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Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

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A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

The end of May traditionally marks the beginning of summer, and the recent heat wave certainly suggests that transition is well underway. For many, this past season will be remembered mostly for things not related to Southern California's beautiful weather -- but for the coronavirus, social distancing, and staying at home. This season has been anything but easy for all of us, but I am encouraged by the news that the State of California and County of Orange continue to work on allowing some businesses to reopen. This signals that progress in containing this pandemic is happening, and I encourage Yorba Linda businesses to review the modified Stay-At-Home order to see if they qualify to reopen, and what adaptations may need to be made.

City Staff are carefully reviewing state and local guidelines to create a plan for when and how City facilities and services can reopen to the public. For more information and regular updates about the current status of City facilities, services, and programs, please visit yorbalindaca.gov/coronavirus .

Finally, I would like to thank our local first responders and essential workers whose extraordinary sacrifice and selflessness during this pandemic has made all the difference. Please join me in honoring them, but please remember that intentional care for our own health and safety goes a long way in making their difficult jobs more manageable during crises like this.

Thank you for engaging with your community and making life in Yorba Linda exceptional.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the May 5, 2020 City Council Meeting is now available online . Following each City Council Meeting, a recap is posted to the Latest News section of the City website. 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.

People with High-Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19 Should Continue to Stay Home

California will enter “Stage 2” of the coronavirus pandemic on Friday, May 8, when Governor Newsom will modify the current Stay-at-Home order to allow some low-risk retail businesses to open with adaptations in place. While this is welcome news to many, people who are at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are still recommended to follow the Stay-at-Home order by staying at home, except for essential needs. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. While it is not easy, people from these vulnerable populations should continue to stay home as much as possible and follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines to help prevent infection.

Vulnerable Populations, According to the CDC:

Based on what is known, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

People 65 years and older; and
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions , particularly if not well controlled, including:

People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma;
People who have serious heart conditions;
People who are immunocompromised;
Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher);
People with diabetes;
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; and
People with liver disease.

For more information on how to reduce risk, extra precautions that should be taken by vulnerable populations, and the latest COVID-19 facts, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus .

Summer Recreation Update

The Parks and Recreation Department continues to prepare for summer programs, camps, and special events. However, due to the uncertainty of how long the State's Stay-At-Home order will remain in place, changes to the summer registration process and the Activity Guide distribution will occur as noted below:

The Summer Activity Guide will not be mailed to households. Once it is determined what programs and services can be provided, the Parks and Recreation Department will release a digital version of the Activity Guide.
Summer registration for all summer programs is postponed. Registration details and dates will be released to the public once determined. To stay updated on recent events and changes, follow the Parks and Recreation Department's social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) or subscribe to the City's newsletters.

Virtual Recreation Center Offers Fun at Home

The Parks and Recreation Department's Virtual Recreation Center is here to provide fun, fitness, arts, education, and enrichment through these unprecedented times. Featuring online classes, educational activities, craft projects, and other fun activities to complete at home, the Virtual Recreation Center has something for everyone! Look for new activities each week, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates

2020 Yorba Linda Strategic Plan Adopted by City Council

At the March 17, 2020 City Council Meeting, the Yorba Linda City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-5659 approving the 2020 Yorba Linda Strategic Plan . The City’s strategic planning process is a management tool for identifying the City’s past achievements, future goals and objectives, and setting the course necessary to achieve these objectives. The planning process also assists the City in adapting to changes occurring within and outside the organization, and in directing the City’s efforts and resources to focus on its highest priorities. The City of Yorba Linda’s 2020 Strategic Plan aims to build upon the City’s past achievements, set new priorities and goals, and guide the City’s focus and resources for the next three years.

Please view the City website for detailed information.

