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

Throughout January, City staff have been working with the County of Orange on their vaccination distribution efforts. We know this is an important issue for our community, and we are working hard to help the County improve its vaccination program and to help our citizens get access to the vaccine as soon as possible. At the moment, people over the age of 65 (and Tier 1a populations) are eligible to receive the vaccine, and more than 509,000 people have successfully registered for vaccination through the Othena system. While more details about registering for vaccination appointments are provided below, I encourage everyone who currently qualifies to register soon to get into the virtual waiting line. Those receiving appointments will be assigned to one of the Super POD sites in the County. We are also hoping to host a mobile site for our seniors once sufficient doses are available.

I would also like to highlight that the City's website provides updates on the latest vaccine distribution developments. If you have questions about the vaccine and don't know where to start looking, visit our website, which provides links to all the need-to-know resources. While the registration process has been a frustrating experience for many people, the initial troubles should subside as vaccine dose supply increases. Hang in there; it will get better soon. In the meantime, please continue following safety guidelines, proper hygiene and cleaning protocols, and social distancing. Let's finish strong as we enter what is hopefully the home-stretch.

February brings some exciting happenings around town. This month, construction of the Trueblood house is concluding, and the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce will move in soon; demolition at the old public library site has finished, and In-N-Out Burger will close escrow on the property with a few weeks; and with Orange County back in the Purple Tier, many of Yorba Linda's restaurants have begun offering outdoor dining once again. Additionally, our Library is now able to increase appointment capacity for their Grab and Go appointments, and the Parks and Recreation Department will be able to host more indoor classes and programs at the Cultural Arts Center. These welcome improvements, along with the news that thousands of people are receiving vaccinations every day, reminds us that someday soon, this pandemic will be over -- and we have so much to look forward to.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone
City Manager
City Council Meeting Recap
The City Council Meeting Recap for the February 2, 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, as well as recaps from previous meetings, are always available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website.
How to Register for COVID Vaccine Appointments
The County of Orange is moving quickly to make the COVID-19 vaccination available to everyone in Orange County. Named Operation Independence, the County is setting up regional vaccine points of dispensing (POD) sites, called Super PODs, that can perform thousands of vaccinations every day. While as many as five vaccine Super PODs will open in Orange County, two are already open; one at Disneyland in Anaheim and a second at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

Vaccines dispensed at County Super PODs are currently available for qualifying individuals who live and work in Orange County and fall within the State’s "Phase 1A, all tiers" status, including persons age 65 and older. To view a list of those who are currently eligible to receive a vaccine, visit the OC Health Care Agency’s website.

Registering for a Vaccine Appointment
Please do not attempt to register for an appointment if you are not currently eligible. To register for a vaccination appointment at a County Super POD, visit Othena.com, select the "First Time User" button, and answer the questions. After registering, users will be put into a digital waiting room to wait their turn for a vaccine appointment. The Othena system generates email appointment invitations as soon as appointments open up at a vaccine dispensing location. If users download the Othena app, the app will notify users when appointments become available. Please be advised that appointments are limited by vaccine availability, but capacity is frequently expanding as more doses become available.

Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at the Super POD site of their appointment to receive a vaccine.

If you need help with the registration process or have questions, please call the OC Health Care Agency's hotline at 714-834-2000. The hotline is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions related to Othena and vaccine-related issues. Please note that the hotline cannot make reservations or Othena registrations at this time.

Residents can also visit COVIDVaccineFacts.com for the latest information on who is currently eligible to receive the vaccination and learn about its safety and efficacy. Residents can also find vaccine information and resources at yorbalindaca.gov/coronavirus.
State Lifts Regional Stay Home Order:
Orange County Is Back In The Purple Tier
The State of California lifted the Regional Stay Home order for all regions, including Southern California, on Monday, January 25. The order had been in effect for the Southern California region since December 6 last year, after hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity dropped below 15%. Now that 4-week ICU capacity is forecasted to rise above 15% in the region, the order has been lifted. This move has returned Orange County to the Purple Tier, the most restrictive of the State's coronavirus response plan called the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. 

The Purple Tier guidance provides for the following:
  • Restaurants: outdoor dining with modifications;
  • Hair Salons and barbershops: indoor operations with modifications;
  • All retail can open indoors with modifications at 25% of max capacity;
  • Personal Care Services: open indoors with modifications;
  • Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums: open outdoors with modifications;
  • Places of worship: outdoor only with modifications;
  • Movie theaters: outdoor only with modifications;
  • Hotels and lodging: open with modifications;
  • Gyms and Fitness Center: outdoors only with modifications; and
  • Wineries: Outdoor only with modifications.

