Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda
A Message from the City Manager
Dear Community Member,

It is not often that our City experiences a moment that impacts our collective memory for decades, but the Blue Ridge Fire will certainly be one of those events that Yorba Linda will not soon forget. This wildfire, like others before it, is a potent reminder of the acute challenge we face living so close to beautiful open spaces, and perfectly illustrates why weed abatement is so critical for fire defense. This incident also underscores the importance of signing up for Emergency Alerts through AlertOC. While the cause of the Blue Ridge Fire is still unknown, what is plainly clear is that we were fortunate to not experience a full repeat of the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire. However, two firefighters from OCFA were seriously injured fighting the Silverado Fire, so we ask for you to include them in your thoughts and prayers.

In this year full of challenges, please join me in expressing gratitude for those who have made such a difference in the last couple weeks:

To the firefighters of the Orange County Fire Authority and other agencies from across the state who put themselves directly into harm's way to protect our homes and our community: we thank you.

To the officers of the Orange County Sheriff's Department who, with the help of many neighboring agencies, coordinated a successful and complex evacuation without crippling traffic backups and secured property in evacuated areas while residents were gone: we thank you.

To the many people who opened their homes to displaced friends and family; the people who worked passionately and tirelessly in response to these fires: we thank you.

To all whose service makes Yorba Linda the best city in the world: your duty to our community will be fondly remembered as we celebrate Thanksgiving, and for many days to come.

The City continues to monitor and respond to the Blue Ridge Fire, and we are actively evaluating our performance in response to this emergency. As part of our customer service model, the City will not hesitate to lean on our strengths and correct our weaknesses in order to provide exceptional services to our residents and business community.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone
City Manager
Important Wildfire Safety Information
Blue Ridge Fire Updates
Even though the fire is nearing full containment, the City of Yorba Linda is still committed to providing timely and relevant information about the Blue Ridge Fire to our residents and businesses. For live updates, maps, press releases, and other information about the fire, please visit yorbalindaca.gov/blueridgefire. This webpage is updated frequently, and will continue to provide helpful information related to the incident.

Returning Home and Evacuation Tips
Once an area has been burned by a wildfire, many dangers may remain. There are important safety considerations and steps residents should take when returning home after an evacuation. Please review Cal Fire's safety brochure; Returning Home After a Wildfire. Additional information about wildfire and evacuation preparedness can be found at ReadyForWildfire.org.
City Council Meeting Recap
The City Council Meeting Recap for the November 3, 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.
Watch 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 was held virtually. On behalf of the City of Yorba Linda and the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, please enjoy Mayor Haney’s 2020 Virtual State of the City address and year-in-review video.
Alert OC Graphic
Sign up for AlertOC Emergency Alerts Now!
The Blue Ridge Fire demonstrates why it is more important than ever for residents to register to receive emergency updates through AlertOC, the County's mass notification system. Residents may receive emergency alerts to include disaster notifications, evacuation notices, public health emergencies, public safety emergencies, or any emergency information as defined by the City. Residents can register for AlertOC or manage their existing profiles by visiting AlertOC.org, or by texting ALERTOC to 888777. Also, it is a good idea to verify your contact information is up to date by logging on to the AlertOC website, especially after changing your residence or phone number.
2020 Citizen of the Year Announced
Pictured above: Yorba Linda's 2020 Citizen of the Year, Cindy De Mint with her husband, Gerry De Mint.

Since 2004, the City of Yorba Linda has honored a member of the community who provides outstanding volunteer service and who devotes their time and talent to making our community a better place to live and work. The City is proud to announce that Yorba Linda's 2020 Citizen of the Year is local hero, Cindy De Mint!

Cindy’s life purpose was defined when three of her four children were diagnosed with a rare degenerative neurological disorder called Ataxia. This genetic disease can leave patients unable to walk, drive, write, and handle their own basic needs. Cindy was led to action and to be a voice for the Ataxia community. She joined a local support group, and as she learned more about the disease, she became highly motivated to make a difference for all who suffer from Ataxia.

Cindy became the Orange County Ataxia Support Group leader and eventually took on a more significant role as a Board Member for the National Ataxia Foundation. In 2009, she organized the inaugural Orange County Walk ‘n Roll event, which is held in Yorba Linda annually, and raises over $80,000 every year to fund vital research into finding a cure for Ataxia and supporting Ataxia programs. This event just celebrated its 11th year in Yorba Linda with a virtual event held in conjunction with other Walk ‘n Roll Events across the country.

"The heart of Yorba Linda can be found in people like Cindy De Mint, who dedicate their lives to solving big problems as an act of service to others. Cindy's story inspires us to not only take courage during times of adversity, but to never give up in making the world a better place for others," said Dr. Beth Haney, Mayor of Yorba Linda.

