Nancy Rikel, Editor

Former Mayor and Councilwoman

Established 2010  



October 24, 2023

Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6-8pm

Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church

22005 Via de la Paz, Classroom 9, Yorba Linda

Note: Judy Pina with the State of CA Insurance Commissioner's

office available for information following the meeting. .

Yorba Linda Funds Go Up in Smoke

More YLWD Shenanigans

Opinion

Roof-top spiral staircase was designed for Barbre’s cigar smoking. Cost to ratepayers, $43,735.

Reprieve From YLWD Financial Attack

I read with interest and found it ironic that the Yorba Linda Water District board voted to delay yet another rate increase for a year. I appreciate Mr. Al Nederhood shining a bright light on the actions of this board, as it likely had an impact in them making their most recent decision. Couple Mr. Nederhood’s efforts with the fact that 2024 will bring about a board election, and finally the residents of the district received a temporary reprieve from the financial attacks on their wallets. This board has consistently raised capital water fees and has also very quietly added sewer fees to our property tax bills.

$8.4 Million Profit, $46 Million Reserves, YLWD Issued Bonds (debt)

There are those who will blindly defend this board and claim that the recent round of rate increases are due to impacts from Sacramento. If that were the case, then why did the district report over $8.4 million in net profit for the past fiscal year? Don’t lose sight of the fact that the district is also sitting on cash reserves of over $46 million, which is an all-time high. This board also chose to issue $35 million in bonds, thus taking on debt for the district during times of higher interest rates.

Spiral Staircase for Cigar Smoking

Earlier this year, I had heard a rumor that former general manager Brett Barbre (who had been forced to resign as the general manager due to multiple harassment complaints) had contracted with a local construction company to design and potentially build a spiral staircase that led from his office onto the roof-top of the district building. I was told the reason for this expenditure was Barbre’s desire to have a cigar smoking area accessible to him from his general manager’s office. I could not believe this outlandish story, so I submitted a public information request to the district to provide me with copies of any invoices or checks related to this infuriating rumor. Sure enough – IT IS TRUE !!! Attached are copies of the invoice and a check payable to a company (Vincor Construction) that verifies the story. The customers of the district paid $43,735.00 to have a spiral staircase engineered and designed because Mr. Barbre wanted to smoke cigars with his cronies.

Barbre's Resignation Saves Ratepayers

Thankfully, after this design work was completed and prior to the building of the spiral staircase, Mr. Barbre resigned from his general manager position due to the mounting pressure of the harassment allegations against him. Thus, it is my understanding that the actual staircase construction did not take place, but still $43,735.00 of district funds went up in smoke to satisfy Mr. Barbre’s desires.

Barbre's Wasted Funds Known by Running Mates Lindsey & Hawkins

What I find more troubling is that even after this complete waste of funds, and upon the completion of the investigation of the harassment complaints indicated that there were grounds for relieving Mr. Barbre from his general manager position; that two sitting board members Phil Hawkins and Tom Lindsey having all of this knowledge chose to endorse Brett Barbre to run for a Board of Directors seat, and even ran along side him in the election. The crony team of Hawkins, Barbre, and Lindsey were elected by the voters last November, and today Brett Barbre sits as the president of the YLWD board.  

I guess Hawkins & Lindsey had no problem with Mr. Barbre’s behavior and his negligence in handling district funds. One is left to wonder, are there other stories related to Mr. Barbre and the YLWD that need to be investigated?

Jon Hansen

Opinion

YLWD Opts NOT to Raise Rates

,,"following an hour-long "contusing and fact-free discussion"

Opinion

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Finally some good news from the Yorba Linda Water Board of Directors. 

Yesterday afternoon, after a confusing and fact-free discussion by the Directors, the Board unanimously (4-0) decided to put off a Rate Study to increase Water Rates by more than the currently allowed 9.9% and 15.0% for Sewer Rates.  

The delay is likely to be for one year.

#1 - Inflation and Infrastructure Blamed for Increase

One Director said that Yorba Linda citizens just don't understand how much inflation and infrastructure are costing (despite ALL of the relevant financial facts being available on the Internet not to mention the water bill received every month).

#2 - More Analysis Needed

Another Director asked staff to analyze how inflation was the causing financial distress for the district despite the fact the year end profit and loss statement (June 2023) shows record revenue ($46.2 million), profits ($9.6 million) and reserves ($46.5 million).

#3 - Increase of Water Costs Needed

A third Director said he just wanted to increase the cost of ONLY the water sold and can't we get a study on just that part of the operation?

#4 - Another Rate Study?

A fourth Director asked, why do we need another Rate Study when this one is good for 2 more years? (The was a perfect question, actually.)

