Yorba Linda: A look-back at 2019 people, events

A look-back at people and events for 2019 in Yorba Linda:

Saddest civic loss: Longest-serving City Councilman (30 years) and Mayor (5 years) Hank Wedaa, an unwavering low-density, measured-growth advocate for the city, died at age 95.

Best law enforcement news: The city pays the third-lowest per-capita cost for police services ($178.41) of the county's 34 cities (range $156.50 to $802.75), based on a recent survey.

Longest wait for historic restoration: An often-stymied, $1 million renovation of the Trueblood home behind Polly's restaurant received council approval, with completion scheduled for Fall.

Most significant academic honor: The College Board named Placentia-Yorba Linda school district to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll for increased participation in AP coursework.

Best scholarly achievement: International Baccalaureate's diploma pass rate at Valencia High School hit 96% under coordinator Fred Jenkins, a Valencia High and Harvard University grad.

Most animal care dollars: The council budgeted a new high of $333,000 for OC Animal Care services, with a focus on licensing more of the city's estimated 14,760 dogs.

Best transportation decision: The return of scheduled bus service on Yorba Linda Boulevard to and from Town Center after years of the popular route 26 stopping at the city's west border.

Worst transportation decision: Not restoring service to and from Fairmont Boulevard for students and workers who used route 26 to travel to schools and jobs in Placentia, Fullerton.

Least unexpected news: The city made plans to hire new employees – 5 full-time equivalents this year and 6.8 next year – mostly for Town Center, library and arts center positions.

Most surprising political news: The city's number of registered Republican voters dipped below 50%, with the GOP now 49.9%, Democrats 23.1% and no party preference 22.7%.

Most hopeful endeavor: Peggy Huang is the first sitting council member to seek a seat in Congress, though John Gullixson ran in a 1988 primary before he was elected to council.

Fastest change of mind: Supporters of an online K-12 charter school withdrew a petition for recognition before Placentia-Yorba Linda trustees could set a public hearing on the matter.

Best compromise: Developer of 84-acre Cielo Vista high-end housing tract addressed the many concerns raised by the vigilant Protect Our Homes and Hills organization.

Best pro-active effort: City officials participated in early stages of the state's Regional Housing Needs Assessment process that will assign housing planning numbers to the city for 2021-29.

Next-best pro-active effort: Officials commissioned a 374-page traffic flow study for an In-N-Out Burger restaurant expected to open in 2021 on land now occupied by the library.

Most notable volunteers: Dedicated teachers and aides use mobile classrooms for released-time Christian education in 21 local elementary schools, building on 66 years of service.