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Nancy Rikel, Editor
Former Mayor and Councilwoman
Established 2010
January 12, 2026
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“There is no time in history where the people who
were censoring speech were the good guys” – RFK Jr.
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Important: If you forward this newsletter, use the below methods
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$6 Million Taxpayer Kitchen
No Transparency, Lies, Overspending
Opinion
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"The superintendent and Carrie Buck need to provide copies of the bids and explain the bid process. Buck has been on the board since 2010, and tens of millions of dollars have been wasted and can be directly attributed to her decisions."
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No Transparency, Lies, Overspending
Opinion
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Thank you for sharing the video of board member Leandra Blade’s interview that focused on the Valencia High School cafeteria.
Need Transparency
The superintendent and Carrie Buck need to provide copies of the bids and explain the bid process. How can a high school cafeteria cost $6.7 million to construct? The district already owns the land, so that eliminates 30% of the facility cost. Board members Carrie Buck, Marilyn Anderson, and Tricia Quintero continue to approve projects that are completely out of line as it relates to costs and benefits.
Marilyn Anderson, Lied About Theft
During Marilyn Anderson’s re-election campaign in 2024, she claimed that Dr. Cherniss had “stolen” the $1.8 million that was earmarked for the Valencia cafeteria in order to launch the USI (sports institute). This was a bold-faced lie by Anderson, who is no stranger to lies or disingenuous statements. At that time, the project had not been brought to a vote, so how could the funds have been stolen?
The question now is if in 2024 the project cost was $1.8 million according to Marilyn Anderson, how does she and Carrie Buck and Tricia Quintero justify approving the project two years later at a cost of $6.7 million???
Impropriety, Not New for Carrie Buck
This wreaks of impropriety which is nothing new when Carrie Buck is involved. Her highly questionable financial decisions that have severely impacted the taxpayers of the school district are well documented and date all the way back to the bond issuances of 2011. Buck has been on the board since 2010, and tens of millions of dollars have been wasted and can be directly attributed to her decisions.
Jon Hansen
Yorba Linda Taxpayers Association
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Hear the video, Story Below
https://youtu.be/67af4ds9KZE
Jon Hanse
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2021-2024 Salaries for Orange County Fire Authority
Regular Pay-Overtime Pay-Other Pay-Total Pay-Benefits
Brian Fennessy- Fire Chief, 2024....Retired 12/31/25
Terry McGovern- Deputy Fire Chief, 2024
Lori Zeller- Deputy Fire Chief, 2024
Brian Fennessy- Fire Chief, 2023
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Public Safety at Risk- OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy was instrumental in creating the Quick Reaction Force. He was well aware of the program requirements and the impeding renewal date. The program expired on January 1, 2026.
See the story below.
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OCFA Misses an Important Deadline
At the height of our fire season, the OCFA Board failed to renew a
helicopter program that can save lives and prevent property loss.
It is unknown now, if the program can be renewed.
Opinion
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Supervisor Don Wagner, who holds a seat on the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board, recently stated, “Some people…are going to be listening to this and are thinking, this is government bureaucratic ineptitude.”
Some are blaming now retired OCFA Chief Brian Fennessey for the failure to renew.
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OCFA Fails to Renew Quick Reaction Force
In 2021, Orange County joined Los Angeles, Ventura and So Cal Edison to form a joint public-private partnership called the Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The program has dropped millions of gallons of water, providing important assistance to firefighters while saving lives, businesses and homes. The program can deploy in a moment’s notice and cover up to 15 counties. The coverage, including night-vision capabilities, is extremely important. It provides support where tanker planes, especially at night, cannot fly.
OCFA Board Failed to Renew
At a very important time during fire season, and with Santa Ana winds currently blowing, the Orange County Fire Authority Board failed to vote to renew our participation in the program which has now expired.
Each Orange County city that has a contract with OCFA Is allowed one seat and one vote on the Board. Yorba Linda's board member is City Councilwoman Tara Campbell.
