By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR– Mayor Lyons began the January 19 Diamond Bar City Council meeting by announcing the winners of the “Through My Lens” Photo Contest of 2015. In the youth division People category, Hamzah Daud won first place, and Clarissa Hui won Honorable Mention. In the Pets category, Huanxi Liu won first place, and Hannah Trinh won Honorable Mention. In the Places category, Nathaniel Liu won first place, and Nicole Trinh won Honorable Mention. In the Nature category, Evelyn Dai won first place, and Ashley Chen won Honorable Mention. In the Digitally Altered category, Rachel Ahn won first place, and Huanxi Liu won Honorable Mention. In the adult division People category, Allan Le won first place, and Rae Lasko won Honorable Mention. In the Places Category, Bruce Davis won first place, and Teresa Wang won Honorable Mention. In the Nature category, Han Mook Kim won first place, and Bruce Davis won Honorable Mention. In the Pets category, Tony J. Wu won first place, and Jeff Braun won Honorable Mention. In the Digitally Altered category, Tony J. Wu won first place, and Tommy Zeller won Honorable Mention. The grand prize was awarded to Tony J. Wu for his piece “Sunset Over Beautiful Diamond Bar,” submitted for the Digitally Altered category, for scoring the highest overall marks.

During the public comments, some residents expressed concern over the housing development that is beginning construction on Larkstone Drive.  A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced upcoming events, including an Adult 101 Etiquette Workshop on January 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.; an acting and improvisation workshop for kids on January 27 from 4 to 5 p.m.; and a workshop to help you get organized that will take place on January 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. A representative from the Diamond Bar Women’s Club announced the club’s third annual Roarin’ Twenties Casino Night Charity Fundraiser on February 6 from 6:30-11:00 p.m. The Diamond Bar Community Foundation also announced a 1K Fun Run/5K Run/Walk on March 20, which will help raise awareness for the Fields for Kids Program and raise funds for a Diamond Bar sports field. The Foundation is looking for both sponsors and participants, and more information can be found at www.thedbcf.org.

The schedule of future events includes: a Los Angeles County Park Needs Assessment Public Meeting on January 21 at 7 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center on 1600 Grand Ave; a celebration for Alex Morgan on January 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pantera Park on 738 Pantera Dr; a Planning Commission meeting on January 26 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr; and the next City Council meeting on February 2 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including City Council minutes from Dec 15; ratification of check register totaling $2,939,893.61; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of November 2015; an agreement between the City and the Discovery Cube, Orange County for the Eco Challenge Education Program; a professional services agreement with Josue Espino to provide planning consulting services; a General Plan status report for 2015; and an ordinance amending Diamond Bar Municipal Code related to water efficient landscaping.

A first reading was approved for an ordinance amending the City Code relating to penalties and civil remedies for offenses pertaining to animal regulations, and the Council then adopted a resolution adjusting existing animal license fees.

The Council then adjourned until February 2, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.