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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

As we begin to celebrate the holiday season, I want to thank you for making this a truly unique year for the City of Yorba Linda. We started 2021 with much uncertainty amidst the height of the pandemic. Still, the resiliency, passion, and unique character of the Yorba Linda community ensured that our year was defined by our finest moments. Whether you are a new resident, long-time resident, business owner, or a community partner, together, you are all part of what makes Yorba Linda a special place to live, work, and play. With the year coming to an end, we reflect on the exciting accomplishments and developments within the City and look forward to what next year will bring.

This year, the City:

Opened the impressive new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center to the public. This $51 million project makes a remarkable statement about the City's commitment to providing the best and most exceptional facilities and services to this community.
Began construction on the $7 million Adventure Playground Renovation Project, bringing fresh life to the facility and creating amenities that will be open year-round.
Approved a third round of the Small Business Relief Grant Program for local businesses impacted by COVID-19, ultimately providing grants of approximately $10,000 to 251 small businesses in Yorba Linda through the entire program.
Launched a weed abatement pilot program to test the feasibility of using goat grazing to abate hazardous wildfire fuels (it was a great success!).
Completed the Annual Pavement Preservation Project in Zone 3 and launched this fiscal year's project in Zone 4.
Completed the transition of turf medians to drought-tolerant landscaping.
Brought back many in-person events like the July 4 Fireworks Spectacular, Summer Concerts in the Park, and more; and
Held an in-person State of the City event to highlight all the City's outstanding accomplishments and planning for the future. In addition, videos from the Mayor's State of the City Address can be viewed on the City's website.

Despite significant challenges, many of which our community still faces, these accomplishments are only possible because Yorba Linda residents rise together. Once again, I thank you for making this such a remarkable year for the City of Yorba Linda. From our family to yours, the City of Yorba Linda wishes you a joyous and safe celebration of the holiday season.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Reorganization

At the December 7, 2021 City Council Meeting, the City Council appointed the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to serve a one-year term. The City of Yorba Linda is pleased to announce the reorganization of the Yorba Linda City Council as follows:

Tara Campbell, Council Member
Dr. Beth Haney, Council Member
Gene Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem
Peggy Huang, Council Member
Carlos Rodriguez, Mayor

For more information about the City Council reorganization, visit the City's website.

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the December 7, 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.

In-N-Out Burger Opening Soon

In-N-Out Burger's newest location in Yorba Linda will be opening its doors to customers next week. The restaurant, located on the corner of Imperial Highway and Lemon Drive, features a beautiful new building, a covered outdoor dining patio, and a specially-designed drive-thru queue with a large capacity. While the opening of a new In-N-Out can sometimes attract crowds, the In-N-Out team is making careful preparations and has a plan in place to manage demand for their tasty food while limiting local traffic impacts. Welcome to Yorba Linda, In-N-Out!

While we are excited about the opening of In-N-Out, several other restaurants are coming to Yorba Linda, and we will highlight them in the next edition of this e-newsletter.

Last Call for Two Popular Recreation Programs!

The holidays have arrived, and some of our most popular recreation programs are well underway or ending soon. So don't miss your last chance to participate in these events:

Community Help Drive

The Parks and Recreation Department's Teen Action Committee is bringing joy to those in need this holiday season through their Community Help Drive. We encourage individuals to bring a non-perishable (and non-expired) food item or unwrapped toy to any of the drop-off locations listed below. All items collected will be donated to Yorba Linda Food for Families. Please drop off your donations by Friday, December 10.

Drop off locations: Yorba Linda City Hall, Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House, Yorba Linda Community Center, Cultural Arts Center, and Black Gold Golf Club.

Santa Express Letters

The Parks and Recreation Department is working directly with Santa Claus at the North Pole to deliver your holiday wish lists. Send Santa your letter in a self-addressed stamped envelope, and your child will get a personalized response. Letters must be received by Friday, December 10.

Santa Express Mailboxes locations: Yorba Linda City Hall, Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House, Yorba Linda Community Center, and the Yorba Linda Public Library and Cultural Arts Center.

For more information on these programs, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160. To register for recreation programs and classes, visit www.YLRecOnline.com.

Order a Yorba Linda Flag Now!

Show your community pride by purchasing an official City of Yorba Linda flag! These flags make great gifts showing your support and love for your community, and can be purchased for friends or family members that reside in Yorba Linda. The flags are 3' by 5' and can be displayed using a traditional flagpole. The flags are $35 each and can be purchased online. The deadline to place an order for the initial run is December 14. To learn more or to fill out an order form, visit yorbalindaca.gov/cityflag.

