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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,

Happy New Year! On behalf of the City of Yorba Linda, welcome to 2022. While the last two years have been full of significant challenges for communities across the world, Yorba Linda continues to be a place where optimism and pride are warranted. Thanks to expert planning and sustainable fiscal policies, 2021 was a banner year for the City, and the outlook for 2022 is promising. During this year, we are excited about:

Finishing the renovation of Adventure Playground, a premiere recreation facility;
Leveraging our state-of-the-art spaces to create new and innovative programs at the Library and Cultural Arts Center;
Implementing new programs that increase our wildfire resiliency thanks to an $866,000 grant from CALFIRE.
Continuing to invest in our City's infrastructure through capital improvement projects, such as our Annual Pavement Preservation Project; and
Strengthening our current businesses while bringing exciting new companies and restaurants to town to fill retail vacancies.

While these are just a few highlights of the year ahead of us, I believe Yorba Linda is on the right course to continue delivering the exceptional services our community deserves for years to come. Yorba Linda's future is bright, and we are excited you are a part of it.

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

Captain Joses Wilehwa poses for the camera while smiling.

Introducing Yorba Linda's New Chief of Police Services: Captain Joses Walehwa

The City of Yorba Linda has selected Captain Joses Walehwa as the new Chief of Yorba Linda Police Services, following the promotion of Cory Martino to Commander of Southwest Operations, both effective January 14.

In his time with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Captain Walehwa has worked in Custody Operations, Court Operations, Patrol Operations, the Professional Standards Division, and the Training Division. He also has served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and as the department’s Public Information Officer. Most recently, Captain Walehwa served as Academy Commander for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Academy overseeing the training and mentorship of future peace officers from agencies across Southern California.

Yorba Linda continues to be served by the best of the best, and the City is proud to welcome Captain Walehwa to the team. We are so grateful for the exceptional leadership provided by Commander Martino over the past three years and wish him the best as he transitions to his new role.

To learn more about Captain Walehwa, visit the City’s website.

City Council Meeting Recap

The City Council Meeting Recap for the December 21, 2021 City Council Meeting is now available online. These recaps summarize the City Council's actions but do not replace the official meeting minutes. City Council Meeting agendas and minutes from previous meetings are available on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website.

Furai Chicken is Now Open!

Great things are already happening in Yorba Linda this year – Furai Chicken is now open and serving customers authentic, delicious food, including Korean fried chicken, sandwiches, and sides. Located in the Packing House Square, Furai Chicken’s dishes are cooked with love and care and are sure to become a local favorite.

A young girl holds a care package outside a local fire station.

Introducing Sydney, a Hometown Hero

Meet Sydney, Yorba Linda’s newest hometown hero! This 9-year-old Yorba Linda resident recently demonstrated her big heart by collecting recycled cans over several months and donating the profits to the Spark Of Love toy drive. Sydney went even further and used additional funds to make care packages for our very own Yorba Linda firefighters. Sydney not only showed her compassion toward the community, but she put smiles on many faces. Thank you, Sydney! You’re the definition of a hometown hero, and you have made your community proud.

Do you know of someone’s selfless actions for the community that should be celebrated as a hometown hero? Send us an email.

Kids Can Win Prizes Just For Reading!

This winter, kids age 12 and under can warm up with a good book and earn prizes just for reading! The Yorba Linda Public Library's Children's Winter Reading Program is open now through Saturday, February 26. To learn more about the program or register, please visit the Library's website.

Tracking COVID-19 Developments

With the spike in COVID-19 cases following the holidays, the City's website remains a reliable source for information about current public health orders, vaccination opportunities, testing resources, business recovery programs, and any impacts on City operations. To learn more, visit yorbalindaca.gov/coronavirus.

A mobile phone screen shows the two buttons for making picnic shelter reservations or viewing facility details.

Make Picnic Shelter Reservations Online at the New YLRecOnline.com

The Parks and Recreation Department's online registration and reservation website just received an updated look for the new year. The refreshed website is mobile-friendly, features a cleaner and more organized interface, and provides a streamlined checkout process. Additionally, the website can now accept online picnic shelter reservations for the eight picnic shelters available in the City of Yorba Linda. Find picnic shelter availability and plan your next outdoor gathering at www.ylreconline.com.

Annual Pavement Preservation Project update, two yellow lane stripes on pavement.

Zone 4 Slurry Seal Project Nearing Completion

The slurry seal phase of this year's Annual Pavement Preservation Program covering Zone 4 (view map) kicked off in November and is nearing completion. However, due to recent rains and the holidays, the project was extended to mid-January. Major slurry work is anticipated to be completed this week with minor repairs and striping following the week after. During construction, drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to be prepared for delays or take alternate routes, watch for traffic or lane changes, proceed slowly, and be cautious of workers and equipment in the roadway.