Please join the City in congratulating Cindy for receiving this honor and for the incredible example she has set for our community.
Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Opening Announced
Construction of the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center is nearly complete! During October, the Library and Arts Center were inspected, approved for temporary occupancy and a punch list of unfinished tasks was generated. New furniture, fixtures, and equipment were delivered and installed. The Library moved its existing collections over and began stocking books onto shelves. Outside, the remaining hardscape and landscaping continued and is near completion.

These facilities will open to the public on November 30, and further details on this opening date will be provided on the City's and Library's social media channels and website. Aerial video footage of the construction progress is available on the project website. As this project is only days away from completion, this will be the last construction-oriented update on the Library and Cultural Arts Center to be featured in the Yorba Linda Connection.
Get a Sneak Peak of the New Public Library and Cultural Arts Center
Yorba Linda residents are invited to attend a Sneak Peek of the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center on either Saturday, November 14, or Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-registration is required to attend these events. To reserve a spot and learn more about the Sneak Peek, please visit ylpl.org/sneakpeek.
Parks and Recreation Programs for Seniors Are Back!
The Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Senior Services Staff is pleased to announce the return of Senior Programs! For participant and staff safety, all participants and staff members are required to wear a facial covering at all times and adhere to social distancing practices. The following in-person activities are designed for older adults, ages 50 - 64 (Individuals ages 65 and older, or those who are considered to be in a high-risk category, are not encouraged to participate in in-person activities based on State guidelines):

Coffee Social: Come and enjoy the outdoor Coffee Social every Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the Imperial Patio. Participants may purchase a cup of coffee and a pastry for 50 cents.

Monday Movie Matinees will return to the Yorba Linda Community Center on November 9 (showing A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood) and November 23 (showing Little Women), beginning at 12:30 p.m. All participants must register in advance for this free program by contacting the Yorba Linda Community Center at 714-961-7181.

The 2020 Senior Wellness Expo is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Expo will take place at the Yorba Linda Community Center parking lot off of Imperial Highway (in the case of rain, the event will be moved indoors in a safe and socially distanced setting). Participants can visit health and wellness exhibitor booths, receive helpful resources, receive giveaways, and participate in fun raffles! A complimentary breakfast or lunch from a local Yorba Linda restaurant will also be available. To ensure the safety of our patrons and staff members, all participants must pre-register for a 30-minute event attendance window at the following times: 9:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 12:45 p.m. Register for this free event by contacting the Yorba Linda Community Center at 714-961-7181. There is still availability in each time slot, and registration will be accepted tomorrow as well.

For more information about any of these programs, or to learn more about other Senior programs like the senior transportation program (TRAILS), the senior lunch program, and the ice cream social, please call the Community Center at 714-961-7181.
It's Not Too Late to Register for Fall Programs
There's still time to register for one of the Parks and Recreation Department’s fall programs. A variety of classes are available for all age groups with modifications added to promote safety for all participants. Browse the Fall 2020 Issue of The Guide, and register for classes at YLRecOnline.com. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or email YLPR@yorbalindaca.gov.
City Seeks Cultural Arts Center Instructors
In preparation for the opening of the new Cultural Arts Center, the Parks and Recreation Department is seeking 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.
Honoring Our Local Veterans on November 11
The Mayor and City Council recognized and honored local veterans at the November 3 City Council Meeting. To further recognize Yorba Linda's heroes, a slideshow with pictures of our veterans will be displayed on Spectrum Cable Channel 3 (Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse) on November 11. Due to the continued COVID-19 restrictions and protocols currently in place by the State of California and the CDC, The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association has made the difficult decision to cancel their ceremony on Wednesday, November 11.

In observance of Veterans Day, all City facilities, including Yorba Linda City Hall, the Library, Parks and Recreation Facilities, and the Yorba Linda Police Services Substation, will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Please note, there will be no refuse or recycling service on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
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.

Thanksgiving Dinner: A Thanksgiving Dinner will be served all day long on Thursday, November 26, with COVID-compliant seating and safety measures. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 657-242-4591.

Derricks Grille: Indoor seating is now available at Derrick's Grille at Black Gold Golf Club. Stop by on Western Wednesdays or Taco Tuesdays for some delicious dining deals from 4 p.m. to closing.
Regal Cinemas Temporarily Closed
In response to an increasingly challenging theatrical landscape and ongoing market closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cineworld, parent company of Regal, announced on October 5 that they have temporarily suspended operations at all of its 536 Regal theatres in the U.S., including the theater in Yorba Linda. As major U.S. markets, mainly New York, remained closed and without guidance on reopening timing, studios have been reluctant to release their pipeline of new films. Without these new releases, Cineworld cannot provide customers in both the U.S. and U.K. – the company's primary markets – with the breadth of strong commercial films necessary for them to consider coming back to theaters against the backdrop of COVID-19.

