Welcome and thank you for electing me as your City Council representative. I intend to work for you, your neighbors and families in preserving what we love about our community. We have many challenges facing us and I encourage you to continue to share your ideas and concerns.

I will update this web site often to give you community news updates, community accomplishments and other points of interest.

Please feel free to contact me through this web site, directly at Jan@horton4yl.com or by telephone: 714-970-8821. Click Here to subscribe to my newsletter.

Yorba Linda Country Riders Equestrian Candidate Forum Presentation- Jan Horton

by Jan Horton on September 1, 2010

I have proudly served this community for the past 4 years. During this time I have kept my promise:

  • to improve community communication
  • protect our open space and trail system,
  • plan for responsible, community- directed development,
  • protected our community from increased crime
  • support our business community and
  • maintain a fiscally responsible City government.

    The equestrian community is facing considerable challenges that need to be addressed.
  • People are buying equestrian properties and converting them to non-equestrian uses
  • As the community has grown up around the trail system, there are areas that are no longer safe to cross
  • As portions of the city were developed, trails were included but not always successful in making them equestrian friendly- steep inclines, crossings on blind curves, crossings where there are metal grates, such as casino ridge
  • There are portions of the trail system that are not interconnected or do not align as you cross a street
  • The equestrian community is threatened as the economy shrinks and household dollars and “new riders” become scarce.
  • We do not have an adequate emergency system to handle our larger animals. Many of your members performed heroic feats during our fire emergency to save horses that were in danger. Although their actions are applauded, they placed themselves and the animals they were saving in danger.

I believe we can do something to encourage the equestrian lifestyle in our community and hopefully stem the tide of homeowners purchasing your properties for non-equestrian uses and improve the participation of the community in equestrian activities.

  • I support and feel we can together do a better job of marketing the equestrian lifestyle and encourage others to participate:
    • an equestrian day in the City on Bernardo Yorbas Birthday or some other notable individual
    • along with a community outreach program
  • I cannot change the heavy traffic challenges (for example in the town center) that create a huge risk to your animals and you the rider, but together we can strengthen the trail system by evaluating the entire trail system and continue to correct the crossing challenges.
  • I have and will continue to work with the developers for the Murdock and Sage properties so their trails are connected appropriately and at a grade level that is safe for the rider and horse
  • I do support the concept of a community stable or equestrian center. If the City has a parcel of land that is viable, I support privately funded facilities with a low cost land lease.
  • Our current codes allow for private homeowners to house horses in greater numbers on their properties with a CUP. We can make that process easier to allow for the additional stalls, if the need presents itself.
  • I support coordinating efforts with the Equestrian Coalition of Orange County  to formalize a large animal evacuation plan. I do not support the City performing this function because I know you are all sensitive to having the horses counted and the possibility of licensing. I believe this goal can be accomplished- equestrian to equestrian without government intervention.

I understand you are disappointed in the Equestrian Study that spent 70K of your dollars without a positive result. I did not support that study because it focused on one site only and one type of facility only.  I feel the outcome could have been different had multiple sites and sizes of facilities been reviewed.

I have and will continue to advocate on your behalf to improve safety on the trails, prevent encroachment and support the equestrian lifestyle in the City of Yorba Linda.
I hope to have your support in the upcoming council election.

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Brea Police Department Checkpoint In Yorba Linda Seeks to Save Lives

by Jan Horton on August 30, 2010

Brea Police Department Checkpoint In Yorba Linda Seeks to Save Lives

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In California last year 1,029 people died in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That is why Brea Police announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, September 3, 2010 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., on Imperial Hwy. east of Valley View in Yorba Linda.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple; if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Sgt. Bill Smyser. “We will be contacting drivers, making sure they are not impaired, arresting those who are, and getting the word out that impaired driving and driving without a proper license is not acceptable in Yorba Linda.”

Brea Police Department advises that by following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive evening without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road.

 Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;  Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;  If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation

so you are sure to get home safely;  If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

Funding for this checkpoint comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

For additional information contact Sgt. Bill Smyser, PIO, at (714) 990-7620 or after hours, call the on-duty Watch Commander at (714) 990-7624.

