Click here to read the Full report
LAGUNA LAKE BLOCK WALL REMOVAL
Fullerton’s Public Works Water Division led a team to successfully complete the removal of the Laguna Lake block wall.
This was an important project aimed at improving the flow of the area and enhancing the overall environment. Every division came together seamlessly to finish the entire task in just one day (December 17th), despite the short notice.
The removal of the block wall has already made a noticeable difference, significantly improving both the flow and the surrounding environment.
OC BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO VOTE ON CONTRIBUTING $25K TO FULLERTON FOR THE MOTEL WINTER VOUCHER PROGRAM
The City of Fullerton has launched a Motel Voucher Winter Program, an initiative aimed at providing temporary shelter to unsheltered residents during severe weather conditions. In partnership with the Hope Center, the program seeks to offer relief and protection to those most in need.
The City Manager has requested funding from the County of Orange. This support will help us continue our efforts to address homelessness and provide meaningful assistance during the colder months. The $25,000 will provide a total of $30,000.
EXPANDED WEEKEND VIEWING HOURS AT OC ANIMAL CARE!
In response to information gathered from OC Animal Care’s current hybrid operational model offering Daily Adoption Options, coupled with community interest and feedback, OC Animal Care will be expanding Viewing Hours on weekends as part of a six-month pilot project. Starting January 25, 2025, the shelter will be open daily for Adoption Visits from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Viewing Hours Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m., providing the community with additional viewing hours during peak visitation days.
Whether visitors are looking to adopt, foster, or foster-to-adopt, these expanded hours will provide more flexibility to visit and connect with a new best friend. For more information, visit OC Animal Care’s website.
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS
The City Clerk’s Office opened 49 public records requests and closed 68 public records requests between December 1st-31st, with an average close of 7.71 days.
New Business Registrations in the City of Fullerton
BNC DEVELOPMENT INC – CONTRACTOR – GENERAL – https://bncdev.com/
BOTAN BOWLS – RESTAURANT / EATING ESTABLISHMENT – 1034 E Bastanchury Rd, Fullerton
EXCELLENCE AWNINGS SERVICE – AWNINGS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE – 2488 Fender Ave k, Fullerton | (949) 520-0358
NOIR’S WINDOW TINT – AUTOMOTIVE WINDOW TINTING – 600 S Euclid St, Fullerton
SKIN SYNERGY BY RACHEL LLC – ESTHETICIAN @ OPTIMA SALON SUITES – 110 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton | (714) 600-6616
C&F CLEANING SERVICE LLC – COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICES – https://www.cfcleaningservices.com/
DEL TORO CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LLC – CONTRACTOR – GENERAL – (714) 267-1571
HOMESTYLE DONUTS – DONUT SHOP – 105 W Bastanchury Rd #A, Fullerton | 714-992-5105
EXCLUSIVE SPRINTER AIRPORT SERVICE LLC – ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE – TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – (657) 566-4178.
Water Billing Update
The City of Fullerton is transitioning to a new billing may have noticed that we’re experiencing some delays Here’s what you need to know:
- Longer Billing Periods: Current bills reflect a longer time period than usual, but water rates have not increased. The higher totals are due to the extended billing period.
- Temporary Adjustments: To help, we’ve expanded consumption tiers by 15,000 gallons, ensuring there are not any bills in higher tiers due to the delay.
- No Late Fees: No late fees have been applied to past-due bills since May 27, 2024, and this will continue through March 2025.
- Payment Plans: The City is now offering bi-weekly payment plans!
Housing
In December, the Home Improvement Program completed its final project of 2024. The scope of work included exterior painting, fence replacement, the installation of a central HVAC system, a full bathroom remodel, and complete electrical rewiring with a service panel upgrade.
COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY
The City of Fullerton Housing Division is preparing a Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. This plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the City’s annual allocation of federal funds. These funds aim to provide decent housing, create a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.
The Consolidated Plan will identify community needs, establish priorities, and set goals and objectives to address these needs over the next five years. To ensure the plan reflects community priorities, we are seeking public input on issues related to homelessness, housing, public services, economic development, and infrastructure. Our survey will help us understand the most pressing needs in our community. The survey can be found by clicking here!
BUILDING DIVISION YTD STATS
JULY 2024 – PRESENT
Planning
Planning staff will be initiating several Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) updates in response to recently approved state laws and to address Policy Action items called out in the Housing Element. These FMC updates relate to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), large group homes, emergency shelters, and modular homes, for example. The first batch of items will go to the Planning Commission in early February and will follow on to the City Council sometime thereafter.
