A Message from the City Manager

Dear Yorba Linda Community,

With spring in full swing and warm, sunny weather finally in the forecast, it's undoubtedly one of the best times to live, work, and play in Yorba Linda. While our city boasts beauty in every season, springtime truly highlights its remarkable charm. Longer daylight hours and pleasant temperatures make it ideal for enjoying our backyards, parks, and trails throughout the day. We're fortunate to experience the great outdoors amidst picturesque settings.

To ensure Yorba Linda remains beautiful for years to come, I urge everyone to participate in Love Yorba Linda on Saturday, April 27, by volunteering for a service project. Discover more about these opportunities at www.loveyorbalinda.org. Speaking of enhancing Yorba Linda's beauty, it's the perfect time to kickstart your spring gardening, and we're here to assist! The City of Yorba Linda recently launched a new pilot program offering FREE compost, and when available, mulch to the community at our Self-Serve Compost Station. Regularly restocked throughout spring and summer, the station is conveniently located in the parking lot of Gun Club Road Linear Park. A special thanks to our partners at OC Waste & Recycling! The station has been open for just two weeks and has already distributed over 160 tons (320,000 pounds) of compost! For more details, please refer to the article below.

Lastly, with warmer weather ahead, seize the opportunity to enjoy our spring hours at Adventure Playground (AP). The water features, including the splashpad and waterslide, are now operational. Be sure to check out AP's hours, available amenities, and reservation requirements online. Thank you, as always, for staying connected and involved with your community through this e-newsletter. I look forward to seeing you around town this spring!

Best regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

City Council Meeting Recap

Want to learn more about the decisions and actions of the Yorba Linda City Council? The latest City Council meeting recap is now available on li ne. These recaps briefly summarize the City Council's activities until the official minutes are adopted (generally at the next meeting). In addition, City Council Meeting agendas and minutes from previous meetings are available on the Agendas and Minutes page on the City's website.

City Launches Self-Serve Compost Station Offering Free Compost

Springtime gardening is just around the corner! The City of Yorba Linda is excited to launch a new pilot program offering FREE compost, and mulch when available, to the community at the new Self-Serve Compost Station. Set to be regularly restocked with compost throughout the spring and summer, the station is located in the parking lot of Gun Club Road Linear Park. The compost is created by OC Waste & Recycling from the organic materials collected from residents’ brown organics carts and is STA Certified, meaning it has the Seal of Testing Assurance through the US Compost Council. The site opened just two weeks ago and has already given away over 160 tons of compost!

As a self-service station, residents must bring their own shovels and containers (bags, buckets, bins, etc.) to transport the material. The compost is offered on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about the Self-Serve Compost Station, visit the City’s website or call 714-961-7170.

Where: Gun Club Road Linear Park (19565 Yorba Linda Boulevard, 92886)
When: Daily, from sunrise to sunset when supply is available (frequently restocked). Closed during rain.

City Launches Second Round of Housing Element Community Meetings

Following conditional approval of the revised resident-driven 2021-2029 Housing Element by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the City of Yorba Linda will host a series of virtual and in-person community meetings and proceed through a formal public hearing process to adopt the zoning identified in the Housing Element.

Join the City of Yorba Linda at upcoming community meetings to learn more about the revised Housing Element and participate in the future of Yorba Linda’s housing landscape. Each meeting will cover similar material and offer residents an opportunity to ask questions of housing experts and learn more about the revised Housing Element. Attend a meeting that suits your schedule:

Virtual Community Meeting on Zoom – Wednesday, April 3 | 6-8 p.m. (zoom link is available online). Ahead of the Virtual Community Meeting, as previously advertised, we invite our community to pre-submit questions through our website. A video recording of the meeting will be available on April 4 at YLLocalControl.com.

Community Meeting #1 at East Lake Village Community Association (Clubhouse) – Wednesday, May 1 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Community Meeting #2 at Bryant Ranch Elementary School (Multi-Purpose Room) – Thursday, May 9 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Community Meeting #3 at Yorba Linda Community Center (Yorba Room) – Thursday, May 23 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Additionally, if you are new to this subject, we encourage you to watch our prior presentations from last year. For up-to-date details on the City Commission and City Council public hearing schedule, visit YLLocalControl.com/Workshops.

New Businesses in Town

Yorba Linda is constantly attracting new businesses to open their doors in our exceptional community. We're currently tracking the development of several exciting restaurants and other companies planning to open shop in Yorba Linda soon, including:

Coming Soon

Jalapeños Mexican Food – now OPEN in the Stater Bros. Center;
Nick the Greek – to occupy the former Churned Creamery space in East Lake Village Center;
Que Vida Tacos – replacing Tio Chavez in El Pollo Loco Center; and
Iron Mike's Shooting Range – preparing to open in April.

