Quick Links
City Council Minutes 1998-2010
City Council Minutes - See the minutes for past meetings 1998 - 2009
Note: Detailed City Council minute were discontinued in Dec 2008, over residents objections.
Planning Commission Minutes 1998-2010
Planning Commission Minutes - Minutes for 1998-2010
*Use our server copy when City website is down, then confirm later with city in case of changes.
See the OLD Municipal Code, 2000 Grading and Zoning version, here
This Code was valid through 2006, not many/any changes from 2000 version
See the La Habra Heights Fire Dept Map, which shows driveways, hydrants and pools.
Scanning courtesy of FireWatch
Interesting History of
La Habra Heights
City and Other Government Info
City of La Habra Heights Web Site
The City Staff and Officials
County, State, & Federal Elected Representatives
To All Los Angeles County Information
Information about the Wildlife Corridor Authority
California State Home Page
School Information
Lowell Joint School District
Fullerton Joint Union High School District
Whittier Union High School
Earthquake Links
See a list of the most recent California earthquakes with times, locations, & magnitudes or See a Map of recent quakes
See The Latest Map Of Seismic Hazard Zones
Caltech
Plants
Find out what are the best types of low water use plants to grow
California Native Plant Society
Fullerton Arboretum - Native Plant Sale Each Fall Too
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Xeriscaping: Establishing a Water Efficient Landscape
California Rare Fruit Growers
All you ever wanted to know about Avocados
BeWaterWise, including Fire Safe Low Water Use Plants and Trees
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Recent Issues
See Whittier Daily News video showing where Richard Nixon lived in the Whittier area, including
1st home after marriage in La Habra Heights, a recently sold house on Encanda Dr - Feb 2012
November 8, 2012 - Carl Westerhoff Announces He Will NOT Seek Re-Election
Woman Put to Floor, Handcuffed & Arrested for Exceeding 3 Minutes Speaking at Council Meeting - LA Times Story
City Council Chooses Jane Williams as new Member - watch interviews and choice
Improvement Association Editor/Council Candidate Michael Higgins shocks many saying,
"I hate the Brown Act" (Open Meeting Law)
City Council to Appoint New Member Oct 2012
Residents Receive Decreased Property Tax Bills Today
Result of Defeat of Tripled Road Tax in August - Oct 2012
Edison Now Proposes Big Orange Balls and Red Flashing Lights
For Huge 20 Story Tall Towers & Power Lines to be built on City Ridgeline
Will City Council do Anything?
No they didn't
See page 174 of Report for Map of Balls & Lights - Sep 12
September 13, 2012
Councilmember Vipperman Announces Resignation Effective October 11th
Councilmember Carroll Announces He Will Not Run for Re-Election
Habitat Authority Aug 30 2012 Draft Letter to City Manager
Announcing End to Weed Clearance. See Letter See Avocado Express Story
Habitat Board Continued Item. No LHH Officials Present or Responding
See L.A. County Counsel Opinion - proposed type change "would create chaos"
Habitat Authority to Discontinue Weed Clearance
Responsibility to be Passed to Adjacent Property Owners
70 Properties Affected in LHH - Possible Public Meeting
In the Works Since November 2011 - City Council Silent
State Law Change May Affect Weed Clearance Citywide
See Draft Brochure - See Background Info From March (page 15+) (note timeline changed)
Aug 2012
Road Tax Defeated 2-1 Margin
657 NO! - 341 Yes
City Official Admits Public Oversight of Road Tax is Not Wanted
"We want to do city business without disruption" -August 2012 Read Whittier Daily News Article
Incriminating Records Releases Lead to new City Council
Crackdown & Stonewall Policy to Delay Records Requests!
"When a customer wants a copy of a record (even one that's readily available) require them to fill out the form and turn it in to the City Clerk. Their request will be placed on the bottom of the stack and will be fulfilled in the order received. "
August 2012
City Launches Coverup of Council Wrongdoing at July 2012 Meeting
Cable Broadcast of Meeting Censored to Remove Offenses
City Resources Used for Road Tax Ballot Measure Advocacy
DA to Investigate?
Has Improvement Association Jeopardized 501c3 Status by
Publishing One-Sided Political Advocacy of Controversial Road Tax?
Do July & August Heights Life "Mayor's Column" Run Afoul of the Law by Advocating for
Passage of Controversial Tripled Roads Tax?
August 2012 See starting on page 17
$600 Road Tax Ballot Mail-In Election Underway
$527 1st Year, $593 by 5th
Tripled From Current $173 per year
Informational Flyer theAvocadoExpress.com - here
July 2012
Corruption can leave cities with enormous legal bills - LA Times Article
LHH Ranks #6 of 88 in L.A. County in % of Budget for Legal Costs - Just below #5 Vernon - April 2012
 Council Kill Switch to Shut Off Residents is Back!!
Read DA Letter on Why Muting Residents May be Illegal April 2012
Did the Mission to Prevent Possible City Council Brown Act Violation
Expose a Second One?
