Traffic flow has a major impact on the ambiance of a community. Furthermore, environmental conditions impose constraints on the traffic infrastructure. Our General Plan recognizes this interdependence in Goal No. 7.

1. Recognize and preserve the unique rural character and individualistic lifestyle of La Habra Heights.

2. Preserve and enhance the scenic beauty and natural wildlife of the area.

3. Minimize alteration of the natural terrain.

4. Preserve, maintain, and encourage agricultural uses, especially avocado groves, citrus groves, and Christmas tree farms.

5. Reduce potential fire and recognize geologic hazards.

6. In harmony with the R-A-1 zoning, the City supports individual rights to ... animals ... as allowed by local ordinance; and encourage the private development and maintenance of a system of trails for horseback riding and hiking.

7. Assure that regional traffic demands will be accommodated in a manner consistent with the unique La Habra Heights environment.

8. Protect the Powder Canyon Significant Ecological Area.

Traffic design is a necessary component of any city's General Plan. However, in La Habra Heights we have the added challenge of integrating a 1930s-style road infrastructure with the metropolitan traffic pressures of the 1990s. Standard traffic engineering design concepts are impossible to implement without utterly destroying the "winding country road" aspect of our streets. Luckily, the cost of changing our streets into wide, flat, conventional urban streets ensures that such a change will not occur in the foreseeable future.

The accommodation of regional traffic pressures in a manner consistent with the unique La Habra Heights environment requires a constant balancing act between road improvements and our rural lifestyle. For example, Hacienda Blvd. is clearly an important regional thorough-fare and the City is responsible for its maintenance. If Hacienda Blvd. is ever improved, it would have to be brought up to County standards for scenic highways. (Residents who would like more information about options for redesigning Hacienda Blvd. can attend a presentation by L. A. County Public Works on April 11th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at City Hall.)

In the case of Harbor Blvd., development as a major through artery kept the heavy traffic flow off of our local Fullerton Road. The City continues to work with county and other agencies to improve the appearance and safety of each road without giving up the local control that our community wants.