Black Gold Golf Club Reopens for Recreational Golfing With Modified Operations

Following a decision by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to allow golf courses to open for limited and safe use, Black Gold Golf Club reopened for recreational golf-play on Friday, April 24. Black Gold Golf Club’s top priority is the health and safety of guests, staff, and the community. While golf is a great form of exercise and a popular outdoor activity, players will need to be mindful of key operation modifications, listed at blackgoldgolf.com . Tee times can be made at chronogolf.com or by calling the Golf Shop at 714-961-0060.

Additionally, Black Gold Golf Course has got your shopping and meal needs covered with several fantastic family meal and market options:

Home Essentials Box : All your cooking essentials in one box! Includes chicken, eggs, butter, pasta, two rolls of toilet paper, and more. Home Essential Boxes are available for purchase online for $45. Curbside pick-up for online orders is available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday only.

Black Gold Meals to Go : These family-style meals feed four to five people, and there are several meal options ($45-$50). Meals to Go are available for purchase online with curbside pick-up from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday only.

For more information or to make a purchase, visit blackgoldgolf.com .

Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Construction Update

In April the interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, roof detailing, and quarry stone fabrication continued. The interior framing has been finished, and drywall taping is almost complete in both buildings. Interior painting is underway, the acoustic ceiling tile grid installation began, and the glass has arrived. The first shipment of the quarry stone has left the quarry for the construction site. SCE installed the transformer, pulled the line side wiring, and set the electric meter. The gas company completed the service line extension and the site is now ready for the gas meter.

During May, the quarry stone panel fabrication will be finished and the remaining overhead lines and poles will be removed. The Contractor is currently on track to complete their portion of the work in Fall 2020. Aerial video footage of the site is available on the project website . Look for further construction updates in future issues of the Yorba Linda Connection.

Yorba Linda Police Services Reminds Residents to Lock Vehicle Doors and Secure Their Belongings

With more people staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more vehicles than usual parked on streets and driveways. Yorba Linda Police Services is seeing a trend of thefts where people's belongings are being stolen after leaving their vehicles unlocked. However, locked vehicles with any items in plain view are also being targeted. When it comes to reducing crime and maintaining a safe community, you are the key! Please follow these vehicle security tips:

Always lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and bring keys inside. Be mindful that newer cars with keyless fobs can be unlocked when the fobs are kept within close proximity to the vehicle, even indoors;
Remove all valuables and visible items whenever you leave your vehicle. If you need to, lock your valuables in the trunk before arriving at your destination;
When out, park in open, well-lit, populated areas;
At home, park in a secured garage;
Install a locking fuel cap; and
Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.

Open garages left unattended are also attractive to thieves. Remember to always lock the windows and doors of both residences and vehicles. This is crucial to helping decrease these crimes of opportunity.

Should a burglary or theft occur, report it immediately. Remember to stay alert and aware of your surroundings and others around you. Please report suspicious persons and activity to Yorba Linda Police Services’ non-emergency dispatch center at 714-647-7000 (press 1, then 9, then 1 to bypass the recording). For emergencies, call 911.

It's Not Too Late to Make Yorba Linda Count

in the 2020 Census

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 May 7, 2020, 75.4% of Yorba Linda households have self-reported, as compared to the California self-response rate of 58.5%. If you have not completed the Census yet, it is not too late! You can complete the 2020 Census online right now! For additional information about the U.S. Census, view the Census Made Simple PSA , or visit the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Prevent Drowning and Learn the ABC's of Water Safety

With warmer weather in the forecast, pools across Yorba Linda will soon be filled with people of all ages attempting to enjoy a cool break from the heat. As pool activity increases, the City of Yorba Linda and Orange County Fire Authority ( OCFA) want to keep you and your families safe. Did you know that d rowning is silent and can occur in as little as two inches of water and in as quickly as 20 seconds? Although 100 percent preventable, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages five and under and the second leading cause among children under fourteen. The most common reason children drown is a lapse in active adult supervision. Parents and caretakers are urged to remain vigilant when children are near water and encouraged to review and share the ABCs of Water Safety :

A is for Active Adult Supervision
B is for Barriers
C is for Classes

To learn more, view OCFA's Drowning Prevention video or download a printable copy of the ABCs of Water Safety . For additional safety information, please visit the OCFA website.