Watch Brief Video of Mar 8, 2012 Incident with Sheriff Confronting Cameraman and
Council Members Slipping into Locked Back Room - Link
THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES!! - see agenda
City Council to Discuss in Closed Session Thursday March 8, 2012
Real or Ruse? Should you be worried? - Story
World Renowned Big Rock, "Levitated Mass", Will be at Buttonwood Av & Pathfinder Rd in Rowland Heights Over Weekend
Biggest Rock Ever Moved in Modern Times. Might Be Worth a Look - Feb 2012 Link
Sheriff Dept & LHH Fire Marshal Respond to Feb 14, 2012 Water Board Meeting
Board President Objects to Camera Placement at Meeting on Rate Increase Study & Wheeling Agreement
Read Story & See Video
Roads Committee Member Names go from "State Secret" to Front Page News
as City enters New Tax Phase
Dick Caslow, Bruce Douglas, Ray Fernandez, Kyle Miller, & John Smith - Feb 2012
 Just Released City Documents Reveal Faceless Secret Committees Influencing
City Policies, Spending, Fees & Fines on Residents
- Read Documents & Story (updated 12/30/11)
Breaking News! - Two Secret Committee Members Revealed
City Manager Confirms. Jeffrey Heintz, Greg Stefflre - Story
Breaking - City Accidentally Reveals Another Secret Safety Committee Member, Cathy Houwen!
3 Revealed, 4 to Go -Feb 2012 Updated Story
3 More Secret Committee Members Uncovered!
Are Members Paid by the City?
Faith Grimm, Sue Ferguson & Phil Emery
Will Last 1 Come Forward Before Being Found?
Please Contact Us if You Know
Government Should Not Be Behind Closed Doors
Next to Find Out - What Do They Do?, When & Where Do They Meet? Mar 2012
 Final Secret Committee Member Uncovered!
Joyce Jensen
Story May 2012
Brown Act Violation?
Water Board Continues to Meet after adjournment and departure of Public
A Resident Earlier Asked them, "What are you trying to hide?" - Dec 2011 Video
Say NO! to new Roads Assessment until Real Resident Oversight Returns, and Council Holds Contractors Accountable for Poor Workmanship - 2012
Long Time Residents Ensnared in Council "Weed Abatement" Crackdown
Note: "Weed" abatement includes weeds, trees, vehicles, code violations
in buildings, & other things you wouldn't expect - Aug 2011 More
50+ year resident gets Violation Notice about compost piles even though General Plan says to encourage composting and Council said compost was OK - July 2011 More Details
You Can't Win. 40+ year Resident reports lower tree branches cut to meet Weed Abatement dictates, then gets Violation Notice because RV is now visible!! Aug 2011 Read more
Roadside Clearance Mystery Deepens
What is it For? Arbitrary Enforcement? - Aug 2011 Story
Weed Abatement Horror Stories - Here 
Keep Sending Them to Us. It will encourage your neighbors to Speak Up for change. July 2011
Be sure and keep your house and yard clean, City could forcibly invade without notice any time.
Read chilling Search Warrant, recently executed, for powers the city has.
March 2011
Developing Story - City Codes Require Residents to Have Mulch
as Fire Chief Bans it. Residents Confused? June 2011 - Story
City Council Comes Down HARD on Community Under Guise of "Weed Abatement"
Special Meeting Reveals Wood Mulch Banned. A Property in Compliance Today May Fail Tomorrow -June 2011 Read
Story"Undercover Chief" May 2011 - See the Fire Chief's $48k Unmarked City Vehicle
3 Acre +/- Brush Fire Burns Hill above Leucadia Dr on May 5, 2011
Story, Pictures & Video
City Council Votes to Disband Parks & Rec at Special Meeting on
April 14, 2011 - Story
Parks & Rec Votes to Disband at Special April 12, 2011 Meeting - Story
With Property Valuations Falling, a Shrinking Population, City Reserves Used for Basic Services, Residents Forced to Subsidize Developers, a Council "War on Animal Keeping" and a Crackdown on Residents,
Will the New Council be able to Turn it Around?
Whittier Daily News gives La Habra Heights City Website a Grade of "D" March 2011- See Article
City Releases 2011 Election Precinct Map Two Days After Election
Better Late Than Never? See it Here
| Roy Francis |
617 |
| Howard Vipperman |
598 |
| Larry Black |
518 |
| Phil Lough |
423 |
Congratulations to Roy Francis
& Howard Vipperman
Thanks to All the Candidates for Running
Improvement Association Attacks Resident at Annual Public Meeting; Sheriffs Respond - See All Stories.