Economic Development
The City’s Clean California Transit Enhancement project, funded by a grant, is approaching the final stages of installation and construction. Significant upgrades include new digital signage at the depot, featuring advanced Soofa Digital displays, enhanced landscaping, and meticulous paint finishing and restoration. The project also includes plaster rehabilitation to preserve the site’s historic integrity. All repairs have been conducted in accordance with U.S. Department of the Interior standards for
Nationally Registered Historic Sites, compliance, and historical preservation. ensuring the next project phase will feature public art at a prominent depot location, along with new benches, trash receptacles, planter boxes, and entry monument signs. Bike lane restriping around the depot will enhance connectivity to neighborhoods, and downtown. the station, nearby.
Also, the City wants to remind the community about our two upcoming partnership events:
Orange County In-Home Licensed Childcare Program Tickets, Wed, Jan 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite Female Founders Pitch & Prep Bootcamp Tickets, Fri, Feb 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite
- Webinar
January 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM Owner or Employee: Nail Salon Law Compliance in 2025 - Series
January 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM CA Shop Small - Webinar
January 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM Corporate Transparency Act -
Webinar
January 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM Export Readiness Assessment: Are You Prepared? - Webinar
January 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM Accelerating Business Growth
- Series
February 06, 2025 at 10:00 AM Beauty Boss (English and Vietnamese) - Webinar
March 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM Writing an Effective Business Plan - Webinar
February 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM Transform Your Small Business Marketing with Innovative Strategies
- Webinar
February 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM-International Pricing Strategies for Successful Global Expansion - Webinar
March 05, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Identify the Right Overseas Market for Your Product: How to Use Market Research to Guide Your Exports - Webinar
March 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM Export Compliance 101: Your Key to Global Trade
Fullerton Fire Department
LA LOOK BACK: THE JANUARY 7, 2025 FIRESTORM – FULLERTON FIRE’S RAPID RESPONSE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
On January 7, 2025, Santa Ana hurricane-force winds and abnormally dry conditions created the perfect storm, fueling one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. The devastating fires—the Palisades Fire (affecting Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Santa Monica Mts.)and the Eaton Fire (Altadena and Pasadena)—swept through communities quickly destroying over 10,000 structures and impacting 40,500 acres.
The Fullerton Fire Department was staffed and poised to respond to assist our neighbors. Station 4 deployed a fire engine with a Captain, an Engineer, and two Firefighters directly to the Palisades Fire as an immediate request, and thanks to strategic planning, an OES Type III strike team (1 Battalion Chief and Trainee who supervises (5) wildland fire engines) was prepositioned in Orange County, enabling for a rapid response. This particular strike team deployed to the Palisades Fire under the leadership of Deputy Chief Jon Fugitt and Battalion Chief Jordan Morris and included our wildland engine with a Captain, Engineer, and two Firefighters. Lastly, Battalion Chief Ismael Maturino and Costa Mesa Battalion Chief Tim Vasin supervising a strike team of (5) OES Type I fire engines were deployed to the Eaton Fire. All the Fullerton resources arrived on the scene during the first few hours of both incidents and witnessed unbelievable fire conditions. Thankfully, all (11) FFD members returned home safely on Saturday, January 18th and we appreciate all the members of the FFD who continued to staff all six fire stations throughout that unforgettable time.
It’s natural to want to help in the aftermath of such disasters. However, we urge community members to be cautious when donating money. Always take the time to verify organizations through trusted sources such as Charity Navigator, avoid scanning random QR codes, and thoroughly vet charities before contributing. Trusted organizations like the Red Cross and LA Works can connect your donations and volunteer efforts with those who need them most.
Be Prepared, Stay Ready!
Emergencies can happen anytime—are you ready? We encourage residents to act by joining our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training which equips you with the skills to protect yourself, your loved ones, and neighbors during a disaster. Make sure your home and workplace are prepared with exit plans, go-kits, and emergency supplies.
For more preparedness resources, visit http://www.prepareOC.org and take the first step in becoming disaster-ready today and check out our website for our upcoming CERT Academy being held in February.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING
Join the Fullerton Fire Department this February for the next round of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This exciting opportunity to gain essential, life-saving skills can make all the difference when emergency services are unavailable during a disaster.
Through hands-on training and teamwork, you’ll learn how to protect yourself and assist those around you when it matters most. Fullerton CERT focuses on the unique hazards our community faces, equipping you with the knowledge to identify risks and create effective action plans.
You’ll also discover how to better prepare your home, family, and workplace, ensuring you’re ready to respond swiftly and effectively in an emergency. Don’t miss this chance to become a vital part of your community’s preparedness and resilience!
