La Palma celebrates its diverse heritage with La Palma Days. This annual tradition has been celebrated in our community for over 20 years, encouraging residents, business partners and friends to celebrate La Palma’s community spirit. [Additional info...]

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is considering a possible fare adjustment for bus transit services. OCTA is projected to have 70 million boardings on their bus system throughout Orange County this year. Due to rising fuel prices and continued growth of specialized transit services, several fare alternatives are being considered. Public input on such challenges is a priority for OCTA. A community open house meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 16, 2008 at 5:00 p.m., at OCTA Headquarters, 600 S. Main Street, Orange, CA. Additionally, a public hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 27, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. at OCTA Headquarters.

[OCTA Fare Adjustment Website...]

Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are very aggressive ants that were originally native to South America, that were accidentally introduced to North America and are beginning to colonize parts of California, including Orange County.

They vigorously defend their nests, attack in large numbers and sting repeatedly. Orange County residents are encouraged to be vigilant in their own yards as well as any time they are visiting a park, golf course or any place that has a large turf area. Fire ant colonies are distinct but southern California colonies rarely build the large mounds typical of RIFA in other parts of the country. Almost all of the mounds in Orange County are found in irrigated areas, most often turf which gets mowed every week. Look for a patch of fine granular soil where it doesn’t belong; for example, in the middle of a lawn. It is possible that if a colony has settled into an irrigated planter or other landscaped area, a mound will develop, usually at the base of a shrub. Another common location is adjacent to a hardscape feature like a large rock or a concrete walkway. These large, dense objects store heat during the day and release it slowly during the night.

If you suspect you may have located a RIFA colony, do not disturb it; call the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) at (714) 971-2421. An OCVCD inspector will visit the site within a couple of days and if RIFA are confirmed, treatment will begin. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the location. Simply naming the park may result in OCVCD inspectors failing to find the colony, or spending too much time searching. It is important to confirm the presence of fire ants prior to treating, so the more detailed the directions, the better. [Orange County Vector Control Information]

The La Palma City Council has appropriated funds as part of the 7-year Street Rehabilitation Program to asphalt overlay (AO) or slurry seal (SS) various residential streets. The current year project area, includes the following streets:

Andrew Drive (5011-5082) -SS
Arroyo Circle -AO
Barbi Lane -AO
Berton Circle -AO
Black Star Lane -AO
Bluebird Lane -SS
Borrego Drive -AO
Carbon Circle -AO
Carolyn Circle -AO
Dana Drive -SS
Denise Circle -SS
Donna Drive -AO
El Rancho Verde -AO
Houston Avenue (Frontage Road 5012-5082) -SS
Hummingbird Circle -SS
Indigo Drive -SS
Jennifer Circle -SS
Karen Circle -AO
Kathy Drive -AO
Kelly Circle -SS
Linda Lane -SS
Los Trancos Circle -AO
Louise Lane (7870-7999) -AO
Louise Lane (8000-8099) -SS
Lynn Circle -SS
Maroon Street -AO
Nancy Circle -SS
Norann Circle -SS
Patricia Circle -AO
Robin Drive -SS
Sandy Circle -AO
San Juan Drive -AO
Scott Circle -SS
Sharon Drive (4500-4999) -AO
Shirley Drive -SS
Sierra Circle -AO
Silverado Lane -AO
Swan Circle -SS
Trabuco Lane -SS
Trinity Lane -AO

On Monday, October 13, 2008, on behalf of the City of La Palma, All American Asphalt, Inc. will commence rehabilitation of the streets within the project area. The project will be completed in phases, with Temporary No Parking Signs being placed on streets in advance of scheduled road work. Residents and visitors may park on any street that is NOT posted with Temporary No Parking signs as well as on La Palma Avenue between Moody and Denni Streets or on Moody Street between La Palma and Houston Avenues (where the NO PARKING signs have been covered) for the duration of the project.

Streets that are scheduled for an asphalt overlay require preparation to retain slope, which includes the grinding of the pavement surface, from the gutter five feet towards the centerline of the street. On a later date, the whole street will then be overlaid with a rubberized asphalt hot mix. Streets that are scheduled for slurry seal will not require significant preparation work.