City Facilities Closed on January 17

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all City facilities will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022. Please note that there will be no delay for residential trash pickup.

Upcoming E-Waste Recycling and Shredding Event

Do you need to recycle an old TV, computer, printer, or fax machine? Recycle all these electronics and more at the next E-Waste Recycling event at Yorba Linda City Hall on February 5 and 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, this event is free to Yorba Linda businesses and residents. Additionally, shredding will be offered on February 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The first two file boxes are free; additional boxes are $5 each. Please visit the Chamber's website for more details, including a list of e-waste items that can be accepted.

A person places fruit peal into a green organic waste basket

New Organics Recycling Changes Coming Soon

Have you heard the news? New organic waste recycling requirements are beginning to take effect all over California this year. Cities and Counties will need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents & businesses and recycle these organic materials to comply with California Senate Bill (SB) 1383. This State program aims to reduce the amount of organic waste decomposing in landfills, creating methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Soon, kitchen food scraps from residential customers will need to be separated from regular trash waste.

What should residential customers do right now?

Continue disposing of kitchen food waste in your regular trash container;
If you already compost your food waste, keep up the good work; and
Stay tuned for more updates on Yorba Linda’s organic waste recycling requirements, coming soon.

Businesses and multi-family complexes that have yet to be in compliance are encouraged to contact your Republic Services Recycling Coordinator at 800-700-8610 to help you through the process.

For more information about SB 1383 requirements, composting, and more, please visit CalRecycle’s website.

Two tractors moving dirt in a dry riverbed

Army Corps' Santa Ana Riverbed Project Continues

Work in the Santa Ana Riverbed has experienced some minor delays due to the recent rain. However, Silverstrand Construction, the Army Corps' contractor, will resume work within the next few days and continue the construction of a low flow channel, installing a curb along the new bike trail, and final repairs to storm drain outlets. Major construction along the riverbed embankments is complete, but some minor repairs are underway as they correct some work completed by the previous contractor.

The dirt-hauling operation, which started in early November, is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Silverstrand plans to relocate the site's access point in early February from the area near Old Village Road to the far east end of La Palma near Camino De Bryant. The City of Yorba Linda is working with the Army Corps to help mitigate impacts to residents and motorists. Additionally, we will continue to monitor the progress of the work and advocate for residents as concerns arise.

A finger pressing the "test alarm" button on a smoke alarm.

It's Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Almost two-thirds of all home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Protect your family by installing smoke alarms, inspecting them regularly, and practicing home fire drills. The following tips can help keep you and your family safe:

Install

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways outside bedrooms or sleeping areas, and on every level of the home;
Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall. Make sure they are at least 10 feet from the stove and three feet from doors leading to the kitchen to reduce false alarms;
Keep smoke alarms away from bathrooms with tubs or showers, heating or cooling ducts or vents, and ceiling or whole-house fans;
Check the back for the manufacture date and replace all alarms when they are 10 years old;
Use interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound;
It’s safest to use both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. Ionization alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires; and
Special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing people.

Inspect

Test all smoke alarms once a month; and
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well.

Protect

Draw a home escape plan that shows two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place;
Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear it; and
Practice home fire drills at least twice a year.

For more fire prevention tips, visit OCFA's website.

Water flows out of two storm drain pipes into a river.

Preventing Urban Runoff is Everyone's Responsibility

Many of us are resolving to be more environmentally conscious this year, but have you thought about the impact of urban runoff from your home or business?

Urban runoff is the water that flows off our driveways, yards, streets, and parking lots during dry weather from over-watering and other sources. This water mixes with anything used or placed outside, including trash, oil, yard, and pet waste, as well as pesticides and fertilizers. When this polluted water enters the storm drains, it empties into waterways and eventually drains to the beach and ocean, posing a health threat to animals, humans, and the environment.

The City of Yorba Linda encourages you to do your part to reduce urban runoff. By simply changing one or two of your practices at your home or business, you can help reduce runoff and protect water quality. Here are some helpful tips:

Protect the environment by using commercial car washes. If you must wash your car at home, use a nozzle on your hose to turn off the water when not in use, utilize biodegradable soap, and, if possible, wash your car on grass or gravel to help absorb the water;
Check your sprinklers to conserve water and prevent over-watering or runoff. If any water runs off your lawn or yard, you're using too much;
Sweep up dirt, soil, landscape, and green waste. Never hose these materials into the storm drain; and
If your pet spends time in your yard, regularly check for pet waste, pick it up, and dispose of it in the trash or toilet.

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.