link to this page from your site or blog!:
La Habra Heights News
Local news for La Habra Heights, CA continually updated from thousands of sources on the web.
- Former paramedic sues La Habra Heights and former fire chief for alleged sexual harassment!
La Habra Heights - During the time Somma worked for La Habra Heights, Nielsen made many unwanted comments to her, the lawsuit states. It specifically mentions nine direct quotes, including that he loved her and that she was the "eighth wonder of the world." "Defendant Nielsen repeatedly requested (Somma) to become romantically involved with him," the lawsuit states. "Defendant Nielsen repeatedly discussed his private life and sexual activity. Nielsen propositioned (Somma) to meet him at a hotel room."Read the complete lawsuit (public record) at: www.NoNewCityhall.com
- La Habra Heights city council candidate, spelled Edwards or Edwardz?
LA HABRA HEIGHTS - Most Hollywood stars always say they don't care what you say about them, just spell the name right. But just how do you spell the last name of City Council candidate George Edwards? He filed under that name, but is registered to vote as George Edwardz. "Does it matter whether it's spelled with an `s' or `z'?" Edwards said. "I just think it's a preference." City Manager Shauna Clark, who also is the city clerk for the city, with the help of Deputy City Clerk Grace Andres researched the issue after receiving a complaint. Clark said after researching state law she decided not to disqualify him. "The clerk's job is to qualify them to run for office, not prevent them," Clark said. State law has provisions about name variations. It says, "The name is unclear because of variations such as nicknames, initials, prefixes ("Mc," "Mac," etc.) maiden or married names or use of a spouse's name (e.g. Mrs. John Smith), or misspellings, but the address is correct and the signature, although not an exact match, appears to have been made by the same person." Edwards said he filed his candidacy with the use of "s" instead of "z" because his legal name is George Llamas Edwards. His company provides broadcast services to the networks, including equipment, manpower and satellite space. "The z thing started with a spelling error and I decided to make it my own," he said. Currently, his American Express card has his name with a "z" and his driver's license has it with an "s." "I prefer it with a z," he said. "It separates me from the rest of the Edwards. I couldn't get Edwards.com, but I could get it with a `z" www.Edwardz.com
- Officials try to calm nervous LHH residents about fire danger
The recent Triangle Complex Fire that torched Corona to Tonner Canyon in Diamond Bar didn't touch this city, but it sure made residents here nervous. After a recent meeting with experts from police, fire and water agencies, some are feeling better. Others aren't and there remains questions from some. City fire captains said they could rely on more than just the city volunteer firefighters, but also Los Angeles County Fire Department and other nearby departments. Mike Gualtieri, La Habra Heights Water District general manager, said his district has seven storage tanks containing a total of 12.5 million gallons of water, 60 miles of pipeline, 417 hydrants and four portable generators. Lt. John Sullivan of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said his department can mobilize many deputies into an area to provide public safety. Former Councilwoman Judy Hathaway-Francis said she didn't like the fact the department sent away three fire engines to help fight the fire in Brea and Diamond Bar. "There could have been a fire started up here and no way our engines could have gotten back," Hathaway-Francis said. But Capt. Sam Thomas of the La Habra Heights Fire Department said he made the decision to send the engines away. Resident Glenn Haynes said he was concerned about the traffic jam on Hacienda Road and Harbor Boulevard those days. It was caused by the closure of the Orange (57) Freeway, he said.
- Breaking News - La Habra Heights Fire Chief resigns!
