See What's New in the City of Yorba Linda

Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

CITY HALL

COMMUNITY

SERVICES

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the September 18, 2018 City Council Meeting is now available online . Following each City Council Meeting, a recap is posted to the Latest News section of the City website. These recaps are intended to summarize action taken by City Council, and are not intended to function as a replacement for official meeting minutes. City Council Meeting agendas and minutes, as well as recaps from previous meetings are always available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website. View the September 18, 2018 City Council Meeting Recap on the City website .

Yorba Linda Voters will Consider Three Candidates in the November Election

Three (3) candidates are lined up for two open City Council seats to be elected on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The two (2) City Council Members elected will serve a 4-year term on the Yorba Linda City Council.

According to the Secretary of State's randomized alphabet drawing, the candidates for City Council will appear on the ballot in the following order (* denotes incumbent candidate) :

Lourdes Cruz
Carlos Rodriguez
Peggy Huang*

The deadline to register to vote in the 2018 General Election is Monday, October 22.

For additional election information, including registering to vote and finding your polling place, visit the 2018 General Election page of the City website or contact the City Clerk's Office at 714-961-7150.

Library and Arts Center Project Reaches Exciting Milestones

Progress continues to be made on the new Library and Arts Center project . The much anticipated project will consist of a two-story Library and one-story Arts Center which will share an adjoining outdoor paseo. The facility designs have been finalized and approved, with the City Council authorizing staff to solicit bids for the construction of the project at the September 18, 2018 City Council Meeting. This contract is scheduled to be awarded later this year, with groundbreaking to follow. Completion of the project is anticipated to take place in Summer 2020.

Additionally, at the September 18 meeting, the City Council selected the name "Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center" for the Arts Center after a naming process that involved community feedback and a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission. The "Virginia DeLand Theater" was also selected as the name for the Art Center's Black Box Theater, which will be posthumously named in honor of the founding Director of the Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera.

For additional information on the Library and Arts Center, visit the project website .

Exciting Improvements Coming to Main Street and Lemon Drive

Residents are aware of the Yorba Linda Town Center project; however, exciting improvements are coming to Main Street and Lemon Drive. The improvements, which will complement the Town Center design elements, will include:

Resurfacing of the roadway;
Replacement of the existing sidewalk with a new sidewalk featuring brick accents;
Decorative street lights; and
Landscape Improvements.

Main Street will have additional enhancements including monuments and upgraded electrical outlets to accommodate street tree lighting; approximately one-third of the existing trees will have LED tree lights installed with outlets available for additional lights for special events. Additional Main Street improvements include ADA compliant parking stalls and a consolidation of the number of crosswalks, helping to aid in pedestrian traffic. Improvements are expected to be completed by Spring 2019.

Median Landscape Transition Project Continues

Residents have likely noticed the work currently underway on various street medians on Village Center Drive. This work is a component of the Median Landscape Transition Program, a five-phase Capital Improvement Project to replant or "transition" street medians throughout the City from water-demanding turf to drought tolerant landscaping, as required by the State of California. In October, the project will progress with work on Phase 2 with this median renovation project, through the City's contractor (Conserve LandCare), which will cover additional medians throughout the City. For more information, view a map of the medians included in Phase 2 & 3 , or visit the City website .

Get a Sneak Peek of the Regal Theater at Town Center

The community is looking forward to the upcoming opening of the Yorba Linda Town Center with the first phase of store openings occurring by the end of the year. At the end of 2017, Regal Cinemas was bought out by Cineworld, a parent company from the United Kingdom, which is a mega-theater company across Europe. The new owners have spent the good part of 2018 reviewing new construction deals coming online, including the Yorba Linda project with Zelman Development Company. The new owners are excited about the location in Town Center and strongly believe the theater will be a huge success in North Orange County given the quality of the theater, location, and demographics. The theater is intended to be a premier theater, with some new and enhanced features being introduced into the United States. The theater will include a mix of screening rooms filled with both plush reclining seats and non-reclining seats, food and beverage service, as well as online ticket reservations. The new theater is currently under construction, displaying a strong presence along Lakeview Avenue. The exterior enhancements to the structure should begin in the coming weeks with interior build-out commencing in December. It is projected that the theater will be open to the public in early Spring 2019. For additional information about Yorba Linda Town Center, visit the City website .