Updated Dec 13 2010 - Just Released Federal Documents raise questions of City Council
Reduction of Fire Service & Upcoming Tax increases
"The City is laboring under increasing revenue shortfalls, and having to draw from reserves just to provide basic city services." - Story
At January CC meeting City Manager Shauna Clark said Code Enforcement hearing tape would be released to the public. City now says NO! Jan 2011
City Council Breaks Law - Sidelines Planning Commission
Redevelopment Agenda Proceeds Unhindered - Story
See 20 Years of LHH Assessed Property Values (as mentioned in November 2010 Newsletter)
Barber, Hinz & Shackelford Win Lowell Joint School Board 2010 Election- Results
City Breaks the Law AGAIN
State Says City 2008 Adopted Amendments to State Building and Grading Codes "Illegal and Unenforceable"
Exclusive Interview - Assessor's Office Says $73M Decline in Assessed Property Values "Not a Mistake"
Breaking News - Residents Staggered by Vipperman-Baroldi Record $73 million Property Value Decline. City Manager Says Assessor Made a Mistake - Story Sep 10
City Property Values Decline by Most Amount in History
Council Code Changes & Laissez Faire Development Hit Property Values
Heights Is Number 7 in Property Value Decline in L.A. County after Compton & Inglewood - Story Sep 10
Council Crackdown Hits Disabled Kids
Golf Carts before People - Story Sep 10
KFI Tower Nightime White Strobe Lights are Temporary While Red is Being Repaired Sep 2010- Story
New City Hall Expansion Plans Hide Staff from Residents, Wastes Your Money - Aug 2010 Story
"Black Ops" City Council Meeting - Have there been others? May 2010 Story
State Rejects City Low Income Housing Plan - They want Sewers Installed, Timeline, and more Apr 10- See the State Letter Here
Recent Federal Filing Suggests Improvement Association a PAC? May 10 story
New Fire Dormitory on Shaky Ground? May 10 - Story
Fire Department Protection Rating Falls Under Council Redevelopment Focus Apr 10 - story here
The Manure Hits the Council's "War on Animal Keeping" June 2010 - Story
No Relief - Crackdown on Public Comment increases under Mayor Baroldi May 2010- Story
Details for Newsletter "Creative Accounting for Fire Tax" Story May 2010- Here
Council Approves $31,000 "Giveaway" to Road Contractor & $2,700 for La-Z-Boys, then Calls for Multiple Tax Increases April 2010 - Story
Protest Against Council's Revelopment Agenda's "War on Animal Keeping" - See Flyer
May 2010
Code Changes to Increase Building & Foster Redevelopment with 2nd units and high density housing
Approved at City Council Meeting
November 12, 2009.
 
Longtime Resident and Community Leader Margarita McCoy Blasts Proposed Code Changes
Uncommon Bird Visits the Heights, June 2009
Blackthroated MagpieJay
Avocado Festival 2009
Saturday May 16, 2009
Spring 2009
La Habra Heights in Springtime
New Strategy to Bring Urban Estates to the Heights?
Ray Fernandez echoes National Association of Homebuilders 2008 "Threat" Letter to the City
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City Council Election 2013 Election Results and Stories
Vote Totals after Canvass
March 7, 2013
| Total Ballots Cast |
1376 |
| Council |
|
| Michael Higgins |
735 |
| Kyle Miller |
613 |
| Chester Jeng |
557 |
| George Edwards |
482 |
| Brian Bergman |
774 |
|
|
| Measure A -Gann Limit |
|
| Yes |
748 |
| No |
519 |
| Measure B - Oil Tax* |
|
| Yes |
644 |
| No |
623 |
|
|
After announcing they were leaving City last year
Vippermans sign affidavits saying they now live in the City - Mar 2013
Read Whittier Daily News Article on Chester Jeng Record Spending
What is a Seat on City Council Worth?
Is "Fiscal Responsibility" in Campaign Spending an Indicator of Council Spending?
Candidate Chester Jeng Spent Record $19,000 thru Feb 16
Almost Double All Other Candidates Combined - See Jeng's Spending Report Excerpt
See other Reports: Bergman Spent $1123, Edwards $3010, Miller $4080, Higgins $3216
Senders of "Hit Piece" Mailer against candidate Edwards include
Supporters and Nomination Paper Signers of candidates Miller, Higgins & Jeng.
1717 Chota Rd return address is former? Vipperman home.
February 2013
 League of Women Voters Forum February 12, 2013 - All Candidates Show Up
Brian Bergman Touts Record and Experience
George Edwards Opposes New Taxes and $2 million City Hall Expansion
Michael Higgins Reverses Position on Open Government (now favors it), Admits Paid for Heights Life
Chester Jeng Emphasizes Bringing Back VOPs. Suggests La Habra Help Pay to Fix Our Roads.
Kyle Miller Proposes New Trash Tax. Has Prepared Answers for Most Questions, which he reads
See Whittier Daily News story on "No Show" candidates to Candidate Forum
February 2013
Just in - Video of Candidates CPGP Forum
Hear the Questions & See the Voters that 4 Candidates Would Not Face
Measure B Will REDUCE Your Oil Royalty Payments
See Oil Association Letter Provided to City Council but Not Discussed or Revealed to the Public.
Council Could Have Negotiated Oil Tax Increase Sparing Royalties, But Chose Not To - Feb 13
4 Candidates No Shows at February 5, 2013 Candidates Forum, Canceling at Last Minute
Room Full of Voters Disappointed and Feeling Disrespected by Them
Candidate George Edwards Answers all Questions and
Takes Uncensored Questions From Audience
Councilmember Williams asks, "Is there a tax you would support?"
Successful June 30, 2012 Car Show - 94 Cars of All Kinds
Residents Sad at Last Days of Waste Management Trash Pick-up
Thanks for Good Service & Cheerful Employees!
Hello Dumpster Divers?