12/16/08 9:34AM La Habra Heights - Sources report that Fire Chief John J. Nielsen has resigned from the La Habra Heights Fire Department on Dec. 15, 2008, just hours before a special forum was held to explain the City's response to the recent wildfire threat to the community. Attempts to confirm the reports were made that evening with Ms. Shauna Clark, who did not deny the resignation, but referred further questions to City Attorney Sandra Levin. Fire Chief John Nielsen had become embroiled in a sexual harassment lawsuit against him and other members of the fire department. Additional questionable references on his views of the community and individuals had come under fire. At the December 11, 2008 City Council meeting, disclosure that Fire Chief Nielsen had ordered over $80,000 of new Fire Firefighter Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA's) without the authority of the City Manager and City Council were confirmed. Also, the City's ISO fire rating under chief Nielsen had dropped to its lowest level in over 20 years despite record spending in the Fire Department's budget, leaving many residents wondering if the community was properly being served by the fire department. Property owners have recently seen their insurance rates triple in some cases, with many being dropped by their carriers altogether. Further attempts to confirm Fire Chef Nielsen's resignation were made to City Hall staff early this morning. Deputy City Clerk, Grace Andres indicated that the City has not received an official resignation by Fire Chief Nielsen. There has also been unconfirmed reports that Nielsen sent an email to the Los Angeles County Fire Department staff stating that he had resigned his position as Fire Chief for the City of La Habra Heights. Update: December 17, 2008 12:45pm- We have received confirmation that La Habra Heights Fire Chief John J. Nielsen has indeed resigned, statement follows."Chief John Nielsen resigned his post as Fire Chief effective December 15, 2008. His resignation was received and accepted by City Manager Shauna Clark on December 16, 2008. No decision has been made on the selection of an interim chief. The City Manager is contacting the Fire Chief's Association and other professional organizations for a list of candidates. At present, LHH Captain Patrick Russell, is serving as Operations Chief."-Shauna Clark La Habra Heights City Manager (via email)
- Edwards files for La Habra Heights City Council!
12/10/08, 5:36pm Pictured: Vincent P. Gomez and La Habra Heights Deputy City Clerk Grace Andres. Gomez became the last candidate to file in a crowded field of six. Noting like waiting to the last minute! LA HABRA HEIGHTS - George L. Edwards, executive vice president of a television communications company, became the first person to file nomination papers for City Council here. Three seats will be at stake in the March 3 City Council election. So far, incumbents Brian Bergman and Stan Carroll have taken out papers. The third incumbent, Tela Millsap, has in the past said she didn't know if she was running and has not returned phone calls to answer the question. Others who have taken out papers include electrician Vincent Gomez; Faith Grimm, member of the Parks and Recreation Committee; and Planning Commissioner Carl Westerhoff. Deadline to file is 6 p.m. Monday, but if an incumbent doesn't file, it will be extended until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
- Two La Habra Heights incumbents expected to seek re-election.
...In La Habra Heights, the terms of Mayor Stan Carroll and council members Brian Bergman and Tela Millsap will expire. Carroll is expected to run, while Bergman and Millsap have said they're uncertain if they will file. "It's yet to be determined," Bergman said. "I'm sure I'm probably going to run, but I'm leaving my options open." Resident George Edwardz said he has been trying to recruit opponents for the incumbents. "We're looking for folks to basically promote fire safety within La Habra Heights," Edwardz said. "There's a lot of talk out there, but none appear to meet our specifications." Edwardz said he is unhappy the council has backed off of building a new main fire station and a station on the east side of the city. Bergman said the council had no choice. "I'm upset we haven't either, but we don't have the money to do it," he said. "Due to economic constraints, we had to pull in our horns." more information at: The Avocado Express
- Armed home invasion robbery in La Habra Heights!
LA HABRA HEIGHTS - Two masked men tied up a man and woman and robbed them at gunpoint in their own home Monday, authorities said. The crime occurred about 7 a.m. in the 700 block of Reposado Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Gerard Velona said. Deputies did not receive the call until about an hour later, he said, when the residents were apparently able to get free and call for help. The robbers were only described Monday as men wearing masks and gloves, Velona said. Both carried handguns, Detective James Nash said. They escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as gold and silver bars, he added. The residents, described as a man and woman, were leaving for work when they were confronted by the gunmen in front of their home, Nash said. The robbers forced the man and woman back inside the house and bound them with plastic zip ties, the detective said. The relationship between the man and woman was not clear Monday, he said. They were not injured. No getaway car was seen, Nash added. The investigation continues, and officials said they plan to canvass the neighborhood looking for witnesses Tuesday. No further details were available Monday. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Industry station at (626) 330-3322.
- Sexual Harassment Claim Could Leave City of La Habra Heights Bankrupt!
