Show All Answers

1. How do I get a copy of an agenda?

Agendas are posted online on Thursday afternoon, the week prior to a Council meeting. You may also obtain copies by contacting the Office of the City Clerk at (714) 690-3334.
Agendas and Minutes

2. How do I find out what happened at the City Council meeting?

Regularly scheduled Council meetings are traditionally audio broadcast live over the internet and can be replayed anytime, on the City's website.

You can also call the City Clerk's Office at (714) 690-3334 for information regarding any City Council meetings.

Finally, official minutes are posted to the internet once approved by the Council, usually at the next Council meeting.
Council Audio

3. How will I hear back from the City after I apply for a job?

The City does not review applications until after the stated application deadline or review date. Once applications are reviewed, applicants are placed in groups (or bands) based on qualifications.

Those that are most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. Those less qualified may be contacted if necessary.

All applicants will eventually receive a letter from the City indicating their status in the selection process. The entire process can take several months. Current Employment Oportunities

Show All Answers

1. How do I invite the Mayor or City Council to attend an event?

To invite the Mayor and/or City Council to an event, send an invitation, in writing, to the: City of La Palma, Attn: Mayor/City Council, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623 or you can email the City Council at citycouncil@cityoflapalma.org . Please try to provide at least three weeks advance notice, if possible.
City Council Information ...

2. How do I get recognized by the City Council for my Scouting accomplishments?

Please submit in writing or by email the Scout's name, address and phone number, and reason for recognition, such as Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Gold or Silver Award recipient, and a description of the project. The request should be emailed or sent to the City Clerk's Office, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623.
City Clerk's Office

Show All Answers

1. How do I invite the Mayor or City Council to attend an event?

To invite the Mayor and/or City Council to an event, send an invitation, in writing, to the: City of La Palma, Attn: Mayor/City Council, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623. Please try to provide at least three weeks advance notice, if possible.
City Council Information ...

2. How do I obtain a La Palma RV or trailer permit for over-night parking?

La Palma residents must contact the La Palma Police Department, in advance and before midnight, to obtain an overnight parking permit. There in no charge for this permit. Residents will need to provide all of the following information to obtain an exemption/permit: Resident’s name, address and phone number; Vehicle make and model; Location where the vehicle will be parked; and the vehicle license plate number. Permits can be obtained by calling (714) 690-3922 or by sending an email.

La Palma Parking Regulations/Information

3. How do I report a defective street light?

Street lights are maintained by the Southern California Edison (SCE) company. Please complete the online form at the link below to report a defective street light. Do not report power outages or defective traffic signals on that form. For power outages, please call (800) 611-1911. For defective traffic signals, please call the La Palma Police Department at (714) 690-3370. [SCE Street Light Outage Form]

4. What is required if I would like to fly a drone?

Drones are also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS. The Federal Aviation Administration has a website concerning the subject of drones, including information and education materials. The City of La Palma has no local regulations with regard to drone aircraft. FAA Unmannned Aircraft Info...

Show All Answers

1. How will I hear back from the City after I apply for a job?

The City does not review applications until after the stated application deadline or review date. Once applications are reviewed, applicants are placed in groups (or bands) based on qualifications.

Those that are most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. Those less qualified may be contacted if necessary.

All applicants will eventually receive a letter from the City indicating their status in the selection process. The entire process can take several months. Current Employment Oportunities

2. How will I know what jobs I'm qualified for and when to apply?

Whenever a position becomes available for open recruitment, the City of La Palma Human Resources Division issues a job announcement for the position. The job announcement contains a brief job summary, statement of minimum education and experience qualifications, and a description of any special qualifications that may be required, i.e., licenses, certifications, etc. Every job announcement will have an opening date, closing date or first review date. You must be certain your application is received in Human Resources by 5:00 pm on the closing date. Recruitments with a first review date are usually open until filled; however, applicants that submit their application prior to the first review date have priority over applications received after the review date. Remember you must allow ample time if you are mailing your applications (postmark will not be accepted).
Human Resources

3. How do I apply for a position even though there is no active recruitment?

Unfortunately, The City of La Palma only accepts applications for positions which have been announced and for which we are actively recruiting. However, you can use our virtual job interest card webpage, to register for email notifications when specific job categories become available.
Job Interest Cards

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a La Palma RV or trailer permit for over-night parking?

