Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Verne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in public safety
Citywide emergency evacuation plan gaps
The city's prior hazard mitigation plan had expired; the new 2026 plan identifies 30 actions against wildfire, earthquake, flooding and severe weather. Adoption makes La Verne eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding, which can cover 75% or more of project costs.
Temporary groundwater transfers with Three Valleys MWD
The state-required five-year update refreshes the city's water supply planning and drought response playbook, including new rules on water loss reporting, potable reuse, and turf irrigation bans starting 2027.
Paramedic certification pay and firefighter labor relations
Teamsters Local 1932 is now the official union for the city's general employees after ousting City Employees Associates in an April election. A union rep warned the city must keep the status quo and bargain before implementing job classification changes tied to the budget.
Unlicensed dirt bike activity in neighborhoods
Richard Bowen reported a group of young teens riding unlicensed dirt bikes through stop signs on Emerald Avenue, harassing drivers and endangering pedestrians. He asked police to review his video footage before someone gets killed.
Metropolitan Water District Battery Fire Response and Claims
Metropolitan Water District representatives updated the council on the investigation into the battery incident that triggered the evacuation, reporting 28 claims received so far. Council members pressed for faster claim processing and greater city oversight of battery facilities.
2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption
The city's prior hazard mitigation plan had expired; the new 2026 plan identifies 30 actions against wildfire, earthquake, flooding and severe weather. Adoption makes La Verne eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding, which can cover 75% or more of project costs.
Emergency Response
La Verne just lifted evacuation orders after a battery storage fire was finally put out, so residents can head home. The bigger takeaway: these battery facilities near neighborhoods can create real emergency risks, and the city’s response is now in the spotlight.
Battery Facility Fire Emergency
A lithium battery fire in La Verne is finally cooling down, but evacuation orders are still active—so if you're in the zone, don't head back yet and keep watching for official updates. It's a public safety risk with real disruption for nearby residents.
Emergency at Water Facility
An explosion and fire at a La Verne water facility forced evacuations and injured one person. If you’re nearby, expect possible disruptions to emergency response and water service while crews secure the site and assess damage.
Campaign Sign Placement on Public Property
Council candidate Richard Bowen said the incumbent placed a campaign sign on public property at Via Del Monte and Wheeler, contrary to the rules Bowen was given when filing. Staff will review the sign placement rules with staff.
Cell Service and Microcell Expansion
A new master license agreement lets carriers put small cell equipment on city poles — Verizon is already lined up for 5-8 sites, with several targeted at North La Verne's notorious cell dead zones.
School Zone Speed Limit Lowered to 20 MPH
Under AB 382, La Verne lowered school zone speed limits from 25 to 20 mph when children are present — years ahead of the state's 2031 deadline. New signs cost about $5,000 and police will run an education-first enforcement period before citations begin.
Fire Risk Reduction Designation for La Verne
La Verne is one of just 42 cities on the state's Fire Risk Reduction Community List, which supports grants and is already helping some residents shave insurance costs. Firewise leader Raymond Swain said the city and community groups will keep building on the momentum.
Measure GG Paramedic Fee Increase (Prop 218)
Measure GG brings in $1.06 million a year but EMS costs run $3.8 million, leaving about $1 million on the general fund. Council is weighing a ballot measure for November 2026 to raise the $6.90 monthly fee — possibly to $12.50 or more — with a better inflation escalator.
Short-Term Rental Pool Party Nuisance
Resident Pam Berry described a renter on her cul-de-sac hourly-renting a swimming pool on an app for up to $100/hour, drawing crowds of up to 100 people and repeated police visits. She urged the council to tighten short-term rental ordinances to cover this.
CCW Psychological Evaluation Policy Change
Universal psych evaluations for concealed-carry applicants are gone; the chief can still order one case-by-case based on background findings, and the $150 subsidy is eliminated. Some residents said the extra screening layer made them feel safer.
E-Bike and Scooter Regulation
The city's first e-bike ordinance is now law: Class 3 e-bikes banned from sidewalks, riders must be 16+, and fines run $100-$500 with a safety class alternative. Council kept Class 1 and 2 bikes legal on sidewalks after police data showed nearly all crashes happen on streets, not sidewalks.
Crosswalk Daylighting Parking Enforcement
State law now bans parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, and the city set the local fine at $60. Residents worried the rule hits nearly every residential intersection and homeowners with no driveway. Council ordered a six-month education and warning phase before citations, prioritizing school zones.
Firefighter pilot program update
The quarterly update on adding three firefighter/EMT positions was received and filed — a two-year pilot aimed at better shift staffing and less overtime.
Public Safety and Community Security
Council members praised the police response to a hoax threat at Bonita High School that put the campus on lockdown, and a resident raised concerns about a threatening encounter involving Girl Scouts near Target and the police response.
Fire Station No. 1 Living Quarters Upgrade
The 1979-built public safety building's dormitory-style living quarters lack privacy for mixed-gender crews. The council funded a $489,000 fix using a creative hybrid approach with a temporary day room, though officials acknowledge a new public safety building (potentially ~$100 million) is needed long-term.
Tri-City Mental Health Authority representation
La Verne needed a new representative on the joint mental health authority board serving La Verne, Claremont, and Pomona after Carolyn Cockroll resigned. Trent West was appointed unanimously.
City Hall ADA Accessibility
A resident said City Hall entrances and doors still aren't ADA compliant; staff said some improvements were made with prior CDBG funds and an ADA transition plan is in the works.
Police Officers' Association Contract
After seven months without a contract, officers got a new three-year deal with education incentives, longevity pay, a new officer position, and higher retirement contributions from employees. It costs about $1.3 million over three years, funded by Measure LV.