Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Verne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.