We can’t predict emergencies but as a community, we can prepare. CERT Training consists of a combination of lecture, hands-on, and practical skill training to better equip and empower participants in building resilience in our community.
THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT!
Download the ReadyOC App to aid you in creating an emergency kit, creating a family emergency plan, and learning what to do before, during, and after a disaster.
5 NEW REGULAR EMPLOYEES JOINED THE CITY
- Administrative Services
Joshua Mcdevitt – Fiscal Operations Supervisor - Community and Economic Development
Fernando Torres – Community Outreach Specialist - Public Works
Carlos Garcia – Maintenance Worker
Rigo Garcia – Sr. Maintenance Worker I Justin Gonzalez – Sr. Maintenance Worker I
ONE-ON-ONE TECH SUPPORT AT THE LIBRARY!
Fullerton Public Library is pleased to present Tech Tutoring! Learn to use your computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or e-reader with one-on-one support from a real person in the comfort of the library. We can help with computer basics, Google and Microsoft features, e-books and audiobooks on the Libby app, the library website and catalog, and so much more. You can register for a free appointment by phone at (714) 738-6326, in person at the Ask Here desk, or via FPL’s website here. Please bring any relevant usernames, passwords, or devices.
Union Pacific Trail Update
Staff is pleased to share that 90% of plans for the Union Pacific Trail Phase II project are now complete. Staff is working diligently to finalize the design and prepare for the plan check process. Our goal is to take the construction contract out to bid following the plan check process, bringing us closer to delivering much-needed improvements to this valued community space.
Tuesday Morning Trail Hikes are back!
Our senior hikers started out another 6-week series with a walk around Laguna Lake and along the Juanita Cook Trail. Upcoming walks include Parks Trail/Bastanchury Park, Panorama Point, Tri-city Park, and Nora Kuttner Trail. Led by Parks and Rec Coordinator Aimee Aul, Tuesday Morning Trail Hikes average 1 to 1.5 miles and feature a different trail or park every week.
Independence Park Update
The City of Fullerton has received a $1,000,000 direct allocation from the state budget, secured through the advocacy of State Senator Thomas Umberg, to support the “South Fullerton Community Recreation Center Rehabilitation” project at Independence Park Gymnasium. These funds will enable key renovations, including resurfacing the gym floors, fumigating the building, remodeling staff offices and classrooms, refurbishing restrooms, and replacing various equipment, with the goal of reopening the gymnasium by 2025.
This funding represents the first step in the larger Independence Park Master Plan, which aims to revitalize the park as a dynamic community space. Recently, the Independence Park pool fence project was completed, marking progress toward improving the park’s facilities. The City is also planning additional community engagement efforts to gather feedback and ensure the park’s redesign aligns with the needs and priorities of Fullerton residents. These efforts will guide the creation of a modern, inclusive park that meets the community’s recreational needs.
Fullerton Police Department CITIZENS’ ACADEMY
The Fullerton Police Department invites you to join our next Citizens’ Academy, which starts March 12, 2025.
The FPD Citizens’ Academy will allow you to see firsthand the inner workings of your police department. During this 10-week course, you will be exposed to the many aspects of police work in your community. Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Fullerton Police Department, how we are organized, how we serve the community, and how the people behind the badge respond when citizens call for assistance from the police.
This course is not meant to train people to be police officers. Instead, it is intended to open communication between the community and law enforcement. Instructors are drawn from all levels of the department. Students will meet our Police Chief and Police Captains, Bureau Commanders, Patrol Officers, Detectives, Dispatchers, and other department staff members. We encourage participants to ask questions and discuss issues relevant to the topics presented. One of the primary goals of the FPD Citizens’ Academy is to increase understanding between our citizens and their police department and build a strong and long-lasting relationship. Each academy participant will also have an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer.
Classes are on Wednesday nights from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sign up today! Eligibility requirements:
- Live, work, or go to school in Fullerton
- Minimum age 21 years
- No outstanding warrants, no pending criminal cases, and no felony convictions
Applications are available at the front desk during business hours. For further details or to receive an application via email, contact P.S.R. Jasmine Valadez Cruz at (714)738-3147 or Jasmine.Valadez.Cruz@fullertonpd.org.
Public Works GRANT SUMMARY
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING UPDATE
Orangethorpe Avenue was recently rejuvenated through mill & overlay, and slurry seal treatments. Once the road rehabilitation was completed, Orangethorpe Avenue was then restriped. The limits of work were west of State College Boulevard to east of Placentia Avenue, approximately 0.4 miles. When you have a minute, please feel free to drive out there and see it for yourself!