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BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY: MAKE IT A PRIORITY

by Jan Horton on August 30, 2010

Back-to-School Safety: Make it a Priority

As parents prepare for the start of a new school year, teaching children how to be safe needs to be at the top of their list of things to do. An analysis by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children of attempted abductions during the past five years found that children are at most risk when going to and from school or school related activities
Parents and other adults can help keep children safe by following these ten tips:

  1. Teach your children to always TAKE A FRIEND with them when walking or biking, and stay with a group while standing at the bus stop. Make sure they know which bus to ride.
  2. Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Teach your children they should NEVER TAKE SHORTCUTS and always stay in well-lit areas.
  3. It is not safe for young children to walk to and from school, even in a group. Parents should always provide supervision for young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
  4. Teach your children that if anyone bothers them, makes them feel scared or uncomfortable to trust their feelings and immediately get away from that person. Teach them it is ok not to be polite and IT IS OK TO SAY NO.
  5. Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should RESIST by kicking and screaming, try to run away and DRAW ATTENTION by kicking and screaming “This person is trying to take me away” or “This person is not my father/mother.”
  6. Teach your children NOT TO ACCEPT A RIDE from anyone unless you have said it is ok in that instance. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and run to a trusted adult who may help them.
  7. Teach your children that grownups should NOT ASK CHILDREN FOR DIRECTIONS, they should ask other adults.
  8. Teach your children to NEVER ACCEPT MONEY OR GIFTS from anyone unless you have told them it is ok to accept in each instance.
  9. Make sure the school has current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children and confirm names of those authorized.
  10. Always know where your children will be. Teach your children to always CHECK FIRST before changing their plans before or after school. Teach your children to never leave school, with anyone unless they CHECK FIRST with you or another trusted adult, even if someone tells them it is an emergency.

Children should be taught to trust their feelings. They need to know that if someone makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, they should tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.

Courtesy of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. For more information, go to their websiteat: http://www.ncmec.org

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Candidate Election Signs

by Jan Horton on August 29, 2010

During the election season, candidates will place their signs throughout the community. It is important for everyone to understand that it is not only unfair and unethical to move, remove, damage or alter a candidates’ sign, it is illegal.

Mayor John Anderson recently accused my husband and I of removing his signs. We have not and will not touch a candidates sign without their permission. I have also asked my supporters to refrain from this activity.

I expect Mayor Anderson to use better judgment than to erroneously accuse someone without proof.

Our neighbor found the following note posted below our garage sale sign this past Saturday and brought it to our attention.

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YORBA LINDA CITY COUNCIL AND EMPLOYEES SALARIES

by Jan Horton on August 8, 2010

I received unanimous support from the Yorba Linda City Council directing staff to post the salaries and benefits of the Council and the various job categories of our staff. The City of Bell City Council and City manager have embarrassed all of us who serve our communities. In light of their transgressions, I felt it was best to make our compensation easily available to members of our community. To view this information, go to:

http://www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us/~ci26/component/content/article/4-urgent-news/525-city-council-and-city-employee-salary-and-benefit-information

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Current Crime Trends in Yorba Linda and Prevention

by Jan Horton on July 24, 2010

Thank you  Detective J. Mayo so much for your presentation on criminal activity in Yorba Linda and the preventative steps we can take to protect ourselves.

Here is a brief synopsis of his presentation:

The most common crime in Yorba Linda is property theft.  Criminals are becoming more brazen with crimes often being committed during daylight hours and in front of witnesses.

Petty theft criminals are being released early due to jail over-crowding. There are many instances of plea bargains, further reducing the amount of time an offender spends behind bars. Typically, the criminal may serve a few months behind bars and then serve up to 36 months probation. The criminals have nothing to lose by continuing to commit crimes because the consequences are not significant enough.

Most often, these crimes are tied to drug use.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Home:

  • Make sure windows and doors are locked when we are not home
  • Do not leave your garage door open and unattended.
  • If you see something unusual in your neighborhood, notify the police. (a strange car, people loitering, …)
  • Leaving on vacation?  Have someone pick up your newspapers and mail.
  • Inform neighbors of your travel plans so if they see something amiss they can report it to the police.
  • File a “vacation check” form at the police sub-station on Yorba Linda Blvd and San Antonio. A CAPs volunteer will check on your home regularly during your absence and report anything that seems out of place to the police.
  • Install a security system, camera system (real or “dummy system)

Car:

  • Do not leave anything in your car, including bags (empty or full)
  • Items typically taken from cars are iPods, GPS systems, wallets, and computers.
  • Do not show criminals where you store valuables. They stake out fitness gyms and shopping areas.  Do not place items in your trunk when you get there. You have just shown the criminal where to look. Criminals can easily break into your trunk.
  • Park in areas that have a lot of foot traffic, not in remote areas.
  • Lock your car doors wherever you are, day or night.

