Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Habra public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
36 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commission Appointments
The city is filling seats on the Planning and Community Services Commissions, which help shape local development and community programs.
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.
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.
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.
Community Facility Access and Fee Reductions for Veterans and Scouts
Local youth scouting groups and American Legion Post 267 spoke about struggles finding meeting spaces and storage in La Habra, as well as high rental fees for the Veterans Hall and community center. Councilmember Lampkin requested a future review of fee reductions for the veterans' upcoming centennial.
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.
Portola Park Lighting Project and Parking Expansion
The city is moving forward with a grant-funded lighting project for Portola Park ball fields to improve safety and allow evening practices, alongside converting a ball field into parking spaces to ease congestion.
Sidewalk Accessibility
A resident expressed concern that new utility poles on Monta Vista block the sidewalk, making it difficult for seniors and people with disabilities to pass.
Neighborhood Hazard Cleanup
A resident reported a property hazard at Monta Vista and Heather that has not been resolved after two months of requests.
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) Adoption
The agency approved its required annual payment schedule for former redevelopment debts and obligations covering July 2026 through June 2027. This document ensures former redevelopment obligations continue to be funded and must be submitted to the county oversight board.
Financial Risk Audit
La Habra just got slapped with a harsh state audit calling it one of the riskiest cities in California financially, which means some painful budget cuts and tough spending choices are definitely coming our way.
City Council Election
La Habra Heights voters, get ready! The City Council election is coming up, and this article breaks down who's running. It's your guide to making sure your vote counts for the future of the city.
City Manager Appointment
La Habra's got a new top boss! Jennifer Cervantez, who was already running things behind the scenes, is officially taking the reins as City Manager. Get ready for some fresh leadership at City Hall.