For more information, visit the State's website at covid19.ca.gov.
Derrick's Grille Reopens for Outdoor Dining
With Orange County back into the Purple Tier, Derrick's Grille at Black Gold Golf Club is once again open for outdoor dining on their beautiful patio, with a full menu of delicious dishes. There's plenty of space for safe outdoor dining in an idyllic setting. For hours, menus, and more information, visit blackgoldgolf.com.

Save the date! The 2021 Yorba Linda City Championship is happening on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, at Black Gold Golf Club. The Yorba Linda City Championship is an official SCGA sanctioned tournament and part of their Player of the Year rankings! For additional information and to sign up, visit blackgoldgolf.com/ylcc.

Tee times for Black Gold Golf Club can be made at chronogolf.com or by calling the Golf Shop at 714-961-0060.
County Launches Emergency Rental Assistance Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Orange has launched an Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide as much as $10,000 of rental assistance to people who have been severally impacted financially by the pandemic. The County will accept applications during the month of February from eligible renter households with unpaid rent or utility bills due to the impact of COVID-19. The County has been allocated approximately $65.5 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and will work through regional providers to deliver timely financial assistance. Impacted renters who live in Orange County should apply for the program as soon as possible. For more information and eligibility criteria, please review the information flyer and visit the program's website.
Winter Parks and Recreation Programs
Registration is now available for the Parks and Recreation Department’s winter programs. Expanded class offerings and some indoor activities are available for all age groups with added modifications to promote safety for all participants. Browse the winter issue of the activity guide online and register for programs online at YLRecOnline.com. 
 
Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, all programs and registration dates are tentative and subject to change. Based on current restrictions, some classes will be required to run outdoors with continued modifications.
 
For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 714-961-7160 or email YLPR@yorbalindaca.gov.
New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Public Library and Cultural Arts Center
Thanks to grants generously provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center campus, located at 4852 Lakeview Avenue. The charging stations, located along the north side of the parking lot, are part of the City's effort to provide infrastructure for the growing adoption of electric vehicles and promote a cleaner environment. Check it out the next time you visit the Library or Cultural Arts Center!
City Facilities Closed In Observance of Presidents Day
In observance of President's Day, all City offices, including City Hall, the Library, and Parks and Recreation facilities, will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2021. Trash and recycling services will run as regularly scheduled with no interruption of service due to the holiday.
City Closing Escrow with In-N-Out Burger Soon
The demolition of the old Yorba Linda Public Library on Imperial Highway is now complete, and the City is preparing to close escrow on the site with In-N-Out Burger within a few weeks. The restaurant has already received all of its development entitlements and necessary permits, and construction is anticipated to begin as early as March. If everything goes smoothly, In-N-Out is targeting a Fall 2021 grand opening!
Flag Design Contest Entries Due Soon
Residents are invited to participate in a special contest to design an official flag for the City of Yorba Linda, but act quickly! The deadline for submissions is February 22, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

Submitting an entry is easy. Review the guidelines, determine meaningful symbols of Yorba Linda, choose up to three colors, and get creative! A panel of judges will review each submission, and the top entries may be submitted to the City Council for final review.

For contest rules, criteria, or to submit a design, please visit the contest website. Please contact the Parks at Recreation Department with any questions at 714-961-7160 or email kridenour@yorbalindaca.gov.
Wall of Fame Nominations Due Early March
The Wall of Fame program exists to honor exceptional athletic accomplishments by individual athletes or sports teams in Yorba Linda, and outstanding contributions by athletic organizations serving Yorba Linda. The City is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Wall of Fame induction.

The nomination criteria include:
  • Individual nominees must have been a Yorba Linda resident when their accomplishment was completed and have lived in Yorba Linda for a minimum of three years;
  • The individual must have been a positive role model in the community;
  • Team nominations are considered if the membership of the team was comprised of at least 60% Yorba Linda residents, and the team represented a public or private school or a local non-profit sports organization serving Yorba Linda; and
  • The accomplishments must have been completed prior to the submittal deadline.

The Selection Committee has the authority to consider other teams or individuals if special conditions warrant deviation from the nomination criteria. Nominations are being accepted now through Friday, March 5, 2021, at 5 p.m. Nomination forms may be completed online. For more information, visit the City's Wall of Fame webpage.
City Council Appoints New Library Commissioners
Yorba Linda's City Council has appointed three new members to the five-member Library Commission during a special meeting on January 26, 2021. The three new members are:
  • Michael Habashi;
  • Alexander S. Hernandez; and
  • Kenneth Tam.

