A Message from the City Manager

Dear Yorba Linda Community,

Welcome to March! As we eagerly anticipate the coming of Spring along with warmer (and longer) days, the Yorba Linda community continues to shine brightly with a sense of newness. Whether you support new businesses, love pickleball, or want to engage deeper with your neighbors through fun community events, this edition of the Yorba Linda Connection covers several exciting developments around town. Be sure to read further so you are in the know.

One upcoming event I would like to point out is the Wildfire Insurance Meeting planned for March 27. We have heard several reports from residents, particularly those living near high-fire wildland areas, about problems related to renewing their insurance or finding coverage. A representative from the California Insurance Commissioner's Office will be providing information and resources to help residents find insurance policies that include coverage for wildfire damage. More details are included in an article below.

As always, thank you for being an important part of this community.

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 online. 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.

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:

Recently Opened

Makkan Design Center - specializing in residential, commercial, and model interior design projects (located on Savi Ranch Parkway); and

LePho - a new casual fusion Vietnamese café that specializes in grass fed Wagyu beef pho and traditional Vietnamese coffee (located in the Packing House Center).

Coming Soon

Iron Mike's Shooting Range – preparing to open soon;

Nick the Greek – to occupy the former Churned Creamery space in East Lake Village Center;

Ninja Warrior Adventure Park - Replacing Bed, Bath & Beyond space in Savi Ranch;

Jalapeños – Coming to Stater Bros. Center;

Que Vida Tacos – replacing Tio Chavez in El Pollo Loco Center; and

The Dive – Coming to former Joaquin's space in East Lake Village.

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!

New Pickleball Courts in Yorba Linda

The City of Yorba Linda is committed to providing diverse and enjoyable recreational opportunities for our community, and we are excited to expand pickleball options for our residents. In addition to the pickleball courts located at Box Canyon Park and Brush Canyon Park, the City of Yorba Linda took a significant step last fall to cater to the growing popularity of pickleball by renovating one tennis court at Las Palomas Park. The result? Four dedicated pickleball courts providing ample space for players to hone their skills, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors.

That’s not all! More pickleball courts are on the way! Construction of the Vista Del Verde Park Project, funded by Proposition 68, kicked off earlier this year. This project aims to construct a basketball court with three pickleball court overlays. These courts will be equipped with lighting, allowing residents to enjoy themselves into the evening hours. The project is anticipated to be completed in mid-April. Additionally, a very similar project at Bryant Ranch Park is currently in the design phase and will also feature a basketball court and pickleball overlay courts. This project is anticipated to be constructed in 2025 and is funded through a grant from the State of California.

Revised Yorba Linda Housing Element Achieves HCD Approval

In a significant development for the future of housing in Yorba Linda, the City has received conditional approval from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its revised Housing Element. Following the resubmission to HCD, the state agency has determined that Yorba Linda's Housing Element aligns with State law. With HCD's approval, the City may proceed through the public hearing process. To kick off public engagement, the City will soon announce a series of virtual and in-person community meetings. Stay tuned for more information.

Read the full article about HCD’s approval. Residents are encouraged to visit YLLocalControl.com for more information and to sign-up for email updates for the latest Housing Element news.

To learn more about local control, the Housing Element, and the significant educational resources the City has made available, watch the new animated video .

City Council Appoints Peggy Huang

At a Special City Council Meeting held on February 13, 2024, the Yorba Linda City Council appointed Peggy Huang to serve on the Yorba Linda City Council. Councilwoman Huang steps into the role left vacant by former Council Member Gene Hernandez and will serve until the term's expiration in December 2024. Councilwoman Huang previously served in this capacity for eight years. Councilwoman Huang assumed her new role at the February 20, 2024 City Council Meeting.

For more information about the City Council, please visit the City's website.

Spring Forward with Daylight Savings Time

As the days grow longer and spring nears, it's time to set our clocks ahead and welcome the arrival of Daylight Saving Time. Taking effect on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m., don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour, signaling the beginning of extended daylight hours and the gradual shift towards warmer, sunnier days. Remember to set clocks and appliances to the correct time to avoid any confusion, and don't forget to update your landscape timers.

Parks & Recreation Commission Applications Now Available

The City of Yorba Linda is seeking applications from Yorba Linda residents to fill one vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission, appointed by the City Council, is comprised of five members who serve alternating four-year terms. The term for this appointment will terminate on December 31, 2024. The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Yorba Linda residents interested in applying for the appointment must file a brief application form with the City Clerk's Office before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024. For more information, please call 714-961-7150.

OCFA Hosts Annual Open House

Come join your local Orange County Fire Authority firefighters, learn fire safety, and even put out pretend fires at OCFA's Annual Open House! This family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OCFA Headquarters, 1 Fire Authority Road in Irvine. Learn more by visiting OCFA's website.

Wildfire Insurance Meeting Planned for March 27

Do you have concerns about your insurance coverage? Join the California Insurance Commissioner’s Office for a discussion regarding the current state of homeowner’s insurance on Wednesday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Public Library (Community Room). Tonya Martin, representing the Office of Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner, will be available to address concerns and offer resources to the Yorba Linda community. No RSVP is required for the meeting. Please visit the City’s website for more information.