Failure to Act in November
At the November 20, 2025, OCFA board meeting, the item was modified on the consent agenda for discussion that required an individual vote. That vote never took place.
Board Chair, Phil Bacerra, Santa Ana, denied rumors that he and other elected officials on the board allowed the contract to expire. Bacerra was aware that the board usually does not meet in December because it may not reach a quorum during the Christmas Holiday season.
When no vote occurred, the program expired on January 1, 2026.
Supervisor Don Wagner
Supervisor Don Wagner, who also holds a seat on the OCFA Board says that no one verbally approached him, or other board members, about picking a meeting date in December. He stated that he has “only seen memos passing blame”. Wagner added, “Some people…are going to be listening to this and are thinking, this is government bureaucratic ineptitude.”
View Video
https://abc7.com/post/orange-county-fire-authority-board-allows-firefighting-helicopter-contract-expire/18344070/
OCFA Chief Retired
The then OCFA Chief Brian Fennessey, who was instrumental in creating the program, retired on December 31, 2025. Fennessey stated that he was “extremely disappointed” that the contract was allowed to expire and described it as “the world’s first 24/7 nocturnal wildfire aerial task force”.
Some board members are blaming Fennessy for the deadline being missed, as he was well aware of the program requirements with a deadline that he helped organize.
The current OCFA acting Chief is TJ McGovern.
Helicopters- 2008 Freeway Complex Fire (FCC)
Yorba Linda and surrounding communities are very familiar with the importance of night-flying. In the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire, the then OCFA Chief Chip Prather grounded their helicopters at dusk on Saturday, November 15. At dawn the following morning, many homes that could have been saved were lost due to embers that smoldered overnight in the attic and throughout homes.
Following the FCC
In 2010, two new Bell helicopters equipped with night-vision were purchased and began night-flying. In 2015, a six-month program was launched with four helicopters rotating 24/7, covering day and night shifts. In 2019, a grant was obtained to lease two advanced helicopters that could refill from local water sources including Yorba Linda Water District's Heli-Hydrants.
The anniversary of the Santa Monica/Alta Dena fire was January 7, 2025 which burned until February. Intense water demand drained local tanks leading to low pressure, fire hydrants ran dry, and the nearby Santa Ynez Reservoir was empty. The failure of OCFA to renew the Quick Reaction Force could have devastating consequences.
Nancy Rikel
Opinion
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OCFA Board of Directors
https://ocfa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/
Orange County Fire Authority board allows
firefighting helicopter contract to expire
https://abc7.com/post/orange-county-fire-authority-board-allows-firefighting-helicopter-contract-expire/18344070/
Orange County lets multi-county firefighting helicopter contract expire
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/orange-county-fire-authority-socal-edison-quick-reaction-force-contract-expire/
Ex-OCFA chief blasts helicopter contract lapse,
but officials say it won’t hurt firefighting
https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/06/ex-ocfa-chief-blasts-helicopter-contract-lapse-but-officials-say-it-wont-hurt-firefighting/
YLWD Heli-Hydrant
https://www.ylwd.com/community/helihydrant/
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PYLUSD's $6.7 Million Secret Kitchen
Seemingly controlled by the APEL teachers union, the Valencia High School
plans were reportedly not transparent or put out for bids, required by law.
Opinion
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Big, selective PYLUSF spending continues despite financial
problems and a continual drop in enrollment.
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School Board Member
Leandra Blades Interview
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Public Contract Code (PCC) Section 20111(a) requires school district governing boards to competitively bid and award any contracts involving an expenditure of more than $50,000, adjusted for inflation, to the lowest responsible bidder.
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Spending Taxpayer Money Freely and Quietly
In a recent interview, hosted by Andy Falco-Jimenez, PYLUSD School Board Member Leandra Blades discussed a future kitchen at Valencia High School (VHS) that will reportedly cost taxpayers $6.7 million!