#5 - Director Absent

The fifth Director was absent. Reminds me of the cliche, better to be quiet/absent and thought a fool than be there and prove it.

The Bad News

The bad news included the General Manager and Finance Chief presenting an executive summary justifying a new Rate Study that was filled with inaccurate, misleading and false information.

The Worst Question and Best Answer:

Board Member Question: Why are we looking at doing another Rate Study?

General Manager Answer: Because you asked staff to prepare this request!

As Mark Twain said, "People who love sausage

and respect the law should never watch either being made."

Al Nederhood



Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6-8pm

Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church

22005 Via de la Paz, Classroom 9

Yorba Linda

______________________________

Judy Pina with the State of CA Insurance Commissioner's office will be present. A table will be set up for one and one conversation with Judy immediately after the presentation.

Important: Forward this newsletter using the below methods

to avoid being unsubscribed by someone else.

The Revised, Proposed

2.0 Mandatory Housing Element

November 2024 ballot

Opinion

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The 2021-2029 State-Mandated Housing Element requires that Yorba Linda find space for 2415 dwellings. The city placed a plan on the November 2022 ballot that was rejected by 75% of voters. Since that time, residents and the city have worked on a revised 2.0 Housing Element for the November 2024 ballot. https://yllocalcontrol.com/

Dilemma: Should Yorba Lindans play it safe or gamble?

* Option 1- Voters approve the 2.0 Housing Element in November 2024.

* Option 2- Voters do NOT approve the new plan. Possible Repercussions: The state could take over our planning department and build what it wants. Builders Remedy would allow the state to bypass Yorba Linda’s Measure B that requires a vote of the people regarding density and height of a project.  Yorba Linda loses control.  https://calmatters.org/housing/2023/06/california-builders-remedy/

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Become more knowledgeable, get involved:

*Read the Housing Element and Discuss with neighbors. https://yllocalcontrol.com/

*Join Yorba Linda Preservation Association (YLPA), contact Don La Commare, 714-742-1416 dlacommare@gmail.com

*Meet others and share concerns at California Republican Assembly (CRA) meetings. CRA endorses candidates for each election. The meetings are the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Contact: Ed Gunderson, edgun00@yahoo.com

*Evaluate those running for office, including Yorba Linda Councilmembers (3 seats open)

*Read or write an editorial in local news, Yorba Linda e-News @ time4dance@aol.com

*View the website that successfully fought Measure Z: https://www.friendsletssaveyl.com/

_______________________________

Statewide Efforts Fighting State-Mandated Affordable Housing

**Our Neighborhood Voices - Championing an Amendment to the California Constitution to return LOCAL Land Use and Zoning control to cities, planned for the November 2026. https://ourneighborhoodvoices.com/

**Catalyst for Local Control - Organizing focus group meetings with our state legislators to communicate resident concern regarding housing mandates. https://catalystsca.org/

**Livable California – Livable reviews all housing related legislative bills during their development phase and actively lobbies to promote more palatable legislation. https://www.livablecalifornia.org/

Don La Commare

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For more information contact Don La Commare, 714-742-1416

Yorba Linda Preservation Association, dlacommare@gmail.com



Sacramento, Changing Our State

With State Mandated Affordable Housing

Opinion

Have you noticed all the multiple story housing in other Orange County cities? Many appear to be high density, state-mandated affordable housing.  You will notice that the units are small, and the buildings are set as close to the street as possible to achieve the highest density.

2415 State-Mandated Dwellings for Yorba Linda

And, I suspect you have heard of the 2415 homes Yorba Linda is required to zone for and potentially build before 2029. The city’s proposal, Measure Z on the November 2022 ballot, was defeated by 75% of voters. As demonstrated clearly, most do not want this massive growth and burden on our city.

2.0 Revised Housing Plan for Yorba Linda

Having attended several meetings with our City Planning Department on the current 2.0 Housing Element that will be on the November 2024 ballot, I think it is a more responsible, reasonable, and better plan than the previous one.   If you are angry about all of this, it should be directed at our state-elected public servants, from Governor Newsom to Senator Scott Weiner and many more.

Nearby City Traffic Impacts Yorba Linda

Not only does the addition of high density, affordable homes impact our city but residents are also impacted we drive to nearby cities or people drive through our city. 

Expect up to 46,861 mandated affordable housing units to be built in the next 4 to 5 years in nearby communities that will be within 10 miles of our city hall! Using an average of 2.92 residents per household, that equals a 136,834 increase in population. With an average of 2.3 cars per household, that equals 107,780 additional cars on our streets and freeways.