The Harbor Boulevard Pilot Innovative Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Study seeks to improve the overall efficiency of transit systems, reduce congestion, and enhance the reliability of public transportation, benefiting both transit riders and overall traffic flow. If successful, this study could lead to the implementation of similar solutions on other OCTA routes throughout the county. The pilot will leverage existing infrastructure to implement a cloud-based TSP and various detection technologies at nine signalized intersections in the City of Fullerton.
In this prototype area, the project will evaluate the selected solutions to identify cost-effective operational or capital improvement strategies that can be implemented within the available public right-of-way and within an implementation plan that identifies short-, medium–, and long-term projects.
REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM PROJECTS
Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (RTSSP) projects aim to improve and enhance signalized intersection and freeway interchanges along multi-jurisdictional corridors. Recognized improvements include fuel savings, reductions in greenhouse gasses and other harmful emissions, reductions in travel times, and reductions in average number of stops.
Euclid Street RTSSP
The City of La Habra is serving as lead agency with this multi-jurisdiction (La Habra, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and Caltrans) project which will ensure more effective movement along Euclid Street for 136 intersections, approximately 17 miles, from La Habra Boulevard (in the City of La Habra) through to the 405 Ramps (in the City of Fountain Valley). Plans, specifications, and engineering estimates (PS&E package) are currently underway and about to be wrapped up. Once the PS&E package is completed, construction bidding will begin and the work will finally begin.
State College Boulevard RTSSP
The City of Anaheim is leading the charge and has submitted an application to OCTA for a multi-jurisdiction (Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, and Caltrans) project which will ensure more effective movement along State College Boulevard for 58 intersections, approximately 11.3 miles, from Cliffwood Avenue (in the City of Brea) through to The City Drive/Garden Grove Boulevard (in the City of Orange). The results of the applications are expected to be announced in April/May 2025. If successful, plans will begin to be developed with an anticipated schedule of 18 months to begin construction.
Harbor Boulevard RTSSP
The City of Fullerton is serving as lead agency with this multi-jurisdiction (Fullerton, La Habra, and Caltrans) project and will be awarding a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric for the construction portion of this project at the upcoming City Council meeting in February. Construction is anticipated to being in February/March 2025 and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Yorba Linda Boulevard/Weird Canyon Road RTSSP
The City of Yorba Linda is serving as lead agency with this multi-jurisdiction (Fullerton, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and Anaheim) project which will ensure more effective movement along Euclid Street for 47 intersections, approximately 11 miles, from State College Boulevard (in the City of Fullerton) through to Oak Canyon Drive (in the City of Anaheim). Plans, specifications, and engineering estimates (PS&E package) are currently underway and about to be wrapped up. Once the PS&E package is completed, construction bidding will begin and the work will finally begin.
EUCLID STREET & ROSECRANS AVENUE SIGNAL MODIFICATION
Construction work is already underway at Euclid Street and Rosecrans Avenue for the Pines housing project. In addition to the housing, traffic signal modifications will also take place. Traffic signals will be replaced, pedestrian push buttons with audible technology will be added, and timing will be adjusted to ensure that this intersection is working as efficiently as possible and keeping all roadway users moving along swiftly.
CITY HALL DIRECTORY
- ADMIN SERVICES 714-738-6537
- AIRPORT 714-738-6323
- BUSINESS REGISTRATION 714-738-6531
- CITY ATTORNEY 714-446-1400
- CITY CLERK 714-738-6350
- CITY COUNCIL 714-738-6311
- CITY MANAGER 714-738-6310
- CODE ENFORCEMENT 714-738-6553
- COMMUNITY DEVEL 714-738-6541
- COMMUNITY CENTER 714-738-6575
- FIRE DEPARTMENT 714-738-6500
- HOUSING 714-738-6544
- HUMAN RESOURCES 714-738-6361
- LIBRARY 714-738-6388
- MUSEUM 714-738-3338
- PARKS AND REC 714-738-6575
- POLICE 714-738-6800
- PUBLIC INFORMATION 714-738-6317
- PUBLIC WORKS—MAINT. 714-738-6897
- PUBLIC WORKS—ENG. 714-738-6845
Share this:
Discover more from Fullerton Observer
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: Local Government, Local News
This is great. I hope future City Manager reports are always published in the Observer. They are informative but a little difficult to find, and I don’t believe there’s an email option, so one must always navigate to the city website to try to find them. Having them on the Observer makes them much easier to access.