By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Wed., Apr. 8 marked the Walnut City Council’s first meeting of the month; a regular session with a short agenda of items, including the recognition of OneLegacy (during Donor Awareness Month) and their life-saving work.

Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, was absent from the meeting due to vacation.

Ambassador Daniel Luevanos accepted the award from the City on behalf of the OneLegacy organization, which aims to increase organ, tissue, marrow and blood donors throughout the nation.  Mayor Nancy Tragarz handed out the award to Luevanos, stating that OneLegacy was an important organization that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.

“More than 123,000 individuals nationwide, and more 21,000 in California, are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list,” Tragarz said. “Every 90 minutes, one person dies while waiting due the shortage of donated organs … whereas millions of lives are saved and healed by donors of organs, tissue, marrow and blood.  The spirit of giving and decision to donate are not restricted by age or medical conditions.”

The rest of the City Council members thanked Luevanos and also wished OneLegacy continued luck with the number of donors it gathers each year.

Following the presentation, the Council members approved the March 25 meeting minutes and approved the items on the consent calendar, including a resolution for the claims and demands in the amount of $469,720.68; the approval of plans and authorization to receive bids for Areas 1 and 2 for a resurfacing project; and a request to reject all bids currently received for a new city-wide telephone system, and authorization for staff to again proceed with formal bids for said system.

After Council announcements, the Walnut City Council officially adjourned with plans to meet on April 22, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.