High Housing Numbers- Declining Population Growth

View a complete breakdown of cities below, according to SCAG (Southern Calif Association of Government) even though numerous studies have indicated a flat to declining state population growth. The totals are broken down by Very Low, to Low to Moderate to Above Moderate pricing levels. The Very Low are the most difficult to achieve and much less preferred by builders as they turn very little, if any, profit.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:6fe8919f-a2bb-47c9-9bb4-a5d96b8975c4

Population Changes

According to the Little Hoover Commission, California’s population that is 55 and over will grow by ten percentage-points in the next forty years. By 2060, the state’s median age is projected to be over 45. In 1970, it was nearly 28. 

Resources



Master Plan for Aging Implementation | Little Hoover Commission (ca.gov)

https://lhc.ca.gov/report/issue-brief-californias-aging-population

 

Yorba Linda Resident

Public Affordable Housing Workshops

The City will engage the public in upcoming months.

yllocalcontrol.com

Control + to increase in size

Control - to decrease in size

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Releases Petition

to Reinstate Prop 58, Repeal the Death Tax

Get More Information

https://reinstate58.hjta.org/

https://www.hjta.org/

Dare to join the City's Halloween Decorating Contest?

The City of Yorba Linda- Do you go all out decorating your home for Halloween? Is your home or business a can’t-miss trick-or-treat stop? It’s time to see if you can out-BOO your neighbors with your Halloween spirit! We’re hosting our second annual Halloween Decorating Contest, and we want to see your most spooktacular creations! How do you enter? 

🎃Decorate your front yards, door entry, or exteriors of your homes to celebrate Halloween or the fall season.

🦇Then, send us a message via social media or email with a picture of your home by Thursday, October 26. Be sure to let us know which category you want to enter:

• Best Overall
• Most Scary
• Most Festive or Friendly!

👻Our panel of experts will review the entries and post our favorites to social media!

City Council to Recognize Yorba Linda Veterans

City of Yorba Linda- The City Council is proud to annually recognize and thank our local veterans in anticipation of Veterans Day. All Yorba Linda veterans are invited to attend the City Council Meeting on November 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to be recognized in a presentation by the City Council. 

Please RSVP by emailing Susan Lamp and provide the following details:

• Veteran's first and last name;
• Highest rank obtained in service or retired (Example: First Sergeant);
• Branch of Service(s);
• Years Served; and
• Picture: Scan or attach a photo (in uniform or not in uniform).

You may attend in person or view the presentation on the City's local cable channels (Time Warner-channel 3 or AT&T U-verse-channel 99) or via the City's video streaming webpage. For more information, please call 714-961-7110. If you know a local veteran, the City kindly requests that you share this invitation with them. Thank you!

View past stories of the Pacific Electric Train, the Pacific Electric Train Depot and how a caboose came to our city near the end of this newsletter. You will also find past issues of Yorba Linda Time Lapse and other important links.

Santa Ana River Project

23 miles of improvements from Weir Canyon Road to the ocean

https://ocip.ocpublicworks.com/service-areas/oc-infrastructure-programs/santa-ana-river-project-home/lower-sar?fbclid=IwAR1H9YTUSU3gqBuqXTnRsopuCuxRM_HoAa_ZBsSHQyM7K8a7jmM75Fp9lsw



Coyotes!

*Protect Your Pets 

*Never Leave Food or Water Outside 

(A fed coyote is a dead coyote)

*Report Sightings 

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To report a coyote sighting or incident, please email the City your name, phone number, location of the coyote (cross streets or address) and any other information you wish to provide at maalders@yorbalindaca.gov (copy and paste this email address).

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.

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

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.

Many Dogs are Being Destroyed at the OC Animal Shelter.

Please Consider Saving a Life.

_______________________________

" I long for a safe, secure, forever home.

Please take me home and love me."

"I will love you forever but if I am not adopted, I will be euthanized."

Clark

Pet ID: A1840500

Sex: N

Age: 14 Weeks

Weight: 8.60 lbs

Color: Sable

Breed: Min Pinscher Mix

Jurisdiction: Yorba Linda

Intake Date: 10/20/2023

Intake Jurisdiction: Yorba Linda

Kennel: 200

Adoption- OC Animal Care:

https://petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/Adopt/

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Search and receive updates from Adopt a Pet.Com:

http://www.adoptapet.com/

https://www.rescueme.org/



Vacation Check Service

Yorba Linda Police Services deputies will periodically check your home while you are away on vacation. It's easy to arrange and your information will remain private. Submit the form: YorbaPS@ocsd.org 

Yorba Linda Police Services, 714 779-7098.

