Best and sometimes not-so-best for 2013

Yorba Linda winds up 46 years as an incorporated city this year, with notable achievements and, on occasion, less meritorious acts. Here's part one of my annual listing of the best and sometimes not-so-best for 2013:

Best financial news: Projections of the city's tax and fee income are trending upward--a sure sign of a general economic recovery--led by higher property and sales tax revenue and more fees from building and plan checks, while interest earned on investments remains low.

Best heart's-in-the-right-place endeavor: Fiesta Days volunteers were financially unable to hold a parade this year, but November's Red Shirt Run drew 110 participants in the group's second annual 5K, with fundraising already underway for the parade's return in 2014.

Best centennial celebrations: Both the public library and Chamber of Commerce feted 100 years of service to the residential and business communities with innovative programming.

Most forgotten City Council action: A 1968 council vote declaring Yorba Linda a bird sanctuary was finally acknowledged this year by the city installing four roadway signs with Western Blue-bird profiles, symbols of the 101-year-old Women's Club, which paid for the cost of the signs.

Least conservative City Council vote: Again authorized for council members a “defined benefit” pension plan with the Public Employees Retirement System based on members' $500 monthly pay plus a “defined contribution” plan with $1,020 monthly deposited to 401(k)-type accounts.

Best start for pension reform: On July 1, city workers began contributing 2.5 percent of pay for pensions, with the city picking up the rest of the 7 percent employee contribution and a nearly 14 percent employer portion. Employees received a 3 percent pay hike that started in January.

Best (maybe “worst” is a more suitable term) example of ignoring due diligence: The failed Friends Christian High School project cost church developers nearly $13 million, while city losses in lease revenue totaled more than $1 million, under a never-properly vetted contract.

Most misstated statistic: The city's housing needs set by the Southern California Association of Governments for 2014-21 require providing opportunities for 669 units for all income levels, not just low-income, since 270 units are designated for “above moderate” income households.

Earliest election announcement: Tom Lindsey, winner of a City Council seat with running-mate John Anderson in 2010, is the first declared candidate for the governing body in 2014, although he probably won't be endorsed by Anderson, Mark Schwing and YLRRR this time around.

Best spirit of cooperation: After decades of standoffish relations, elected officials from the city and the Yorba Linda Water District began quarterly meetings to discuss mutual problem areas.

Best renaissance of a city institution: After 30 years in a couple of tabloid formats, the Yorba Linda Star returned to a full broadsheet appearance as the weekly paper began its 96^th year.

Next week: Part two of Yorba Linda's hits and misses for 2013.