La Palma residents must contact the La Palma Police Department, in advance and before midnight, to obtain an overnight parking permit. There in no charge for this permit. Residents will need to provide all of the following information to obtain an exemption/permit: Resident’s name, address and phone number; Vehicle make and model; Location where the vehicle will be parked; and the vehicle license plate number. Permits can be obtained by calling (714) 690-3922 or by sending an email.

La Palma Parking Regulations/Information

2. How do I get more information about pedestrian safety?

As part of the City's Project Safe Streets program pedestrian safety tips have been prepared for motorist and pedestrians to review. Pedestrian Safety Tips

3. What is required if I would like to fly a drone?

Drones are also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS. The Federal Aviation Administration has a website concerning the subject of drones, including information and education materials. The City of La Palma has no local regulations with regard to drone aircraft. FAA Unmannned Aircraft Info...

Show All Answers

1. How do I get more information about La Palma schools and district boundaries?

School districts are independent public agencies regulated by the State of California and not directly affiliated with cities. School contact information and a district boundary map are available on our City website to help residents. Additional information about specific schools or school districts can be obtained from their respective websites:
• Buena Park School District
• Centralia School District
• Cypress School District
• Anaheim Union High School District
• Fullerton Joint Union High School District
[La Palma Schools]

2. Why are there are so many school districts serving La Palma?

Three of the school districts teach elementary education and two of the districts teach high school education. The school district boundaries were decided almost a century ago, long before La Palma was incorporated in 1955. School districts set their boundaries based on their logical service area and do not take City/County boundaries into account.
[La Palma Schools]

3. I heard La Palma students can attend any school in the City; is this true?

No. In 2008, legislation was proposed at the State level that would have allowed residents to choose any school in the City regardless of district boundaries. However, this legislation was not approved; therefore, students must attend schools within their “home” district unless released through a Transfer Agreement (see below).
[La Palma Schools]

4. Can my child attend a school outside of our “home” district boundaries?

Maybe. Students must be released by their “home” school district and meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the desired school district. This process is called an Interdistrict/Intradistrict Attendance/Transfer Agreement. La Palma schools have agreed to a general policy of allowing transfers, but this is not a requirement. If either the “home” school district or the desired school district does not approve the transfer request, the student must attend the “home” school. State law allows (but does not require) school districts to use a parent’s place of employment for determining residency requirements for school attendance. Usually, transfer requests are denied if it will significantly affect average daily attendance figures.
[La Palma Schools]

5. What is average daily attendance?

Average daily attendance is a term that refers to the total number of days of student attendance divided by the total number of days in the regular school year. A student attending every school day would have an average daily attendance equal to one. Generally, average daily attendance is lower than enrollment due to such factors as transience, dropouts, and illness. Average daily attendance is one of the primary factors used by the State of California to determine a school district’s funding.

6. How do I obtain an Interdistrict/Intradistrict Attendance/Transfer Agreement?

Please contact your “home” school district and request an Interdistrict/Intradistrict Attendance/Transfer Agreement. The school district will provide you with detailed information on the steps required to complete the agreement.
[La Palma Schools]

7. My child was denied an Interdistrict/Intradistrict Attendance/Transfer Agreement. What can I do?

You have the right to appeal the decision. Begin by appealing the decision with the School District Superintendent or the respective School Board. If not satisfied, you may also appeal the decision to the Orange County Board of Education.

[La Palma Schools]

8. Who can I speak to about changing school district boundaries?

School district boundaries are established at the State level. Unfortunately, prior attempts to change school district boundaries in La Palma have not been successful. Please contact your local State representative to inquire about new legislation to change school district boundaries. Other County, State, or Federal Representatives

Show All Answers

1. Transient Occupancy Tax - Does that mean homeless?

No. The transient occupancy tax (TOT) is not related to individuals experiencing homeless or homeless-related services. TOT, also known as a "bed tax" or "hotel tax", is paid by visitors staying at hotels and other short-term lodging establishments located within La Palma and helps fund local services visitors use when staying in the City, such as police services, streets, sidewalks, and parks.