Annual Weed Abatement Program Underway

To increase fire safety, it's that time of year for residents to get an early start on weed abatement. This program is designed to keep the City fire-safe by ensuring that yards and larger land parcels are cleared of combustible weeds and debris.

To comply with the California Government Code , and the City municipal code, the City has issued notices to homeowners with potential fire hazard conditions based on vegetation or rubbish on the property. Those who receive a notice are required to clear their property of all combustible vegetation, including dead leaves, weeds, brush, and tree limbs as well as excess trash, wood, and other combustibles by June 8, 2020. The Orange County Fire Authority also assesses properties for fire risk and issues notices on an as-needed basis.

Please keep in mind that weed abatement season is year-round in Southern California and it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that their property is maintained in a “fire safe” condition to protect themselves and their neighbors. For additional information about the weed abatement program, please contact the Community Preservation Division at 714-961-7138.

City Seeking Nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year

Since 2004, the City of Yorba Linda has honored a member of the community who provides uncommon and outstanding volunteer service, devoting his or her time and talent to making our community a better place to live and work through the Citizen of the Year recognition. Mayor Beth Haney and the City of Yorba Linda are currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year recognition. Please help us honor our 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 website ; completed nomination forms must be submitted by Thursday, September 3, 2020. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Geoff Spencer at 714-961-7113.

Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony Cancelled

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and prohibition against large gatherings, the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association has canceled plans to hold their annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 25 as planned. The Association and the City of Yorba Linda ask that you take the time that day, and every day, to remember those who have given their lives in defense of freedom and the American way of life.

Residents Should Inspect Their Citrus Trees for HLB

While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered our way of life, citrus tree owners can use this additional time at home to protect their citrus trees while following the Governor’s Stay-At-Home order. Please take this opportunity to inspect citrus trees for signs the deadly citrus tree disease Huanglongbing (HLB). Symptoms of HLB include asymmetrical blotchy and yellowing leaves, corky veins, premature and excessive fruit drop, lopsided fruit, and rancid-tasting fruit. The disease is spread by a pest called the Asian citrus psyllid as it feeds on citrus tree leaves. Call the State's pest hotline at 800-491-1899 if disease symptoms are seen on your tree. Unfortunately, HLB is spreading to citrus trees of all kinds in Southern California and there is no cure. For more information, please visit californiacitrusthreat.org.

Environmentally-Friendly Tips for Car Maintenance

Whether you're an auto aficionado who enjoys working on your car in your spare time, or you are a novice in the garage looking to save some money on car repairs, when it comes to DIY car maintenance, it is important to be mindful of environmental impacts. The City encourages you to follow these tips for a green garage:

Whenever possible, take your car to a commercial car wash. Car washes are required to reclaim and reuse rinse water, so they are the more environmentally friendly alternative to home car washes;
If you do choose to wash your car at home, choose soaps, cleaners, or detergents labeled “non-toxic,” “phosphate free,” and/or “biodegradable.” When finished washing your car, dump wash-water onto an absorbent surface like your lawn rather than down a drain;
Use cat litter or an other absorbent substance to remove any materials deposited by vehicles;
Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners and “hose off” engine degreasers at home. They can be used at a commercial facility, which can properly process the wash-water;
Perform automobile repair and maintenance under a covered area and use drip pans or plastic sheeting to keep spills and waste material from reaching storm drains; and
Never pour oil or antifreeze in the street, gutter or storm drains. Recycle these substances at a service station, HHWCC, or used oil recycling center.

Memorial Day Facility Closure

In observance of Memorial Day, all City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020. Additionally, there will be no refuse or recycling collection service; collection will be delayed by one day.