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