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A Message from the Mayor

View an important message from Mayor Beth Haney about how the City of Yorba Linda is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and actions the City is taking to promote your health and safety, while continuing to serve our residents and business community.

A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

A month ago, very few of us could have foreseen the impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives. After a series of increasingly restrictive orders from County, State, and Federal agencies; and phrases like "social distancing" and "essential service" becoming commonplace over a short span of time; we are beginning to adjust to what might feel like a new, although temporary, normal. However, as we continue to monitor the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections spreading throughout Orange County and Yorba Linda, we must not grow complacent. Our collective commitment to "flatten the curve" will determine how this disease spreads through our community.

By staying home except to travel for essential needs, you are limiting your potential to be exposed, as well as your potential to expose others to this virus. While this may sound extreme, there is nothing more important than following the Center for Disease Control's social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Also, simply taking care of our own health during this time relieves strain on our community's health care providers and ensures they have the resources they need to save lives. Your sacrifices are working, and I encourage everyone to keep up the good work.

The health and well-being of the Yorba Linda community is our highest priority. The Yorba Linda City Council, our executive team, and staff are working diligently with our partners at the national, federal, state, county, and local levels to coordinate our response to COVID-19. City staff is committed to continue providing essential City services to the public online, via telephone, through our website, and through alternate methods. At this time, there has been no interruption to essential City services.

In the midst of uncertainty, there have also been moments that demonstrate the essence of what makes Yorba Linda special. We have seen neighborhood teddy bear hunts, neighbors checking in on each other, and businesses adjusting their store hours to help our most vulnerable residents get their necessities. The way we treat each other in the most trying times speaks volumes about who we are. Truly, this is the Land of Gracious Living.

The remainder of this edition of Yorba Linda Connection will focus on coronavirus resources and updates regarding City operations. I encourage you to be safe, remain calm, and to stay engaged with your community.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the April 7, 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. View the April 7, 2020 City Council Meeting Recap on the City website .

Coronavirus Information Hotline

To better serve our community, the City of Yorba Linda has launched a Coronavirus Information Hotline. Residents can speak with a City staff member by calling 714-984-5900 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive referrals to local services and non-medical information. City of Yorba Linda staff remain available to virtually assist you at the following numbers:

Administration/City Council 714-961-7110
City Clerk 714-961-7150
Building 714-961-7120
Building Inspection Hotline 714-854-7411
Community Preservation/Code Enforcement 714-961-7138
Finance 714-961-7140
Parks & Recreation 714-961-7160
Planning 714-961-7130
Public Works/Engineering 714-961-7170
Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House 714-961-7192
Travis Ranch Activity Center 714-961-7167
Yorba Linda Community Center 714-961-7181

Use of Masks and Proper Hygiene Can Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

The City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to follow the County of Orange Health Officer's recommendation to wear a mask while at work and while engaging in essential activities. The recommendation is in line with guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on April 1, and is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by those who are asymptomatic. Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing N95 masks or other personal protective equipment that is in critical short supply for our healthcare workers. For mask-making instructions, visit the Center for Disease Control's coronavirus website .

Please remember that wearing a mask is not a substitute for proven protective measures. Remember, the best way to fight this virus is to stay home, and to practice essential hygiene by:

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol based;
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue and throwing it away;
Maintaining a 6-foot distance between people in public or infected family members;
Staying hydrated;
Getting enough sleep; and
Trying to decrease stress and exercising. Go for a walk in your neighborhood, but remember to practice safe social distancing!

City Facilities and Parks Update

The City of Yorba Linda has been closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 in our region. Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with orders from national federal, state, and Orange County officials, the City has modified access to all facilities as well as canceled or postponed events and programming.

City Facilities Closed to the Public

City Hall, Yorba Linda Community Center, Black Gold Golf Club, Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House, Travis Ranch Activity Center, the Yorba Linda Public Library, and the Bryant Ranch Museum are closed to the public until further notice.

City Parks and Trails

City of Yorba Linda parks remain open on a limited basis as long as social distancing is maintained; however, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and park restrooms are closed until further notice. As parks remain open, please practice social distancing and avoid group activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and football. Avoid visiting or utilizing parks and trails that are crowded, which will not allow you to follow social distancing safety guidelines. If the park or trail you visit is impacted by use, it is your responsibility as a member of the community to use your best judgement by limiting contact and taking the more careful approach.

For a list of the recreation programs and events that have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, please visit the coronavirus website . This information is subject to change, and residents are encouraged to sign up for news alerts from the City.