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Discussion Summary
*Before former Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss was effectively "removed" from his position in January 2025, by the union-backed majority board (Carrie Buck, Marilyn Anderson, Tricia Quintero), he stated that there was a bid for $1.6 million.
*The matter of a new kitchen at VHS was never brought to the school board.
*There was no transparency.
*Following Cherniss's departure, it is believed that the project was awarded to a contractor without putting it out for bids. Blades stated that the district uses the same contractor "over and over again".
*School board member Marilyn Anderson reportedly has a cozy relationship with supporters in her Valencia High School zone. The new expensive kitchen is probably a nod for their support. These union members include Sam Myovich, Jim Bell and Nancy Watkins.
*A Public Records Act Request was submitted to PYLUSD by Falco-Jimenez, asking for the information involving the bid and itemized expenses for the kitchen. He stated that the district sent back only information that he did not want, which he said "is normal".
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Editor's Note: It is well documented by past employees who have been "let go, treated with disrespect, harassed, placed on administrative leave, and/or generally "pushed out", that you either carry water for the union or you will not have a job. And, if you are a school board member who doesn't fall in line, you will be doxed and your unrelated personal life exposed.
School "ownership" appears to belong to the union who freely spends taxpayer money as it sees fit.
Is anyone in the district brave enough to provide information via a Public Records Act request, mandated by law, that may impact their job?
Nancy Rikel
Opinion
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California Department of Education
Contracts Awarded by School Districts
https://www.google.com/search?q=mandatory+bids+for+public+schools+guidelines&client=ms-android-verizon-us-rvc3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8&inm=vs
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Attention Yorba Linda!
The Planning Commission has turned a deaf ear
to voters, approving increased density.
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Open
The Planning Commission has approved increased density next to a semi-rural neighborhood, with limited adjacent parking at Jessamyn West Park, and adding
traffic to side streets and Yorba Linda Blvd.
It is not unusual for density to increase following voter-approval as a developer looks for ways to increase profitability. Developers have also been known to support favorable candidates at election time, contributing via out-of-town political action groups.
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Attention Yorba Linda!
Opinion
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Rezoning for Higher Density
You may have heard about the recent decision to rezone a parcel of land in our neighborhood to allow the construction of 62 homes on 2.6 acres (19081 Yorba Linda Blvd near Ohio). While California’s Housing Element requires cities to plan for future housing needs at all income levels, it does not require that all new housing be placed in every neighborhood. Housing needs can and should be addressed in ways that are consistent to the existing character of the neighborhood.
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Semi-Rural Neighborhood, More Traffic
Most of the homes surrounding this proposed development by City Ventures are zones: RE (residential estate) RA (residential agriculture) and RDL (residential low density). Putting 62 homes on such a small piece of land is not consistent with existing community character, infrastructure capacity, and is not thoughtful long-term planning. Rezoning this parcel for a relatively large development risks changing our neighborhood in a permanent way. In additional to the change of the character of our neighborhood there is very practical concerns regarding increased traffic and the overflow of parking onto the neighboring streets.
Traffic Will Filter Into Neighborhoods
Since this development will face Yorba Linda Blvd, the traffic commission has deemed that it will be right-turn-in and right-turn-out. This will create additional traffic on Oriente and Palm as people will cut through the neighborhood to turn right onto YL Blvd which will enable them to make a right turn into the complex. In addition to that, there will probably be cars making U-turns at the traffic light at Palm and YL Blvd to make the right turn into the complex. Another big concern is regarding to the excess parking in surrounding area that that will inevitably spill onto Ohio and Palm, as well as the Jessamyn West parking lot.
Residents Can Write, Attend Meeting
The Yorba Linda Planning Commission has approved this project and it now goes before the City Council on February 3rd, 2026. It is not too late to have this project stopped. Please consider coming to this meeting at city hall. Those opposed need to fill the room with people to show them we are not ok with this big change to our quiet semi-rural neighborhood.