The City presents these exciting updates and announcements about new businesses as information develops. For more information about opening a business or if you know of a business opening in Yorba Linda, please email our Economic Development Manager or call 714-961-7105. The City is here to support your business endeavors!

Recycle Your E-Waste This Weekend

Want to recycle that old computer or TV collecting dust in your garage? The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce is hosting an e-waste recycling and document shredding event at Yorba Linda City Hall (parking lot) on April 6 to 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shredding will be available only on April 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is free to all Yorba Linda businesses and residents. For more information about the kinds of e-waste items that can be accepted, please download the flyer or visit the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce's website.

Traffic Advisory Alert: Storm Drain Construction

A storm drain construction project is underway at the intersection of Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial Highway. Traffic control devices are in place to close the southbound right turn lane on Imperial Highway and the westbound right lane on Yorba Linda Boulevard. These closures are essential for creating a safe work zone for upcoming storm drain repairs. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of April. Additionally, the adjacent OCTA bus stop on Yorba Linda Boulevard has been temporarily closed, with pedestrian detours in place. Despite the ongoing construction, all surrounding businesses, including Mimi’s, remain OPEN! Stay tuned for further updates. Thank you for your cooperation and patience, and please exercise caution when driving through the work zone!

Library Celebrating Local Writers

The Yorba Linda Public Library is celebrating local writing talent on Saturday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with “Read Locally: Local Author Festival.” Enjoy a meet and greet with local authors representing a variety of genres and enjoy short readings. There will be an opportunity for purchasing titles and author signings. For additional information about the event, please visit the Library's Read Locally website.

Expressions: An Afternoon of Music and Art Returns

In partnership with the Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation, the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center's Expressions concert series is back! Now on Sunday afternoons, bring the whole family for an afternoon enjoying the arts. Enjoy live music on the events lawn, tasty eats from food trucks, and an art walk along the paseo featuring local artists! Food will be available for purchase from different vendors and food trucks. This event is free to attend, and no registration is necessary. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates of April 21, May 5, and June 23. For more information, please visit the City's website or call 657-242-4660.

Love Yorba Linda Scheduled for April 27

Love Yorba Linda, an exciting day of community-wide service, is returning on Saturday, April 27. Volunteers can make a difference in their community by participating in various beautification projects throughout Yorba Linda. So let’s show our community pride by making this the biggest year yet! Learn more about this special day by visiting the Love Yorba Linda website. Be sure to put April 27 on your calendar, and stay tuned for more updates!

Adventure Playground New Spring Hours

Spring has arrived, and that means extended hours and water amenities are back at Adventure Playground! View the new spring hours and special spring break waterslide schedule (effective April 1) below. Adventure Playground is free and open to the public seven days a week during operating hours. Reservations are required for Saturdays and Sundays.

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Splashpad open all day; waterslide closed)
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Splashpad open all day; waterslide open 12 to 5 p.m.)
Spring Break (Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 5): 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Splashpad open all day; waterslide open 12 to 5 p.m.)

Via Azafran Median Renovation Completed

The City of Yorba Linda's Public Works Department recently completed a transformative project aimed at both enhancing the City's aesthetic appeal and promoting sustainable practices. The recent renovation of the medians along Via Azafran at Paseo De Las Palomas stands as a testament to the City's continued commitment to environmental stewardship and community beautification.

Earlier this year, pine trees were removed from the medians due to concerns about their structural impact on the surrounding infrastructure. The roots of these trees had caused damage to curbs and asphalt, necessitating repairs. In response, the City embarked on a comprehensive renovation effort that not only addressed these concerns, but also incorporated sustainable landscaping practices.

One of the key aspects of the project was the conversion of the existing overhead spray irrigation systems to efficient drip irrigation. This shift not only conserves water but also ensures that plantings receive precisely the amount of water they need, promoting healthier growth while reducing water wastage. In selecting plantings for the medians, careful consideration was given to both aesthetic and practical concerns. A diverse array of deciduous and evergreen trees were selected to provide year-round visual interest, with textures and colors that vary throughout the seasons. Importantly, these trees were selected for their ability to thrive in small areas, mitigating the risk of future damage to curbs and asphalt.

With these enhancements in place, the City of Yorba Linda looks forward to not only preserving its natural beauty but also fostering a more sustainable community for generations to come.

Join OCSD at the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Event

Join Yorba Linda Police Services on Thursday, April 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center, as they update our community on recent crime trends, discuss crimes of opportunity, distraction crimes, and more. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will review the importance of situational awareness and provide prevention and safety tips, along with ways to target harden your home. We hope to see you there!

National Prescription Take Back Day Scheduled for April 27

Do you have unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medications needing disposal? If so, please bring them to the Yorba Linda Police Services Substation for National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medication. This event is free and anonymous—no questions asked. Please refrain from bringing sharp objects, marijuana, liquids, or pressurized canisters. To learn more, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-4133 or to find other drop off locations, visit dea.gov/takebackday.