2. Would this increase taxes for local residents?

NO! The measure is an increase to La Palma’s existing transient occupancy tax, which is only paid by overnight hotel and short-term rental guests. Increasing the rate of this measure would not increase taxes on La Palma residents and the tax would still only be paid by overnight visitors.

3. What types of City services could this measure support?

This measure is estimated to provide $200,000 annually in locally controlled funding to support City services, such as: 

• Providing updated equipment to our local police officers
• Maintaining City streets and sidewalks
• Supporting City parks and programs for youth and families – such as movies and concerts
• Providing general support to all City functions

4. How does La Palma’s hotel tax compare to other cities and towns within the area?

The City of La Palma has one of the lowest hotel taxes in the region at 8%. By raising the tax to 12%, La Palma will still have a more moderately priced transient occupancy tax, and ensure visitors to our area help pay for the city services they currently use.  

 

City/Town	Hotel Tax Rate
Anaheim	15% + 2% resort district fee
Buena Park	12%
Cerritos	10%
Cypress	10%
Fullerton	10%
La Palma	8%

5. What contributes to the City of La Palma’s high quality of life?

The City of La Palma provides an excellent quality of life for our residents. We take pride in being a vibrant City with safe neighborhoods, good schools, and a strong sense of community. With one of the lowest crime rates in Orange County, La Palma is a place where residents can rest easy and enjoy hometown living.

Due to our high quality of life, La Palma has been named one of the best places to live in America. La Palma also boasts being one of a few small California cities with its own Police Department under City control. 

6. What challenges is La Palma currently facing?

Keeping our City clean, safe, and well-maintained is our top priority. While the City has been able to remain fiscally stable during the COVID-19 pandemic, costs for community services continue to increase while City revenue resources have remained flat. 

Currently, tourists arrive each day in La Palma to access the attractions Southern California has to offer, including theme parks, beaches, and parks. These tourists increase traffic and demand for City services and resources, including parks, community facilities, sidewalks, and our local police.

Additionally, local streets, sidewalks, and community facilities require ongoing maintenance that is beyond current available resources. If we do not address these issues now, it will be more expensive to repair and maintain them in the future. 

During this time, our City has been responsible stewards of limited funds to maintain the services our community has come to expect.

7. What has the City already done to cut costs?

Over the last six years, our City has been responsible stewards of limited resources, proactively reducing staff, and streamlining City services to maintain the level of service our community has come to expect.

8. How is the City developing a long-term solution to its funding needs?

The City of La Palma has been working in close partnership with local community members to proactively examine the budget and develop a plan to provide financial stability without impacting City services. That is why the City placed a local funding measure on the November 2022 ballot. 

This measure would increase the existing transient occupancy tax (TOT), also known as a hotel tax, by 4%. This increase would be comparable with neighboring communities, and would not raise taxes for La Palma residents — it applies only to overnight hotel and short-term rental guests. The measure would generate an estimated $200,000 in annual funding to maintain a variety of general city services for our residents.  

9. Does the measure include fiscal accountability requirements?

Yes, the City is committed to transparency and responsible fiscal stewardship.  All money raised by the measure would stay local to fund services, programs, and projects here in La Palma. By law, no funds could be taken by the State. Annual independent audits of expenditures would also be required. These fiscal safeguards would help ensure transparency and that all funds are locally controlled. 

10. What about property tax revenue? Doesn’t property tax revenue support local City services?

Much of the revenue from local property tax goes to the State or other public agencies like local schools; less than 12 cents from every dollar comes back to our city. This amount alone is not enough to provide the community services desired by local residents.

11. Can the state or federal governments access this funding?

No. By law, every penny must stay in La Palma to support City services and programs. None of these funds can be taken or redirected by the state or federal governments.

12. Is this the right time to consider a local tax revenue measure?

Acknowledging the current economic challenges, the City of La Palma has been working with our community to explore all options to maintain City services and protect our quality of life.  Tourism is now bustling again, and we can expect more visitors to our area, using our services and impacting our community.  A potential increase in the transient occupancy tax ensures residents’ taxes remain the same, and only those who stay in hotels or short-term lodging would be assessed this tax. 

13. How many votes are required for this measure to pass?

This measure must be supported by a majority of those who vote on it in order to pass.