We can make a difference in our community!

  • Report any activity that seems out of the ordinary.
  • Protect your self and your belongings.
  • Get to know your neighbors.

Volunteer Opportunity:

If you are interested in volunteering in your community, the CAPS program is a dedicated group of individuals who selflessly give back to their community. The vacation check program is only one of the many ways they assist Bread PD in keeping our community safe. For more information about this program, go to: http://www.joinbreapd.com/article.cfm?id=40

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Council Updates: Budget, Sewer System Rates, Savi Ranch Housing Vote

by Jan Horton on July 23, 2010

Council Updates:

Budget

General budget was approved with anticipated expenditures of $26,603,544 and revenues of $26,629,254. This shows a surplus of $25,710.
The Capital Improvement budget was approved for $943K. Expenditures approved for the next fiscal year includes:
• The long awaited Dog park In Brush Canyon 30K
• Lining of the Hidden Hills Storm Drains 200K
• Wheel Chair ramp program 50K
• Street Marking and Signs 50K
• La Palma Repairs 100K
• Park Improvements 100K
• Friends Church High School Field Lights* 250K
• Veterans Park Sport Field Lights 113K
• Master Plan of Parks 50K

*This item is our share of the funding for the joint use sport fields at the new Friends High School. We have an agreement with the school to use the fields for our sport activities when school is not in session.

Sewer System Rates

The new sewer rates were approved at the community-approved amount of $86.28 per year but the fee was set at $66.00 per year. The majority Council set the fee lower in anticipation of transferring the sewer system to the Yorba Linda Water District in the near future.
I can understand the desire to transfer the system to the water district but I disagree with this decision.
As I have stated before, the City can provide the service less expensively. Winders proposal would have taken money out the general fund to loan money to the sewer system but had a rate of return of at least 4%. This is better than the rate of return we are receiving currently @ ½% allowing the system to pay back the general fund monies used to subsidize the system. The rates would have been $50.88/ year.
Additionally, this is a possible bargaining tool we have to help negotiate land development on the largest pieces of land in the City. One of the only ways we can control density and development standards in those areas is our control of the sewer system. As our attorney stated: ”it is a small stick”. But it is a stick nonetheless.

Savi Ranch Housing Vote

During this November election, there will be a Measure B vote on the ballot to determine if you would be for or against higher density housing in Savi Ranch. We are, by law, required to provide the opportunity for developers to build higher density homes for low-income families. Savi Ranch has been identified, as one of the sites the Council felt would impact the community the least. Because we have a voter approved building ordinance in Yorba Linda, the voters have to approve the conversion of commercial property into residential in excess of 10 units per acre.
This Measure B vote does not approve any specific project. If approved, any proposed project would have to go through all City or State required planning processes, CEQA, public noticing, etc.
The benefits of this site:
• Off-loads the density numbers required by the state from predominantly the west side into an industrial area
• Help support the businesses in the Savi Ranch area increasing our sales tax revenue
• The area is lower than Yorba Linda Blvd/ Weir Canyon making the project less visible and not as intrusive
• There is a potential to incorporate a community room in the project area to allow for an extension of classes and community events to be conveniently offered to East End residents

For more information on these and other Council Actions from the July 20 Council meeting, go to: http://tinyurl.com/2f53n2w

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Yorba Linda City Council Selects Interim City Manager

by Jan Horton on July 3, 2010

The Yorba Linda City Council today announced the selection of an Interim City Manager. The Council met in a specially called closed session on Saturday, July 3rd and decided to appoint long time Yorba Linda resident and former Parks and Recreation Director, Steve Rudometkin as the Interim City Manager. Contract terms are yet to be announced.

Rudometkin served the City from 1977 to 2007. He became the Department Director in July 1980 and retired from a similar position in the City of Pomona in February 2009. Upon retirement, Rudometkin formed his own consulting business called SR Consulting Inc. Since establishing the business, Rudometkin has worked for the City of Aliso Viejo and most recently as the Interim Director of Yorba Linda’s Park and Recreation Department.