Special Report 10/6/08 -PDF: Read the Claim by Ms. SommaLA HABRA HEIGHTS - A claim filed with the City of La Habra Heights, the Fire Department and Fire Chief John J. Nielsen, by former Paramedic Coordinator, Sabrina Somma could result in a multimillion-dollar award against the City. Mentioned in the claim with no specifics are "...repeated sexual/gender harassment and discrimination, libelous comments by John Nielsen..." The claim, dated August 6, 2008, which was sent via mail and fax to the City, first came into public light on the September 11, 2008 agenda of the La Habra Heights City Council. Though the City Council may have known and addressed the claim in closed session at their regular meeting in August, no mention was made then or has been made to the public. Michael Parks, with the law firm Schimmel & Parks, Ms. Somma's attorney, indicated the City denied the claim shortly after the September 11, 2008 City Council meeting. Mayor Stan Carroll, a long time supporter of the embattled La Habra Heights Fire Chief, confirmed via a telephone interview that the City had denied the complaint, presumably in closed session. This, despite stating publicly that no reportable action had been taken. Mayor Carroll indicated the City was taking Ms. Somma's claim very seriously. Citing personnel matters, he was unable to comment on why Chief Nielsen was still on duty, in spite of the laundry list of complaints mentioned within the claim against him and the City. Mr. Carroll asked that further questioning be referred to the newly appointed City Manager Shauna Clark. Ms. Clark responded by stating that "The City takes Ms. Somma's comments very seriously and of course we are going to engage in an investigation...no city employees have been interviewed yet." Ms. Clark went on to say "We have hired a firm to do the work, a professional firm and we're moving forward." The cost to the City for the special investigator was not provided. Sources indicate the estimated cost could reach $29,000. Additionally, no indication was given if the City Council consented to the hiring of a special investigator. Link to complete report (click here)
- Major La Habra Heights Water Supply Line Ruptures!
Breaking News! October 3, 2008 10:46 AM A major water line supplying water to La Habra Heights from the Metropolitan Water District ruptured, "Blew out", shortly before 10:30am this morning on Hacienda Road at Avocado Crest. First responders reported seeing the road surface raised significantly with water flowing out at a high rate. Water Department personnel report a 20 inch main has indeed ruptured forcing the closure of all traffic on Hacienda Road south of West Road and with traffic being turned around by the La Habra PD and the LA County Sheriff south of the La Habra Heights City Hall. Assistance is being provided by the communities' volunteers, at the request of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department, to assist in traffic control. The County water district was forced to shutdown their booster pumps that refill the City's reservoir water tanks. Conservation of water is not being requested by the water district but it is being advised due to the continued drought for the region. The road is expected to be closed for at least 12 hours as crews start the lengthy repair process that is expected to snarl traffic in the City and busy Hacienda Road as commuters and residents scramble to find alternate routes around the closure.Update: 7:20am 10/5/2008 - Residents report Hacienda Road is now open and traffic is flowing normally. Crews completed water main repairs late Saturday evening. Road was open by 8:00pm Saturday. EOM Update: 7:24 PM 10/4/08 - La Habra County Water District is reporting Hacienda Road will be closed until early Saturday morning. Residents in the area confirm the road is still closed. It is expected the road closure will continue into the afternoon.
- La Habra Heights Fire Chief named In Sexual Harassment complaint!
TOPIX Exclusive...Breaking News! 9/25/2008 La Habra Heights- A Former La Habra Heights Paramedic Coordinator has filed a formal complaint against the City's Fire Chief John Nielsen. In a letter dated August 6th, 2008, the complaint alleges sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. The female paramedic coordinator, who helped create and staff the City's own in house paramedic program, was reportedly terminated by Fire Chief John Nielsen in February of this year. The complaint also alleges wrongful termination. Then, Fire Marshall Ken Hill is also named in the complaint. Mr. Hill was later laid off in a surprising move that was reported to be due to budgetary concerns in mid 2008, leaving the city without a Fire Marshall. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that Mr. Ken Hill was the subject of an internal investigation. The investigation was never addressed by the City's attorney, Sandra Levin. This at a time other City employees were also under scrutiny. It is also being reported that the complaint has been cleared by the State of California to proceed as a sexual harassment lawsuit. Calls to City Hall staff went unanswered on Friday morning. City Manager Shauna Clark has also failed to make any public comment on the formal complaint against the Fire Chief and the City's fire department. More to come on this developing story. Click here to view (edited by editor) formal complaint letter (PDF FILE)
- FBI confirms, crime is up in La Habra Heights!