Yorba Linda Recognizes September as National Emergency Preparedness Month

Each September, the City of Yorba Linda joins cities across the nation in celebrating the month of September as National Emergency Preparedness Month. With Yorba Linda susceptible to damaging earthquakes and unpredictable wildfires, there is nothing more important than preparing yourself, your family, pets, and coworkers for an emergency. The City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Fire Authority and Yorba Linda Police Services , encourage residents and business owners to take the following steps to prepare:

Assemble a kit with enough provisions to last three to five days. Supplies should include food, water, and medicine for each member of your family;
Plan a pre-arranged meeting location in the event the family home is unavailable or not accessible;
Develop a communications plan that might include the use of email or social media in the event landlines and cell phones are not working. If possible, establish an out-of-state contact that each family member can check in with; and
Keep an emergency backpack in your car. Contents should include comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, snacks, water, and a flashlight.

Finally, residents and business owners are encouraged to register for the City's mass notification system, AlertOC . Register for AlertOC, or manage your existing profile and notification settings, by visiting AlertOC.org , or texting the word ALERTOC to 888777.

For additional emergency preparedness information, visit the City website .

Avalon Bagels to Burgers Receives Business of the Quarter Recognition

At the September 18, 2018 City Council Meeting Avalon Bagels to Burgers was recognized as the City of Yorba Linda Business of the Quarter for their ongoing contributions to the community. Business Operations Partners Gilbert Mendez and Mark Cook were in attendance to accept the recognition on behalf of the restaurant.

A Yorba Linda staple, Avalon Bagels to Burgers has been a local community gathering place for the past 15 years, with a second location in Placentia. Offering a variety of bagels, sandwiches, burgers, smoothies, and specialty coffee drinks, Avalon Bagels is known for its friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and its colorful mural of the City featuring all its landmarks. The company motto, "We reserve the right to over -serve our customers," definitely holds true as Avalon is supportive of the City's schools, non-profit organizations, and churches, as well as the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Moreover, each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Avalon Bagels to Burgers provides free meals to active duty and retired military personnel. The City of Yorba Linda values the contribution Avalon Bagels to Burgers makes to the community.

For more information about Avalon Bagels to Burgers, visit their website . For information on the City's Business of the Quarter program, including a list of previous recipients, visit the City website . Photo courtesy of Instagram.com/avalon_bagels .

Share Your Vision for the Future of Adventure Playground

For the past 35 years, the City of Yorba Linda's iconic Adventure Playground has offered unique summer camp opportunities for children to play, imagine, and creatively build. Today, this one of a kind facility is aging and the Parks and Recreation Department has embarked on the process of creating the Adventure Playground Master Plan , which will assist staff in making decisions about future site improvements, facility amenities, and programming.

Throughout the summer, several public workshops were held to allow residents, past participants, and other advocates to provide their feedback on the future of Adventure Playground. These efforts will culminate with a public hearing on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. during the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting at City Hall. Attendees will be updated on the public outreach meetings including survey responses and group workshop plans, and will also be able to provide input to the Parks and Recreation Commission on their vision for Adventure Playground. To view more information, visit the City website .

Yorba Linda Public Library Receives "Best Storytime in OC" Recognition

The Yorba Linda Public Library was recently voted “Best Storytime” by the readers of Parenting OC Magazine. The readers of this magazine cast almost 27,200 votes in selecting “Family Favorites” throughout Orange County including the “Best Storytime” category. For the full feature, view the September issue of Parenting OC Magazine . The community is invited to take part in the Library's award winning storytime, as well as their other programs. Visit the Library website for a full schedule of Library events .

CERT Training Returns for Fall Session

During a large-scale disaster, the response of any community's emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed for a variety of reasons. This leaves the community to provide for their own well-being and safety until first responders arrive. This reality is the cornerstone of the Yorba Linda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

You can help yourself prepare for a disaster by enrolling in the upcoming session of the Yorba Linda CERT program to prepare yourself to assist your family, neighbors, and coworkers in the event of an emergency. Scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 2, 2018, the session will cover a variety of topics including:

Fire Safety;
CERT Team Organization;
Light Search and Rescue;
Terrorism Awareness;
Disaster Psychology; and
Disaster Medical Operations.

Classes will be held at the Yorba Linda Community Center. For the full schedule of classes and registration information, view the City website . For additional information, contact Mike Ferdig at 714-961-7014 or email him at mferdig@yorbalindaca.gov .

Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce to Host City Council Candidate Forum

Yorba Linda residents are invited to attend the Yorba Linda City Council Candidates Forum hosted by the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, October 11, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Yorba Linda City Hall. An unbiased event moderator will pose pre-selected questions to candidates on the issues affecting Yorba Linda. If time permits, audience questions will be allowed. The forum will also be broadcast live on Cable Channel 3, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and on the City website. Rebroadcasts on Channel 3 will be scheduled for October 17, October 24, and October 31 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce at 714-993-9537.