The City would appreciate if throughout the project, residents would not overwater landscaping or wash cars, which may cause street runoff that can damage the new roadway surface. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works department at (714) 690-3310.

The City's Community Development Department has been very busy throughout the summer with the completion of some new projects and the approval of other projects.



New Walgreens Now Open - A new 13,000 square foot Walgreens has opened at the corner of La Palma Avenue and Valley View Street in the La Palma Convenience Center. The full-service store includes a pharmacy, photo, and a drive-thru. In conjunction with the development of the new Walgreens, the balance of the center is undergoing façade, signage, landscaping and parking lot improvements. The smaller Walgreens located at Walker and La Palma has closed with the opening of the new store. Walgreens plans to sell this property, although the potential use for this site is not yet known at this time.

Wachovia Bank Approved - The Planning Commission recently approved the construction of a 3,189 square foot Wachovia Bank located at the corner of Orangethorpe Avenue and Moody Street. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building will encompass a modern and “clean” looking architectural motif and extensive on-site landscaping. Construction is expected to begin in early 2009. As part of the development, a new raised landscaped center median will be constructed on Moody Street, from Orangethorpe Avenue to Bigelow Street.

Drug Emporium Closes - As a result of the bankruptcy of Big A Drugstores, the Drug Emporium recently closed in the Hannam Market center at La Palma Avenue and Moody Street. The City Council recently took action denying a Special Business Permit for a proposed Savers Thrift Store to locate in the vacant Drug Emporium building. City staff is currently working to attract a national type tenant to the site and to facilitate the redevelopment of the center.

The La Palma City Council has approved and an awarded a contract for the construction of new landscaped median islands along La Palma Avenue between Moody Street and Denni Street. Barring unforeseen weather circumstances, construction will commence between September 15, 2008 and January 15, 2009. The work will be conducted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During construction there may be lane restrictions, noise, dust, and potential detours. Once the project is completed the City will have landscape medians along 90% of La Palma Avenue and a new city-limit monument sign near Denni Street. If you have questions please contact the Public Works Department at (714) 690-3310.

Orange County is experiencing a peak in West Nile Virus activity with 36 infections and two deaths reported through August 28, more cases so far than in any year since 2004. West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It affects the central nervous system and can cause a potentially serious illness with varying symptoms.

The Orange County Health Care Agency is encouraging residents to take special care to avoid mosquito bites. To reduce your West Nile Virus risk you should: (1) apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin whenever you go outdoors; (2) wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors, whenever possible; and (3) avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, which are peak mosquito biting times.

Additionally, the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) recommends that you take these steps to reduce mosquito activity or interaction with your family: (1) eliminate any source of standing water you find at home, the work place, and anywhere else you spend time; (2) report any source of standing water that cannot be eliminated to OCVCD at (714) 971-2421; and (3) make sure door and window screens are properly installed and in good condition.

The Fall 2008 Activity Guide and La Palma City News is available for viewing. [View Activity Guide...]

The City has instituted an high-speed telephone emergency notification system(such as a missing child, evacuation notice, etc.). [Additional info...]

The City of La Palma, in cooperation with the City of Cypress is offering residents a Free Universal Waste Recycling Program. You might be wondering what Universal Waste (U-Waste) is, well U-Waste consists of things like batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, compact fluorescents (CFL’s), and any item containing mercury. These items were banned from the normal waste stream (trash) in 2006 and are considered hazardous to the environment if placed in a trash container.

Residents can pick-up small recycling bags for their household batteries and compact fluorescent (CFLs) bulbs at the following location:

• La Palma City Hall

You can also drop off batteries at the above location.

Residents can drop off their long fluorescent bulbs and CFL’s at the following locations in Cypress, Los Alamitos, La Palma, or Stanton:

• Ganahl Lumber, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
• Jiffy Lube, 4942 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA 90630
• Jiffy Lube, 3311 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
• True Value Hardware, 7612 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90608

Should you have any questions, please contact the Recycling Hotline at (714) 229-6747.

This program is funded by a grant from the County of Orange. [Additional info...]

