Category Archives: Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR-The March 22 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a presentation to Diamond Bar High School student Hailey Shi, who won first place in the 17th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing contest at Chapman University.

Following public comments, the schedule of future events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 24 at 7 p.m.; the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 26 at 10 a.m. at Pantera Park; the State of the City address on March 30 at 6 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on April 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Next, the Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the March 1 City Council meeting; the Parks and Recreation minutes from the January 28 meeting; the Planning Commission minutes from the January 26 and February 23 meetings; ratification of a check register totaling $1,680,851.92; authorization of the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Industry, establishing a reimbursement agreement for consultant costs related to the preparation of joint Fastlane Tiger Transportation funding grant applications; and a maintenance agreement for the Lemon Avenue undercrossing with the State of California, related to the construction of a new freeway interchange at Lemon Ave at State Route 60. The Council also appropriated $180,000 from General Fund Reserves and approved a contract with Public Finance Strategies, LLC.

Following Council Member reports and comments, the council adjourned to April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar.

Celebrating 27 Years of Diamond Bar Cityhood

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– On Saturday, April 16, the City of Diamond Bar will be holding its annual Birthday Party at Pantera Park, in recognition of Diamond Bar’s 27th anniversary of incorporation.

The festivities will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with carnival attractions operating until 6:00 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides and punch cards for activities and games will be sold at the event – $10 for each wristband and $1 for each card (four activities per card). A variety of beverages, snacks and food plates will be sold by local area nonprofits. There will also be numerous information booths offering giveaways and information related to emergency preparedness, crime prevention, recycling, recreation, pet adoptions, and more. Additionally, at approximately 3:15 p.m., following the presentation of certificates to the honorees of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer awards, free slices of birthday cake will be distributed near the main stage.

A few things to keep in mind: Leave your pets at home – only registered service animals will be allowed. Bring cash – all transactions and purchases made onsite will require cash as payment. Free and frequent shuttle service to and from Pantera Park will be available from surrounding neighborhood streets, starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event. Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive.

For more information, call 909-839-7000 or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/bday.

Honey Oil Lab Found in Diamond Bar Home

Photo courtesy: LASD Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: LASD
Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

 

DIAMOND BAR – A hash oil extraction lab was found in a Diamond Bar home Wednesday, March 23.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) narcotics investigators assigned to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station team served a search warrant at approximately 1:30 p.m. at a residence located in the 200 block of South Rock River Road.

LASD narcotics detectives discovered an active honey oil marijuana extraction lab, where approximately one pound total of concentrated cannabis and unfinished cannabis product were seized. Detectives arrested five suspects, two females and three males, all between the ages of 18 and 23.  Four of the suspects were residents of the location.

Honey oil, or hash oil, is THC that has been extracted from marijuana by the use of different solvents and heat.  People who try to create honey oil can injure themselves or cause an explosion in the process.

The street value for the concentrated cannabis was estimated at approximately $15,000 and $70,000 for the unfinished cannabis product. Additionally, two vials containing approximately two ounces of liquid LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) were also seized.  The street value for the liquid LSD was estimated at about $15,000. Approximately $6,000 in U.S. currency was also seized.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT) Clandestine Laboratory Team responded and are assisting LASD narcotics investigators in processing the scene and collecting evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar Station, Detective Burnside at (909) 595-2264.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Volunteers Honored by Local Sheriff’s Booster Club

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Local residents to be recognized for their volunteerism and hard work for the Walnut/Diamond Bar sheriff and emergency services at the 26th annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Saturday, April 21.

Hosted by the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club, the event will honor the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers who give freely of their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.
“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community. This recognition dinner is just a small token of our appreciation.”
Funds raised through the Annual Scholarship Dinner provide uniforms and equipment to the volunteers.
Reception begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Dinner is free for all Volunteers, Reserve Deputies, Explorers, and Disaster Communications Services workers.  Dinner tickets are available for $30 per person. Dinner includes choice of chicken picatta or tri tip beef with peppercorn sauce, garden salad, oven-roasted potatoes, dessert, coffee/tea and cash bar.
The event will be held at Diamond Bar Golf Course, 22751 Golden Springs Drive.
For information and reservations, contact Walnut/Diamond Bar Booster Club members, Sgt. Mark Saldecke at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

Taking The Bus

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

I was traveling out of town recently, and I decided to take the bus and metro train back to the airport.  Several people had offered to help me get to the airport, but I thought I could make it on my own.

I went online and checked the bus and metro routes in my area.  The bus ran every 30 minutes and would connect me to the metro train that went to the airport. I walked with my small red suitcase to the bus stop and got there in plenty of time.  Another bus rider assured me that this was the right stop for my bus and that it came every 30 minutes.

When the bus did not come on schedule, my fellow rider was concerned.  This never happened.  The bus was very reliable.  I called the “800” number posted at the bus stop to see what was wrong and was reassured by an impersonal computer voice that my bus would be on time.

Remember, I had a plane to catch and the clock was ticking.  I called the bus line’s “800” number again and finally talked with a real person.  They informed me that there had been mechanical trouble and the next bus would arrive in half an hour.

My previous relaxed composure was gradually changing to anxiety.  Why did I take the bus?  Why didn’t I accept the offers from others to drive me to the airport?  Now I was too embarrassed to call someone for a ride.  I had already declined their offers.  Now, the clock was ticking.  This seemed like a good time to pray and ask for God’s help!