June 30, 2012
Fatal Avocado Disease Found in La Habra Heights - May 2012
Asian "Tea Shot Hole Borer" found in Avocado and other trees
Whittier Daily News Story --- Los Angeles Times Story
U.C. Riverside Information Sheet -- More UCR info -- Details & Pictures
Waste Management to Cease Trash Pick-Up on June 3, 2012
City Council Directs Staff to Mandate Residents to Use Haul-A-Way
May 7, 2012 - Lowell Joint Schools $76 Million Estimate for Modernization Revealed by Consultant
Bond Measure to Pay For It Coming in November?
Council Touts Property Value Benefit of Roads Assessment, However State Constitution Article 13D Says
"General enhancement of property value does not constitute "special benefit.""
April 2012 - New $500+ Per Year Roads Tax
This is on Top of $266 Per Year 70% of Residents are Still Paying for 1997 Project
$10,000 of Your Money to be spent on Marketing Plan to convince you to Vote Yes
Ballots to Be Mailed Just as You Leave for Summer Vacation
Current Tax $173 - Almost 200% Increase
Special Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th 5:00 p.m. - See Staff Report
If you Vote "Yes" They Will be Back for New Police Tax and
Increased Fire Tax
City Council Offers Phone-In Time For Resident Comment at Council Meetings
Not in LHH, but in Beverly Hills April 2012
Watch April 12, 2012 Water Board Meeting on Rate Hike & Wheeling Deal - Here.
Board Pres Won't Let Residents Speak. Attorney Says He Has To
Watch 1st Ever Live Water Board Broadcast - Watch Excerpt
See Board Pres Threaten Resident and Call Concerns Over Leaking New Tank "Farcical, Unbelievable", "Bordering on Crazy". Refers to New Tank as "Almost Perfect"
March 27, 2012
 St. Patrick's Day Raid - One Year Anniversary
Animals Long Gone. City Still Prosecuting
CM Shauna Clark, "The goal of Code Enforcement is compliance." Huh? March 2012
L.A. County Approves Mar 2012 Plan for 830+ Miles of Bikeways - Story
LHH Goes Other Way with Bikes Banned from Park & City Hall - Story
 New 2 Million Gallon Water Tank Empty Over a Month
Why? Left Open as "Critter Den"?Feb 2012
Views Taken Seriously
5,000 Square Foot Home Demolished for Blocking View & Sunlight in Seaside Community - Feb 2012 Story
 Secret Park & Rec Committee Reportedly Seen Meeting at Marie Callender's January 18, 2012 - More to Follow
 Warning!! - Edison Going Through Community to Install "Smart" Meters.
You Can Say NO - for now.
New Meters Can Disconnect Power for non-Payment Jan 2012 - Story
New City Hall Coming? Dec 2011
Read $20,000 Report on Condition of City Buildings - See Report & Story
Chino Hills Successful Opposition to 200' high Power Lines in Nov 2011 LA Times Story
La Habra Heights City Council continues to do ......... Nothing
City of Chino Hills Holds Large Protest Rally & Press Conference Against Power Lines
City of La Habra Heights Does...... Well..... Nothing 2011 - Story
City Council Votes Against Open Space
Reducing Property Values and Saleability As
National Park Service Wants to Include Parts of LHH in National Recreational Area- Oct 11
Water Board Election Results - November 8th
| Candidate |
Vote by Mail |
In Person |
Hand in & Late VBM |
Nov 18 Update |
Total |
| Judy Hathaway-Francis |
112 |
169 |
41 |
3 |
325 |
| Pam McVicar |
406 |
319 |
61 |
15 |
801 |
| Mark Perumean |
383 |
312 |
48 |
15 |
758 |
| Robert Wilson |
408 |
290 |
60 |
12 |
770 |
Would the Easter Bunny Approve?
LHHIA website link gives residents a shocking sight, unsuitable for young eyes
Is this negligence or desperation for new members?
See other's comments, or add your own, on Topix
Link finally fixed 8/18/11
City Responds to Residents' Concerns with new Draft Fire Clearance Guidelines
Update: July 5 2011 - City Wants YOUR comments on them - Story
Read a great letter from Heights Residents to City Council - here
Everyone needs to participate to end the over-reaching weed abatement
La Habra Heights Fire Watch Takes on City Weed Abatement Program -June 2011 Story
City of Malibu, somewhat familiar with Fire, Gives Mulch Away FREE to Residents as part of Brush Program June 2011- Read Here
See List of About 130 Residences with Roadside Clearance Violations in January 2011
See 2011-12 Sheriff Contract. Service Cut to about 15 Hours Per Day - Story
Back Room Discussion with Sheriff Dept Averted. Sheriff Service Slashed. Story Sep 2011
Council Demands Roadside Vegetation Devoid "Moonscape"
Sheriff Dept Service Cuts Finance Additional "Weed Abatement" Personnel -Aug 2011 Story
Council Votes that Residents Must Subsidize Builders with $80,000 per year so
City can get $900 per year in additional taxes. Crazy? You decide - Sep 2011 Story
City Spending Binge Unabated
Cuts to Sheriff Service to Finance Latest Buys - Aug 2011 Story
"They're Back....."
