There are few ways to spend a Monday night that feel quite as epic as a four hour and 14 minute city council meeting. I know, you’re jealous already. Forget Netflix thrillers—this one had plot twists, passionate monologues, and anxious citizens gripping the podium like it was the last lifeboat on the Titanic.

The agenda item that dragged the meeting into the next geological era? A proposed water rate increase. The details were complicated, math-heavy, and somehow both dry and overflowing all at once. (Pun intended.) I’ll spare you the financial reports and cost-of-service studies (for now) and get to the real story: the people.

I saw the main characters of La Verne in full form. The regulars who never miss a meeting, the quiet policy wonks who bring spreadsheets and copious notes, and the passionate first-timers who showed up because their neighbor told them their bill was about to “skyrocket to Mars.” There were shaking hands, cracking voices, and genuine emotion—people who cared deeply, even if they weren’t exactly sure how to decode the rate study.

The mayor? Equal parts stand-up comedian and referee. He managed to keep the crowd (mostly) in check with humor, empathy, and a firm yet compassionate voice. At one point, he even managed to turn a tense back-and-forth into a chuckle. Leadership, La Verne style.

Meanwhile, I was sitting there thinking, what a time to launch a little local news newsletter. Perfect timing, actually. If there were ever a reminder of why community journalism matters, this was it. People want answers. City staff want to explain. Everyone’s frustrated about how to communicate—and somewhere in between all that confusion is where local news should live.

So yes, I left that meeting starving (I skipped dinner) but fired up—and maybe a little in need of a crash course on the Brown Act. But mostly, I left reminded that democracy isn’t pretty, quick, or easy. It’s long, loud, sometimes confusing, often continuous—and, when you’re lucky, kind of inspiring.

I didn’t think I would become a water reporter, but here we are. I promise, there are other topics I will cover (but also more juicy water-related stories to come).

Correction: There will be a water rate increase Jan. 1, 2026 and every fiscal year July 1, 2026 through July 1, 2029. This story was updated at 5:58 p.m. Nov. 4 to clarify there will be two increases in 2026.

How it ended

City Council voted unanimously to adopt new water and sewer rates following the Proposition 218 public hearing. The first increase of 35 percent will be effective Jan. 1, 2026, with additional increases set for every fiscal year through July 1, 2029. See the table below for the water rate schedule. Sewer rates will also increase 15 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and at the start of every fiscal year through July 1, 2029. The council directed City staff to conduct an updated rate study in late 2026/early 2027.

Use the Online Bill Calculator to see estimate how much your water and wastewater bill could increase.

The City counted 1,532 Prop 218 protest letters from residents. At least 4,769 were needed to prevent the adoption of the originally proposed rates of 50 percent Jan. 1, 2026, 25 percent July 1, 2026, 15 percent July 1, 2027, 10 percent July 1, 2028, and 10 percent July 1, 2029. During the hearing, City staff and consultants proposed a second option with a 45 percent increase beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and a 25 percent increase deferred to Oct. 1, 2026, followed by 15, 10 and 10 percent increase for years 2027, 2028 and 2029.

For more on this story and others, stay tuned La Verne. We’ve got so many more stories to report.

See an error? Read our Corrections policy

La Verne Seeks Feedback on Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The City of La Verne is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide future improvements to parks, facilities, and recreational programs, according to the city’s website. The comprehensive plan will help set priorities for park upgrades, new projects, and programming opportunities in the coming years.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Tim Hepburn implored people to “please, please, put your input” on the plans.

Residents can share feedback through the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan project website, which includes information on upcoming public meetings, past presentations, an interactive map, and other project updates.

Business Briefs: What’s New Around Town

Klatch Coffee Coming Soon to Sprouts

Klatch Coffee will soon be serving a variety of coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, and other coffee drinks inside of Sprouts Market on Foothill Boulevard. Opening date TBD. We’ll update you as soon as we have more information.

🚨Got a news tip for us? Email newstips@lavernedaily.org or chat with us now!

New to La Verne Daily News? Welcome!

Learn more about us here ➡️ lavernedaily.substack.com/about

Community-powered news starts with you.

I launched La Verne Daily News to fill a local news gap. My mission is to provide fair, fact-based reporting about the people and policies that shape our community. I believe access to reliable local information isn’t just a service—it’s essential to civic engagement and community safety. Your support will help me report and share local news focused on what matters.

Trustworthy local information is the foundation of a safe, connected, and engaged community. Join me in building a local news source our community can count on!