Heroes Supporting Heroes

Discover a whole new meaning to "protect and serve" at the upcoming Heroes Supporting Heroes event, scheduled for Thursday, March 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Chilis restaurant in Yorba Linda. Get ready for a night filled with fun, good food, and a special cause. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority will be at your service to support the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics in Orange County. Drop by for dinner, meet the inspiring Special Olympics athletes, and enjoy having our local public safety officials serve you! All the "tips" received during this event will be donated directly to the Special Olympics. Make a difference while enjoying a special evening with Heroes Supporting Heroes as we raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. For more information, please view the event flyer.

Join the 40th Annual Egg-Citement Hunt

Hop on down to Hurless Barton Park on Saturday, March 30, 2024, for our annual Egg-Citement Hunt! Enjoy a morning of fun with crafts, games, face painting, a special visit from the bunny, and much more! The event is free and will feature egg hunts for children ages 2-9 that will take place at 10 a.m. sharp. There will be plenty of plastic eggs stuffed with candy and prizes to be found, so bring a basket to collect all our goodies. No registration is required. For more information, please call 714-961-7181.

Camino De Bryant Turf Removal and Renovation Project Completed

The City of Yorba Linda’s Public Works Department recently completed the turf removal and renovation project at the Bryant Ranch community monument. Located at the intersection of Camino de Bryant and Kodiak Mountain, the project's turf removal and replacement was made possible through grant funding from the Municipal Water District of Orange County. This project aimed to address the non-functional turf restrictions and promote water conservation, aligning with the City's commitment to sustainable practices. Despite encountering weather-related delays, City staff collaborated closely with landscape contractors to ensure the project met the grant deadlines, securing essential rebate funds.

The landscaping strategy implemented by staff involved a climate-adapted plant palette. Additionally, the installation of multi-trunk Arbutus 'Marina' trees at the corners not only adds aesthetic appeal with their eye-catching mahogany trunks but also aligns with water conservation efforts. Beyond their environmental benefits, these specific types of trees serve as a haven for hummingbirds and pollinators. A notable feature of this project is the functional "stream bed," designed to capture water on-site and reduce stormwater runoff. Boulders strategically placed along the sidewalk serve a dual purpose, acting as an informal bench for pedestrians. The completed project promises to bring years of enjoyment to the residents, offering a vibrant and sustainable public space.

Love Yorba Day Returns

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!

Military Banner Program Accepting Applications

The City of Yorba Linda is now accepting applications for the Military Banner Program. The Military Banner Program is designed to honor and recognize Yorba Linda Gold Star and active duty military personnel. Military banners are displayed on light poles along sections of Yorba Linda Boulevard, beginning at Valley View Avenue and continuing east. Each banner will list the honoree's name and the military branch in which the honoree serves. For more information or to sponsor a banner, please visit the City's website.

Passport Services

Planning a trip overseas this spring or summer? Did you know that the Library offers appointment-based passport services? To learn more about Passport Services at the Library, including hours and availability, please visit the Library's passports webpage.

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 .

Annual Weed Abatement Notices

The City’s annual weed abatement program exists to keep the City fire-safe by ensuring that yards and larger land parcels are cleared of combustible weeds and debris. It’s that time of year again for residents to get an early start on weed abatement. To comply with California Government Code and City Municipal Code, the City will issue notices in mid-March to homeowners where potential fire hazard conditions may exist. Those who receive 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.

Please keep in mind that weed abatement season is year-round in Southern California. Every property owner is responsible for maintaining their property in a “fire-safe” condition to protect themselves, their neighbors, and the whole community from wildfires. The City appreciates your partnership and thanks you in advance for doing your part to reduce fire fuel load. For additional information about the City’s weed abatement program, please contact the Community Preservation Division at 714-961-7138.

Beware of Distraction Burglaries

Yorba Linda Police Services would like to remind residents that distraction burglaries do occur! Distraction thefts occur when individuals employ deceptive tactics to divert your attention, making it easier for them to steal your belongings. Unfortunately, these crimes have become more prevalent, even in familiar places like our local grocery stores and popular shopping areas. To safeguard our community, we urge all residents to remain vigilant and stay alert to prevent falling victim to distraction theft. Please read the full article to learn about the various tactics and scenarios commonly used to lure victims.

Preventing Home Fire Hazards

There are a number of fire hazards in your home, including including electronic appliances and devices, chemical products, and clutter. Protect your home and family by following these safety tips from Orange County Fire Authority:

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources;
Clean the lint filter on your dryer before and after drying each load of laundry;
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and clear exit paths from each room;
Never overload wall sockets;
Keep hazardous products in their original containers and never remove labels or instructions; and
Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.

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

Gardening Tips That Prevent Pollution

With spring around the corner, many residents will begin refreshing their gardens by planting new flowers, fertilizing, and updating their watering schedules. As you update your garden for the new season, the City of Yorba Linda encourages you to be mindful of the environment by following these helpful tips:

Carefully follow directions on fertilizers and be sure to measure amounts rather than estimate them. Be sure to avoid fertilizing if rain is predicted within 48 hours;
Water your lawn and garden by hand to control the amount of water you use. Set irrigation systems to reflect seasonal water needs. If water flows off your yard and into your driveway or sidewalk, your system is over-watering; and
When adding new plants, choose plants that are native to Southern California that will require less water.

These tips are provided on behalf of the City's stormwater management program.