Canned goods aligned in rows. Text says "Food For Fines: Waive fines with food donations!"

Settle Library Fines by Donating Canned Food

The Library’s “Food for Fines” canned food drive is back! From today to December 18, library patrons can bring canned food to the Library to pay for fines (excluding lost or damaged items) or make an online donation through a link on the Library’s website. All canned goods and donations benefit the Community Action Partnership of the Orange County Food Bank. To learn more about the program, please visit ylpl.org/foodforfines/.

Visit the Town Center Craft and Vendor Market

The Yorba Linda Town Center Craft and Vendor Market continues to be the place to be on Sunday mornings and afternoons! These pop-up events feature local makers, artisans, live music, and delicious food. Whether you're shopping for the holidays or just love joining fun events around town, these markets support small businesses and offer something for everyone. The Town Center Craft and Vendor Market runs every Sunday through December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and makes for a great pit-stop before seeing a movie across the way at Yorba Linda's Regal Theater.

Deck the Door & Deck the Store Contest Returns

It's time to decorate your front door or storefront! Everybody's favorite friendly holiday decoration contest, Deck the Door & Deck the Store, has returned. Decorating categories include traditional, best of lighting, religious, and humor. Winners will receive a $200 gift card to local businesses and restaurants. For more information or to register and submit an entry, visit the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce's website.

Special Holiday Hours at City Hall

In observance of the winter holidays, the City of Yorba Linda will observe a modified holiday schedule. Yorba Linda City Hall, the Yorba Linda Public Library, and all recreation facilities (including the Community Center, Cultural Arts Center, Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House, and the Travis Ranch Activity Center) will be:

Closed Friday, December 24 to Sunday, January 2, 2022; and

Reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022.

For more information and to view important emergency phone numbers, please visit the City's website.

With Christmas and New Year's Day occurring on Saturdays this year, there will be no interruption for trash and recycling collection for residential customers.

Army Corps' Santa Ana Riverbed Project Continues

Silverstrand Construction (the Army Corps of Engineers' project contractor) continues its work in the Santa Ana Riverbed. Recent work includes the construction of a low flow channel, installation of curb along the new bike trail, and final repairs to storm drain outlets. Additionally, minor repairs are still being completed in the embankments to correct some work performed by the previous contractor.

The dirt-hauling operation that started in early November has already completed over a third of the necessary work. The contractor plans to relocate the site's access point to a new spot near Old Village Road on the far east end of La Palma. The new access point is expected to be constructed within the next 60 days and will allow the contractor to complete the final bike trail improvements and start removing the barrier rails along La Palma.

The City is working with the Corps to help minimize impacts to residents and motorists near the proposed access point and will continue to monitor the progress of the work. In addition, city staff continue to participate in project update meetings to help address the community's concerns.

Make Sure Your Holiday Decorations are Fire-Safe!

The holidays should be enjoyable! To ensure your holiday celebrations are fire-safe and injury-free, practice the following safety tips:

Candles

Consider using flameless candles and flame-resistant candleholders to reduce fire risk;
Keep candles at least 12 inches from flammable materials and place them on heat-resistant surfaces;
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets; and
Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Lighting and Decorations

Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections before using;
Replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulb;
Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights or decorations, and make sure all extension cords are marked for proper use;
Plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs); and
Turn off all indoor and outdoor holiday lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.

Christmas Trees

Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, heater vents, air ducts, and other heat sources;
Make sure the tree is out of the way of day-to-day traffic and doesn’t block doorways;
Ornaments and other holiday decorations should be non-combustible or flame-resistant; and
Remove your tree promptly from your home after the holidays. An ignited tree can be totally consumed by fire in 3-5 seconds, and generate over 2,000 degrees of radiant heat.

To learn more fire prevention tips, visit OCFA’s website or call 714-573-6200.

A Safe Holiday is a Great Holiday!

As we approach one of the busiest times of the year, Yorba Linda Police Services encourages residents to consider the following tips to stay safe through the holiday season.

While you’re out:

Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and others around you;
Avoid taking bags or belongings to your vehicle in order to free your hands for more shopping. If you are observed, your vehicle may become a target for crime;
Have packages delivered to a location where someone will be available to accept them instead of being left unattended on your porch;
Never leave your purse or shoulder bag in a shopping cart. Always keep your belongings with you at all times;
Park only in well-lit and highly visible areas;
Before vacationing, stop your mail or make arrangements with a trusted neighbor for pick-up. Ensure they know how to reach you in an emergency;
Request free “Vacation Home Check” services from Yorba Linda Police Services. As time permits, our deputies will check the perimeter of your home while you’re away; and
Avoid posting status updates on social media sites that advertise you are away from home.

