YORBA LINDA : General Plan Hearing Sparks Mix of Issues

The first of three hearings on proposed changes to the city’s General Plan produced a mixed bag of concerns, with residents raising issues ranging from the location of a mountain lion corridor to the use of the Yorba Linda lake bed.

More than a dozen people attended last week’s hearing, which focused on changes in the General Plan that would affect recreation and historical buildings. An environmental impact report, which is required whenever the General Plan is amended, was also discussed.

One of the main topics was a proposal to locate a mountain lion corridor through Coal Canyon.

Landowner Saba A. Saba told the council that the corridor would bisect his property, which is zoned for commercial development. He suggested the corridor be moved out of the city so it would go through undeveloped land one mile to the east of his property.

“This corridor is not necessary,” Saba said. “Why support it when it will make the city susceptible to lawsuits from residents?”

Saba suggested that the corridor be established along a freeway undercrossing just beyond the city boundary in Riverside County. It then would be in line with the corridor designated by Anaheim.

A consultant hired by Yorba Linda said the General Plan includes that option as well.

“We’ve adopted statements allowing us to be flexible,” said Philip Paxton, former community development director hired by the city to oversee the General Plan update. “The corridor will probably be located where Mr. Saba wants it.”

But Gordon Ruser, a member of the Sierra Club, said the city has no control over where mountain lions will cross. The undercrossing proposed by Saba is not used by the animals to reach Chino Hills State Park.

“It’s a long distance away from the actual crossing, which is through Saba’s property,” Ruser said.

Ruser said the Sierra Club and other environmental groups have tracked mountain lions through the Saba property and have found evidence of 19 crossings in the last six months.

“They are there, using Coal Canyon,” he said. “Obviously, they prefer that crossing.”

By designating a corridor, the city prevents the landowner from developing that portion of the property. Planning Director Patricia Haley said the city need not have a mountain lion corridor since the animal is not endangered.

“The Planning Commission listened to testimony from (environmentalists) and included language to the effect that if a mountain lion corridor was possible, to designate one,” Haley said.

Other concerns addressed at the hearing were the city’s plan for its downtown area and the development of the Yorba Linda lake bed.

Longtime resident Jackie Harrison asked the council to maintain the lake bed. The lake was drained in 1969 and the bed was designated as open space for light recreational use such as hiking and horseback riding.

“People have voluntarily planted trees and wildflowers, watered and picked up trash,” Harrison said. “If anyone were to suggest active intensive use of the lake bed, the response would be from hundreds of families to save and enhance the present use.”

The City Council will continue to hold public hearings on the General Plan update. The next hearing is 7 p.m. Tuesday and will focus on noise, public safety and growth. The last hearing will be at 7 p.m. April 20, to discuss land use and circulation. Both hearings will take place in council chambers at 4845 Casa Loma Ave.