While violent and property crimes declined across the nation in 2007 compared to 2006, the picture was slightly different in local communities....La Habra Heights had one rape in 2007 but zero in 2006. It saw one more robbery, four more assaults and nine more thefts... Click here for exclusive wire story reporting crime was up for La Habra Heights. 2/15/08
- No Joke, La Habra Heights OKs parade funds
It's been a tough year financially, but there's still enough money to have a parade...still, the city will hold the parade in a year in which two employees have been laid off, a third position was eliminated and about $500,000 was cut in order get a $100,000 surplus in an $8.1 million budget.
- La Habra Heights teacher stands to deliver...
James Najera, 50, a teacher at Nogales High School, said he sees a "need for change, in a sense that there is a group of board members who have been in the same position for a decade and a half or longer" at Lowell Joint. "It's time for new ideas, new issues, and budget reform," he said. "With declining enrollment putting a strain on the budget, we need to look at new ideas on how to get more students in the district through magnet schools or specialized schools."
- JOKE GONE WRONG?: La Habra Heights
Editor's note: It's Politics reports Saturdays on the ins and outs of Whittier-area politics and city government.
- Word travels fast on La Habra Heights "Avocado Express"
Story by: George EdwardzLa Habra Heights- If you are a La Habra Heights resident in the loop you know the phrase "I heard it on the Avocado Express." What exactly that means has many different interpretations as well as varying opinions as what it should be. But what is well known is that many a sleepless night have been experienced by city council candidates wondering on which side of the "Avocado Express" they were seated. The 2007 La Habra Heights election that saw the ousting of long time City Council member Fred Klein, is a true testament to the power to communicate the message via the Avocado Express. Klein lost by a large margin to relatively unknown Howard Vipperman. Despite not having the overwhelming favor of the Avocado Express, Vipperman was able to successfully win primarily due to his use of the news media and the Avocado Express. The "AE" uses two primary methods of communication to get the word out, including the phone tree system where one person calls another person and that person calls another and so on. A newer method, although it remains second, is via a closely held email list that contains hundreds of email addresses and names. The "AE" also has additional resources, but this writer is prohibited from disclosing those methods. OK, so what exactly is the Avocado Express? La Habra Heights is viewed as an oasis, free from big city urban problems with no commercial development, tract homes, transient populations and, not surprisingly, urban blight. Anything that is viewed as a threat to the La Habra Heights lifestyle is immediately put on the Avocado Express. A contributor to the 'AE' stated in a telephone interview: "Urban Sprawl and commercial development exist all around our jewel (La Habra Heights). If you support urban sprawl and commercial development then go somewhere else, otherwise don't mess with the Heights". So the question of why call it the Avocado Express welcomed a fairly simple answer, "My father and his brother planted hundreds of Avocado trees here in the Heights, we felt the name was appropriate and would remind us of our roots". Indeed, the avocado and La Habra Heights have a strong heritage together. Many of the city streets take their name from the various types of avocados grown in the Heights. Link to complete story click here
- La Habra Heights OKs a balanced budget
This city's budget is balanced and will have a surplus, but only after layoffs and other cuts.
- La Habra Heights' City Council slaps homeowners with record 6% tax increase!
