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Nancy Rikel, Editor
Former Mayor and Councilwoman
Established 2010
February 17, 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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Big YLWD Increase and Janice Lim Again
Despite $73 million in reserves, the YLWD has
approved massive water and sewer increases.
The City Council has reportedly not addressed the matter in a public meeting.
Opinion
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Councilwoman Janice Lim Again
A Brown Act Violation?
In reference to the rate increases, at the November 2025 YLWD board meeting, then Mayor Janice Lim may have admitted to a Brown Act Violation. She reportedly stated, "We here are supportive."
The Council had not agendized the increase. Without a public meeting, Lim was unable to speak for other members unless there an illegal meeting resulting in a Brown Act Violation. The violation involves a "meeting" of more than two Council members without public notification.
Lim is no stranger to violations. https://conta.cc/4kpkXCk
Rate Increase
For a low average water user annual rates will increase from $1694.16 to $2470.29. A total of $776.13, 45.8%. YLWD is a Special District so is exempt from Prop 13 limits on property tax increases.
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Big Increase and Janice Lim Again
With $73 million in reserves, the YLWD has
approved massive water and sewer increases.
The City Council, the largest YLWD customer,
has not discussed the matter in a public meeting.
Opinion
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YLWD, $75 Million in Reserves
You may have received a Yorba Linda Water District mailer regarding another 5 years of HUGE water and sewer increases. This is on top of the last 5 years that all had 9.9% increases on water and 15% increases on sewer. All of this despite record reserves and huge spending increases beyond maintaining the system. As of December 2025, the YLWD had record reserves of almost $73 million.
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Rate Increase Analysis
REMINDER: These proposed increases are on top of the last 7 years in which every year went up 9.9% for water. See the History of Water Rates at the end of this analysis.
At the end of this cycle of increases in 2030 water rates, Yorba Linda will have more than doubled in 10 years. All calculations are for a 1” line. The YLWD financial year begins on July 1.
In the study FY27 starts on July 1, 2026. All facts are from the YLWD.com web page.
For a low average water user annual rates will increase from $1694.16 to $2470.29. A total of $776.13, 45.8%. YLWD is a Special District so is exempt from Prop 13 limits on property tax increases.
Rate Analysis Link
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lt1vlixy93pgn5yxxd1ma/2026-Rate-increase-analysis-YLWD.docx?rlkey=6s2lfyrllwvsllbhw3c0xgdon&st=c5ffjlvn&dl=0
YLWD Rate Study
2026 YLWD Rate Study – Yorba Linda Water District
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A Double Hit to the Public
The City Council appears to support these increases although they have reportedly not publicly responded and have not agendized the increase. They are the largest customer of the YLWD and increases mean that additional taxpayer money is spent on water and sewer rather than on parks and youth and senior programs, etc. It is a double hit for the public who see increases at home and a reduction in money for our city.
It seems to some that the YLWD and City Council have never seen a rate increase that they didn't approve!
Janice Lim and a Brown Act Violation?
At the November 13, 2025, YLWD board meeting, then Mayor Janice Lim may have admitted to a Brown Act Violation. In reference to the YLWD rate increases, she stated, "We here are supportive."
The Council had not agendized the increase. Without a public meeting, Lim was unable to speak for other members unless there an illegal meeting resulting in a Brown Act Violation. The violation involves a "meeting" of more than two Council members without public notification.
Troubling Statement
So, which is it? Did Janice Lim have an illegal meeting or did she take it upon herself to make a statement with no substance? Either one is troubling.
Lim is no stranger to violations. https://conta.cc/4kpkXCk
Nancy Rikel
Opinion
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YLWD board approved the Scenario 3 water and
sewer rate increases at the November 13, 2025 meeting.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lt1vlixy93pgn5yxxd1ma/2026-Rate-increase-analysis-YLWD.docx?rlkey=6s2lfyrllwvsllbhw3c0xgdon&st=3prg23e3&dl=0
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YLWD Board Members
President Gene Hernandez
Vice President Wayne Scott
Director Brett Barbre
Director Trudi DesRoches
Director Tom Lindsey
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Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD)
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 8:30 AM
1717 E Miraloma Ave, Placentia CA 92870
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CA Voter ID Initiative - 1.35M Signatures
The CA Voter ID petition drive has netted almost 1.35 million raw signatures. 875,000 are required.
Prop 13 - 1.2M Signatures
The Save Prop 13 petition drive has netted almost 1.2 million raw signatures. 1 million is required. Currently awaiting any last minute signatures.
Expectations
First, we expect they (those opposed) will try to use lawsuits to block either a vote on these measures or the implementation of them.
Second, they are planning to put counter initiatives on the ballot to make it harder to pass the Save Prop 13 initiative - and to confuse voters by putting a PHONY Voter ID initiative on the ballot this fall!
