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Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

CITY HALL

COMMUNITY

SERVICES

A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

It is officially Fall, although we are still waiting for the weather to get the memo! For many, this is a season of harvest, where we celebrate the fruits of what we planted in the spring. As I measure the City's success in managing a pandemic that began in the March, I am proud of the accomplishments our labors have yielded. The City remains fiscally solvent without sacrificing service levels, our local businesses have adapted to the harshest conditions, and our students look forward to a safe return to in-person instruction. Despite the hard work still ahead of us, this Yorba Linda has much to be proud of. As always, please continue supporting local restaurants and businesses, and remember to diligently follow the CDC's recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our collective efforts will help Orange County move into less restrictive tiers.

With the upcoming Presidential General Election, many voters are concerned about election integrity and how to vote safely. The Orange Country Registrar of Voters has made several modifications to allow voters convenient, safe, and secure options for returning their ballots. Voters can return their Vote-by-Mail ballots via mail, or can drop their ballot off in one of Yorba Linda's three secure and official Ballot Drop Boxes. For those who wish to vote in-person, voting centers will open for five days beginning October 30. For more information, locations for voting centers and official drop boxes, and a timeline of important dates, please visit yorbalindaca.gov/2020election.

Many parents (and our youngest, candy-obsessed residents) are wondering if Halloween has been "canceled" this year due to the pandemic. While it is true that many community festivities may not happen this year, the CDC has posted guidelines for safe activities, including considerations to minimize risk for trick-or-treaters. For more information, please read the Halloween Safety Tips article included later in this newsletter.

As always, it is our privilege to provide exceptional service to this City. Thank you for engaging with us.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

Join Us For The 2020 Virtual State of the City

While every State of the City reflects the progress and events that have transpired over the course of the year, 2020 has been uniquely punctuated by the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. To best serve the Yorba Linda community during these unprecedented times, this year’s State of the City will be held virtually.

The 2020 Virtual State of the City will premiere on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Join in on the City’s Facebook account, the City's website, or local cable-TV Channel 3 to view the Honorable Mayor Beth Haney’s informative State of the City Address, “The Heart of Yorba Linda.” The video will remain on the City's website for the remainder of the year in celebration of Yorba Linda's accomplishments.

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the October 6, 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.

It's Not Too Late to Make Yorba Linda Count!

In March, every household in the United States received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Conducted every 10 years as mandated in the U.S. Constitution, the Census is a count of every person living in the United States and provides critical data that determines the local allocation of federal funding, congressional representation, and more. Individuals are able to complete the Census by phone, by mail, or, for the first time in history, online!

As of October 7, 2020, 84.5% of Yorba Linda households have self-reported, as compared to the California self-response rate of 69.3%. If you have not completed the Census yet, it is not too late. You can complete the 2020 Census online right now! The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is coming soon! For additional information about the U.S. Census, view the Census Made Simple PSA, or visit the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Voting in the 2020 Presidential General Election

As the COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges, the office of the Orange County Registrar of Voters is committed to administering secure and transparent elections while successfully maintaining public health guidelines. For the 2020 Presidential General Election on Tuesday, November 3, every active registered voter in California will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot in early October as part of the State's COVID-19 response plan. Completed ballots can be returned in the mail, dropped off at a secure Official Ballot Drop Box, or be taken to an in-person Voting Center. Additionally, Voting Centers will be open from October 30 to November 3. For more information, key dates, and Ballot Drop Box/Voting Center locations in Yorba Linda, visit yorbalindaca.gov/2020election.

Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Update

Construction of the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center is nearly complete! During September, the site concrete pavement and curbs, interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, painting, exterior glazing, wood ceiling, interior light fixture installation, and landscape irrigation and planting continued. The carpet, first floor terrazzo flooring, casework, and countertops are now finished, and installation of the terrazzo stairs began. Sound panels were installed on the walls of the Black Box Theater, and additional trees were delivered and planted. The gravel in the parking lot and drive aisle was placed and asphalt will be laid and finished in October. Hardscape and landscaping will also continue into October.

The contractor is only weeks away from finishing their portion of the work, and the City will begin moving into the buildings soon. A public opening date has not been set, but will be announced soon on the City's and Library's social media channels. New aerial video footage of the site is available on the project website.

Public Library Closing During Relocation

The Yorba Linda Public Library will be closed beginning Thursday, October 15, in order to relocate to our brand new facility on Lakeview Avenue, across the street from Regal Cinemas. The last day to drop off items in the outside book returns and pick up holds is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. For more information and updates on the opening of the new Library, please visit ylpl.org.

Movies in the Park: Onward

Join us Saturday, October 17 at Eastside Community Park for a Movie in the Park night-out. We will be showing The Secret Life of Pets 2 on our 400 square foot screen! The movie will start at dusk (approximately 7:00 p.m.). Seating will all be available on the lawn in pre-marked 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. Register now! (Activity #16090).

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 5:30 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.

Black Gold Offers Folds of Honor Foundation Golf Tournament

Black Gold Golf Club is open for recreational golf-play with key safety modifications! Black Gold Golf Club’s top priority is the health and safety of guests, staff, and the community. Tee times can be made at chronogolf.com or by calling the Golf Shop at 714-961-0060.

Folds of Honor Foundation Golf Tournament: This COVID-19 compliant event will occur on Saturday, October 17, with consecutive tee times starting at 9 am. Help them raise their goal of $10,000 for Folds of Honor to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. For more information on how to sign up, visit the online store or in-person inside the golf shop.

Derricks Grille: Indoor seating is now available at Derrick's Grille at Black Gold Golf Club. Stop by on Western Wednesday or Taco Tuesday for some delicious dining deals from 4 p.m. to closing.

