By Natalie Kim
Diamond Bar – The Oct. 6 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The project, designed to exhibit and enhance the beauty of Diamond Bar, will not be completed until the end of November. Following the update on the project, the Council welcomed Crunch Gym, on 1132 South Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar’s new business of the month for October 2015. A presentation was then given, detailing the construction of Diamond Canyon Park, estimated to be complete by summer of 2016.

The City also welcomed its new Associate Planner May Nakajima. Nakajima previously worked for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, where she began as a planning aid while interning during her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and was promoted to Assistant Planner after graduating. She has worked a wide variety of different projects, and the city of Diamond Bar is excited to have her on their team.

During the public comments, the 2015 Miss Diamond Bar Alexandra Ornelas, announced that she will be representing Diamond Bar in the 2016 Miss Teen California. On Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Chili’s of Diamond Bar will be holding a fundraiser to help Ornelas in her endeavors, and she and her court will be present to greet and seat attendees.

Representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library also announced several events, such as the Read Together program, with the book China Dolls by Lisa See for adults, Farewell to Manzanar by Wakatsuki Houstin for teens, and Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee. On Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., children ages 6-10 can enjoy an origami class; on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., the library will be swinging with swing dance; on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. children ages 6-10 can meet and discuss Nim and the War Effort; on Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. teens can meet and discuss Farewell to Manzanar; and on Oct. 24 Lisa See will be discussing her book, China Dolls.

Another resident announced the Inland Valley Partners’ Walk for the Hungry on Oct 11. Registration begins at noon, and various fun and games, such as face painting, as well as an In-n-Out truck will be available.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read: the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including: the Planning Commission minutes from Aug. 25; a check register totalling $1,050,048.64; the Treasurer’s Statement for August 2015; a contract for annual property tax consult and audit services with HDL Coren & Cone for the 2015/16 through 2020/21 for $12,240; a contract amendment with Fehrs & Peers for citywide traffic data collection; and a contract amendment with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to replace turf with drought tolerant planting materials and mulch in medians along Diamond Bar Blvd and retrofit irrigation systems to meet state Water Board requirements for $539,465.46.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.