Parks and Rec Resurfaces after supposed Disbandment - July 2011 Story
"The City Council is trying to make La Habra Heights "Irvine North" and we do not want that. Do you hear us City Council?" - June 2011 Link
Crackdown Seige on Residents does not rest even after Council tells Staff to give residents more time
"We just received a Roadside Clearance letter that gives us one week to comply or be fined. I hope no one plans on going on vacation this summer for more than a few days.." - August 2011 Story
 Roadside Clearance & Entire Lot Clearance Remain as Major Issues -July 2011 Story
What is City Trying to Hide?
Public & Press Asked to Leave Immediately After Meetings - May 2011 Story
See the City Council describe what they are looking for in Roadside Clearance from April 2009
WMV | Quicktime
See City Notice of Roadside Violation
 City Reveals "Sgt. Schultz" Type Code Enforcement Policy
"I See Nothing!" - May 2011 Story
2011 Car Show Builds on Success May 2011 Story & Pictures
Contractor says Undergrounding Utilities on Hacienda Rd. for New City Hall
starts April 13th and will take 6 to 7 weeks.
Update 4/12/11: Contractor Now Says "I don't know" why Undergrounding is being done.
See City Animal Farm Raid Photo Album - Here
RAID!! - Council Sends 3 Sheriff Cars & Staff Phalanx to Execute Search Warrant on Heights Animal Keeping Family - March 2011 See Story, Pictures & Warrant
City Manager Contradicts Federal Grant Application - March 2011 Story
Park Grounds Damaged by Weekend Event - Story
Update March 31, 2011 - Renter to Pay for Damages
City Gets 10" +/- of Rain Dec 2010
Skyline Drive between Sharpless Dr & Sharpless Ct. Closed Due to Collapse.
Workmanship or Design Problems Suspected. Story
Back to the Future - Automatic Aid Agreement Negotiations - Story Nov 2010
Council Postpones Mid-Year Budget Review Until March - After Election
Usually Held in January or February - Attempt to Protect Incumbents from Bad News?
City Council Sends "Crackdown Posse" to Prevent Public & Press from attending Hearing on
Code Enforcement Action Against City Council Candidate Phil Lough Dec 2010 - Story
Video Press Blackout of Council Candidates Forum Lifted after ACLU hits City with Letter Citing 1st Amendment Issues as
City Again Attempts to Shut Out Unfavored News Media - Story Mar 11
LHH Just Like Bell - Round 3
Council Imposed Illegal Fire Tax Increase Two Years in a Row - Story
State Controller Auditing City of Bell
Should La Habra Heights have an Audit too? - Story Oct 10
La Habra Heights Staff Salaries - Exclusive- Story Sep 10
Stonewalling Public Records Requests, including salary info - Another similarity between Bell and La Habra Heights - LA Times Story
Bell type government in La Habra Heights?
Part-time (less than 20 hours week) Fire Chief $100k, 6,000 resident community with $200k City Manager, Councilmember gets gold jewelry on residents dime, and Council gives Road Contractor extra $31k Sep 10
Stonewalling Public Records Requests is Illegal
Immediate Access Required, No need to give your name, fill out forms, or pay for searching - Aug 2010 Read Here
City Council Redevelopment Agenda - Phase II
"Residents Will Have to Pay Higher Taxes and Get Less Service to Subsidize Developers & Builders" - May 10 Story
Children Risk Arrest to Attend City Council Animal Keeping Hearing Apr 10- Story
LHHIA MIA in Struggle to Preserve Animal Keeping in the Heights- Apr 10
Winners and Losers in City Council Urban Estate Redevelopment Agenda - May 10 Story
Sheriff's Deputy Stationed at Planning Commission Meeting as Residents Protest Crackdown on Animal Keeping Apr 10- Story
Proposed Trash Tax Contrary to City Study - Gag Order Imposed on Trash Companies Apr 10 - Story
Assembly Bill to Exempt LHH From Housing Quota Fails - Listen to Hearing Here (29 minutes) -Vipperman Testifies Mar 10
Council Proposes Up To $700 per Residence in New or Increased Taxes Mar 10
Online Poll Indicates Almost 3-1 Opposition - See Poll and Vote
A Broken Trust
As the Council Considers Raising Taxes, Residents Consider Their Record
 May 8, 2010 Car Show Pictures - Here
La Habra Heights Improvement Association Former Vice President Convicted and Sentenced - Mar 2010 Story
Market Day April 2010
Mayor Vipperman Spends $20,000 to Sue Residents - Story Feb 2010
La Habra Heights Residents to Celebrate "Freedom Day" April 8 - End of Vipperman Dictatorship - See Vipperman Chronicles
 Layne Baroldi is subject of Orange County Register Travel Expense Article Mar 2010 - Story
Exclusive - Sexual Harrassment/Termination/Pay Lawsuit against
City Settles for $375,000 Feb 2010 - Story
Los Angeles Times Story about undue influence in Planning Department Feb 2010 - Story
Mayor Vipperman Proposes Aerial Surveillance of Residences for
Code Enforcement, Weed Abatement, Observing, etc
Other Council Members Appear Baffled Jan 2010
Fire! Above Construction Site on Hacienda, Spreads up Hill toward Panchoy
5 Acres Burn 11/23/09 - Pictures and Video
Brad Cooke & Jeff Heintz Win Water Board Election - See Results
Large Turnout - Gap Between Heintz and Edwards Narrowed to 25 votes in Late Returns