How COVID-19 Affects Yorba Linda Police Services

In order to ensure the safety of the public and to protect the health of staff, Yorba Linda Police Services has enacted the following measures until further notice:

The Police Services Substation lobby is closed to the public. Telephone messages left at 714-779-7098 will be returned as soon as possible, but residents may experience a delay in receiving a call back.
For immediate assistance, residents should contact the 24 hour Non-Emergency Dispatch Line at 714-647-7000 (press 1, then 9, then 1 to reach a dispatcher) for non-emergency situations or to get deputy assistance.
Residents should always call 911 to report a crime in progress or medical emergency.
Vacation Home Checks will continue as usual.
Yorba Linda Police Services can be reached by email for non-emergency questions at yorbaps@ocsd.org. The email address is monitored intermittently several times a week, excluding weekends so a response may be delayed.
All other inquiries can be directed to Crime Prevention Specialist Kara Taylor at kmtaylor@ocsd.org (emails will be answered Tuesday through Friday).

Service Update from the Library

The Library has expanded its eLibrary with new materials, more online resources, and a dedicated Children’s eLibrary section. Patrons of all ages can access eBooks, digital magazines, movies, music, and more. In addition, the Library is now offering eLibrary Cards for Yorba Linda Residents and PYLUSD students.

Please be advised, the Library facility is currently closed to the public and all events and programs have been canceled. If you have overdue books, please keep them until the Library reopens. All fines have been suspended at this time. For additional information about Library programs and services, visit the Library website . To contact the Library for assistance, please call 7124-777-2873 during their business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Resources for Senior Citizens

The City of Yorba Linda continues to find innovative ways to care for our senior citizens during the COVID-19 crisis, and has added a Senior Resources page to the website to provide comprehensive information about services and resources available to seniors, including senior meal information, designated grocery shopping times for seniors, and other food resources.

The following programs have been canceled, postponed, or modified until further notice:

All senior programs and Senior Club programs are canceled until further notice; however, the Trails Senior Mobility Bus will remain in operation.
The City has arranged a curbside pick-up method for providing lunches for the Senior Lunch Program participants. Meals are distributed a week at a time, limiting seniors' need to travel every day. For more information, please call the Community Center at 714-961-7181, or visit the Senior Resources page.

Shop Where Your Heart Is

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce , in conjunction with the City of Yorba Linda, has announced an exciting shop-local program. The campaign is entitled “Shop Where Your Heart Is” and encourages residents to support our local businesses. More details and promotions on the campaign will be released in the coming weeks. Please connect with the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook and Instagram pages to receive updated information or participate in the campaign.

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 stay at home mandate 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 will be impacted, 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.

Black Gold Offers Meals to Go and Groceries

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

Easter Dinner To Go : Meal includes a half-turkey dinner that feeds six to eight people, and is available for purchase online for $97.50 + tax. Pre-orders must be received by April 11 , and meals will be available for curbside pick-up on Sunday, April 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. only.

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 .

Stay in the Know by Registering for Updates through AlertOC

During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for residents to take the time to register to receive emergency updates through AlertOC , the City's mass notification system. Examples of use would include disaster notifications, evacuation notices, public health emergencies, public safety emergencies, or any emergency information as defined by the City. Residents may register for AlertOC, or manage their existing profiles, by visiting AlertOC.org , or by texting ALERTOC to 888777.

Public Library & Cultural Arts Center Construction Update

Progress continues to be made on the new Public Library and Cultural Arts Center. This month the interior mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and quarry stone fabrication continued. A substantial amount of the roofing is now installed, and the interior framing is almost complete. Drywall installation has commenced in the Arts Center and drywall taping has begun in the Library. In April, quarry stone panel fabrication will continue, and AT&T will be working to complete splicing. The Grand Opening is expected to happen in late Fall 2020. View drone footage of the construction site from the past month on the project website .

Placentia Navigation Center Open to Serve Homeless Population

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the first of two navigation centers that will be supported by the North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA) opened in the City of Placentia. This 100-bed Navigation Center will work not only to house people experiencing homelessness, but to provide health resources, job and social skills, and opportunities to reunite with family and friends. To learn more, visit the City Of Placentia website . You can also view a video of the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Placentia Navigation Center, which was conducted virtually.

Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Update

Over the past year, the City has been trying to keep the public informed of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) methodology for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the years 2021-2029, which would require the City to plan for an additional 2,410 housing units. In March, SCAG’s Regional Council approved the RHNA methodology despite an effort from Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles jurisdictions to propose a compromise to the SCAG-recommended plan. The final RHNA methodology is scheduled to be approved by SCAG’s Regional Council on April 30. The City has continued to voice its strong opposition to the RHNA methodology to SCAG as well as to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Residents who have concerns with the proposed methodology are encouraged to email their comments to SCAG at housing@scag.ca.gov . It is anticipated that the appeals process on the RHNA will begin in May. Additionally, SCAG has posted a Frequently Asked Questions page (PDF) about the appeals process.

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 April 8, 2020, 62.5% of Yorba Linda households have self-reported, as compared to the California self-response rate of 46.6%. If you have not completed the Census yet, please do so now! For additional information about the U.S. Census, view the Census Made Simple PSA , or visit the U.S. Census Bureau website

Santa Ana River Interceptor Rock Removal Project

The US Army Corp is still in the process of securing a permanent contractor to complete the improvements left idle by the prior contractor that was terminated during the summer of 2019. In the interim, the Corp has engaged a separate contractor to stabilize the riverbed site that has been focused on backfilling the large ponds that were created by the original contractor, and miscellaneous repairs to the construction site. The bike trail maintenance effort is also part of the contractor’s work scope. In addition, as part of this work, the contractor will be hauling a significant number of dirt truckloads into the site via La Palma Avenue during the months of April and May. Look for updates in future issues of the "Yorba Linda Connection."

City to Issue Weed Abatement Notices

To prepare for the upcoming fire season, the City of Yorba Linda would like to remind residents and property owners about the City’s weed abatement program. 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 will mail notices to homeowners with potential fire hazard conditions based on vegetation or rubbish on the property. Those who receive a notice are asked 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 deadline has been extended for an additional two weeks in light of competing priorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) also assesses properties for fire risk and issues notices on an as-needed basis. Property owners that have difficulty meeting the abatement deadline are encouraged to contact the City to discuss their situation.

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, or to discuss extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, please contact the Community Preservation Division at 714-961-7138.

Annual Pavement Preservation Program is Just Around the Corner.

The design for this year’s Annual Pavement Preservation Program is currently under way. The project will include crack sealing, slurry sealing, asphalt overlays, and miscellaneous asphalt repair along with restriping of pavement markings. The City is divided into seven zones and the program provides for treatment of one zone per year. This year’s project will treat Maintenance Zone 3, which is located on the southwesterly side of the City generally bounded by Kellogg Drive to the East, Yorba Linda Boulevard to the North, and the City boundary towards the West and South. At this time, residents in the area will start noticing white pavement marking delineating areas of deteriorated asphalt slated for repairs prior to the slurry sealing of their streets. These markings will remain in place for three to four months until the City is able to award a contract for the actual improvements. Look for additional updates on the Pavement Preservation Program in future issues of the "Yorba Linda Connection."

OCTA Bus Stop on Lemon Drive

Recently, the OCTA bus stop on Lemon Drive has been relocated from its former location in front of the Villa Pacific Apartment Complex to a location further west, away from the residential area. The new location is in the westbound direction of Lemon Drive, just west of Main Street. This location better serves the needs of the community and minimizes residential disruptions while providing convenient access to both the Main Street Historic District and the Town Center Commercial District. Please note that, due to COVID-19, OCTA is now operating a Sunday schedule on all days until further notice. For more information, please visit the OCTA website .

Spring Showers Bring Flowers and an Increase in Mosquito Sources

Recent rains combined with warm weather create the perfect environment for mosquito breeding. The City of Yorba Linda and Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) would like to remind residents to take an active role in mosquito control by regularly inspecting their property for any stagnant water that will contribute to an increase in mosquitoes. 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. 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.

Spring Cleaning & "Greening": How to Safely Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste

It’s that time of year again – time to clean out old items from those closets, sheds, and garages! In your spring cleaning, you’ll likely come across Household Hazardous Waste - like old paints, cleaners, oil, batteries, and pesticides – and you may not be sure how to properly dispose of them.

Hazardous Household Waste is defined as leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients. These items require special care when you’re purging them from your home, so resist the inclination to leave them on the curb with the rest of your trash, and do not pour such liquid products down the drain! When improperly disposed of, these products can eventually enter the storm drain, which leads them to flow untreated into our creeks, rivers, bays, beaches, and ocean!

Free hazardous Household Waste disposal is available through OC Waste and Recycling. For more information, including location, hours, and a list of accepted items, visit their website .