The new members will be sworn in at the next Library Commission meeting on March 4, 2021, and will join Commissioners Ryan Bent and James Granito. They will nominate and select the chair and vice-chair positions at the March 4 meeting. The City of Yorba Linda would like to thank the outgoing commissioners, Marilyn R. Allen-Adams, Cheri Hansen, and Randie Noell, for their service to the Yorba Linda community.
Trueblood House Restoration Complete
The restoration of the Trueblood House is complete, but landscape installation will continue into March as weather conditions become more favorable for planting. This historic property, located at 4801 Park Avenue, has been of great interest to the City of Yorba Linda due to its iconic look and visible location at the Yorba Linda Town Center's gateway. The developer has done an incredible job rebuilding the house to its former glory and has significantly enhanced the Imperial Highway and Lemon Avenue streetscape. The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce is leasing the building from the City and will be moving in within a matter of weeks. The Chamber expects to open for business in this new location in early March.
Yorba Linda's Small Business Relief Program Increases Grant Amounts to Prior Recipients
The City of Yorba Linda's Small Business Relief Program has now provided a third round of grant funding to assist local businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Unanimously approved by City Council at its meeting on January 19, 2021, this third round provided $640,000 of total funding to Yorba Linda businesses that submitted qualifying applications in Rounds I or II (including businesses that were not selected by the Round II lottery). In total, 240 Yorba Linda businesses have received over $2.4 million in relief since the start of COVID-19.

For more information about pandemic economic recovery, contact the Economic Development team by email or call 714-961-7105.
City's RHNA Appeal Denied By SCAG
Despite great efforts to appeal the City’s regional housing need allocation (RHNA) of 2,411 housing units for the next planning cycle (covering October 2021 to October 2029) and the methodology used to determine the City's allocation, the City was unanimously denied by the RHNA Appeals Board of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Of the 52 appeals filed, only two appeals were approved, with all appeals by Orange County cities being denied. The decision of the RHNA Appeals Board is final and cannot be further appealed. The City will be moving forward with determining how to best plan for these housing units. If you are interested in this effort, we encourage you to visit ylhousingelementupdate.com/.
Yorba Linda Ranks as Second Safest Small City in California, and #41 in the U.S.!
How safe is small-town America? MoneyGeek analyzed crime statistics and quantified those crimes' costs to identify the safest and least safe small cities and towns — those with 30,000 to 100,000 residents. Their data shows that Yorba Linda is one of the safest cities in the country. According to the research, Yorba Linda is the second safest city in California, third safest on the west side of the Rocky Mountains, and ranks #41 overall in the United States!

But rankings like these are no excuse to let your guard down. Please continue following responsible practices that keep Yorba Linda safe, such as locking your vehicle's doors, securing your home and garage, tracking packages, and reporting crimes and unusual activity. Remember: see something, say something! For more safety tips, follow the Orange County Sheriff's Department on social media and visit their website.
Practice Trail Etiquette and Courtesy
Practicing trail etiquette (yes, there is such a thing!) is always important, but never more so than during this COVID-19 pandemic. Staying active and getting outside has many health benefits, but doing so safely and respectfully of others is important.

Trail use throughout our City and nation is surging, but many trails are often not wide enough to accommodate six feet of social distancing between walkers, runners, bicyclists, and horses. This unprecedented demand for outdoor spaces calls attention to the value and benefits that trails have always delivered to our community. Yorba Linda is very fortunate to have an ambitious City-wide system of over 100 miles of trails open for use. To keep our trails beautiful and pleasing to experience, we must all do our part to navigate trails, neighborhood paths, and greenbelts with the utmost courtesy and safety by following basic Trail Etiquette:

  • Say hello, safely!: Greeting people you meet is a long-established tradition of enjoying trails. Not only is it polite and helps alert others to your presence, but it is a great way to start a conversation discussing how you will pass each other with some distance.
  • Right of Way: On a narrow pathway or trail, the hiker going uphill is generally agreed to have the right of way as that requires more momentum.
  • How to pass from behind: Please keep to the right side of trails at all times, unless preparing to pass someone from behind who is enjoying the trail at a slower pace. The proper courtesy is to announce “Hello, passing on your left” to alert the walker of your presence and intention.
  • Hike single-file: An old-piece of hiking etiquette is to hike single file when possible as it is easier on the trails. This practice becomes particularly important in the age of COVID-19 when two groups of people pass each other. The polite practice is for both groups to reform in single file lines to create some distance. Remember, one of the reasons you picked hiking as your choice activity is for the ease of social distancing.
  • Dogs: For their own safety, dogs should ALWAYS be on a leash, never pet someone's dog without permission, and don't forget to pack drinking water and poo-baggies for your very good boy or girl.