Council Approves Commercial Facilty 3-2
August 2009
Majority 3 Vote Against the Community; More concerned with Tower Owner Profit
 |
25 Story Tall Antenna Owner Gets CUP for Commerical Tower |
2004 Agreement called for tower removal this year. Important Story details here.
Fire Tax Exceeds Voter Approved Maximum for Second Year in a RowNo Public Comment Allowed
Board Takes Improvement Association Out of Members' Control
Members Now Play No Role Other than Paying Dues
Focus of Improvement Association VP arrest story shifts to LHHIA
 Read here
La Habra Heights Improvement Association
Vice-President Arrested on charges including Identity Theft & Forgery
 See Story on Topix
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2012 Road Tax Story
Water Board Approves Rate Increase, Raises & Bonus
Despite Unprecedented Ratepayer Objections
Travel Expenses & Dining Still an Issue - June 2012 Off Site Story
Water Rate Increase Story 2012
Download Form Letter to Protest Water Rate Increase
If a majority submit a protest there will be no increase - May 2012 Protest Letter
A Trust Broken: La Habra Heights County Water District Rate Increase - May 14, 2012 Video
May 1 2012 - Rowland Water Approves Deal with La Habra Heights Water District to Supply Water.
Says Water Through La Habra Heights is of Regional Importance
Latest News - Citrus Leaves, Branches, etc MUST be double bagged & Put in Trash, NOT Green Waste!
Watch April 2012 Video of Citrus Disease Town Hall Meeting with Question from your Neighbors answered
Watch Important Video Here 23 minutes long
Quarantine! - April 2012 - La Habra Heights in Quarantine Area for Fatal Citrus Greening Disease - See Map
Citrus Fruit Should Not Leave the Property Where Grown Unless Commercially Cleaned & Packed
See Dept of Food & Agriculture Quarantine Press Release
More Info on Disease -- See Pictures --- Read Whittier Daily News Article on Quarantine --- Read L.A. Times Story
Electric Bills Skyrocket With New Edison Smart Meter - OC Register Story
You Don't Have to Let Them Take Your Old Meter!! April 2012
Councilmember Vipperman Leads Call to Do Nothing About 20 Story Power Lines and Towers Through City
Result was Inaction Due to Failure to Agree on Response
Look For Power Lines Near, or Visible to, You Soon Mar 12
Breaking News -Mar 2012 - County Document Links Aera Development to Rowland Harbor Blvd Pipeline!!! - Look
Rowland Water GM "ready to cancel" Water Deal. Says Rowland taking all the risk - see Video
Rowland Water Special Meeting on Deal Monday March 5, 2012 4 p.m.
LHH Water Board approves Water Deal with minor revisions at their Feb 28, 2012 meeting over resident objections and concerns. Several residents asked to leave due to over capacity - See Video
City Abandons Jan 31, 2012 Inspection of former Animal-Keeping Property Upon Seeing Camera-Man in the Street!
What is the City trying to hide? - Story and see 4 min Video of retreat
Watch the January 23, 2012 Matrix Oil Community Meeting that they initially didn't want you to see!! Here
HOSEC Communities Supplying Water to AERA Out the Back Door? - Feb 2012 Story
City Hit Hard in 2012 draft RHNA Housing Quota: 72 low/moderate income units
In comparison - Malibu 2, PVE 10, Rolling Hills 4, San Marino 2, La Habra 3, Laguna 2
SCAG docs indicate city didn't respond to info requests that could have reduced quota
Who is looking out for us?
Last Chance!!
20 Story Tall Edison Power Lines on January 12, 2012 Council Agenda
Make your Voice known if you support or oppose
Draft 2012 SCAG Regional Plan Expects AERA approval
What aren't we being told?
Putting the pieces together - See SCAG Plan-Aera Circled in Red
Give Thanks!
The City Council makes YOU subsidize 40% of Building Fees, about $90,000
So, when you see a Developer or Builder in town, say "You're Welcome
In the Red, Water Board meets at private Hacienda Country Club to Discuss Water Trafficking Deal Finances - Meeting Minutes Oct 2011
Whittier Daily News Article on Water Board Election - Here
Proposed water deal separates challenger from incumbents Oct 2011
Just Released Reports Indicate Insufficient Water to Supply Proposed Deal - story Oct 2011
 Watch Video of Very Informative Water District Forum on Proposed Water Trafficking
Hear Panelist Invoke Homeland Security Law to Not Answer Questions on Capacity, etc - Here Oct 2011
Council to give City Manager iPad & City Vehicle in New Contract
See Side by Side Comparison of Old & New Contract - Here Oct 2011
Water Board Balances Budget with Unsigned, Controversial Trafficking Deal
An Election Year Ploy to Stall Raising Rates? Story Oct 2011
Just Released! Read Draft Water Trafficking Agreement - Here
Story to Follow Oct 2011
Water Board Pres Says, "Aera Dead"
Aera Says, "We're Very Much Alive!" - Story Sept 2011
Update: Wheeling & Dealing on the Water Board.
