Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Yorba Linda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.