By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – The Dec. 1 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began by announcing Carol Herrera and Ruth Low as the winners of the general election held on Nov. 3. Outgoing Council member Jack Tanaka was presented with a clock in recognition of his service to the city, and wished a long and happy retirement. Following the oath of office for Carol Herrera and Ruth Low, mayor pro tem Nancy Lyons was promoted to mayor through acclamation, and Council member Jimmy Lin was promoted as the next mayor pro tem. Outgoing mayor Steve Tye was presented with a gavel as well as a bobblehead of his likeness, celebrating his work as the City’s mayor.

After a brief reception to honor new and outgoing Council members alike, the City Manager reported that Smart and Final Extra was expected to take over the Haggen lot and be open for business by late March or early February. He also reported that the Diamond Bar Library ranked 8th in visitors out of all 86 libraries in the system.

During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events, including an Edible Holiday Art workshop, on Dec. 5 from 10-11 a.m.; a workshop to build your own flashlight, on Dec. 7 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.; and a Holiday Centerpiece workshop on Dec. 12 from 2-3 p.m.

The schedule of future events includes the Holiday Diamond Ride, from Nov. 27 to Jan. 1, a free shuttle service to and from the Diamond Bar Shopping Centers for residents 18 years or older; the Candy Cane Craft Fair, on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Diamond Bar Center; the Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation meeting on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the City Council minutes of Nov. 17; ratification of a check register totalling $1,768,441.91; and the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of October, 2015; a resolution authorizing participation in the US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance to purchase park, LLAD’s, and road maintenance supplies from HD Supply; and a notice of completion for the Area 3 (Bounded by Pathfinder Road to the North, Pathfinder Road/City Limit to the South) residential and collector road rehabilitation project.

Following a public hearing, the Council adopted an ordinance extending a previous ordinance prohibiting the issuance of land use permits or business licenses for establishment, expansion, or relocation of massage establishments citywide in accordance with the provisions of government code 65858. The Council then welcomed a new member of the Traffic and Transportation Commission, who is replacing Ted Carrera, who moved away from Diamond Bar before his term expired.

Following a short recess to the Public Finance Authority and Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD Government Center Auditorium, located at 21865 Copley Dr.