Carl DeMaio
Chairman, Reform California
CA State Representative (Assembly District 75)
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A Name for Ending Natural Gas Service
"Decarbonization Program"
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SB 1221 allows up to 30 pilot projects across California to help transition some neighborhoods from natural gas service to zero-emission alternatives.
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Join SoCalGas’s Virtual Information Session on Pilot Neighborhood Decarbonization Programs
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This information session will be regarding Senate Bill (SB) 1221 and the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) designation of priority neighborhoods for possible future pilot projects. The session will be recorded and made available on SoCalGas’s website to allow access for those who are unable to attend the live event1.
Date: March 5, 2026, (virtual only)
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Webcast: Teams Meeting*
(https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23517043270654?p=o2Cn3mAbCzebL2v0GX*)
Meeting ID: 235 170 432 706 54
Passcode: HC6w3UJ2
Phone number: +1 (858) 284-1506
Phone Conference ID: 344 915 21#
Background and Purpose
SB 1221 allows up to 30 pilot projects across California to help transition some neighborhoods from natural gas service to zero-emission alternatives. The CPUC is developing program rules in Rulemaking 24-09-012. The program is expected to be established on or before July 1, 2026.
One early step in the implementation of SB 1221 is the CPUC’s designation of priority neighborhood decarbonization zones (decarbonization zones). These are geographic areas where the CPUC may authorize these pilot projects. The CPUC has issued initial decarbonization zones (see Decision 25-12-042*) but plans on updating the decarbonization zones by December 31, 2026, and is interested in additional public input to inform this update.
This virtual event will allow you to provide your opinion on which neighborhoods should be designated decarbonization zones for possible future projects. Your input on local environmental hazards, access to heating and cooling, health considerations, community barriers to decarbonization, and diversity and equity considerations is also sought.
You can also provide written public comments directly to the docket of Rulemaking 24-09-012*.
Where Can I Get More Information? Visit https://www.socalgas.com/regulatory/SB1221Map for details, including maps of initial priority neighborhood decarbonization zones. You can also view the CPUC Webpage for SB 1221 Implementation2* for additional information, updates, and official documents, including a fact sheet.
Please reference Rulemaking 24-09-012 in any communication with the CPUC.
For Questions
If you have questions about this virtual information session, please contact SoCalGas at SB1221maps@semprautilities.com.
CPUC Information Sheet: SB 1221 Neighborhood Decarbonization Program Design Upcoming Information Sessions and Program*
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False Info Fanned Flames for Protestors
PYLUSD, No-brainer resolution passes, 5-0
Left-Wing Carrie Buck, Marilyn Anderson, Tricia Quintero and
Supt. Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza failed to correct public misinformation.
Opinion
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Reportedly, the district was legally required to pass the resolution.
"...the law explicitly prohibits immigration enforcement from entering non-public school areas or accessing student records without a valid judicial warrant or court order....misinformation spread rapidly, creating fear and panic — which then activated outside political groups and emotionally charged protests based on claims that were legally false."
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PYLUSD is currently under federal investigation for Title IX violations.
Buck, Anderson and Quintero support men in women's sports,
bathrooms and locker rooms.
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False Info Fanned Flames at PYLUSD
After much ado, a no-brainer passes, 5-0
Opinion
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Let’s be clear about what actually happened.
Not optional, not ideological, and not new.
Tuesday night, the PYLUSD Board unanimously passed (5–0) an updated policy that was MANDATED by the State of California — not optional, not ideological, and not new.
Policy Update, Passed 5-0
• Aligns PYLUSD with recent state law changes
• Follows California Department of Education & Attorney General guidance
• Replaces an outdated policy (5145.13)
• DOES NOT allow ICE into schools
• DOES NOT change who can access campuses
• DOES NOT give immigration enforcement new authority
In fact, the law explicitly prohibits immigration enforcement from entering non-public school areas or accessing student records without a valid judicial warrant or court order.
Despite this, misinformation spread rapidly, creating fear and panic — which then activated outside political groups and emotionally charged protests based on claims that were legally false.
Even More Troubling:
• Carrie Buck, Marilyn Anderson, and Tricia Quintero who voted FOR this state-mandated policy failed to publicly correct the misinformation.
• Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza remained silent as fear-mongering escalated.
• Trustees were harassed and threatened over something that was never true
This policy passed because the district was legally required to pass it. PERIOD.
The community deserves honesty
Facts matter. And Trustee Leandra Blades is owed a public apology for the chaos caused by misinformation that never should have been allowed to spiral.
Unbelievable. But now the record is clear.
