City Manager Mark Pulone spoke about the live-streaming options for Council meetings, Spectrum TV, AT&T U-Verse, and the City's website. He said the City has been experiencing issues with the U-Verse stream and announced that AT&T is waiting on a piece of equipment to help resolve the issue. In the meantime, he reminded residents that they can alternatively view the meetings on the website. He concluded by informing Mr. Wuodarek that he would be happy to speak with him regarding the incident at the library after the meeting.
Councilwoman Tara Campbell said she serves on the advisory board for Bridges at Kraemer Place and provided an update from their last quarterly meeting. She said July 2021 through June 2022, the facility was able to help 529 individuals. During COVID outbreaks, the capacity would be reduced to 130 beds, however, the facility will be back to a capacity of 200 beds by the end of the year. She said of those helped, the exits to permanent housing were 45, and 11 to temporary housing. Of those that went to permanent housing, only 11% returned to homelessness.
Councilwoman Beth Haney attended a fundraising event for Tara's Chance on Saturday with Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez. Tara’s Chance is dedicated to promoting the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of those with special needs through equine-assisted activities and therapies. She spoke highly of the benefits children receive from equine therapy and said it is one of the best organizations she has seen. She encouraged the community to support Tara's Chance.
Councilwoman Peggy Huang said there has been a significant uptick in mosquito activity in Orange County. Thus far, 31 mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile Virus and there have been 7 human cases and 1 fatality. Councilwoman Huang cautioned residents that there are now day biters and not just dusk/evening mosquitos and encouraged everyone to utilize mosquito repellents. She concluded by announcing that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and sharing that bills AB 2011 (Wicks) and SB 6 (Caballero), housing bills, were unfortunately signed by the Governor and cities will therefore lose more local control and sales tax revenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez also spoke about Tara's Chance and the significant impact and improvement children experience through equine therapy. He said there are many children on a waiting list and he encouraged residents to support the organization so that more children can receive this unique therapy. He concluded by talking about the water capacity and multiple benefits the County and City will experience with the purchase of the new OCFA helicopters.
Mayor Rodriguez announced that the upcoming State of the City, "The Future of Yorba Linda" will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. and will include dinner in the East Room of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. He encouraged those interested to contact the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce for tickets or sponsorship opportunities.