New Walgreens Now Open - A new 13,000 square foot Walgreens has opened at the corner of La Palma Avenue and Valley View Street in the La Palma Convenience Center. The full-service store includes a pharmacy, photo, and a drive-thru. In conjunction with the development of the new Walgreens, the balance of the center is undergoing façade, signage, landscaping and parking lot improvements. The smaller Walgreens located at Walker and La Palma has closed with the opening of the new store. Walgreens plans to sell this property, although the potential use for this site is not yet known at this time.

Wachovia Bank Approved - The Planning Commission recently approved the construction of a 3,189 square foot Wachovia Bank located at the corner of Orangethorpe Avenue and Moody Street. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building will encompass a modern and “clean” looking architectural motif and extensive on-site landscaping. Construction is expected to begin in early 2009. As part of the development, a new raised landscaped center median will be constructed on Moody Street, from Orangethorpe Avenue to Bigelow Street.

Drug Emporium Closes - As a result of the bankruptcy of Big A Drugstores, the Drug Emporium recently closed in the Hannam Market center at La Palma Avenue and Moody Street. The City Council recently took action denying a Special Business Permit for a proposed Savers Thrift Store to locate in the vacant Drug Emporium building. City staff is currently working to attract a national type tenant to the site and to facilitate the redevelopment of the center.

The La Palma City Council has appropriated funds as part of the 7-year Street Rehabilitation Program to asphalt overlay (AO) or slurry seal (SS) various residential streets. The current year project area, includes the following streets:

Andrew Drive (5011-5082) -SS
Arroyo Circle -AO
Barbi Lane -AO
Berton Circle -AO
Black Star Lane -AO
Bluebird Lane -SS
Borrego Drive -AO
Carbon Circle -AO
Carolyn Circle -AO
Dana Drive -SS
Denise Circle -SS
Denni Street (North of La Palma Avenue) -AO
Donna Drive -AO
El Rancho Verde -AO
Houston Avenue (Frontage Road 5012-5082) -SS
Hummingbird Circle -SS
Indigo Drive -SS
Jennifer Circle -SS
Karen Circle -AO
Kathy Drive -AO
Kelly Circle -SS
Linda Lane -SS
Los Trancos Circle -AO
Louise Lane (7870-7999) -AO
Louise Lane (8000-8099) -SS
Lynn Circle -SS
Maroon Street -AO
Nancy Circle -SS
Norann Circle -SS
Patricia Circle -AO
Robin Drive -SS
Sandy Circle -AO
San Juan Drive -AO
Scott Circle -SS
Sharon Drive (4500-4999) -AO
Shirley Drive -SS
Sierra Circle -AO
Silverado Lane -AO
Swan Circle -SS
Trabuco Lane -SS
Trinity Lane -AO

On Monday, October 13, 2008, on behalf of the City of La Palma, All American Asphalt, Inc. will commence rehabilitation of the streets within the project area. The project will be completed in phases, with Temporary No Parking Signs being placed on streets in advance of scheduled road work. Residents and visitors may park on any street that is NOT posted with Temporary No Parking signs as well as on La Palma Avenue between Moody and Denni Streets or on Moody Street between La Palma and Houston Avenues (where the NO PARKING signs have been covered) for the duration of the project.

Streets that are scheduled for an asphalt overlay require preparation to retain slope, which includes the grinding of the pavement surface, from the gutter five feet towards the centerline of the street. On a later date, the whole street will then be overlaid with a rubberized asphalt hot mix. Streets that are scheduled for slurry seal will not require significant preparation work.

The City would appreciate if throughout the project, resident would not overwater landscaping or wash cars, which may cause street runoff that can damage the new roadway surface. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works department at (714) 690-3310.

Barring unforeseen weather circumstances, construction will commence between September 15, 2008 and January 15, 2009. The work will be conducted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During construction there may be lane restrictions, noise, dust, and potential detours. Once the project is completed the City will have landscape medians along 90% of La Palma Avenue and a new city-limit monument sign near Denni Street. If you have questions please contact the Public Works Department at (714) 690-3310.

La Palma celebrates its diverse heritage with La Palma Days. This annual tradition has been celebrated in our community for over 20 years, encouraging residents, business partners and friends to celebrate La Palma’s community spirit. [Additional info...]