Prediction fulfilled: 2016 shapes up as politically contentious year for City Council, water board

As predicted in my Jan. 1 column, this year is shaping up as one of Yorba Linda's most politically contentious 12-month periods on record, with voters poised to make key decisions regarding the community's future in both the June primary and November general elections.

The November results could remold the makeup and direction of the City Council and the Yorba Linda Water District, while the June outcome could cement the council's influence in county Republican Party politics.

Council incumbents Gene Hernandez and Craig Young already are raising money for re-election races, and both have endorsed Tara Campbell for a third seat scheduled for the Nov. 8 election ballot.

The first-time candidate also is supported by council members Peggy Huang and Tom Lindsey for the seat now held by 20-year Councilman Mark Schwing, who is not expected to seek a sixth term when filing begins mid-July.

Campbell, a 2015 USC graduate, chairs the city's Parks and Recreation Commission. She was named to the panel last year, after council voted 4-1 to vacate the 20 positions on four commissions. Most sitting commissioners were reappointed, but a few critics were replaced.

Campbell already is on the June ballot for Republican voters as one of 15 candidates for six positions on the county GOP central committee representing Yorba Linda, Placentia, Brea and La Habra. Twelve of the contenders, including five incumbents, are from Yorba Linda.

Two of Campbell's council endorsers, Hernandez and Huang, now serve on the committee, and Young is also running for election to the body. The group grooms Republicans to seek elective offices and makes endorsements in council, school trustee and water board races.

Meanwhile, opponents of recent pricing actions in the Yorba Linda Water District are still seeking a minimum of 9,520 signatures on each of two petitions to qualify a recall of two second-term directors, Bob Kiley and Gary Melton, for a future ballot.

Petitioners hope to time signature submissions so a recall ballot can be combined with the Nov. 8 election, which will include balloting on positions now held by 24-year director Mike Beverage and 12-year director Ric Collett.

A consolidated election could cost an extra $58,000 to $74,000 and an estimated $65,100 to $98,000 to verify petition signatures, according to figures from the county Registrar of Voters.

The Yorba Linda Taxpayers Association lists pro-recall arguments at ylta4yl.org, while an anti-recall group posts at CitizenstoProtectOurWater.com. The groups also host Facebook pages.

The taxpayers group is expected to endorse two replacement candidates, if a recall makes the ballot, and two candidates in the general election, aiming for a four-vote board majority.

And, since the group criticizes council decisions on development, landscaping, Town Center and other issues, it is expected to endorse candidates to oppose Campbell, Hernandez and Young.