and proof of pre-registration will be required;
Seating will be on a first-come first-pick basis;
No animals allowed (with the exception of service animals);
No RVs or campers will be permitted;
Congregating with members of other households is strongly discouraged to conform with social distancing guidelines; and
Park restrooms will be open for use.

Library Offers Curbside Pick-up Service

The Library launched a Curbside Pick-Up Service to the public in May. Library patrons can request up to five available items (including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs) through the Library’s online catalog , or by contacting the library via email or phone by calling 714-777-2873. This convenient and contactless service operates during the following hours:

Mondays: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesdays - Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Special Hours for ages 65+: Tuesdays - Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

To find out more about how contactless curbside pick-up works, visit the Library's website at ylpl.org/curbside/ .

Republic Services Annual Rate Increase Takes Effect

As of July 1, 2020, residential and commercial waste and recycling customers will see an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate increase on their quarterly billing. The rate increase is pursuant to the Republic Services and City of Yorba Linda solid waste franchise agreement. The CPI increase is composed of two components for residential rates; annual Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CPI average between 2018 and 2019 (3.07%), and tipping fees at the OC Waste Disposal landfills (1.77%). The commercial rates will also see an additional CPI component for organics services (.04%). Residential customer rates will increase by $.71 from $24.42 to $25.13 for a standard rate with three carts – waste, recycling and green waste. Commercial customer rates will increase by $4.57 from $156.53 to $161.10 for a standard 3 yard cubic bin with one pick up per week. For more on residential and commercial rates, please visit the City’s website .

Curbside Street Address Painting Coming Soon

Canning Hunger, a non-profit organization which has been repainting emergency curbside addresses in Yorba Linda for the past 24 years, is conducting a test run this week to assess if it will be possible to offer their service Citywide during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this trial, Canning Hunger will distribute 1,000 flyers, leaving them on doorsteps without engaging residents as a safety measure. Canning Hunger will also provide a self addressed envelope, or residents may donate online if they wish. If the trial is successful, Canning Hunger will proceed with painting curb addresses throughout the City.

Great Outdoor Dining at Derricks Grille

With restaurants in Orange County temporarily closing their indoor dining operations to comply with State health orders, there has never been a better time to grab a meal on the patio at Derricks Grille at Black Gold Golf Club. With a unique scenic view and pleasant outdoor dining atmosphere, the staff have taken all the required measures to ensure guest safety, including socially distanced tables. For the current menu and information on promotions like Taco Tuesdays, please visit blackgoldgolf.com .

Black Gold is also excited to announce their new website and partnership with Chronogolf by Lightspeed. This new website offers an enhanced online booking engine plus a mobile-friendly booking experience as well. Book a tee time online now, or call the Golf Shop at 714-961-0060.

City Seeking Nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year

The City of Yorba Linda is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 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 3, 2020. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Geoff Spencer at 714-961-7110.

Restaurant Week 2020 Coming Soon!

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce and City of Yorba Linda are excited to announce the second annual Yorba Linda Restaurant Week! This exciting event is a 7-day dining experience taking place at participating restaurants throughout Yorba Linda. During this week, restaurants may offer anything from promotions to special menu items. Hosted by the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, this year's Restaurant Week will be held August 9 - 15, and some lucky diners will win an exclusive dining package. To enter the drawing, bring a minimum of 3 receipts of purchases during Restaurant Week from participating restaurants (look for the Restaurant Week window sticker) to the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Mail Slot to have your name entered in the raffle. The Chamber of Commerce is accepting restaurant interest now and will be sharing the local promotions and menus with the community in the coming weeks. The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to dine local and support our Yorba Linda restaurants during this great event.

Yorba Linda City Council Nomination Period Opening Soon

The next regular General Municipal Election in Yorba Linda will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Three of the five City Council Member seats will be included on the ballot to be elected to serve a four-year term. Nominations papers will are now available for those interested in running for the available seats. The deadline to submit nomination papers is Friday, August 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., unless an eligible incumbent Council Member does not file. If this occurs, then the deadline will be extended to Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Those who are eligible and interested in running for office as a City Council Member can obtain nomination papers from the Office of the City Clerk, and are encouraged to file early to correct any possible errors or insufficiencies in the forms. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by contacting Marcia Brown, City Clerk at 714-961-7150 or by email at mbrown@yorbalindaca.gov .

For candidate eligibility requirements, Election Calendar, and other detailed information, view the 2020 General Election page of the City website .

OCFA Shares Beach Safety Tips

A day at the beach can be fun, and Orange County residents have the privilege of living near some of the best beaches in the State. However, swimming in the water can be dangerous if you do not know how to keep yourself from drowning. Learn how to reduce the risks of drowning by following these beach safety tips!

Beach Safety Tips

Ask the lifeguard about rip currents and other hazards. If in doubt, don’t go out;
Obey the posted warnings signs and flags;
Check the weather, water and surfing conditions; and
If someone is in trouble, get help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1.

Swimming in the Ocean

Keep small children and inexperienced swimmers within reach.
Learn to swim before venturing out into the ocean.
Use boogie boards and surfboard with leashes and only use them in designated areas.
Choose to swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone.

Break the Grip of the RIP

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from the shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. To survive a rip current, remember the following tips:

Remain calm and do not fight the current. Instead, swim to the side (parallel to the beach) to get out of the current;
If you cannot escape, tread water or float; and
If you need help, call or wave for assistance.

For more more tips to prevent drownings, and pool/beach safety information, please visit OCFA's Drowning Prevention website .

West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitos Confirmed in

Orange County

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed that mosquito samples in three cities have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first samples to test positive in the county this year. The positive mosquitoes were collected on July 7, 2020 in Cypress, Anaheim, and in Garden Grove. The District has also confirmed that one dead bird with WNV was collected in Irvine, but there are no confirmed cases of West Nile Virus infections in humans.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become infected when feeding on birds carrying the virus. The City of Yorba Linda offers these helpful tips to prevent mosquito bites:

Apply and Reapply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors;
Wear repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
Close all unscreened doors and windows; and
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in lighter-colored clothing.

Most individuals infected with West Nile virus will not experience any illness. However, others will have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases, people will need to be hospitalized, and in rare cases the disease can be fatal. Young children, the elderly, or individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk to experience severe symptoms when infected. For more information, please contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (714) 971-2421, or visit their website .

Prevent Stormwater Runoff this Summer and Protect Water Quality

Stormwater runoff refers to rainwater that falls on streets, parking lots, grass, rooftops, developed land, and other areas that ultimately flows into the ocean through storm drains, picking up pollutants and debris on its was. Although rain is not common during the summer, the City of Yorba Linda encourages you to take steps at your home this summer to prevent the spread of pollutants during the next rain:

Sweep up all cut grass, trimmings, and leaves and dispose of them as green waste;
Maintain your car to prevent leaks;
Follow directions when applying fertilizers and/or pesticides; do not over-apply or irrigate immediately after application;
If washing your car at home, use biodegradable soap;
If your pet spends time in the yard, promptly pick up pet waste; and
Consider volunteering for a beach clean-up event by visiting the California Coastal Commission's website.