Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Yorba Linda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues with high priority
El Niño Weather Preparation and Infrastructure Readiness
City public works and emergency services are taking proactive steps, including clearing storm drains and distributing sandbags, to protect residents from heavy rainfall expected this winter.
2026 State of the City Address and Community Achievements
Mayor Carlos Rodriguez reviewed Yorba Linda's progress over the past year, focusing on financial stability, infrastructure projects like road repairs and park improvements, and safety initiatives. The city maintained its status as one of the safest cities in California while expanding e-bike safety training and wildfire preparedness programs.
Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance Assessment District (LMAD) Assessments
Residents expressed frustration over increased LMAD tax assessments on the east side of the city, while officials noted that landscape maintenance is essential for fire mitigation and fuel reduction.
CalOptima Grant Senior Center Improvements
The city is applying for a non-competitive CalOptima grant worth up to $87,553 to upgrade senior center kitchen ovens and build an outdoor health and fitness patio. These improvements will enhance meal programs and provide active wellness spaces for older adults.
Law Enforcement Updates and Automated License Plate Readers
Police Captain Wigginton reported that overall calls for service and crime rates dropped in 2025 while average response times improved to under five minutes.
Library Facility Maintenance and Digital Services Outage
The library experienced electrical breaker issues and power outages, requiring temporary weekend shutdowns of digital servers to protect equipment while permanent repairs are scheduled.
Olson Urban Housing 40-Unit Condominium Development
Olsen Urban Housing is building a 30-unit gated condo community at Plumosa Drive and Lemon Drive, including two affordable units. Commissioners discussed parking, walkability, gate noise, and whether to add a pedestrian gate facing Plumosa Drive.
Shea Homes 82-Lot Subdivision on Bastanchury Road
Shea Homes received approval to consolidate and subdivide a 19.6-acre site into 82 detached single-family homes. The project navigates complex site constraints, including a protected riparian corridor and abandoned oil wells.
Pickleball Noise and Facility Management at Las Palomas Tennis Park
A resident expressed concerns that pickleball courts at Palomas Park are located too close to residential homes, asking the city to consider centrally located dedicated courts instead.
Strategic Plan 2026-2029 Objectives
The city council gathered to talk about Yorba Linda's long-term strategic goals and future planning. This workshop helps guide city projects and priorities for residents in the coming months and years.
Electronic Message Board Sign for Messiah Lutheran Church
Messiah Lutheran Church sought approval to install an electronic message board sign on the perimeter wall of a new residential development at Yorba Linda Boulevard and Liverpool Street. Commissioners raised concerns about sign brightness and visual compatibility, voting to continue the item for better renderings.
Small Business Support Program and Economic Development
The city is working to support the growing downtown and Main Street areas by encouraging new construction, improving walkability, and partnering with local stakeholders.
Ongoing Legal Dispute with Yorba Canyon, LLC
The city is defending itself in an active lawsuit filed by Yorba Canyon, LLC. The city council met in closed session with legal counsel to discuss strategy and developments on the case.
Transportation Impact Fee Update
The commission evaluated proposed transportation impact fees for new developments across Yorba Linda under application TC-PW-26-005. These fees ensure that new building projects help pay for the roadway and transit upgrades they necessitate.
Richard Nixon Library Phase II Expansion
The commission reviewed parking needs and impacts associated with the proposed expansion of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum under application TC-PW-26-004. Proper parking management ensures that visitors do not spill over into nearby residential streets during major events and museum operations.
Friends Christian Church Student Center and Signage Expansion
The commission examined traffic patterns, student drop-off/pick-up dynamics, and circulation issues related to Friends Church Christian School under application TC-PW-26-003. Addressing school traffic helps keep local neighborhood streets safe for pedestrians and motorists during peak hours.
Yorba Linda Car Wash Redevelopment and Traffic Concerns
Developers want to tear down an old car wash on Imperial Highway and build a modern express wash. Neighbors pushed back, saying cut-through traffic, speeding, and tricky turns near Los Angeles Street make the area unsafe.
Master Fee Schedule Update and Cost Recovery
City officials are revamping planning fees, lowering hourly rates from over $300 to $179, and shifting away from deposit-based billing to protect applicants from scams.
Homelessness Statistics and Regional Housing Strategies
Student intern Anya Parikh and council members discussed the newly released Orange County Point-In-Time Count data, highlighting a 13.7% decrease in countywide homelessness and proposing shallow subsidies and mobile care for seniors.
Temple Open House Traffic Impact
City management announced upcoming traffic delays and pedestrian activity along Bastanchury Road due to the multi-week open house for the new Latter-day Saints Temple. Officials urged drivers to use alternate routes and respect residential parking restrictions.
Water District Rate Increases
Residents voiced concerns over significant proposed water rate hikes by the independent Yorba Linda Water District and questioned whether city council members supported the increases. City officials clarified that the City Council has no jurisdiction over water rates and has not taken an official stance.
Public Facility Field Reservation Access
Residents voiced frustration over ongoing noise, traffic congestion, property value concerns, and safety issues stemming from the conversion of tennis courts into pickleball courts at Palomas Park. Speakers requested independent environmental and noise studies, relocation of courts, and better neighborhood mitigation.
Orange Drive Second-Story Addition Massing
Neighbors raised concerns about second-story balconies and windows overlooking their private backyards. The planning commission addressed these by adding landscaping requirements to help screen properties.
Town Center Chase Bank Architectural Design
Commissioners and staff evaluated design updates for a new Chase Bank at a major Town Center intersection, pushing for better pedestrian connections and refined exterior lighting.
Downtown District and Main Street Growth
The city is working to support the growing downtown and Main Street areas by encouraging new construction, improving walkability, and partnering with local stakeholders.
Design Review for New Chase Bank in Town Center
Chase Bank proposed building a new 3,000-square-foot branch with an ATM on the last vacant pad in the Town Center. The commission liked the project overall but asked the architects to return with a more exciting design for the prominent street corner and better pedestrian connections.
AYSO Region 1398 Residency Compliance
City staff updated the commission on residency verification issues and non-compliance notices issued to AYSO Region 1398 for failing to meet the required 60% Yorba Linda residency threshold.
City Manager Appointment
Yorba Linda has a new city manager, Peter Grant! This person is basically the CEO of the city, so get ready for some shifts in how things operate locally.
Public Outreach for Housing Element
Yorba Linda is hiring a PR firm to tell you about their housing plans. They want to make sure residents know what's up, especially if a ballot measure is involved.
City Council Election
A new face, Shivinder Singh, is running for Yorba Linda City Council! This election could bring fresh perspectives to how our city is run.