Yorba Linda’s Mayor Handed a Recall Petition

Mayor John M. Gullixson was served with a recall notice by former mayor Irwin M. Fried at the City Council meeting Tuesday.

The grounds for removal listed in the notice are all based on Gullixson’s effort to establish a high school in Yorba Linda. Fried and follow petitioners accused the mayor of misrepresenting the need for a high school to residents.

The petition also charges Gullixson with creating friction between the city and the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Trustees.

Reading from a written statement, Fried told Gullixson, “You have torn this community apart, divided us and set us against one another.”

Fried has been critical of Gullixson’s campaign to have the school district plan to build a high school in the city.

The former mayor finished fourth in a field of five candidates for three seats on the council last November. Gullixson was not up for reelection.

Gullixson has seven days to respond to the notice. He can submit his side to the city clerk, and his response will be included in the petition that will go before voters.

Fried said he needs to collect the signatures of at least 6,200 registered voters residing in the city to place the recall on the ballot.