Information about Measure PH
Preventing Wildfire and Protecting Natural Lands

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Preserving and Protecting Local Open Space

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (“the Habitat Authority”) manages approximately 3,886 acres of public open space, the Puente Hills Preserve, which includes Turnbull Canyon, Hacienda Hills, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero and Powder Canyon. The Habitat Authority works to assist with wildfire preparedness efforts and emergency response in its service area and contracts with three Rangers who provide patrol services.

Virtual Open House and Q&A on Measure PH

Additional Funding Required to Meet Current Operations and Needs

The Habitat Authority currently faces an ongoing structural deficit. In order to maintain the financial health of the Habitat Authority, budgetary reductions have been made in recent years. Positions have been left unfunded and many services and programs have been cut.

Remaining program and service levels do not meet current needs, even as lengthening fire seasons and neighborhood safety concerns increase the need for services. Without an additional stable funding source, the Habitat Authority will be forced to make additional cuts, which could include eliminating Rangers and limiting access for individuals and families.

Community Facilities District

In July, the Habitat Authority unanimously voted to form a legal entity called a Community Facilities District (CFD). The CFD boundaries include the entirety of the cities of Whittier and La Habra Heights as well as part of the communities of Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights and Workman Mill.

A CFD allowed the Habitat Authority to place Measure PH on the November 2024 general election ballot within the district’s boundaries. Measure PH is a special tax of 1¢ per building square foot (about $18 dollars a year for the average homeowner), with annual adjustments limited to 3%, until ended by voters.

If approved by voters, Measure PH would:

Clear brush from structures and emergency access roads for first responders
Protect local natural lands by preventing and removing homeless encampments, vandalism and illegal dumping
Maintain park ranger patrols for fire safety, keeping our hills and trails safe and provide emergency response
Maintain natural habitats, including the Hacienda Hills, Turnbull Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero and Powder Canyon

Strict Accountability Required

Measure PH will include strict fiscal accountability provisions, including:

All funds would be locally controlled and could not be taken by the State or used for other purposes
Annual audits and public financial disclosures would ensure proper use of funds

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about how Measure PH will help maintain ranger services, wildfire prevention and natural area preservation efforts in the Puente Hills.

To learn more, please click here for a Fact Sheet and Informational Flyer

To view our fact sheet in Spanish click here, to view it in Korean click here, and to view it in Chinese click here.

Board of Directors Approvals:

Resolution No. 2024-07 Forming a Community Facilities District and to levy special taxes therein
Resolution No. 2024-08 Calling a special tax election and submitting to the qualified electors the question of levying a special tax
Resolution No. 2024-09 Requesting consolidation of Authority election with statewide general election