At What Cost to Water Users? - Story
Water Board Meeting Tuesday September 27, 2011 4 p.m.
City Rearranges Fire Dept Pay to Fund Fire Marshal - Story Sept 2011
Developing Story: La Habra Heights Water District Explores Water Trafficking Deal with Rowland Heights - Story Sept 2011
Improvement Association's Heights Life Prints Discredited & Dangerous
"Triangle of Life" Earthquake Response - Why?Aug 2011
Did LHHIA take idea from City Council or Vice Versa?
New LHHIA By-Laws posted
Do you give up your 1st Amendment Free Speech Rights when you are a member?
Malign LHHIA Board or Assocation & you are subject to expulsion -.July 2011
Receiving Thousands of Public Tax Dollars a Year
Improvement Association Closes Doors to Public at Annual Meeting
Probably Better than Inviting Public, then Attacking Them As Happened 1 Year Ago Today - June 2011 National Story
Improvement Association 'Peeps' get raided!
County Issues Notices of Violation- Story
Crackdown on Residents Escalates in Final Days of Baroldi Administration
Raid!, Kill Switch and Blackout of Public Comments - March 2011 Story
2010 US Census shows Heights population fell 387 people to 5325- See Stats
Most of Decline in Children - See Stories Below for Council Actions Against Kids
LHHIA Improvement Association Makes National News
Caught in a Lie?- Story
Update: City Manager Responds
Anonymous Packages Sent to Local News Editors - Investigation Underway
Improvement Association Connection? - Story Dec 2010
Whittier Daily News Story on Expensive City Business Cards
Symptom of Wasteful Spending
In LHH Hundred$ Spent on Fancy Gold Embossed Cards for Staff & Council
City Edits Lowell Joint School Board Candidates Forum Broadcast - Election Tampering? Oct 10
Recommendations for Lowell Joint School Board - Here
Oct 10
Officials Arraigned for Wining & Dining On the Public Dime
"La Habra Heights Water District Board Deja Vu" - Story Oct 10
Banned in La Habra Heights!!
Mayor Calls for Criticism of City Manager to be "Off Camera" Story Oct 10
See League of Women Voters - Lowell Joint School Board Candidates' Debate to - Cable Broadcast in the Works Oct 10 - See Webcast- Updated Story
"Skids Greased" for Mayor's 3 Level Addition - Procedures Waved?
See Pictures from the 2010 Avocado Festival - here
Follow-Up Improvement Association Story - "That is definitely Mail Fraud."- Nov 09
Contributors to Improvement Association at Risk - Organization May Not Be as Claimed - Oct 09
 Water District Board Wines and Dines at Your Expense - Story Here
Follow-up - 40 More Pages of Water Board Hotels & Meals, including $1000 Weekend in Long Beach - Story here
Hacienda Closure an Awakening for All October 2009
Investigation - Water Board Candidate Jeffrey Heintz Under Investigation by L.A. County Recorder for Ballot Designation - Too Late to Change - Update: October 7th
Too Close for Comfort?
Improvement Association, City Council, & Water Board Axis of Influence?
Commissoner Ray Fernandez states checking plans for Code compliance is
"Above My Pay Grade" Commission also votes 3-2 to allow a Fire Hydrant to be behind a private gate. Aug 09
Story here
Crackdown Escalates
New City Policy:
Residents prohibited from submitting correspondence to Planning Commission Prior to Meeting
Serious concerns of legality
Park Trail & Parking Area Dedication
August 19, 2009
Crackdown Continues
Bike Ban at Park Passed
August 13 Council Meeting
Don't Cross the Improvement Association?
Water District Board Election November 3, 2009
All Elected Offices are important for Voters to become educated about candidates and issues.
See Candidate Statements
Vipperman Files Papers Initiating 2011 Re-Election Effort - July 09
Announces intent to run again at August 13, 2009 CC Meeting
Back to the Future
Residents Suffering Again Under Planning Process
Commissioner Ray Fernandez Says That Residents should defend themselves against excessive runoff from new development.
Commissioner McCoy "shocked"
See Story and Video here
Council Majority 3 Unhappy With Simple "Call for Review" Process to Correct Planning Approval Errors which violate Residents' Property Rights.
Will They Change it to Protect Builders?
Vipperman Chronicles
News Stories about the Outrages & Exploits of Mayor Vipperman moved here
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Plans for Harbor Blvd to be widened to 6 lanes, with Bus Route.
What Did City Officials Know?
Council Unanimously passes opposition Resolution at Jan 15 Meeting!
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City Committees in Limbo
Council passes Handbook at Feb 09 meeting.
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| Residents Seek Solutions To Reduce Hacienda Traffic |
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| View Protection Under Attack |
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A Simple Way to Prevent the Most Likely Wildfire
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| Public Records Requests |
City Council Meetings Broadcast Live on Internet Starting November 13
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Effective "Poll Tax" on City Council Candidates?
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Invasive & Unwanted Vegetation
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A Special Place & Special People
La Habra Heights is defined by the rural environment, lack of street lights, and low density.