Faded Memories

Introduction, Part 1

https://conta.cc/34wALjG

How the Pacific Electric Began, Part 2

https://conta.cc/3JttwIt

The Rise and Fall of the Pacific Electric, Part 3

https://conta.cc/3BxQ8oB

The Pacific Electric and Nixon Connection, Part 4

https://conta.cc/35lBJ2E

The Yorba Linda Depot, Part 5

https://conta.cc/3vvq8cn

Unlocking the Past, Part 6

https://conta.cc/3t2RWmM

Pacific Electric Depot Repurposed, Part 7

https://conta.cc/3LnVneb

A New Community Spirit: How it Began Part 8

https://conta.cc/3XHGEkB

Remembering Our Past, Part 9

https://conta.cc/3FsW4Ck

Mail Carts Circa 1880, Part 10

http://conta.cc/3o2Hoo9

A Caboose for Yorba Linda, Part 11

https://conta.cc/3MydikG

The Journey to Yorba Linda, Part 12

https://conta.cc/3EDQ1KC

The Richard Nixon Mini-Museum Arrives! Part 13

 https://conta.cc/3rIKCyW

Enjoy the sounds of the Pacific Electric Train

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4bVQx_8CvA&t=37s

(c. 1914) "Pacific Electric's Training Film"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a08Ol9EQUAU

Please share your photos and remembrances

of our community’s history @ time4dance@aol.com

Yorba Linda Time Lapse

The videos below are listed in order from newest to oldest. Should you choose to watch them you will see that the content, presentation, and duration has grown with time. Along the way much was learned and new techniques employed. As new videos are created, it is my goal to continue this trend.

The availability of old photographs of our city is what makes these videos possible. I have pretty much "borrowed" everything currently on the internet, but will continue the search. Should anyone have old, interesting, family snapshots, home video, or photographs of Yorba Linda (and surrounding areas) and are willing to share them, please contact me at: grandspud@yahoo.com Larry

1) Downtown II - Postcards from the Past  https://youtu.be/5yn-OdqltqE

2) The Search for Santa Ana Canyon Miniature Railroad  https://youtu.be/ZEoWPYb2UaA

3) Downtown I - A Medley of Apparitions  https://youtu.be/VgPG55Z40Ho

4) Carlton  https://youtu.be/qlSRuKqYUv8

5) The Search for Lake Matilda  https://youtu.be/ZyeN7JLx-g0

6) Susanna Bixby Bryant - Land Use at Rancho Santa Ana  https://youtu.be/0Wu7hjG4zCY

7) Susanna Bixby Bryant - Adobe Castle in the Sky  https://youtu.be/pHSDrwg6fzk

8) Following the Cajon Canal  https://youtu.be/_J1j-GtTvVo

9) Oak Grove at SAVI (Santa Ana Valley Irrigation)     https://youtu.be/ZnSpfbidmsU

10) Disneyland Remastered  https://youtu.be/NbgjIhthCrI

11) Yorba Hacienda  https://youtu.be/YxAzvTi_2kY

12) Giant Neighborhood Oak  https://youtu.be/RrJfzqW4d40

13) Eastlake https://youtu.be/u0dT41HJ8uM

14) Southeast Yorba Linda  https://youtu.be/OS2VgQJJHIM

15) Lakebed  https://youtu.be/s6mB0AWn5xk

16) Travis Ranch  https://youtu.be/5_qbI0nHTXA

17) No Place Like Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szgy-gL1f0I

18) City of Orange. Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szgy-gL1f0I

19) City of Orange, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqxYugUdues

20) In Search of the Chapels at Yorba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk-joBh1jog



Important Contacts

Sheriff Blotter

Subscribe to a Daily Crime Report

 Crime Mapping

Orange County's Most Wanted

Family Watchdog- Offenders in Your Neighborhood

Learn More About Skimmers

Counterfeit Money Detector

Skimmers

OC Alert

Warning- Graphic Video!- Surviving Active Shooter

Citizen Request Tracker- Make suggestions to the City 

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Non-Emergency Freeway Assistance

Dial 511 for non-emergency freeway assistance.

https://511.org/driving/assist

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Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

Enroll for quick access and proof on your phone

https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/

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City of Yorba Linda: http://www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us/

Yorba Linda Water District

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Nixon Library- Calendar of Events: http://nixonfoundation.org/

Sheriff's Blotter: http://ws.ocsd.org/Blotter/BlotterSearch.aspx

Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation: http://www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us/index.php/city-departments/recreation-community-services

Yorba Linda Public Library: http://www.ylpl.lib.ca.us/

North Orange County Community: https://nocccd.edu/

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Your voter information including tracking your ballot:  

https://ocvote.gov/vlt/

God Bless America!

From a post on Facebook