Regal will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any future plans to resume operations at the appropriate time, when key markets have more concrete guidance on their reopening status and, in turn, studios are able to bring their pipeline of major releases back to the big screen. The City of Yorba Linda will help communicate the theater's reopening when more information is available.
Santa Ana Riverbed Project Resuming Soon
City staff have met with the new contractor for the Santa Ana Riverbed improvement project and provided them with background information on residents' concerns regarding noise, standing water, and the lack of communication. As previously covered, a former contractor was let go from the project for underperformance. To address residents' concerns and to establish open communication, the new contractor will be developing an informational flyer, updating the project sign, setting up a community zoom call, and providing a schedule within the next 30 days. The City will provide further updates in future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection, and in the Latest News section of the City's website.
City Initiates Housing Element Update:
Appealed Filed Regarding Number of Assigned Housing Units
The City Council and Planning Commission recently conducted a joint workshop to kickoff the update of the City’s Housing Element, the lawfully required part of the City's General Plan that includes goals, policies, programs and quantified objectives to further the development of housing. The City invited the State Department of Housing and Community Development to participate and answer questions about a variety of new state housing laws. The workshop was recorded and is available on the City’s Housing Element website at YLHousingElementUpdate.com. Residents are encouraged to visit the website for important developments and are invited to participate in a short housing survey.

Residents are also invited to provide input on potential sites for where new housing development might be considered by visiting the City's website for a virtual brainstorming session! The City is seeking input on several issues, such as: are there areas in the City that are currently underutilized or properties that should be considered for potential redevelopment for housing? Are you aware of any property owners considering development of their properties? Your input will assist City staff in developing a list of potential housing sites which will be made available for public review and comment.

As previously reported in earlier editions of the Yorba Linda Connection and on the City's website, the City of Yorba Linda prepared a formal appeal for a revision of the City's draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation, and filed this petition on October 26. The City has determined that its draft RHNA allocation (2,411 units) was calculated in a manner that did not follow state housing laws and is requesting an adjustment of the City’s housing responsibility. RHNA public appeals hearings will be held in December 2020 through January 2021. A copy of the City’s written appeal and a video summarizing the appeal is also available at the City’s new Housing Element Update website. Public comments will be accepted by the RHNA Appeals Board through December 10, 2020. Residents are strongly encouraged to send letters supporting the City’s appeal efforts to housing@scag.ca.gov.
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving, all City facilities, including Yorba Linda City Hall, the Library, Parks and Recreation Facilities, and the Yorba Linda Police Services Substation, will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27, 2020. Please note, there will be no refuse or recycling service on Thursday, November 26, 2020. Collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Cooking
More cooking fires are reported on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, followed by Christmas and Christmas Eve. Help protect your family and your home by practicing cooking safety this holiday season.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires;
  • Check food often while cooking. If you are entertaining guests, use a kitchen timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on;
  • Wear short, fitted, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking;
  • Keep cooking areas clear. Pot holders, paper towels, wooden utensils, and even cookbooks can be fire hazards if left too close to the stove, oven, or other kitchen appliances;
  • Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup;
  • Make sure children and pets stay at least three feet from the oven or stove; and
  • Test your smoke alarms and never disable them while cooking.

What to do if there is a fire:
  • If the fire is on the stove, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the stove. Never try to move the pan to the sink and NEVER pour water on a grease fire;
  • If the fire is in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed and turn off the appliance; and
  • A multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher can also be used on a small cooking fire. An extinguisher should only be used if the fire is not spreading, smoke and heat have not filled the area, and you have a clear escape path.

For more information, visit OCFA's website or call 714-573-6200. Residents concerned about COVID-19 safety precautions for the upcoming holidays are directed to view the State's website, covid19.ca.gov/holidays, which states that guidance for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years Eve are in progress and will be issued soon.
Preventing Erosion on Your Property Prevents Storm-Water Pollution
After months of dry weather, heavy rain can cause erosion on your property. Erosion can not only cause an unsightly mess, but eroded soil can also block storm-water systems and release pollutants into the ocean. To do your part to help prevent soil from leaving your property, examine your yard carefully. Be aware of the slope, drainage patterns, and soil types. If your property is prone to erosion, consider the following:

  • Plant grass seed or other vegetation before the fall rains begin;
  • Apply netting and straw mulch on steep slopes;
  • Incorporate existing native vegetation into your landscape area;
  • Direct water runoff away from areas subject to erosion; and
  • Minimize impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt and maximize the absorption capacity of your land through vegetation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, November 7, 2020
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register for this free event by calling 714-961-7181
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
All City Services Closed
Saturday, November 14, 2020
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required.
Saturday, November 21, 2020
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
All City Services Closed:
November 26 - 27, 2020
QUICK LINKS
4845 Casa Loma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-961-7100
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CITY OF YORBA LINDA