If you disagree with this project, we also would urge you to write a letter to Mayor Rodriguez voicing your concerns. crodriguez@yorbalindaca.gov (a secure website)
Looking for a Balance
If you oppose this increased density, is very important that we advocate for housing solutions that balance state requirements with local conditions. Higher-density development is often better suited to areas closer to transit, services, and existing urban centers, rather than semi-rural neighborhoods like ours.
If you have any questions, contact:
Stephanie R. Stephanie.Ruppe@yahoo.com
Kristen H. kirtyhow@sbcglobal.net
Opinion
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City Council
Carlos Rodriguez
Mayor
Peggy Huang
Mayor Pro Tem
Tara Campbell
Councilmember
Janice Lim
Councilmember
Councilmember
Shivinder Singh
Email All City Councilmembers
city_council@yorbalindaca.gov
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Planning Commission
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City Ventures
https://cityventures.com/
"California's Leading Builder In Eco-Friendly, Smart & Innovative Homes."
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Vigilante Needs OCSD Assist
When a suspected pedophile is exposed, a local vigilante
reportedly gets little or no help from the Sheriff.
Opinion
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For over a year now, a local vigilante has been working to clean up Yorba Linda and surrounding communities. He says that outside agencies respond and arrest. However, the Sheriff reportedly may not show up and/or make an arrest.
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A resident who follows the vigilante on Instagram says that Brea, Placentia, Anaheim and Orange law enforcement agencies respond and make arrests, but the Sheriff does not.
The resident asks, "Why does OCDS refuse? Our Mayor, Carlos Rodriguez, and City Council, need to ask the Sheriff why? In the video, the Sheriff asks for the vigilante's cell phone, not that of the suspected predator. This reminds me of Minnesota for failure to act."
The resident states that meeting places include nearby apartment complexes, Town Center-In N Out, and local public parks.
Yorba Linda Resident
Opinion
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View the video and conversation with OCSD:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTGUP-WEgom/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
View the long list of exposed and suspected perpetrators:
https://www.instagram.com/tr444gic/
Follow the vigilante on Instagram
9646 Followers
tr444gic
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Costing Millions and Public Safety
No extension! Newsom's failure to revoke illegal CDL's could
increase CA's $1 trillion debt by another $160 million.
Opinion
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Last week, the California DMV announced that it has delayed the January 5, 2026 cancellation of illegal truck driver licenses by two months. Based on this announcement, Secretary Sean Duffy plans to withhold $160 million in federal funding beginning January 5.
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Last week, the California DMV announced that it has delayed the January 5, 2026 cancellation of illegal truck driver licenses. Newsom is allowing these drivers to remain on the roads for another two months, giving them "time to re-test and re-apply".
Based on California's failure to comply, Duffy intends to withhold another $160 million in federal funding. The deadline to revoke licenses of illegals is January 5. “California does NOT have an ‘extension’ to keep breaking the law and putting Americans at risk on the roads,” Duffy wrote, disputing the DMV’s stating that it has an extension.
This delay means that 17,000 illegal truck drivers will be able to transport up to 80,000 pounds on our highways. Based on 2025 fatal accidents and roadside inspections, it has been revealed that many illegal drivers cannot read or speak English.
To further complicate the matter, the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus has filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of California drivers, alleging that immigrant truck drivers are being unfairly targeted and licenses are being cancelled for minor paperwork discrepancies.
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California delays cancellation of thousands of migrant trucker licenses
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/5669336-california-migrant-truck-driver-licenses/
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Volunteers Work to Save Large Animals
Supervisor Don Wagner helped gain approval
and the naming of this new volunteer group.
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Yorba Linda's Dee Dee Friedrich, President of the Yorba Linda Country Riders,
represented our city in leading the organization of a new rescue group.