For your home:

Never leave doors or windows open or unlocked while you’re away, including second-story entries. Always remove valuables from your vehicle, roll-up windows, and lock your car;
Don’t leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox. Outgoing mail should be dropped in a secure post office box or at the post office. Remove delivered mail from your home mailbox as soon as possible;
Avoid displaying gifts or leaving valuables at home where they can be seen from doors or windows. Adjust window coverings to provide optimal privacy while allowing good visibility of outside areas;
Place interior lights on timers to avoid coming into a dark home and to provide the appearance that someone is home;
Never leave keys hidden under doormats or potted plants; and
Report ALL suspicious people and activities WHEN they are observed.

Remember to report any suspicious person or activity at the time of observation to Yorba Linda Police Services' 24-hour non-emergency line at 714-647-7000. Upon calling, select the option for “Sheriff’s dispatch” to speak with a live call-taker. For a crime in progress, dial 911.

New Look and Features Coming to YLRecOnline.com

This January, the City's reservation system for Parks and Recreation classes and events (YLRecOnline.com) is getting a new look! Users will be able to go beyond the basics with a completely redesigned and reimagined user interface that will delight customers with its ease of use and new design. Registered users will continue to use the same login credentials for a seamless transition. The new and improved system includes:

Faster, easier experience optimized for use on mobile devices;
Simplified navigation for a streamlined check-out process;
Multilingual support; and
The ability to reserve picnic shelters online!

Can't wait for the new look to register for a class or program? Visit YLRecOnline.com now for exciting recreation opportunities.

Tree-Cycle After the Holidays

Holiday trees are only used for a few weeks out of the year, and recycling them can be a great way to limit holiday waste. Real holiday trees will be accepted at the curb by Republic Services from Monday, December 27, 2021 through Friday, January 7, 2022. Be sure to take off all of the lights, ornaments, tinsel, and garlands, as well as the metal or plastic stand. Set the bare tree at the curb. If your tree is more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half for safe and easy collection.

If you don’t take your tree down until after January 7, please cut it into pieces that will fit into your yard waste container with the lid closed. You can also recycle holiday wreaths and greenery in your yard waste container. The wreaths and greenery must also be bare, so please remove all wires, hooks, bows, and other decorations. Collected trees and greenery are turned into mulch, compost, and ground cover. If your family enjoys an artificial tree, pack it up for next year. If you are discarding an artificial tree or wreath, please place it into the waste container as artificial trees and wreaths are not recyclable. For more information, contact Republic Services.

City Launches Local Road Safety Plan

The City of Yorba Linda is developing a Local Road Safety Plan geared towards improving traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers. To learn more about the project, please visit the project website at yorbalindaca.gov/lrsp and participate in a virtual map input workshop to tell us about your traffic-safety-related concerns on Yorba Linda's streets! Please send us your input by January 7!

Several open paint cans resting on a blue floor.

Be Mindful of the Environment When Working with Paint

With the new year just around the corner, many people will tackle projects around the house involving paint, but did you know that paint can cause significant damage to the environment if not properly disposed of? Whether you plan to hire a contractor or do-it-yourself, the City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to be mindful of the environment by following these tips when using, cleaning, storing, and disposing of paint:

Never clean brushes or rinse paint containers in the street, gutter, or storm drain. Use as much paint on the brushes as possible for oil-based products and clean brushes with paint thinner. For water-based products, use as much of the paint on the brushes as possible, then rinse in the sink;
Store paint in a dry location away from the elements. Firmly secure the lid and store paint cans upside down to prevent air from entering. This practice will keep the paint usable longer; and
When disposing of paint, never put wet paint in the trash. For water-based paint, if possible, brush leftover paint on cardboard or newspaper. Otherwise, allow the paint to dry in the can with the lid off in a well-ventilated area protected from children, pets, and the elements. Large quantities of extra paint should be taken to our local hazardous household waste collection center at 1071 N. Blue Gum Street (Anaheim, CA 92806). Oil-based and aerosol paint should always be disposed of at the Anaheim Collection Center.

Weekly Flag Raising Ceremony

Members of the community are encouraged to honor our local military personnel and veterans at a weekly flag-raising ceremony held at the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park. The ceremony is held every Thursday at 4:15 p.m.