Groundbreaking for La Habra Storm Channel Sinkhole Repair Project

Senator Josh Newman secured $8.5 million for permanent repairs.

Last Thursday, Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) joined representatives of the City of La Habra and the Coyote Village Homeowners Association for the groundbreaking of the long-awaited storm sewer repairs at the Coyote Village Condominiums in La Habra. This project was funded by 8.5 million US dollars The measure was secured by Senator Newman in the 2022 state budget and is intended to permanently repair the damage and faults caused by the sinkhole.

The original collapse in January 2019 was the result of heavy rains and left a 30-meter-long sinkhole between the two rows of houses in the complex, disrupting the lives of residents and causing ongoing

Safety hazard to the community. The sinkhole later expanded during subsequent severe storms, becoming wider and increasing the danger to surrounding homes, adding to the inconvenience and expense to homeowners. Although emergency repairs were made to stabilize the channel as a temporary measure, the groundbreaking marks the path to permanent restoration of the storm channel.

Senator Newman stressed the importance of this project to the safety and well-being of La Habra residents, saying, “The collapse of the storm drain in 2019 presented an ongoing danger that could not be ignored. I am very proud to have secured sufficient funding for permanent repairs, and my office will continue to monitor and support the project until work is completed and the problem is resolved. It is important that we repair the storm drain to ensure safety and a return to normalcy for the residents of Coyote Village.”

Don HashPresident of the Coyote Village Homeowners Associationexpressed the appreciation of the board and said, “The board, owners and residents of Coyote Village HOA are extremely grateful for Senator Newman’s Efforts to support our community, the residents of the City of La Habra, and neighboring towns in the much-needed repair of this tunnel, which is an essential part of Orange County’s flood protection system. We all look forward to completing these repairs to the tunnel and our severely damaged property so we can return a sense of normalcy to our families.”

Dave SoremOwner of Mike Bubalo Constructionpraised Senator Newman’s commitment and said: “Senator Newman took action and took the necessary steps to secure funding to repair the Coyote Creek drainage canal when it became clear that the solution was taking too long. He invested his time and effort into solving the problem of replacing this unsafe drainage canal. Once completed, this area will be able to pass the planned storm water runoff 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 Senator Newman’s extensive support in helping to secure an $8.5 million state grant for the permanent repair of a severely damaged private underground storm sewer. Senator Newman’s efforts on behalf of the Coyote Village Homeowners Association and the City of La Habra will help fund the repair of the section of sewer that runs along Imperial Highway, one of North Orange County’s busiest transportation corridors. The City Council also appreciates the diligent efforts of City staff over the past several years to secure this funding and their cooperation with the California Department of Water Resources.”

The groundbreaking is an important milestone in addressing the long-standing challenges faced by the residents of Coyote Village. Senator Newman remains committed to the well-being of all residents and will continue to advocate for the interests of community members and constituents.

###

State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which consists of parts 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 U.S. Army officer, businessman, and veterans advocate and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.

Related