Dee Dee was awarded Yorba Linda's Citizen of the Year Award in 2013
for her efforts to organize and successfully rescue all large
animals during the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire.
| | In an emergency, these heroic volunteers work to save the lives of our animals. | | |
Volunteers Who Work to Save Animals
Supervisor Don Wagner helped gain approval
and the naming of this new volunteer group.
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The Large Animal Rescue Team-San Juan Capistrano (LART) scaled back its countywide services on January 1, 2024. This left equestrians, and large animal owners, throughout Orange County deeply concerned about safety in case of fire or an emergency.
Successful Independent Evacuation in 2024
That concern became a reality during the Airport Fire on Trabuco Creek Road in September 2024. Due to dry and hot weather, the fire spread quickly. Thankfully many of the original LART group, including the equestrian community in Yorba Linda, sprung into action. This independent group miraculously evacuated over 300 horses.
A New Rescue Group Formed
At about that same time in 2024, a large animal rescue focus group was formed. One member from each Orange County city, or unincorporated area, that stables horses was chosen. Those cities included Yorba Linda, Brea, Huntington Beach, Orange Park Acres, Anaheim, Tustin and Villa Park. The group chose leadership members Bill Klovstad of El Rodeo, Brea, and Dee Dee Friedrich of Yorba Linda. Meetings were held with Supervisor Don Wagner's staff for almost two years. Discussions included issues and concerns regarding the housing for horses and other large animals during emergencies.
The New OCART Team
The focus group's goals were recently met and on December 16, the Board of Supervisors approved the name Orange County Animal Response Team (OCART). Training will begin in January, ensuring that OCART will be ready to spring into action when the need arises. Approximately 200 volunteers have already expressed interest and more are expected.
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Pictured: Joanne Hubble, Bill Klovstad, Dee Dee Friedrich,
Supervisor Don Wagner, Sherry Panttaja
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Training to Begin
Two different training sessions will be provided. For those who already have experience, or were participants of the original LART, an abbreviated training class will be offered. For new, or less experienced members, there will be a more extensive training program. Evacuation positions include a trailer team leader, an assistant leader and evacuation center manager. The latter position will involve checking horses in and caring for them. There will also be positions available for the handling of paperwork.
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Rescue skills and timing are often invaluable.
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OCART looks forward to putting large animal owners’ minds at ease, knowing that in their absence the team will stand ready to evacuate.
OCART wishes to thank Supervisor Don Wagner, and Tara Campbell and Scott Voight of the OC Supervisors Office for their continued dedication in bringing this amazing program to fruition.
If you are interested in participating, please call, text, or email Dee Dee at 714-401-4215, D2bridn@aol.com
Hopefully there will never be a need for these services, but OCART will stand ready, should the need arise.
Dee Dee Friedrich
Bill Klovstad
OCART Leaders
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250 Years of History
Remembering Our Early Days
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George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin share a commonality. None of them had middle names. Middle names were VERY rare in Colonial America, with the exception of German immigrants and a few others with different naming patterns.
Following the Boston Tea Party in 1773, drinking coffee became patriotic and a symbol of American identity in protest of British tea taxes. During the Revolutionary War, coffee helped keep troops and civilians awake and alert. Coffee remains an important part of American lives, with more than 70% of adults drinking it.
Wearing fine clothing, especially British imports during the American Revolution, symbolized luxury and allegiance to Britain. Wearing homespun clothing became a powerful display of Patriotic support.
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Fire Safe Council Kickoff
Thursday, January 8th
Zoom link:
bit.ly/YLHFSC-Meetings
Phone: +16699006833,,7146871555#,,,,*415213#
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$439,000,000-Taxpayers Hamstrung
The district could become insolvent.
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Who voted for this?
Union-backed school board members:
Carrie Buck, Karin Freeman, Judi Carmona, Carol Downey, Eric Padgett.
$439,000,000- A financially irresponsible union-backed school board, including current member Carrie Buck, borrowed $48.5 million with a total repayment of $439.2 million. Now illegal, beginning in 2042, the bonds must be paid back in just 8 years at $35 million per year.