Mayor Gene Hernandez to Deliver 2018 State of the City Address

The City of Yorba Linda in partnership with the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, is excited to host the 2018 Mayor’s State of the City Address. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the event will be held in the beautiful East Room of the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. This annual event will provide an opportunity for the Honorable Mayor Gene Hernandez to share with our business community, partners, and residents the highlights of City efforts, initiatives, accomplishments, and partnerships made over the year and give some insight on what to expect in 2019. Come join us for an evening with Mayor Hernandez as he shares how Yorba Linda is Creating Tomorrow Today .

Tickets are $60 per person and must be purchased in advance. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit the City website .

Lakeview Avenue Lane Closures in Effect

When planning your daily commute, be advised that road work is currently in progress on Lakeview Avenue between Buena Vista Avenue and Mariposa Avenue. The work will be performed by Yorba Linda Water District and a private development to construct a new sewer, storm drain, and utilities. The travelway will be reduced to one lane in each direction during most of the construction period. The construction is anticipated to be completed by early November 2018. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid the work zone. For additional information, view a map with alternate routes , or contact the Public Works Department at 714-961-7170.

Nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert Scheduled

On Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 11:18 a.m. (PST), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will issue a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message. The message will be sent to all cell phones in the United States in coordination with a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) , which will be broadcasted over radio and television station providers. The message will note "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

Please note, the previous issue of the "Yorba Linda Connection" listed the date of the WEA for Thursday, September 20, 2018. The October 3 test will replace the originally scheduled date.

Parks and Recreation Department Invites Adults 50 and Older to "Catch the Wellness Wave"

Adults ages 50 and older are invited to Catch the Wellness Wave at this year's Wellness Expo, held at the Yorba Linda Community Center on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event is proudly sponsored by UC Irvine Health and will feature 60+ exhibitor booths, free flu shots, medical screenings, medication take-back, informational seminars, live demonstrations, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their monthly SoCalGas and Southern California Edison bills to the Energy Coalition booth to receive a free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit and enroll in income-qualified programs that will save money and energy. Starter Kits will be handed out on a first come, first served basis and include three faucet aerators and a low-flow shower head to help save energy and water in the home. For additional event information, view the event flyer or contact the Community Center at 714-961-7181.

Yorba Linda Residents Eligible for Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD ) year-round Electric Lawn Mower Rebate program. Through the program, Yorba Linda residents can purchase a new, cordless electric lawn mower, scrap their old gas mower, and receive a rebate check based on the purchase price of their new mower. Residents are encouraged to improve air quality by participating in the electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program. There are over 20 eligible lawn mower models included in the program, with after-purchase rebates of $150, $200, or $250, depending on the purchase price of the lawnmower. For eligibility information, visit the AQMD website or call 888-425-6247 (Tuesday-Friday).

Locking Your Vehicle is the First Line of Defense in Preventing Theft

According to Orange County Sheriff's Department, "The most common crimes our deputies respond to are crimes of opportunity - thefts from unlocked vehicles and residences." Therefore, Yorba Linda Police Services and the City of Yorba Linda would like to remind residents to take action to prevent theft by following these tips:

Always lock car doors, roll up windows, and take your keys with you;
Keep in mind that newer cars with keyless fobs can be unlocked when cars are within close proximity (even from indoors);
Remove valuables and all visible items when you leave your vehicle. If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk before arriving at your destination;
When out, park in open, well-lit, populated areas. At home, park in your secured garage;
Never leave your vehicle running while unattended; and
Be alert of your surroundings and report any suspicious persons and activity to Police Services at 714-647-7000.

Pet Care Tips to Protect the Environment

Animal lovers know that pets are a part of the family. But did you ever consider your pet's impact to the environment? The City of Yorba Linda encourages pet owners to adopt a few simple, sustainable pet care practices to protect the environment:

Never let any pet care products or washwater run off your yard and into the street, gutter or storm drain;
If possible, bathe your pets indoors using less-toxic shampoos or have your pet professionally groomed. If you bathe your pet outside, wash it on your lawn or another absorbent/permeable surface to keep the washwater from running into the street, gutter or storm drain;
Spay or neuter your pet to reduce overpopulation;
Adopt your next pet from a shelter, such as Orange County Animal Care; and
When taking your dog for a walk, always bring a bag to pick up pet waste. Dispose of the pet waste in the trash or toilet at home.