The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the Yorba Linda Housing Element which included, but were not limited to traffic, safety and potential fire hazards: Lesa Bradley, Paulina Rodriguez, Daniel Garibay, Janet Southard, Dave Nichols, Stephanie Nichols, Linda Reyes, and Margaret Thurston.
Council paused Public Comments at 7:48 p.m. for Public Hearing Item No. 15. and resumed public comments at 8:03 p.m. Councilwoman Campbell rejoined the meeting at this time.
The following individuals also expressed their concerns regarding the Housing Element: Gary Poage, Susie Gaudette, Mike Sinclair, Ellen Grau, Tom Tonelli, Greg Schlentz, Danielle Laird, Paul Vann, Christine Kouri, Gregory Schlinger, Jason Klems, Mark Zeko, Darrell Dasani, Juanita, Dianne Kanne, Brooke Sticked, Denise Franklin, and Debbie VanKirk.
Richard de Brujin, resident, agreed with the concerns of prior speakers but added that he understands that Sacramento is actively reducing local control so that it can proceed with building more affordable housing regardless of City zoning, water, transportation, and jobs.
City Manager Mark Pulone reminded residents that the City is in the middle of a process that started a few years ago and emphasized that the City fought its RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) allocation. When the State determined that California needed 1.2 million housing units, the City had concerns as to what it meant for the City's allocation. He assured residents that from a legal perspective, none of the sites have been rezoned, it would require public hearings before the Planning Commission and Council. City Manager Pulone said on June 29th the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding zoning and general plan modifications. He encouraged residents to visit the City website and read the e-newsletter to stay informed.
Councilwoman Peggy Huang said she has been discussing the Housing Element and its ramifications for the last six years. She and Planning Manager Nate Farnsworth have invested a lot of time fighting the State on the City's behalf. The City has opposed several Bills to try to protect housing and local authority, arguing about the high fire hazard, limited resources, and aging infrastructure. However, contrary to the belief that Council has power, there is little the City can do. She spoke about the California Alliance of Local Electeds and the Our Neighborhood Voices Initiative and urged residents to support it for the 2024 election in order to help restore local control.
Councilwoman Beth Haney also stated that the City has been working very hard to fight these State mandates. She encouraged residents to visit Ourneighborhoodvoices.com to learn more about the initiative for 2024, and to email Governor Newsom and Senator Weiner to express opposition.
Councilwoman Campbell thanked residents for being involved and expressing their concerns. She said Yorba Linda was the City with the most residents to submit opposition letters to SCAG on the Sixth Cycle RHNA in support of the City's appeal and said she appreciates the community support.
Mayor Rodriguez thanked everyone for coming and speaking tonight. He went over the Housing Element process and said he shares the frustration and anger of the residents. He assured everyone that the City will continue to fight against the State mandates and will honor Measure B. Mayor Rodriguez said it is the Council’s collective goal to protect the Yorba Linda way of life and he encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming meetings where the Housing Element will be discussed.
Mayor Rodriguez called recess at 9:55 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:07 p.m.