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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

Fall has arrived in Yorba Linda and brought Santa Ana winds, which coupled with lingering warm temperatures, contribute to fire hazard conditions. As many residents may know, Southern California Edison has implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, in which the power is proactively turned off in high fire risk areas during hazardous weather conditions. Although a PSPS was not initiated in Yorba Linda during the most recent high wind event, residents are encouraged to inform themselves about the PSPS program, update their contact information, and sign up for alerts by visiting the Southern California Edison website , or by calling 800-655-4555. Moreover, residents are encouraged to ensure their families are prepared for potential power outages by reviewing the emergency preparedness information on the City website.

This week marks the grand opening of the new Regal Yorba Linda & IMAX at the Yorba Linda Town Center, which will take place on Thursday, October 17. During the first week of opening, all movie-goers will receive a free drink and popcorn with the purchase of a ticket. New dining options have also arrived, with Quarters Kitchen now open and The Blind Pig opening its doors on Wednesday, October 16.

Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

Mayor Tara Campbell to Deliver 2019 State of the City Address

The City of Yorba Linda in partnership with the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce , is excited to host the 2019 Mayor’s State of the City Address. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2019 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 Mayor Tara Campbell, the youngest female Mayor in the United States, to share her insights on the City’s projects and initiatives and future planning efforts.

Tickets are $55 per person and must be purchased by October 22. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit the event website .

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the October 1, 2019 City Council Meeting is 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.

City Council Approves Pre-Annexation Agreement for Cielo Vista Property

At the City Council Meeting on October 1, 2019, Yorba Linda City Council moved forward with the process of annexing the property known as Cielo Vista into the City of Yorba Linda by approving the pre-annexation agreement between the City and the property owner. Currently located in an unincorporated area of Orange County within the City’s sphere of influence, the property is located to the north of Via del Agua/Stonehaven Drive and east of Dorinda Road and San Antonio Road. The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved subdivision of the 84-acre vacant property with 42.1 acres being allocated for 80 single-family residential lots and the remaining 42.7 acres to be preserved as open space. In addition to the pre-annexation agreement, City Council also approved an agreement with the County of Orange which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the County and the City during construction, as well as a tax sharing agreement with the County, which allocates a portion of the property taxes the City shall receive from the annexed area. View the complete staff report on the City website .

Current West Nile Virus Threat Elevated

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has continued to detect high levels of West Nile virus (WNV) in North Orange County. As of September 30, 2019, samples of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV have been collected throughout North Orange County. In addition, there have been two confirmed human infections, one in Anaheim and one in Tustin, as well as and 27 birds testing positive for the virus.

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 .

New Firefighting Equipment Installed in Yorba Linda

In order to help protect homes throughout Orange County, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) , in conjunction with the Yorba Linda Water District, installed Orange County's first Heli Hydrant in Yorba Linda. The Heli Hydrant is a 1,700 gallon open top water tank that serves as a fire hydrant for helicopters. In the event of a fire, the Heli hydrant can be filled remotely and allows the helicopter to draw water from the tank to fill its 360-gallon tank in approximately one minute. The Heli Hydrant was installed off Green Crest Drive; additional locations for the Heli Hydrant have been identified throughout Orange Count y.

Regional Housing Needs Assessment Update

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has determined that Southern California is responsible to plan for an additional 1.34 million housing units to be built between 2021-2029 through a state-mandated housing program called the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Each city in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region will be assigned a share of that responsibility, and will need to zone sufficient land within its jurisdiction to accommodate the RHNA. The SCAG region encompasses six counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. SCAG is also responsible for preparing a methodology to be used to distribute the total housing need to all 197 jurisdictions in the SCAG region, including Yorba Linda. On October 7, 2019, SCAG presented its recommended methodology to its RHNA Subcommittee. The methodology focuses on local growth forecast projections and requires additional housing growth in areas that have high access to public transit and high access to jobs and limiting additional housing growth in areas that are considered extremely disadvantaged communities. The draft methodology will need to be reviewed by SCAG’s Regional Council and HCD prior to final approval. Look for additional housing updates in a future issue of the "Yorba Linda Connection."

Library and Arts Center Construction Continues

Construction of the new Library and Arts Center continued this past month with several milestones reached. The metal decking for the facilities was completed and reinforcing steel and floor penetrations were installed on the second floor metal decking. The interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and framing have begun and the exterior framing will begin in October. View drone footage of the site from the past month on the project website .

Tree Beautification Program Available Now

As part of the ongoing beautification efforts by the City of Yorba Linda, the City is offering a Street Tree Beautification Program. At the request of a property owner, the City will select and plant one (1) 15-gallon tree within their public parkway. The selected tree will be complementary to the neighborhood and shall be maintained by the property owner. The City will make up to fifty (50) 15-gallon trees available per fiscal year on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to have a tree planted in your public parkway, please contact the Public Works Department at 714-961-7170.

Rock Removal Underway for Santa Ana River Interceptor Project

Residents will notice rock removal is underway in the Santa Ana River between Weir Canyon and Gypsum Canyon at the site of the Orange County Sanitation District’s Santa Ana River Interceptor (SARI) pipeline rock removal project. This is related to riverbed erosion that threatened the pipeline’s integrity and necessitated layers of rock placed adjacent to the pipeline to protect the pipe from future erosion. The layers of rock were placed under special permits that required them to be removed once the pipeline was relocated out of the channel. Residents will see rocks trucked and hauled off-site. A construction notice was sent to residents in the vicinity of the project; residents may contact the Orange County Sanitation District's construction hotline at 714-378-2965 for more information.