For more information about Yorba Linda's trails, view our City Trails page.
Santa Ana River Project Update
As covered in previous issues of the Yorba Linda Connection, the Army Corp of Engineers Project in the Santa Ana Riverbed is currently underway with their new contractor, Silverstrand Construction. New fencing has been installed on the project perimeter along La Palma, and most of the initial work to dewater and prep the site has begun. During the upcoming month, the major items of work include initial rock removal from the embankments and storm drainpipe extensions. The existing closures to the multi-use trail and maintenance road are anticipated to remain in place for the project's duration, but the contractor will work to open these areas sooner, if possible. City staff will continue participating in project update meetings to stay informed and help monitor this project's progress and impacts.
Sheriff's Department Warns of Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic Converter theft is on the rise in Orange County and Yorba Linda. The catalytic converter is a component of a vehicle’s exhaust system that looks similar to a small muffler and is an easy target for thieves. Inside are precious metals that can be sold or recycled, and stolen in a matter of minutes. The typical replacement cost of a catalytic converter can be $1,000 to over $2,000! Please immediately call 911 if you believe the theft of a catalytic converter is in progress.

You can also help protect your vehicle by:
  • Parking your vehicle inside a garage or well-lit area;
  • Installing motion-activated lights around your home;
  • Have the converter welded to your vehicle’s frame;
  • Etch your vehicle’s VIN or plate number on the converter for identification if it is stolen; and
  • Consider the purchase and use of a Catalytic Converter Clamp.

For more safety tips, please visit the Orange County Sheriff's Department's website.
Have You Made Your Home Escape Plan?
Every second counts during a fire. Create and practice a home escape plan so you and your family can get out quickly if the smoke alarm sounds. The following steps can help keep you and your family safe:

Plan Ahead
  • Make a home escape plan showing two ways out of every room. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home;
  • Choose an outside meeting place in front of and a safe distance from your home;
  • Practice your home escape plan at least twice a year. During your drills, practice escaping from different exits and teach children to escape on their own;
  • Make sure someone is assigned to assist with small children, older adults, or family members with disabilities;
  • Slow the spread of fire in your home by closing doors while you sleep; and
  • Test your smoke alarms once a month with your children so they recognize the sound.

Respond Safely if a Fire Occurs
  • Smoke and heat rise, so crawl low as you follow your home escape plan;
  • Test doors before opening. Use the back of your hand to feel the door for heat, starting at the bottom and working your way up. If the door feels warm, don’t open it. Use your secondary exit to escape;
  • Close doors as you evacuate to slow the spread of smoke and fire;
  • Once you’re out, stay out. Go immediately to your outside meeting place and NEVER go back inside for any reason; and
  • Call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside of your home.

If Trapped by Fire
  • Close the door between you and the fire;
  • Use towels, blankets, or clothing to seal door cracks and help prevent smoke from entering the room;
  • Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher where you are in the home; and
  • Signal for help from a window when firefighters arrive.

For additional fire prevention tips, visit the Orange County Fire Authority's website.
CDFA Provides Notice of Treatment For the Asian Citrus Psyllid
Since 2017, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the causative bacterial agent of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus tree tissue and insect vectors collected in several OC cities, including Yorba Linda. HLB is a devastating disease of citrus and is spread through feeding action by populations of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). The CDFA plans to begin treatments intended to eradicate ACP at detection sites soon. For more information, visit the City's website. For more information about HLB/ACP and what you can do to keep your citrus trees safe, visit californiacitrusthreat.org.
Tips to Prevent Over Watering
During the rainy season, one of the biggest challenges for the home gardener can be determining the correct frequency and amount of water needed to maintain a healthy lawn and garden. When plants appear droopy or discolored, more water might seem like the answer. However, over-watering is often the culprit of plant discoloration and other issues. Preventing over-watering in your yard will not only help the health of your plants but will also prevent harmful pollutants from entering the oceans as excess irrigation can wash pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants through storm drains. Improve the health of your garden while preventing pollution by following these simple tips:

  • During the fall and winter months, your lawn needs far less water than during the summer. Adjust sprinkler controls to water less during these seasons;
  • Determine if your lawn is adequately watered by using his trick - if your blades of grass spring up after you step on them, they are adequately watered;
  • Evaluate your lawn's health by its color - if it is vibrant green and is not pale, it is receiving enough water. If your lawn becomes less verdant, it may need nutrients and not water; consider consulting a gardening professional; and
  • Water in the early morning before sunrise to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Weekly Flag Raising Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial
The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association invites residents to honor and celebrate local veterans by attending a Flag Raising Ceremony held every Thursday at 4:15 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial site (4766 Valley View Avenue, Yorba Linda). Please visit the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial website for more information and details for other events hosted by the Veterans Memorial Association.
UPCOMING EVENTS
QUICK LINKS
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Please note that due to COVID-19, City Hall is open on an appointment-only basis during normal operating hours. For facility hours and contact information, please visit the City's website.
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4845 Casa Loma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-961-7100
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CITY OF YORBA LINDA