City Seeks Cultural Arts Center Instructors

In preparation for the opening of the new Cultural Arts Center in late fall 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department is seeking new instructors to expand its art and fitness class offerings. Contract instructors are independent contractors of the City of Yorba Linda who create their own class curriculum.

Interested individuals should complete the Instructor Interest Form. For additional information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or visit the City's website.

Burrito Brothers Opens in Yorba Linda

Please welcome the newest restaurant in town: Burrito Brothers! This California Mexican restaurant opened last month and is already very popular. As a family-owned and operated small business, they believe in serving the community and taking pride in sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and ranchers. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. From burritos and tacos to hotdogs, burgers, and more, they serve classic dishes with a Golden State-inspired twist.

OC Fair Offers Urban Legends Drive-Thru Haunt

The OC Fair is excited to announce the Urban Legends Drive-Thru Haunt! In the safety of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy a drive-thru where scare seekers will experience immersive storytelling and terrifying scenes. The Urban Legends Drive-Thru Haunt is now open Wednesdays through Sundays from October 1 to November 1, 2020. Starting price for this event is $49 per vehicle (valid for 5 guests per vehicle). For more information, visit urbanlegendshaunt.com

October 24 is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day

Do you have expired or unwanted medications needing safe disposal? If so, swing by Yorba Linda Police Services at 20994 Yorba Linda Boulevard on Saturday, October 24, 2020 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential abuse of medications. Please note: sharps, marijuana, and pressure canisters will not be accepted. For more information, please view the event flyer or contact 714-647-4133.

Halloween Safety Tips

While many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses like COVID-19, many residents are coming up with creative ideas to celebrate this holiday with safe but fun festivities. The City of Yorba Linda, along with Yorba Linda Police Services, offers these important considerations and annual safety tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween for the entire family:

Consider low risk activities as safe alternatives to trick-or-treating: Carving or decorating pumpkins with your family, having a virtual costume show, watching a Halloween movie night at home, or going out for a socially-distanced scavenger hunt are low risk alternatives.
One Way Trick-or-Treating: While a moderate-risk activity, residents can line up individually wrapped goodies for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance, such as at the end of a driveway or front yard (but not in the street).
If you are preparing goodie bags, please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags. If you have been sick or feeling ill, have COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please do not participate in any festivities or give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
"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. Be careful of full-face masks that obstruct a child's vision;
Prepare your children for safe trick-or-treating: Remind children to practice safe social distancing of six feet, wear a cloth mask, and avoid frequently touched surfaces. 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.

City of Yorba Linda Honors Veterans

Despite COVID-19 impacting our lives, the City of Yorba Linda would like to continue the tradition of recognizing our Yorba Linda veterans at an online Council meeting on Tuesday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. While an in-person presentation is not possible due to public health concerns, the City would like to highlight veterans' service by displaying a picture of the veteran, their rank, and their military branch of service. The recognition can be viewed online via the City Council Meeting Video Streaming page and the City’s public cable channels (Spectrum Channel 3 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). Please pass this information on to any veteran that calls Yorba Linda home so the City can honor their sacrifice and service to this great Nation. If either you or someone you know would like to participate, please contact Mark Aalders, Assistant to the City Manager, at maalders@yorbalindaca.gov or call 714-961-7106 for further details.

Yorba Linda's Housing Element Update:

City to File an Appeal of Assigned Housing Units

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 part of the City's General Plan and includes goals, policies, programs and quantified objectives to further the development, improvement 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 for jurisdictions in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region, extends from October 2021 through October 2029 for the 6th cycle planning period.

The State has determined that an additional 1.34 million housing units need to be constructed in the SCAG region during the next planning period, of which Yorba Linda is currently expected to provide a minimum of 2,411 new units. However, on October 6, 2020, the City Council unanimously directed City staff to file an appeal of its assigned 2,411 housing units. The City has determined that this number was calculated in a manner that did not follow state housing laws and is requesting an adjustment of the City’s housing responsibility. More details regarding the appeal to the City's housing allocation can be found on the City's website. The City has launched a website to keep the public informed and to allow the public to participate in the process of updating the Housing Element. The City encourage residents to visit our new website ylhousingelementupdate.com and to check back frequently for updates.

The City also encourages residents to participate in a brief survey to solicit feedback and identify the community’s most important housing needs. The survey includes an opportunity to provide input on potential sites for where new housing should be considered. If you have any questions, please email our Housing Element team.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

Daylight Savings Time will end on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 2:00 a.m. The City of Yorba Linda, along with the Orange County Fire Authority, would like to remind residents to complete an important task in addition to adjusting their clocks: checking the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and changing if necessary. Maintaining the batteries in these potentially life-saving devices twice per year can help to ensure your family's safety in the event of a fire.

Take Precautions Against Mosquito Bites During West Nile Virus Season

The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County was confirmed in September by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case was an elderly male resident of Garden Grove who died with WNV infection complications.

Orange County has had 5 symptomatic WNV infections reported this year. Since 80% of people infected with WNV have no symptoms, and the majority of cases of West Nile fever do not seek medical care and are not tested, the reported case counts greatly underestimate the number of infected people in Orange County.

Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from West Nile virus infection.

It is especially important to take precautions against mosquito bites during West Nile virus season. Recommended precautions include:

Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flower pots and pet bowls;
Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition;
Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions;
Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active; and
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s website at ocvector.org.

Tips for Managing Stormwater During the Rainy Season

Rainy season is quickly approaching 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 down storm drains. Unlike water that flows through sewage piping, water that flows through storm drains is not treated before entering our creeks, rivers, bays, and eventually the ocean.

The City of Yorba Linda encourages you to take these important steps to do your part to prevent dirty 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; and
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.