Parks and Recreation Department Invites Adults 50 and Older to "Be The Hero Of Your Health"

Adults ages 50 and older are invited to Be The Hero Of Your Health at this year's Wellness Expo, held at the Yorba Linda Community Center on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event is proudly sponsored by UCI Health, St. Jude Medical Center, and Syrentis Clinical Research and event highlights include:

60+ exhibitor booths;
Free flu shots, which will be provided by St. Jude Medical Center on a first come, first served basis (ages 3+);
Free medical screenings, including, nutrition & body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, hearing, carotid artery, dental, and more;
A healthy cooking demonstration; and a
Medication take-back hosted by the Orange Sheriff's Department.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring copies of their monthly SoCal Gas 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. For additional event information, visit the City’s website or contact the Community Center at 714-961-7181.

City Council to Recognize Yorba Linda Veterans

Yorba Linda veterans are invited to attend the November 5, 2019 City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. to be recognized in a presentation by the City Council. The presentation will be held at the beginning of the meeting. For more information, please contact the City Manager's Office at 714-961-7110.

Honor Our Local Veterans on November 11

Join the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association for their annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Park (4756 Valley View Avenue). The event will feature various speakers along with a reading of the Gold Star Honor Roll. For more information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160.

City Celebrates National Community Planning Month

Throughout the month of October, the City of Yorba Linda is joining cities across the nation in celebrating the lasting value Planning brings to communities. This year’s theme, planning for infrastructure that benefits all , highlights how well-planned infrastructure projects (including roadways, transportation systems, housing, parks, and even broadband networks) strengthen communities, boost the economy, expand opportunity, and promote equitable development. The goal of the City's Planning Division is to maximize the health, safety, and economic well-being of all residents. This involves thinking about how we can move around our community, the businesses and attractions in our community, where we want to live, and opportunities for recreation. Most of all, Planning helps create communities of lasting value. To get to know more about the Planning Division and local planning initiatives, visit the Planning Division website , or consider attending a meeting of the Planning Commission. You can also learn more about National Community Planning Month on the American Planning Association website .

Coyote Awareness and 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.

Halloween Safety Tips

The City of Yorba Linda, along with Yorba Linda Police Services , offers these safety tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween for the entire family:

"Unhaunt" your house and neighborhood: Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home by turning on your exterior lights and removing any objects from your yard that may pose a safety hazard. When driving through your neighborhood, drive slower than usual and be mindful of pedestrians;
Your child's costume may be scary, but ensure it's safe: Check that costumes are made from flame-retardant materials, keep costumes short to prevent falls, and dress kids in light colors, or add reflective tape to costumes to make them visible to motorists. Consider using make-up instead of masks, as masks can obstruct a child's vision;
Prepare your children for safe trick-or-treating: If you have older children who will be trick-or-treating with a group of friends, map a safe route in advance and remind them to avoid unfamiliar houses or houses that are not well-lit;
Enjoy those sweet treats cautiously: Remind kids not to enjoy treats until they get home; consider bringing a snack from home for them to enjoy while they are out. Once you get home, inspect all candy to ensure it is in its original wrapper and that the wrapper is intact; and
Report ghoulish behavior: If you see anything suspicious while you are out trick-or-treating, contact the Yorba Linda Police Services non-emergency line at 714-647-7000, or in the case of an emergency, dial 911.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

Sunday, November 3, 2019 will be the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. The City of Yorba Linda, along with Orange County Fire Authority , would like to remind remind residents to complete an important task in addition to adjusting their clocks - changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Maintaining the batteries in these potentially life-saving devices twice per year helps to ensure your family's safety in the event of a fire.

Yorba Linda Republic Services Has New Website to Better Serve Residents

In order to better serve Yorba Linda residents, Republic Services, the City's contracted provider for waste and refuse collection service, has launched a new website for residents to access comprehensive information related to waste disposal and recycling. View the updated website .

Tips for Managing Stormwater During the Rainy Season

The rainy season is back, which means it's time for umbrellas, raincoats, and the first flush. The first flush is the first significant rainfall after a long period of dry weather, in which the rain flushes months of accumulated pollutants such as litter, lawn clippings, pesticides, motor oil, and pet waste from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and roadways, down storm drains. Unlike water that flows through sewers (from sinks and toilets), water that flows through storm drains is not treated before entering our creeks, rivers, bays, and oceans.

The City of Yorba Linda encourages you to take these important steps to do your part to prevent stormwater runoff:

Preserve existing vegetation as much as possible;
Closely monitor your lawn watering habits and adjust your watering schedule to reflect the changing weather conditions;
Remove debris from your rain gutters and place it in a green waste container before a clog forms. Direct downspouts and gutters to drain onto your lawn or plant beds where water will soak into the soil;
Reduce and prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain by placing yard trimmings in a green waste container, picking up litter, maintaining your vehicle, and not over-fertilizing or over-watering your lawn.