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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

I hope everyone has had a great summer so far. With August's arrival, there's still a whole month left during the traditional summer break to make great memories in Yorba Linda. With over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and riding, great parks and greenbelts, and beautiful recreation facilities -- every day can be a great day in Yorba Linda. The City encourages residents to take advantage of the popular special events we offer, such as our Concerts in the Park. Also, if your family has not yet visited the new Library and Cultural Arts Center, our misting rocks in the adjoining paseo provide a refreshing and fun break from the heat.

The City is currently seeking nominations for the 2021 Citizen of the Year recognition. This program honors a local hero whose selflessness, volunteerism, and dedication to the community sets an example for all of us to follow. If you know someone deserving of this honor, please nominate them via the City's website before September 6. This year's recipient will be announced at the State of the City on October 20.

Finally, I'm excited to announce Yorba Linda's third annual Restaurant Week starts on August 9. This event, organized by our local Chamber of Commerce, is a wonderful opportunity to dine at your favorite Yorba Linda restaurant, but also a great time to try something new. If you eat at three participating restaurants, you can enter into a raffle for exciting prizes (more details in an article below).

As always, thank you for staying connected with important City news.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the August 3, 2021 City Council Meeting is now available online. These recaps are intended to summarize the City Council's actions and are not intended to function as a replacement for official meeting minutes. City Council Meeting agendas and minutes, and recaps from previous meetings, are always available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website.

The Guide: Fall 2021 Edition In Mailboxes Now

Join the Parks and Recreation Department as we launch our fall programs with some new and exciting events and classes along with some of your seasonal favorites, including:

Senior Citizen Wellness Expo;
Santa Express Letters;
Trails & Treats;
Breakfast with Santa;
Spiketime Volleyball;
Movies in the Park;
Youth Empowerment Service Day;
Family Fun Wilderness Hike (New);
Chalk Art Festival (New); and
Art Hallow’s Eve (New).

The Guide Fall 2021 edition was mailed to residents' homes last week and is also available online. Residents can register beginning Wednesday, August 4 at 10:00 a.m., followed by non-resident registration on Wednesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. For updated program information and to register online, visit www.ylreconline.com.

Only 3 Sunday Evening Concerts in the Park Left

End your summer weekends on a high note by enjoying great live music and dancing at the Hurless Barton Park Amphitheater. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner to enjoy beautiful Sunday evenings with the following performers:

August 8 - Film @ Eleven (Rhythm & Blues);
August 15 - The Trip (Classic Rock); and
August 22 - Crowd Theory (Modern Hits).

Concerts in the Park are completely free and do not require reservations. Each concert begins at 5:30 p.m. and lasts about two hours. For more information, visit the City's website or call 714-961-7192.

Explore Yorba Linda's Best During Restaurant Week

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce and City of Yorba Linda are excited to announce the third annual Yorba Linda Restaurant Week! From August 9-15, visit participating restaurants throughout Yorba Linda to sample special menu items and exciting promotions. To enter into the raffle contest, please submit at least three purchase receipts from participating restaurants to the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce (receipts must be dated during Restaurant Week). The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to dine local and support our Yorba Linda restaurants during this great event. For more information or to enter the raffle, visit ylrestaurantweek.com.

Adventure Playground Renovation Project Moves Forward

After a thorough Master Plan process, construction on the Adventure Playground Renovation project will soon begin. The renovation project includes an updated multi-use/whiffle ball field, zip line, fort building area, and new amenities like a large natural-looking splash-pad, double water slide, a large playground with elevated catwalks, an impressive picnic shelter, restrooms, and ADA access throughout the site. Once the renovation is complete, some amenities, such as the playground, will be open to the public for year-round use, while other amenities like the waterslide and fort-building area will only be open during day camps and scheduled programs. While some amenities will be new, the same spirit of freedom and creative play that defines Adventure Playground will remain unchanged.

Construction will start soon and is anticipated to be open for programming by next summer. In addition, the City will share progress updates on our social media channels and future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection.

Final Chance to Register for the Library's Summer Reading Program

There is still time to register for the Library's Summer Reading Program . This year's program is entirely online. So register, log your reading, and enter for a chance to win raffle prizes through the Library's website. But hurry, the Reading Program ends on Saturday, August 14!

