Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Verne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues 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.
Arrow Highway bikeway cost-sharing with Pomona
Pomona and SGVCOG's protected bike lane on Arrow Highway would end at White Avenue in La Verne, converting one eastbound lane. La Verne can piggyback on the repaving for about $528,000 — roughly $247,000 less than going alone.
Arrow Highway traffic signal gridlock
Commuters and residents slammed the unsynchronized signals on Arrow Highway between Wheeler and White, describing 20-minute waits at evening rush hour. Staff explained a Los Angeles County Traffic Signal Synchronization Project is under construction through the corridor, complicated by railroad crossings and Metro, with additional improvements planned at White Avenue.
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.
Veterans Hall Operations and VFW Agreement
The city spends about $11,000 a year cleaning Veterans Hall while the VFW pays nothing. Staff is drafting an agreement requiring the post to help maintain the building it uses, and moving a preschool program into the hall.
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.
Sierra La Verne Property — Mystery Golf LLC
Richard Bowen raised the formation of a Sierra La Verne Golf LLC by developer Matthew Waken on the Sierra La Verne property and demanded transparency. The city says no plans have been submitted and it knows nothing about the LLC.
Affordable Housing Development Impact Fees
For the first time in over 20 years, La Verne set affordable housing fees on new development — deliberately below the legally defensible maximum to keep developers coming. Fees fund affordable housing, and the City Manager can negotiate project by project.
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.
Goldspotted Oak Borer Infestation in Marshall Canyon
An invasive beetle has killed or infested nearly half the surveyed coast live oaks in Marshall Canyon. The county is applying for a $5 million state grant that could pay to treat up to 400 trees and remove 200 dead ones — decisions the city would still make. Residents can help by not moving oak firewood and reporting declining oaks.
Affordable Housing Lot Merger Exception
A zoning amendment creates an exception to the rule forcing jointly-owned nonconforming lots to merge — clearing a barrier for affordable housing projects like the Lutheran High School-affiliated property on First Street.
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.
Annual Assessment District Levies
Rising water costs and a state law banning non-functional turf are straining the city's three landscape and lighting districts, where expenses already outpace revenue in most zones. The council wants better public outreach before asking voters to raise assessments in 2027.
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.
Utility Users' Tax Continuation
The council held its annual hearing confirming the utility tax stays at current voter-approved rates — about $3.9 million next fiscal year for police, fire, recreation and public works, with a reduced 3% rate for seniors and nonprofits.
Bonita USD Measure A $256M School Bond
The council formally backed the June 2026 bond to fix 40-50 year old plumbing, HVAC, science labs, and portables at about $59 per $100,000 of assessed value. Supporters say it protects property values and students; critics warned of long-term interest costs and questioned district maintenance spending.
Hillcrest Gateway Project expansion
Hillcrest, the city's continuing care retirement community, is expanding its campus with seven new homes and three renovated ones. The council's approval keeps the city's largest senior community growing and investing locally.
Opposition to LA County half-cent healthcare sales tax
LA County placed a half-cent general sales tax on the June ballot for healthcare services. La Verne worries the money could be diverted and the city won't see proportional returns, as happened with past county measures.
City Manager Compensation
Residents pushed back on the city manager's amended contract — vehicle allowance, retiree health, vacation cash-out, and merit raise — arguing taxpayers can't afford more while others haven't had raises. Council members defended Domer's performance and his relatively low pay for the region.
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.
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.