Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Habra public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Smoke Shop Moratorium and Tobacco Retailer Regulations
Residents and industry advocates testified regarding proposed regulations on kratom and recreational nitrous oxide. While chronic pain patients defended natural kratom as a vital medicine, officials are reviewing how to curb synthetic variants and laughing gas abuse.
Water Property Rights Acquisition in California Domestic Water Company
The city and utility authority are considering authorizing the acquisition of shares in the California Domestic Water Company to secure municipal water rights.
Storm Drain Repairs on Parkwood Avenue
The city is reviewing a notice of completion and change order for critical structural repairs to corrugated metal pipe storm drains on Parkwood Avenue.
Child Development Program Enrollment and State Mandates
The City's child development and preschool programs are working hard to boost enrollment to hit a 95% threshold required to secure full contract funding post-COVID, while competing with universal transitional kindergarten.
Community Services Department Fall and Winter Events Schedule
Reviewing upcoming community events and department activities planned across La Habra for the final quarter of the year.
OCTA Enhanced Mobility Grant for Seniors and Disabled Residents
City staff secured increased grant funding from Cal Optima for navigation center subsidies and applied for OCTA grants to expand senior transportation routes.
Zoning Code Text Amendments (Zone Change 26-0003)
The city is updating its zoning code to add missing definitions, clear up outdoor dining and signage rules, and extend project approval timelines. These changes will make it easier for businesses and developers to navigate city regulations.
Commercial Shopping Center Facade Remodel Extension
A commercial shopping center at Harbor and La Habra Boulevards received a one-year extension to complete its plan check review and begin facade renovations. This keeps the multi-building revitalization project alive despite engineering delays.
Alley Area No. 7 Infrastructure Improvements
The city is moving forward with paving, drainage, and utility upgrades across six local alleys under Project No. 2-R-25. Golden Coast Construction is slated to perform the work for nearly $500,000.
Code Enforcement Cost Recovery Special Assessment
The council will consider placing a special assessment and property lien on a residential unit at 250 N. Monte Vista Street to recover city expenses from an April clean-up warrant.
WIOA Youth Workforce Development Grant
The city plans to disburse a $69,000 workforce development grant to LGL College to support local youth job training programs.
Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization and Senior Housing Stability
Residents from Friendly Village raised concerns about escalating annual rent hikes causing seniors to abandon their homes, requesting rent stabilization measures.
Emergency Preparedness and Interagency Response
Police and fire chiefs reviewed recent emergency responses to an industrial chemical leak and a brush fire, highlighting strong coordination between La Habra and L.A. County agencies.
Portola Park Sanitation and Public Space Maintenance
Residents raised concerns about sanitation, homelessness, and safety issues at Portola Park, specifically affecting youth baseball leagues and families.
Commercial Sign Program and Municipal Code Standards
The city evaluated a sign program requesting deviations from standard canopy sign placement for a new commercial building on Whittier Boulevard. Commissioners discussed whether standard sign deviations should trigger a full conditional use permit or if municipal code regulations should be updated to streamline minor design changes.
Hazmat Emergency
A hazmat emergency in La Habra forced local evacuations, meaning anyone living nearby needs to check local alerts immediately to stay safe.
Orange County Grand Jury Report on State Housing Mandates
The city responded to an Orange County Grand Jury report criticizing state housing mandates, emphasizing local pushback against top-down housing targets that do not fit La Habra's needs.
Summer Special Events and Parks Programming
City officials promoted several upcoming community gatherings, including National Night Out, summer concerts, the back-to-school block party, and the annual Corn Festival.
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
La Habra is partnering with RK Engineering Group to study and design traffic calming and management solutions for the Epsilon, S, and V neighborhoods.
Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Programs
A representative from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Fullerton invited La Habra residents over 50 to participate in educational courses, campus open houses, and trips.
Slick City Indoor Recreation Facility at Former Big Lots
A new family-friendly indoor slide and recreation park called Slick City is moving into the long-vacant Big Lots building at 1020 West Imperial Highway. The business will feature dry slides, play areas, and sports courts, bringing 45 to 55 peak-hour jobs to the area.
Northgate Market Patio Expansion and Alcohol License
Northgate Market expanded its Paseo Gonzalez outdoor dining area to 7,000 square feet and added 112 new seats while extending its Type-47 ABC liquor license to the patio. The project includes replacing existing fencing with a 4-foot-high plexiglass windscreen.
Proposed Sewer Rate Adjustments and Financial Review
The city approved an adjustment to local sewer rates to keep pace with operational costs and fund critical capital improvement projects, such as sewer line rehab and county island connections.
La Habra Host Lions Club Corn Festival Partnership
The historic 77th annual Corn Festival and Parade is returning to its original home at El Centro-Lions Park this August, bringing three days of family activities, rides, and a parade along La Habra Boulevard.
