Groundbreaking for La Habra Storm Channel Sinkhole Repair Project
La Habra, Calif. – On Thursday, Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) joined representatives from the City of La Habra and the Coyote Village Homeowner’s Association for the groundbreaking on long-awaited repairs to the storm channel sinkhole at the Coyote Village Condominiums in La Habra. This project was funded by $8.5 million secured by Senator Newman in the state’s 2022 budget and will permanently address the damage and dislocation caused by the sinkhole.
The original collapse, in January 2019 as a result of torrential rainstorms, created a 100-foot-long sinkhole between the two rows of homes in the complex, which disrupted the lives of residents and posed an ongoing safety risk to the community. The sinkhole later expanded during subsequent heavy storms, widening the hole and increasing the threat to nearby homes and compounding the inconvenience and expense to the homeowners. Though emergency repairs to stabilize the channel were made as interim measures, today’s groundbreaking marks the pathway toward permanent restorations to the storm channel.
Senator Newman emphasized the importance of this project for the safety and well-being of La Habra residents, saying, “The collapse of the storm channel in 2019 created an ongoing hazard that couldn’t be ignored. I’m very proud to have secured sufficient funding for permanent repairs, and my office will continue to monitor support the project until the work is done and the problem solved. It’s essential we repair the storm channel to provide for safety and a return to normalcy for the residents of Coyote Village.”
Don Hasch, president of the Coyote Village Homeowners Association, expressed the board’s appreciation, saying, “The Coyote Village HOA board, owners, and residents are extremely thankful for Senator Newman's efforts to support our community, the residents of the City of La Habra, and the neighboring cities with the much-needed repair to this tunnel, which is an integral portion of the Orange County Flood Control system. We are all looking forward to completing these repairs to the tunnel and to our severely damaged property so we can return a sense of normalcy to our families.”
Dave Sorem, owner of Mike Bubalo Construction, praised Senator Newman’s dedication, saying, “Senator Newman went into action and took the necessary steps to secure funding to repair the Coyote Creek Storm Drain when it became apparent that the solution was taking too long. He committed his time and effort to solving the problem of replacing this unsafe storm drain conduit. Once completed, this area will be able to pass the design flow of stormwater and provide a greenbelt for the residents of Coyote Village.”
The La Habra City Council also acknowledged Senator Newman’s role, saying, “The La Habra City Council sincerely appreciates the extensive assistance by Senator Newman to help secure an $8.5 million state grant to make permanent repairs to a severely damaged private underground storm channel. Senator Newman’s efforts on behalf of the Coyote Village Homeowners Association and the City of La Habra will help fund repairs to the channel segment that runs along Imperial Highway, one of North Orange County’s busiest traffic corridors. The City Council also appreciates the diligent effort by City staff over the past several years to help secure this funding and for their work with the California Department of Water Resources.”
Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the residents of Coyote Village. Senator Newman remains dedicated to the well-being of all residents and will continue to advocate for community members and constituents.