Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Habra public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commission Appointments
The city is filling seats on the Planning and Community Services Commissions, which help shape local development and community programs.
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.
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.
Fun Box Indoor Recreation Facility at 951 N. Harbor Blvd.
A vacant former Rite Aid building is getting a second life as an indoor bounce house and family play area. The project includes parking impact studies and sign removal requirements to ensure it fits well into the shopping center.
Housing Law Violations
La Habra Heights clashed with the state over housing laws, but it looks like they've settled their differences. This could mean changes are coming to how new housing gets built in the city.
Land Use Dispute
Your local green space might be getting turned into something else! Condo owners in La Habra are seeing red after a developer dumped dirt into their park, and they want the city to step in.