Opinion
From a post on Istagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUrqTPTkany/?img_index=1
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A Lack of Understanding
Video: School board member, Trustee Tricia Quintero, argues
that she is a PYLUSD employee, rather than an elected official.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUpVHLHjo5T/?igsh=MjAyZTYwOWFjOA%3D%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawP7bw5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5SWwzS3I3cHZleFJmd1NWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHotZI4Rr3nTUOUsNAxZiN6ae39B-v3hLq1T7sPd0qeI34aOhlWa9G9aDvx_T_aem_TBCvR-8JMT4NdsO0W2xCWA
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Protests Against Law
Enforcement at PYLUSD
Signs called out and disparaged Trustee Leandra Blades
Opinion
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County protests resisting ICE on public school campuses have been held in Orange County and most recently at El Dorado and Esperanza high schools.
Signs reportedly from The Party for Socialism and Liberation specifically called out PYLUSD Trustee Leandra Blades who has an upcoming school board agenda item to support law enforcement at district schools. It has been reported that some PYLUSD teachers passed out cards detailing how to evade ICE and law enforcement.
Important note to protestors, students, teachers, staff and the school board:
A public school cannot deny access to law enforcement, especially with proper paperwork and documentation. To date, there have been no reported cases of ICE agents conducting raids or making arrests in Orange County, CA.
The left-wing PYLUSD majority board, Carrie Buck, Marilyn Anderson and Tricia Quintero, is expected to deny the resolution. Under the leadership of this majority board, PYLUSD is facing a federal investigation for Title IX violations, consistently decreasing enrollment, parental discontent, irresponsible spending, substantial debt, low test scores and a future financial boondoggle due to massive bond debt. It appears to some that the majority board and various teachers are more focused on left-wing politics than education.
| | Vulgar language singled out PYLUSD Trustee Leandra Blades | | |
PYLUSD student protests on Friday, February 6.
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Signs displayed The Party for Socialism and Liberation, specifically calling out PYLUSD Trustee Leandra Blades who has an upcoming school
board agenda item to support law enforcement.
| | The resolution simply states that PYLUSD will cooperate and support law enforcement. It reinforces that district personnel cannot impede law enforcement or give false narratives about law enforcement in the classrooms. PYLUSD is to promote a professional working environment with law enforcement. | | |
Storm Drain to be Repaired
Esperanza Channel between Dominguez
Ranch Road and Yorba Ranch Road
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Within the next three months, the temporary rock will be replaced with a new steel wall. Steel bracing will provide additional reinforcement for the rest of the channel segment.
Once the work is complete, there is potential for the City to reopen the trail. This interim solution will remain in place for 12 to 18 months while we develop a long-term project to permanently repair and/or reconstruct the entire 1,100-foot channel between Dominguez Ranch Road and Yorba Ranch Road.
OC Public Works
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Janice Lim Again
A public servant who has violated our ethics
ordinance and campaigned against her own party.
Opinion
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GOP endorsed Janice Lim has reportedly stated that her responsibility does not allow time to respond to school board business. At the February 3, City Council meeting, Linda Cone pointed out that in supporting and helping elect left-wing school board members, Lim MADE it her responsibility.
Cone's questions involved what and who Lim was currently supporting?
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Tricia Quintero, Marilyn Anderson, Janice Lim, Carrie Buck
Celebrating wins in 2024 of left-wing candidates Quintero and Anderson.
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After repeated attempts to speak with Janice Lim about
her current positions, Linda Cone chose to publicly inquire.
Video, City Council, February 3, 2026
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Janice Lim Again
Opinion
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At the February 3 City Council meeting, resident Linda Cone addressed Councilwoman Janice Lim’s failure to respond to unanswered questions. Lim has reportedly stated that her Council responsibility did not allow time to respond to school board business. Linda Cone’s point was that in supporting and helping elect left-wing school board members against her own party, Lim MADE it her responsibility.
A Little History
In recent years, Republican-endorsed Lim has been involved in the support and election of left-wing PYLUSD school board members and candidates: Marilyn Anderson, Tricia Quintero and (defeated) Misty Janssen. See party affiliations below.
Part of the left-wing PYLUSD majority includes Carrie Buck who has drawn community outrage due to excessive spending since her election in 2010. Buck is expected to run again this fall and it is assumed that Lim will support her.
Who is the REAL Janice Lim?
Linda Cone commented that in 2024, Janice Lim publicly supported the left-wing school board members and candidates through public appearances and knocking on doors. Cone stated that during that campaign, Lim contacted three members of a Yorba Linda political organization, asking that trustee and GOP candidate Leandra Blades not be allowed to speak at their meeting. Reportedly Lim told the women that Blades was “dangerous”. The speaking engagement was canceled.
In February 2024, Lim successfully campaigned by mail for a position on the Central Committee. She sent a letter to residents stating in detail how she supported core Republican values. Cone pointed out that her support of the left-wing school board candidates and members says otherwise and are not part of the GOP platform.