Passport Services

Planning a trip overseas? Did you know that the Library offers appointment-based passport services? To learn more about Passport Services at the Library, including hours and availability, please visit ylpl.org/passports.

New Starbucks Pickup and Other Restaurant Locations Opening in Yorba Linda

Starbucks Pickup: The new Starbucks location under construction on the corner of Lakeview Avenue and Yorba Linda Boulevard is a new Starbucks Pickup concept that will only allow for the pick-up of orders placed online or through the Starbucks app. The location should be opening in mid-August.

Furai Chicken: Moving into Packing House Square, Furai's Chicken is a Korean BBQ fried chicken restaurant offering sandwiches, bowls, fried chicken, and more. The restaurant anticipates a late-August/early-September opening.

Woody's Diner: As previously mentioned, this 50s surf-themed restaurant with an All-American menu has taken over the former Ruby's Diner site. The restaurant anticipates opening soon, and their progress can be followed on the Woody's Diner Instagram page.

Army Corps' Santa Ana Riverbed Project Continues

Progress continues for the Army Corps of Engineers project in the Santa Ana riverbed. The Army Corps' contractor, Silversand Construction, continues to move east along the river, installing slope backfill, sand, and rock. The work is moving closer to the homes east of Gypsum Canyon and will arrive within the next few weeks. As a result, residents in the area will see increased work along the riverbed and will likely experience more disruption as the work moves closer to their homes. As reported last month, vibration monitors have been installed at locations near these homes. In addition, the contractors will be communicating directly with residents to address concerns and provide advance notice of what to expect. City staff will continue working with the contractors to help minimize impacts on the surrounding community and continue participating in project update meetings to help address residents' concerns.

City Seeks Nominations for 2021 Citizen of the Year

The City of Yorba Linda is currently accepting nominations for the 2021 Citizen of the Year recognition. Would you please help us honor 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's website. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by Monday, September 6, 2021.

All City Facilities Closed for Labor Day

In observance of Labor Day, all City facilities will be closed on Monday, September 6. City offices will reopen to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 7. Please note, Republic Services will not conduct regular waste and recycling collection service on Monday, September 6, and service will run one day late for the remainder of the week.

City Council Meeting Schedule

The next City Council Meeting is on Tuesday, August 17. The September 7 City Council Meeting has been canceled. The Yorba Linda City Council will reconvene at the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meeting agendas will be available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website before each meeting.

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Scheduled for September 16

The annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, September 16, from 6:45 to 8:45 a.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center. This annual event, sponsored by the Yorba Linda Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Committee, has allowed the community to congregate and share an inspirational message for over 30 years. This year's keynote speaker is William Franklin Graham IV, Vice President and Associate Evangelist, at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Tickets are $30 on or before August 31 and $40 after September 1. For more information, please contact the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce at 714-993-9537 or purchase tickets online.

City Offers Free Trees to Beautify Neighborhoods

As part of the ongoing beautification efforts by the City of Yorba Linda, the City is offering a new program to provide free trees to residents. At the request of a property owner, the City will select and plant one 15-gallon tree within their public parkway. The selected tree will be complementary to the neighborhood and will be maintained by the property owner. Up to fifty 15-gallon trees are available each 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. For more information about the Street Tree Beautification Project, visit the City's website.

City Offers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training for Volunteers

The Yorba Linda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The goal of Yorba Linda CERT is to provide citizens with the basic skills to protect themselves, their families, and neighbors in the aftermath of a disaster.

Training topics include Fire safety, CERT Team Organization, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Awareness, and Disaster Medical Operations. The next trainings will be held on 9/7, 9/9. 9/14, and 9/16 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center (4501 Casa Loma Avenue), and 9/18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at a location to be determined. For more information or to register for the training, please visit the City's website or call 714-961-7118.

