Residents press La Palma council on street maintenance and safety; grand jury items and school coordination highlighted

Multiple members of the public spoke during oral communications at the Aug. 5 La Palma City Council meeting. Longtime resident Adolf Stefanos described repeated problems with loose asphalt particles in a cul‑de‑sac outside his home and said contractors did not perform sealing after paving; he asked the city to follow up and noted the maintenance had not been corrected despite prior complaints.

Stefanos told council he collects loose particles that spread into his driveway and asked whether the contractor seals streets. The mayor referred the complaint to staff for follow-up, saying the council could not comment on non‑agendized items. Stefanos said he had already shared contact information with staff.

Keith Nelson, a recent Orange County grand jury member, urged council to review grand jury reports on short‑term rentals and e-bikes and recommended cities review policies on a three‑year cycle to remain current with changing case law. Brian O'Neil, president of the Anaheim Union High School District board, praised La Palma’s coordination with the police department on school safety, noted annual lockdown drills and said the district has procedures to protect students if immigration enforcement appears on campus.

Public commenters also cautioned that street work near school start times can cause significant traffic delays and asked the city to coordinate contractor schedules. Council members acknowledged the complaints and referred street maintenance matters to staff for response and scheduling.