Condominium Subdivision at 431 West Lambert Road
A five-unit residential development originally approved as apartments in 2020 received approval to subdivide into condominiums for individual sale, prompting commissioner discussions about construction timelines and housing availability.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Municipal Budget
The city adopted its $186.2 million budget, funding core municipal services and adding resources for the Drone First Responder program.
Police Towing and Vehicle Storage Services Agreement
The city awarded a new non-exclusive towing contract to Anaheim Fullerton Towing after 30 years with the previous provider.
Minor Conditional Use Permit Zoning Amendments (ZC 26-0002)
The city created a new Minor Conditional Use Permit category to make it faster and cheaper for small businesses to open in La Habra.
Park Improvements and Public Art
High popularity and heavy wear at the dog park have required extra maintenance and temporary turf rest areas.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program
The city reviewed its 7-year capital improvement plan, featuring 36 active projects, 36 new items like street and sidewalk repairs, and 27 deferred projects. This plan guides future public improvements and ensures infrastructure development aligns with city growth goals.
Remote Public Meeting Participation and Disruption Policy
The council adopted new rules required by state law to allow remote public comments and establish procedures for handling technical outages during meetings.
La Habra Branch Library Renovation and Long-Term Lease
The city approved a long-term lease with Orange County to support extensive renovations at the La Habra library, ensuring modern facilities, ADA compliance, and Spanish tile roofing that matches downtown aesthetics.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
The city adopted its 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, confirming that La Habra has secure groundwater supplies, independent well sources, and interconnections to withstand drought conditions.
Circus Caballero Special Event Permit
Circus Caballero is bringing a major traveling circus without animals to the vacant former Burch Ford lot on Harbor Boulevard from June 18 to July 5. Commissioners discussed security, traffic control, and parking arrangements on Stearns Avenue.
Master Schedule of Fees CPI Adjustment
American Legion Post 267 requested a fee waiver for their 100th anniversary dinner facility rental at the community center.
Encroachment License and Drainage Easement Closure at 770 Durham Street
Homeowners presented shocking video evidence of gang members, firearms being tossed into yards, and illicit activity utilizing an open public drainage easement connecting Las Lomas Park to Durham Street. The council unanimously approved fencing off the walkway to protect the neighborhood.
North Orange County Chamber Membership
The council voted to join the North Orange County Chamber for $5,500 a year to expand business networking and regional exposure for local companies.
CDBG Annual Action Plan Funding Allocations
The city is evaluating applications for federal CDBG public service grants to support local programs and non-profits in the upcoming fiscal year.
Termination of Unbuilt Cannabis Development Agreements
The city canceled development agreements for two non-storefront cannabis businesses that never opened their doors, cleaning up inactive licenses.
New Mandatory Financial Training for Local Officials
Planning commissioners and designated staff must complete a newly required two-hour financial training course via the NetFile online system in response to Senate Bill 827.
Commission Leadership Reorganization
The planning commission elected new leadership for the year, putting Roy Ramsland in the chair seat and Danitza Cardenas as vice chair.
Spring 2026 Special Events & Facility Relocations
La Habra is gearing up for a busy spring with the 5K race, National Pet Day, Mexican-American Heritage event, and moving the historical museum and other groups into new city-acquired buildings.
Commission Appointments
The city is filling seats on the Planning and Community Services Commissions, which help shape local development and community programs.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Goals and Objectives
The council adopted operational goals and objectives to guide spending priorities and administrative efforts for the upcoming fiscal year.
Inclusionary Housing Program Review
Staff provided an update on the city's inclusionary housing program, showing 15 affordable units entitled across five projects. The council directed staff to make minor wording updates to clarify income documentation and in-lieu fee rules.
Public Nuisance Code Overhaul
The city is moving public nuisance rules out of the zoning code and into the health and safety code. This change is intended to make enforcement more efficient and shifts the final say on appeals to the City Council.
Conversion of Former Women's Club Building into Senior Satellite Center
The city is expanding senior programs at the community center, adding new staff, shuttle options, tax help, and planning a dedicated senior annex.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Review
The city is in good financial shape overall, with revenues slightly outpacing expenses. However, staff noted that sales tax and transaction tax revenues are flattening due to cautious consumer spending, while property taxes continue to rise.
Kokiri Korean Food and Pub Conditional Use Permit
A new restaurant is opening in the La Habra Marketplace, bringing Korean comfort food to a long-vacant commercial space and adding beer and wine service to its menu.
Water Infrastructure Federal Grant
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez delivered a $1.09 million check to La Habra to upgrade local water infrastructure and improve low water pressure in neighborhoods.