Editors Note: Mayor Stan Carroll, an un-declared incumbent for city council in 2009, refused interview requests or comment to this story. Speculation has continued that city staff "cooked the books" to convince a skeptical community that the city could indeed afford a new city hall complex without any additional taxes.Mayor Stan Carroll is viewed as an "architect" of the city's proposed massive New City Hall Complex that, so far, has cost the city well over $900,000 in planning, design and legal costs. The tax increase will not provide for any additional service to residents. The City is also expected to hold budget committee meetings starting Tuesday, June 24 at 10:00 am in the City's Multipurpose room located at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.Whittier Daily News June 17, 2008 LA HABRA HEIGHTS - Most homeowners here will pay an extra $26 a year in fire fees on their property tax bill. Beginning with their 2008-09 property tax bill, homeowners will pay $65.98 on each acre of land they own - up to a maximum of 10 acres - for fire services. Those with properties up to 20 acres will pay an additional $34.04. The city will also charge $16.99 more for all properties larger than 20 acres. For houses 7,000 square feet or less, owners will also pay $398.48 a year. Owners of structures that are more than 7,000 square feet will pay $643.06 a year. The full tax is expected to raise $942,097, an additional $22,000 over what was expected this fiscal year. The tax doesn't pay for the entire Fire Department budget. That is more than $1.2 million. The department also receives other fees to make up the difference. The increase also is needed to relieve the general fund of subsidizing the Fire Department budget, said Councilman Howard Vipperman. "Our general fund is going to be severely taxed this year," Vipperman said. "We need to increase our fire fee to offset what we'll probably lose in the general fund." Resident George Edwardz asked the council not to raise the tax unless it was willing to provide paramedic service for free. The city now charges for the service. "It would be easier to swallow," he said. "We're getting hit from all sides." Vipperman said he agrees residents shouldn't be charged a paramedic fee, but the city can't afford that this year.
- La Habra Heights employees laid off
The City Council early Friday morning voted 4-0 to lay off the city's community development director and planner. Councilman Howard Vipperman said this might not be the last of the cuts the council will be forced to make. "We have a budget crisis," Vipperman said. "This will not be the only cut."
- La Habra Heights Mecca of Foreclosure Bargains
Karen Krynen saw an opportunity. Nestled at the top of a hill with a long private driveway, the bank-owned property sitting on a huge 40,946 square foot lot was exactly what she was looking for.
La Habra Heights Classifieds
Local classifieds for La Habra Heights, CA
- garage door repair valley village * 818-631-8162( valley village)
garage door repair valley village 818-631-8162
GARAGE DOOR REPAIR VALLEY VILLAGE 818-631-8162
garage door angles valley village
garage door repair valley village
garage door sales valley village
garage door vents valley village
garage door windows trims valley village
garage door operator har...
- garage door repair Glendale * 818-631-8162(Glendale)
garage door repair Glendale * 818-631-8162
garage door Gear Sets Glendale
garage door brush seals Glendale
garage door Galvanized Aircraft Cable Glendale
garage Truck Doors Glendale
garage door Accessories Glendale
Garage Door Repair Glendale
garage door vents Glendale
garage door R...
- garage door repair Marina Del Rey * 310-402-7522
garage door repair Marina Del Rey * 310-402-7522
garage door weather seal repair Marina Del Rey
garage door strust Marina Del Rey
garage doorphoto eyes repair Marina Del Rey
garage door board repair Marina Del Rey
garage door frayming Marina Del Rey
garage door low headroom parts Marin...
- garage door repair North Hills * 818-631-8162
garage door repair North Hills * 818-631-8162
garage door cabel repair installation North Hills
garage door handles North Hills
garage door locks installation North Hills
garage door opener repair / new installation North Hills
all glass garage door new installation North Hills
wood gar...
- Glendale Area Home Remodeling Contractor . . .
Remodel your home the way you want to. We'll help you create that dream home you've been longing for! Looking for someone reliable to bring together all the trades needed? Then make it all happen with a skilled, licensed and dependable General Contractor ... Our work is mainly in the areas of Glenda...
City DescriptionLa Habra Heights is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 5,712 at the 2000 census.
La Habra Heights is located at 33°57′50″N 117°57′10″W / 33.96389, -117.95278 (33.964012, -117.952837).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.1 km² (6.2 mi²), all land.
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,713 people, 1,887 households, and 1,590 families residing in the city. The population density was 355.7/km² (922.0/mi²). There were 1,951 housing units at an average density of 121.5/km² (314.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 72.41% White, 1.21% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 18.40% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 3.87% from other races, and 3.68% from two or more races. 13.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 1,887 households 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.0% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.7% were non-families. 11.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 ... Read MoreCity Contained By:- Los Angeles County
- California
Timezones:Size:
Source:
Freebase
– The World's Database Freely licensed under
CC-BY.
Surrounding Cities
|