PYLUSD left-wing board members Buck, Anderson and Quintero support:
*Men in women's sports, locker rooms and bathrooms. PYLUSD is now under federal investigation for Title IX violations. https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/16/trump-administration-escalates-investigations-into-transgender-athlete-participation-in-california/
*Diversity, Equinity and Inclusion- DEI
*Critical Race Theory- CRT. Anderson voted against CRT in prior years. Her current position in unknown, given her voting record.
Party Affiliation:
Marilyn Anderson was endorsed by the GOP in 2020 but not in 2024 based on her voting record. She is considered by many to be a Republican in Name Only (RINO).
Tricia Quintero was previously registered as a Democrat but changed to No Party Preference when she ran for election.
Carrie Buck, Registered Democrat
Misty Janssen, Libertarian, twice defeated candidate
Leandra Blades, Registered Republican, twice GOP endorsed
Janice Lim, Ethics Violation, 2022
November 2022- Following an investigation by the City of Yorba Linda, and pursuant to Yorba Linda's Measure Y Ethics Ordinance, it was determined that Councilwoman Janice Lim had violated our ethics ordinance.
Violations:
1) Soliciting a political endorsement from the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs ("AOCDS"), and distribution campaign literature with their logo to tens of thousands of homes.
2) Use of the Yorba Linda's city seal in a campaign advertisement in violation of California Government Code §34501.5
GOP Accidental Oversight?
Following Lim's election to the GOP Central Committee, she was appointed to the Ethics Committee.
Nancy Rikel
Opinion
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Supporting Law Enforcement
Requesting Your Help
Opinion
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Presently, we’re supporting ICE Officers and Border Patrol Agents through contacts in Minneapolis, Portland, LA, and other democrat controlled sanctuary cities with ‘morale boosts’ such as healthy snacks, Bibles, handwritten thank-you cards, signed banners, light-pens, and other items they might like and we can afford.
We've been in the 'business' of boosting the morale of Law Enforcement Officers for over 10 years, having served over 15,000 to date. City, county, and Federal LEOs.
Lately, we're focused on encouraging ICE and Border Patrol. They are the most vilified. As you know, they're being harassed and assaulted by hard left agitators across the country.
We've sent morale boosting items to many Officers and Agents in Minneapolis already. LA and Portland before that. We could use help. We've been told several times that Morale Boosters is the only nonprofit ministry serving ICE and Border Patrol. There are thousands of those brave LEOs to encourage.
Tom Langan, President
Morale Boosters
President@moraleboosters.us
http://moraleboosters.org/contact-us
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250 Years of History
Remembering Our Early Days
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American Patriot and Petticoat Spy
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During the American Revolution, General George Washington set up a network of spies called the Culper Ring. The network’s task was to transmit information about the British, including where their troops were moving and what ships were bringing supplies. The information would go from New York City to Setauket, across Long Island Sound, to Connecticut, and on to General Washington.
Patriot and spy, Anna Strong, was a member of the Culper Ring and lived on British-occupied Long Island. Most members of the network were Anna’s trusted childhood friends. The danger involved keeping the British from becoming suspicious of their activities.
Every few days, a spy rode to New York City to obtain information about the British troops. Upon his return, he would hide a message in a wooden box buried at Abraham Woodhull’s nearby farm. Anna would wait for information from Caleb Brewster, a whaleboat captain who knew the waters well. Brewster would slip past British ships and hide in one of the coves in the bay.
When Anna knew Caleb’s location and that he was ready, she would hang out a black petticoat on her clothesline. Each cove was given a number, designated by the number of handkerchiefs that Anna hung out. Three handkerchiefs meant that the meeting would be in cove number three. Using that system, Abraham was able to sneak across the fields at night and quickly locate Caleb. Once the information was received, Caleb rowed to Connecticut and transmitted the information to that spymaster. It then went directly to General Washington.
Actions of the Culper Ring were never discovered. Years later, Anna had the honor of meeting President George Washington.
Anna Smith Strong
17440-1812
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Anna Smith Strong: Spy in Petticoats
https://beyondword.com/blogs/beyond-words-blog/anna-smith-strong-spy-in-petticoats?srsltid=AfmBOorm-TLo4a3rxCxKSwkEL_h2Jw5XZUVmLbFxCVUAldWhzBW19K4W
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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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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.
Toby
Pet ID: A1950178
Sex: N
Age: 2 Years
Weight: 23.00 lbs
Color: Fawn
Breed: Pug
Jurisdiction: Santa Ana
Intake Date: 02/10/2026
Intake Jurisdiction: Santa Ana
Kennel: 612
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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.
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Yorba Linda e-News
4666 Yorba Lane
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
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