La Habra City Council Approves Agreements with Local Homeowners Association to Release $8.5 Million in State Funding Secured by Senator Josh Newman to Repair Collapsed Storm Channel

La Habra, Calif. —  On Monday the La Habra City Council voted unanimously to approve agreements with the Coyote Village Homeowners Association and the California Department of Water Resources enabling the $8.5 million secured by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) to be utilized for the repair of the collapsed storm channel within the Coyote Village condominium complex. Successive collapses during storms, beginning in 2019, caused a collapse and created a chasm spanning more than 500 feet, directly through the center of the complex, creating safety risks and severe financial challenges for the homeowners’ association. Yesterday’s agreements mark the most significant step toward the permanent repair of the underground channel thus far.

"The Coyote Village HOA is deeply appreciative of Senator Josh Newman’s efforts in procuring funding for the Coyote Creek and Imperial Channel Improvement Project. The HOA is also pleased with the recent and significant progress between the City of La Habra and the HOA, including the City Council's approval of the necessary documents to implement the Project. We look forward to continuing our proactive cooperation through the next phase of this Project so we can collectively bring a much-needed sense of normalcy back to the greater neighborhood as well as the owners and residents of Coyote Village," said Don Hasch, Coyote Village Homeowners Association President.

Under the framework of the agreements, the California Department of Water Resources will release the $8.5 million in state funds to the City of La Habra, which will collaboratively manage the repair project in coordination with the HOA. Specified as the “Coyote Creek Imperial Channel Improvement Project” and targeted for completion in 2024, the project will eventually restore the channel to its original flow capacity while complying with local building and flood control standards, as well as CEQA regulatory requirements.

To mitigate public hazards caused by the collapsed channel, and prevent further structural damage until comprehensive repairs could commence, local governmental jurisdictions acting under emergency authority cleared debris from the channel and reinforced its damaged walls through a series of steel jacks.

“The City Council and I are extremely appreciative of the support provided by Senator Newman as he led the effort to secure critically needed state grant funding that will be used by the City to assist the Coyote Village Homeowners Association as they make permanent repairs to their damaged underground storm channel. His efforts demonstrate that Senator Newman continues to be a strong and dedicated advocate and friend to the La Habra community,” said City of La Habra Mayor James Gomez.

Senator Newman secured $8.5 million of state funds for the repair project through the State Budget Act of 2022, advocating for a solution since the storm channel first collapsed in early 2019.

“I’m encouraged that the restoration of this storm channel will soon be underway, and its completion will restore safety and improve the quality of life for the residents of the Coyote Village complex. As one of Orange County’s representatives to the California State Senate, it’s my obligation to ensure that my constituents’ concerns are heard in Sacramento and that their tax dollars are wisely invested back into the community,” said Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton).

To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brendan Hughes at 916.651.4029.

###

State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.