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Read More
School Board Sellout- OC Register original articles
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:61ef68b0-88d2-3a24-bef3-e163d0f9e648
What Myovich did not tell the public is that a financially irresponsible union-backed school board borrowed $48.5 million with a total repayment of $439.2 million. He did not say that the bonds are now illegal, cannot be re-financed or paid off early, and have a 38 year maturity. Beginning in 2042, the bonds must be paid back in just 8 years with an average of over $35 million per year.
Remember Bob Citron?
Do you remember Bob Citron and the 2009 Orange County bankruptcy, due to poorly invested funds?
Citron gets a year in jail
https://money.cnn.com/1996/11/19/economy/citron/index.htm
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Coyotes!
*Protect Your Pets
*Never Leave Food or Water Outside
(A fed coyote is a dead coyote)
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Email Yorba Linda coyote activity concerns to: Arlene Quintero, Principal Safety & Risk Analyst, is the contact person to report any coyote activity concerns.
aquintero@yorbalindaca.gov (not a link)
Please be advised that the County of Orange Animal Control does not handle coyote issues; however, the City does contract with a professional urban wildlife company on an as needed basis.
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Tattered Retirement of American Flags
Tim Heckerman has rescued, collected and retired well over 2000 tattered American Flags since October 2017 from Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Placentia, Brea, Fullerton and Orange and has arranged for a proper retirement ceremony with the help of friends, family and Anaheim Fire & Rescue.
Contact me for pick-up: Tim at TimHeckerman@gmail.com
"I have had the privilege of meeting some very interesting and awesome
people while picking up these Beauties. I would like to thank everyone that has reached out to me and has trusted me in the final care of their American Flags." Tim
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How to Remove Skunk Smells-Opinion
From a post on Facebook
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The best way we’ve found to remove the smell of skunk is:
1 bottle hydrogen peroxide,
1 tablespoon dish soap
1/4 cup baking soda
Sponge
Put first two in bowl, have the stinky one ready in sink and just before you sponge the mixture on add baking soda. Be VERY careful not to get it in nose or eyes. Massage through hair. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Use your regular soap, rinse, dry. You literally can let them sleep on your bed after with no issues.
From a post on Facebook
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Save a Life at the OC Animal Shelter
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"I am longing for a safe,
secure, forever home. Please take me home and love me."
"If not adopted, I will be euthanized."
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One has only to look at their eyes to see
how frightened and lonely they are.
Igloo
Pet ID: A1946067
Sex: N
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 11.90 lbs
Color: White Tan
Breed: Chihuahua Sh
Jurisdiction: Santa Ana
Intake Date: 12/21/2025
Intake Jurisdiction: Santa Ana
Kennel: 316A
Comments: Igloo has made the biggest improvement since arriving at the shelter. This once shy and nervous boy is now a happy and mellow boy! He walks well on leash, loves treats, and receiving pets. He does best with slow introductions, but once he warms up, he's all smiles and tail wags.
SEE ME ON YOUTUBE
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OC Animal Care
https://petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/Adopt/#/home
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Vacation Check Service
Yorba Linda Police Services deputies will periodically check your home while you are away on vacation. You are allowed up to 30 days per year. It's easy to arrange and your information will remain private. Submit the form: YorbaPS@ocsd.org
Yorba Linda Police Services, 714 779-7098.
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Yorba Linda e-News is a community newsletter that provides information and provokes thought. It does not endorse activities or products listed therein. Editorials written by residents are those opinions of the reader and not those of Yorba Linda e-News. Opposing viewpoints are welcome. Newsletters are also published on YLTA.net, Facebook, X, Truth Social, Linkedin, Instagram and MeWe.
News, photos and community activities for publication should be sent to: Time4dance@aol.com
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Yorba Linda e-News
4666 Yorba Lane
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-814-0498
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