Mayor John Anderson stated that the selection of Rudometkin was unanimous and said “The City Council is very excited to have Steve rejoin the staff in this new capacity. He had an outstanding career here during the City’s formative years and we all felt that he would be a tremendous asset in this new role.”

Rudometkin stated that he is thrilled with the appointment and “looks forward to working with the City Council and staff for the next six months.” Rudometkin will be working alongside current City Manager Dave Adams through a transition period.

Anderson stated the selection of Rudometkin will allow “the current workload to continue and will provide the City Council enough time to talk about a permanent selection for the City Manager position.”

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Yorba Linda Concerts in the Park

by Jan Horton on June 27, 2010

The City of Yorba Linda’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts one of four Concerts in the Park during the summer in Hurless Barton Park, located at 4601 Casa Loma Avenue, from 5:30- 7 pm

Bring your own picnic dinner and/or buy food from local non-profit organizations and the Yorba Linda Volunteens. Seating is available in the amphitheater or grass areas at the park (chairs and blankets recommended).

Dogs are not recommended due to safety issues and the comfort of others in attendance. Riding skateboards, bikes, roller blades, and scooters throughout the park during the concert is prohibited. Alcohol is not allowed in the park.

JULY 18th: “The Answer” will be playing Classic Rock music.

JULY 25TH: The Silver Beatles will play a variety of Beatles music

AUGUST 1ST: “Yard Sale” will play Disco, Funk and Blues music

AUGUST 8TH: “Three Car Garage” will play Classic Rock music

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Java with Jan: Coyote Discussion

by Jan Horton on June 27, 2010

COYOTE UPDATE

Thanks to everyone who attended the “Java with Jan” this past Friday to discuss the coyote problems we are experiencing in our community. We were honored to have Orange County Animal Control representatives attend to give our residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn preventative techniques when dealing with the coyotes. I want to thank Stephanie Waterman, the Chief of Field Services and Katie, the Community Education Supervisor for attending and giving us practical advice.

Key Points:

o This is a county-wide problem. The Wildlife, Fish and Game agency has now become involved to devise an aggressive plan to help with this situation.
o There are community volunteer programs being developed in south county that will be beneficial for our community to investigate.
o We cannot leave small animals unattended in areas that they are vulnerable, including our backyards.
o Coyotes can scale 8 foot fences.
o Coyotes work in packs. If you see one on the trail and they run past you, they may be attempting to bait your dog to run after them so the rest of the pack will close in and attack. Keep your dog on a leash and keep them close to you if you see a coyote
o Coyotes will harm large dogs and other animals if they are hungry.
o Deterrents:
• whistle,
• can filled with pennies, marbles ,…that make loud noises,
• air horns
• Two blocks of wood, if smacked together sounds like a gun shot
• If you bring a whistle, carry it on a lanyard around your neck so you do not drop it. You never want to get into a crouched position around a pack of coyotes. Once you are on all fours, you are now more vulnerable to be attacked yourself.
• If the coyote continues to approach, DO NOT RUN or turn your back on the coyote. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures while maintaining eye contact and moving toward an area of human activity
o Gas Company employees are told to carry umbrellas with them so if confronted they can open and close the umbrellas to startle and scare the coyotes away.
o Pepper spray does not work the same on animals as it does on humans, may not be effective.
o Someone asked about wasp spray. This does permanent damage to the coyotes eyesight. A blind coyote will attack anything around it, making it much more dangerous.
o An internet source suggested carrying a super soaker filled with vinegar.
o One resident uses a stun gun, not the type with the darts. The snap of the gun when activated, scares other dogs and coyotes away.
o There are products on the market that can help secure your yard.
• Break Away fencing can be installed on the top of wrought iron fences to keep coyotes out
• Roller fencing
• At home depot, they sell a product that contains cougar urine. This is advertised to keep coyotes out of the area.
o Keep yard areas clear of large brush to eliminate coyote hiding places. Through Animal Control, there are Explorer Scouts available to help senior citizens to clear their yards
o Do not leave food sources within easy reach- garbage cans, dog/cat food.

After searching the internet, I found this website that has many additional hints on living with the coyotes and minimizing their impacts on our lives. The site also references sound track deterrents that are available. One of our residents has purchased this CD and her experience has been positive thus far. It is an intermittent sound of lion hissing. For more information on this and other tips, go to: http://www.cpngov.com/safety/docs/2009/coyote_deterrents.pdf

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