April is California Earthquake Awareness Month

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in California! We know that there are many things to be worried about, but when it comes to earthquakes, it is not a matter of if one will occur but when. Now is the time to about proper emergency procedures, securing your homes, and developing family communication plans. Please visit earthquake.ca.gov to learn more about the latest tools and resources on earthquake preparedness. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is also encouraging residents to take the time to update their emergency plans and download the MyShake App. Finally, residents are encouraged to review the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, featured on Earthquake Country Alliance’s website with a step-by-step guide for staying safe before, during, and after an earthquake.

Mark Your Calendars for Summer Registration

Get ready to make your summer plans! The Summer Activity Guide will be available online and mailed to Yorba Linda homes in early April. Resident registration opens on May 1, and Non-Resident registration opens on May 15. Popular summer programs and camps, including Adventure Playground day camp, will start the week of June 17. Get a head start on the registration process by creating or updating your account at www.YLRecOnline.com.

Celebrate Mother's Day at Black Gold Golf Club

Celebrate Mother's Day this upcoming May at Derricks Grille, located at 1 Black Gold Drive. Derricks Grille will be offering a delicious brunch, ranging from traditional breakfast favorites, prime rib, a country ham carving station, seafood selections, and desserts. Brunch will be available on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call 657-242-4591 to reserve your table.

Annual Weed Abatement Notices

Yorba Linda is a beautiful city with wonderful open spaces, but our proximity to natural areas makes us susceptible to the spread of dangerous wildfires. To combat the ever-present danger, our annual weed abatement program recently sent notices to property owners who may have fire-safety hazards present on their property, such as combustible vegetation, weeds, excess trash, etc. The goal of the program is to make sure owners maintain fire-safe conditions on their properties. Residents who received a notice are required to clear (abate) their property of all combustible vegetation, including dead leaves, weeds, brush, and tree limbs, as well as excess trash, wood, and other combustibles, by May 20, 2024. The Orange County Fire Authority also assesses properties for fire risk and issues notices as needed.

Keeping Yorba Linda safe from wildfires is everyone's responsibility -- we are all in this together! Even if you did not receive an abatement notice, it is important to check your property for hazardous conditions, especially any dry weeds and brush, and fix them. Thank you for doing your part to keep Yorba Linda fire safe. For additional information about the City’s weed abatement program, please contact the Community Preservation Division at 714-961-7138.

Learn the ABCs of Drowning Prevention

With warm weather just around the corner, it’s important to remember the key elements of water safety. Keeping yourself and others safe in and around the water is as easy as ABC! Follow the safety tips from the Orange County Fire Authority below to help prevent drownings:

A is for ACTIVE ADULT SUPERVISION

Keep infants and toddlers within arm’s reach;
No one should ever swim alone, including adults;
Never rely on water wings, rafts, or other swimming aids in place of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets;
Assign an adult to be a Water Watcher, actively keeping their eyes on the water without ANY distractions; and
If a child or adult is missing, every second counts! Check the water FIRST!

B is for BARRIERS

Install and maintain proper fencing around the pool and spa to isolate swimming areas;
Use multiple layers of protection, such as fences, gates, doors, alarms, and safety covers;
Use self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward and away from the pool; and
Remove items such as chairs or tables that a child could use to climb over a fence.

C is for CLASSES

Learn to swim by taking lessons;
Learn first aid and CPR. Always keep a phone nearby to call 9-1-1; and
Teach children that running, jumping, and pushing others on pool decks is dangerous and can cause injuries. Always enter the pool feet first to know how deep the water is in that area.

Drain Safety

Keep children away from pool and spa drains to avoid entrapment and entanglement;
Keep long hair tied back and remove dangling items like jewelry or bathing suit ties;
Install compliant safety drain covers and automatic shut-off pump systems; and
Know where the pool and spa pump switch is and how to turn it off and on.

For more safety tips, visit OCFA’s website.

Safely Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste

As spring approaches and Yorba Linda residents embark on their annual cleaning routines, it's crucial to remind everyone about the safe disposal of hazardous household waste. As you tidy up, you’ll likely come across household hazardous waste items – like old paints, cleaners, oil, batteries, and pesticides – but you may not know how to dispose of them properly. These are hazardous household waste products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients. These items require special care when being disposed of, so resist the urge to drop them in your trash or pour them down the drain or in the street. Water will carry these materials down the storm drain where they will flow untreated directly to our creeks, rivers, bays, beaches, and ocean.

The good news is that free hazardous household waste disposal is available through OC Waste and Recycling. The nearest location is 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, Anaheim, CA, 92806. Visit their website or call 714-567-6363 for more information, including locations, hours, and a list of accepted items.