La Habra · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Habra public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Emergency evacuation planning for La Habra mobile home park
A resident of the La Habra mobile home park told the council there is no plan to evacuate residents — some of them bedridden — in an emergency. She asked the city for a staff contact and help identifying shelter venues, and is organizing a neighbor buddy system in the meantime.
Smoke Shop Moratorium and Tobacco Retailer Regulations
The council is set to finalize a ban on selling or giving away nitrous oxide in La Habra, targeting recreational misuse of 'whippits.' Final adoption would make it part of the municipal code.
Water Property Rights Acquisition in California Domestic Water Company
The city and utility authority are considering authorizing the acquisition of shares in the California Domestic Water Company to secure municipal water rights.
OCTA Enhanced Mobility Grant for Seniors and Disabled Residents
City staff secured increased grant funding from Cal Optima for navigation center subsidies and applied for OCTA grants to expand senior transportation routes.
Child Development Program Enrollment and State Mandates
The City's child development and preschool programs are working hard to boost enrollment to hit a 95% threshold required to secure full contract funding post-COVID, while competing with universal transitional kindergarten.
Zoning Code Text Amendments (Zone Change 26-0003)
The city is updating its zoning code to add missing definitions, clear up outdoor dining and signage rules, and extend project approval timelines. These changes will make it easier for businesses and developers to navigate city regulations.
Alley Area No. 7 Infrastructure Improvements
The city is moving forward with paving, drainage, and utility upgrades across six local alleys under Project No. 2-R-25. Golden Coast Construction is slated to perform the work for nearly $500,000.
Emergency Preparedness and Interagency Response
Police and fire chiefs reviewed recent emergency responses to an industrial chemical leak and a brush fire, highlighting strong coordination between La Habra and L.A. County agencies.
Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization and Senior Housing Stability
Residents from Friendly Village raised concerns about escalating annual rent hikes causing seniors to abandon their homes, requesting rent stabilization measures.
Orange County Grand Jury Report on State Housing Mandates
The city responded to an Orange County Grand Jury report criticizing state housing mandates, emphasizing local pushback against top-down housing targets that do not fit La Habra's needs.
Summer Special Events and Parks Programming
City officials promoted several upcoming community gatherings, including National Night Out, summer concerts, the back-to-school block party, and the annual Corn Festival.
Slick City Indoor Recreation Facility at Former Big Lots
A new family-friendly indoor slide and recreation park called Slick City is moving into the long-vacant Big Lots building at 1020 West Imperial Highway. The business will feature dry slides, play areas, and sports courts, bringing 45 to 55 peak-hour jobs to the area.
Proposed Sewer Rate Adjustments and Financial Review
The city approved an adjustment to local sewer rates to keep pace with operational costs and fund critical capital improvement projects, such as sewer line rehab and county island connections.
La Habra Host Lions Club Corn Festival Partnership
The historic 77th annual Corn Festival and Parade is returning to its original home at El Centro-Lions Park this August, bringing three days of family activities, rides, and a parade along La Habra Boulevard.
Condominium Subdivision at 431 West Lambert Road
A five-unit residential development originally approved as apartments in 2020 received approval to subdivide into condominiums for individual sale, prompting commissioner discussions about construction timelines and housing availability.
Minor Conditional Use Permit Zoning Amendments (ZC 26-0002)
The city created a new Minor Conditional Use Permit category to make it faster and cheaper for small businesses to open in La Habra.
Police Towing and Vehicle Storage Services Agreement
The city awarded a new non-exclusive towing contract to Anaheim Fullerton Towing after 30 years with the previous provider.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program
The city reviewed its 7-year capital improvement plan, featuring 36 active projects, 36 new items like street and sidewalk repairs, and 27 deferred projects. This plan guides future public improvements and ensures infrastructure development aligns with city growth goals.
Remote Public Meeting Participation and Disruption Policy
The council adopted new rules required by state law to allow remote public comments and establish procedures for handling technical outages during meetings.
La Habra Branch Library Renovation and Long-Term Lease
The city approved a long-term lease with Orange County to support extensive renovations at the La Habra library, ensuring modern facilities, ADA compliance, and Spanish tile roofing that matches downtown aesthetics.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
The city adopted its 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, confirming that La Habra has secure groundwater supplies, independent well sources, and interconnections to withstand drought conditions.