Back to School Safety Tips to Keep Your Children Safe

Yorba Linda Police Services would like to share crucial back-to-school safety information to protect our children from harm as they return to school this fall. With more school buses on the road and children walking or riding their bikes to school, motorists can help reduce dangers to students by staying alert in neighborhoods and school zones and practicing the following safety tips:

Eliminate distractions and refrain from using any electronic devices while operating a vehicle. A simple call or text can distract a driver long enough to cause an accident or strike a child crossing the road;
Stop for school buses. Never pass a school bus stopped to load and unload children. California Vehicle Code 22454 requires drivers to remain stopped as long as the red lights on the school bus are flashing. Failure to stop may result in a $1,000 fine;
Slow down and be aware of pedestrians from all directions. Make eye contact with children crossing the street;
Utilize the existing school drop-off/pick-up system and discuss the rules with your children; and
Don't double park; it blocks visibility for children and causes vehicles to maneuver around your vehicle into oncoming traffic.

We all play an important role in traffic safety. By following these safety reminders and exercising additional caution, you contribute to our community's safety. Learn more school safety tips prepared by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Trail Safety Begins with Proper Preparation

There are dozens of beautiful trails throughout Orange County for residents to venture outside and connect with nature. However, since 2018 the number of remote rescues in Orange County continues to rise, with over 100 rescues per year. Proper preparation is the key to staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities. Use the following safety tips to help you prepare for your next hike or bike ride:

Best Practices

Drink water before, during, and after your activity. The general rule of thumb is 1 liter or 32 ounces of water per hour, per person;
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing that you can layer based on the weather. Ensure that you are wearing sturdy hiking shoes that provide ankle support;
Pack a backpack for clothing, water, identification, gear, and snacks. Don’t forget to bring any medications or information on health-related issues you may have;
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of ultraviolet rays and ensure that you are reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours or as needed;
Consider taking a first aid class and carry a small first aid kit with you before you hit the trails; and
Ensure that your devices are charged or bring a portable charger for navigation, contact purposes, or emergencies.

Trail Tips

Keep an eye on the weather and know the conditions of the trails before you go out;
Use the buddy system and never hike or bike alone. Consider leaving your detailed plan written out at home with a responsible person. Then, call and check in when you start and finish your activity.
Stay on the trail and stay alert to your surroundings.
Use trails that fit your abilities and your health conditions. Do not take on too much if you have not prepared for the hike or the trail that you have chosen.
Plan your hike or bike ride to avoid peak heat hours.

For more great safety tips, visit the Orange County Fire Authority's website.

Protecting the Environment Begins at Home

Preventing pollution can seem like a daunting task; however, there are small changes everyone can make in their home to make a big difference. The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to take these steps at home to prevent stormwater pollution:

Do not rinse spills on the patio or driveway with water. Instead, sweep outdoor spills and dispose of them in the trash. For wet spills like oil, apply cat litter or another absorbent material, then sweep and bring to a household hazardous waste collection center (HHWCC);
Securely cover trash cans;
Take household hazardous waste, such as unused paint, cleaning products, and used vehicle fluids, to a household hazardous waste collection center. Please store these items in closed, labeled containers inside or under a cover;
Always pick up after your pet. Remember to flush the waste down the toilet or dispose of it in the trash; and
Bathe pets indoors or have them professionally groomed.

Thank you for being an environmental steward and committing to protecting local water quality by preventing stormwater runoff. For more tips and information about stormwater runoff, visit the City's website.

Tip, Toss, and Take Action to Stop Mosquitoes

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) and the City of Yorba Linda remind residents to take an active role in mosquito control by regularly inspecting their property for any stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle from egg to adult in about a week and only need a body of water the size of a bottle cap to develop. Therefore, OCMVD would like to remind you to tip, toss, and take action by doing the following:

TIP: Eliminate breeding sources around your property;
TOSS: Throw away any unused containers to prevent eggs from hatching; and
TAKE ACTION: use these tips to help you combat mosquitoes.

Common sources for mosquito breeding include plant saucers, buckets, tires, pet water bowls, trash cans, water-holding plants such as bromeliads, and landscaping with low-lying areas. Any collected water should be emptied or drained, containers should be tightly sealed to prevent mosquito entry, unnecessary containers should be removed from yards, and green unmaintained pools should be cleaned or treated.

For more information about OC Mosquito and Vector Control, visit ocvector.org.

Honor a Veteran in Your Life with a Commemorative Brick

Make the hero in your life a permanent part of Yorba Linda's history by purchasing a commemorative brick at the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial in their honor. The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association accepts brick orders to honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces from any era. Brick orders are accepted year-round and are installed quarterly. For more information, please visit the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial website, or call them at 714-588-7080.