La Habra Heights residents have vigorously and successfully defended our community against threats to our rural environment from within and adjacent to our community.
Residents have fought off high density housing, the 39 Freeway, condos in the hills of Whittier, development in Powder Canyon, the widening of Hacienda Blvd. and many others over the years.
As stated by a prominent resident, one of the most insidious and damaging threats is the one by one exceptions and variances to our Zoning Code which slowly, but surely, erodes the rural environment and quality of life.
Those interested in the history of the City can borrow the tape or DVD "The Story of La Habra Heights" at City Hall.
"Beware of those who tout "individual property rights"
"Beware of those who tout "individual property rights" because that usually translates into"let's destroy the zoning and make this place look like the rest Los Angeles County". Experience has taught me that those people usually want no controls on their development, but want to tell everyone else what to do."
The first part of the Mayor's column written for the April 1990 Heights Life, by the outgoing four time mayor, who was instrumental in the founding of the City.
This was read into the public record by Julia Higgs at the August 12, 2002 GPAC Town Hall Meeting
MAYOR'S COLUMN
THE BATTLE IS NEVER OVER
Time and people have been kind to La Habra Heights. Always, it has seemed that we are in the right place at the right time to save this special place from high density development and preserve it for future generations. One needs only to look at Hacienda Heights to the north or the newly emerging Shea development in Rowland Heights to the east to understand why we became a city. This hillside village is too beautiful to allow it to go the way of neighboring communities.
The battle to preserve La Habra Heights will continue. I remember turning to James Littlejohn when we had just won the incorporation struggle and saying, 'It's over, La Habra Heights is safe!." and James replied, "It will never he over, Jean, as long as there is money to be made here." And he was right! Often, people appear in front of the Council saying, "I love this community. I want to keep it the way it is - except for my home which I am going to build four stories high, in a stream bed, and by the way I am going to have to exceed the grading ordinance by 100%, and I would like to run an asphalt plant in the backyard- but I want to keep La Habra Heights the way it is"
Well, take it from an old mayor, you can't have it both ways my friends. Either you maintain your strict standards for development or you lose it all. The most beautiful communities in California; Santa Barbara, Rancho Santa Fe, Rolling Hills, etc., all have strict development standards. Beware of those who tout "individual property rights" because that usually translates into"let's destroy the zoning and make this place look like the rest Los Angeles County". Experience has taught me that those people usually want no controls on their development, but want to tell everyone else what to do. The future of this community depends upon you. It is your choice to make. But, I can assure you, I will always be there when I feel the community we first envisioned is in trouble...................
Republic
Our Country is a "republic", from Latin "res publica" - public thing.
It is up to each of us to learn about what your governments are doing, and be involved.
It is important for everyone to know their rights to participate in and find out about their governments activities. Find out the facts:
The Brown Act, also known as the "Open Meeting Law" or Anti-Corruption Act
"The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist they may retain control over the instruments they have created."
Preamble to the California Public Records Act
As James Madison, author of the Bill of Rights, said,
"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governers must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a tragedy or a farce, or perhaps both."
Find out what happened today in U.S. History - A Library of Congress site
Why does this even matter?.........Read these
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States
The Bill of Rights - the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution
The Federalist Papers
There's A Lot Going On In Town - You Need To Get Involved To Preserve Our Rural Environment
Don't Take It For Granted Or We Will Lose It
Note: Links to Off-Site locations may become defunct or change content. This is not within our control. Please notify us if you find one. Webmaster 
Correction and Retraction Policy
To report errors or omissions requiring correction or
clarification, e-mail the editor at LHHnet@aol.com
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| See the Wonderful Video "Story of La Habra Heights", telling the story that our rural oasis was hard fought for, and residents must continue to fight to protect it. Also available as a FREE DVD.
Be Inspired. Get Involved.
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Does it snow in La Habra Heights?
Development vs. Over-development
GPAC Community Survey Results
City's Original General Plan
Lost Animal Network - Call 691-1920 if you lost an animal or found a lost one.
Phone Numbers
| City Hall |
694-6302 |
| Fire Dept |
694-8283 |
| Water District |
697-6769 |
| Sheriff |
694-5923 |
| Lost Animal Network |
691-1920 |
| Gas Leak |
800-427-2200 |
| Edison Emergency |
800-611-1911 |
| Time Warner Cable |
888-892-2253 |
| Park Ranger |
698-1446 |
| Fish & Game |
888-334-2258 |
| To Report Illegal Grading or Building on Fridays & Weekends |
694-5923 |
| Waste Management Trash |
626-960-7551 |
| Haulway |
323-721-0371 |
| La Habra Post Office |
714-992-0580 |
Find out about the original "Roads Project" from the City publication "Top of the Heights" that describe them.
This was a 5 year long project to restore the roads that ended in 2001.
We now pay the annual "Roads Assessment" to keep the roads maintained.
See More La Habra Heights controversies at www.theavocadoexpress.com
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Find Low Gas Prices at:
www.lhhfirewatch.com
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Los Angeles County 
See how the General Plan was truly a Community effort & must not be ignored by City Officials
See the January 2001 Sunset Magazine article about La Habra Heights