Did I mention that while I was walking to the bus stop, earlier in the morning, that an airport shuttle van had actually pulled into the neighborhood?  What are the odds that a van taking people to the airport was driving through my neighborhood while I was walking to the bus stop to get to the airport?  Was this God sending me help because He knew I was going to need it and yet I refused to recognize it?

I actually walked over to the shuttle van to ask if there was room in his van for me and how much it would cost. Yes, there was room for me, but when I heard the price I knew I could save a lot of money taking the bus and then the metro train.  Little did I know that the price (and peace of mind) of the shuttle van would be a lot less than the price and stress of possibly having to buy a new plane ticket!

While I was waiting for over an hour, the same blue airport shuttle van, with the same driver that I talked to earlier, actually drove right by my bus stop.  I am sure that the shuttle driver smiled as he recognized the stingy guy with the red suitcase.  If I had seen him coming, I would have probably waved for him to stop and rescue me.

My bus did finally arrive.  It was over an hour late.  When I tried to purchase a bus pass that would include the metro to the airport, the driver told me that the machine was broken. Not the best day to choose to ride the bus.

I did finally make it to airport and I did catch my plane, but it was close.

One thing that I learned is that there are nice people on the bus. Every person said “thank you” to the driver as they got off of the bus.  The people on the bus were grateful for the ride.  People in their cars are often grumpy, not grateful.  I also learned to be thankful for my own car and how I so often take for granted the convenience of car ownership.

I was reminded that maybe I need to be more willing to let others help me.  Why did I say “no” when people offered to take me to the airport?  Maybe I need to learn to say “yes” and “thanks” when help is available.

And, maybe I need to learn how to use Uber!

Golf With Your Local Sheriffs In Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers next month.
The tournament will begin at 11:30 a.m. April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Other sponsorship opportunities include: beverage cart for $1,000, hole-in-one sponsor for $500, goodie bag sponsor for $500, closest-to-the-pin sponsor for $400, and tee sign sponsorship for $100.
Captain Scroggin encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Mark Saldecke, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

Traditional Chinese Cuisine On The Menu At Mandarin Taste

See their ad in this issue of the Weekly News for coupons and specials. For more information, call (909) 861-1819 or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar.

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – If you are looking for a wonderful meal, look no farther than Diamond Bar’s most authentic Chinese restaurant, Mandarin Taste. For over 32 years, Mandarin Taste has brought quality service and traditional Chinese cuisine to the Diamond Bar community.

The restaurant has thrived because of the many mouth-watering dishes it serves and the family-friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more. Skip slaving over the stove all day, or cooking after a long day at the office. Mandarin Taste hopes to make every day less stressful and more enjoyable for you while you feast and share memories with your loved ones.

From Peking duck and Hunan lamb to customer-favorites pork fried rice, wonton soup and orange-flavored chicken, guests will definitely feel lucky getting their grub on at Mandarin Taste. There’s an abundance of tasty food options to satisfy every palate.

The restaurant’s owners and staff want everyone who comes to their establishment to relax and enjoy themselves over the delectable food.

“We’re like a family restaurant,” said restaurant manager Chi Young, when describing the feeling that customers get when visiting the long-lasting eatery.

“People are always smiling [here],” said Young.

The restaurant holds a very popular champagne brunch on Sundays.  The champagne is all-you-can-drink and freshly made California rolls, made by a Japanese master chef, have been added to the menu.  All-you-can-eat buffets are available as well.

Mandarin Taste also serves traditional and specialty cocktails. Join them during Happy Hour, held Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If customers can’t come in to enjoy the pleasant ambience, they have the option to order food for carryout. Share the love and give your family and friends Mandarin Taste gift certificates, available year round!

For more information, please call (909) 861-1819, or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.

Castle Rock Hosts ‘Oscar’ Ceremony For Favorite Books

Photo courtesy of WVUSD

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Adventures in Wonderland won for Best Classic Book during Castle Rock Elementary’s B’Oscars. Shown:Students Natalie Schaffer and Jolie Escalante accept the gold award.

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR– Castle Rock Elementary fifth-grade students recently walked the red carpet at their very own Academy Awards, when they hosted a Hollywood-style awards show for their favorite books, authors, series, illustrators, and more during the annual Oscars for Books, coined the “B’Oscars.”

Parents lined the walkway like proud paparazzi, clapping and snapping photos as honorees entered the Diamond Bar High School theatre.  Classmates dressed up as the winning characters and bookish peeps took to the stage to accept the tiny gold statues in twelve categories.

“The B’Oscars is such a fantastic way to excite not only our 5th grade students but our entire school with the love of reading.  They can’t wait to hear who the winners are!” said Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.

Each class nominated five books in each category in preparation for the celebration of reading.

Teacher Jorge Arauz then combined all the submissions and organized the student voting.

During the March 3 event, four students wearing black suits and sunglasses focused on keeping security tight as they delivered top-secret winning names on stage.  All students in the show auditioned for their roles as presenters and book characters and wrote clever descriptions and comments to deliver on stage.

“Reading at Castle Rock means a lot to all students. It is a passport to distant lands!” said 5th grader Rachel Yang.

Costumed nominees, including the 3 Little Pigs and Dumb Bunnies, in the Best Fairytale and Picture Book categories, sat in the first rows of the audience hoping to hear their name announced.

“And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for – drum roll please!” the presenters said.  The eager readers took the cue to pound hands on their thighs in anticipation.

“What I love about the B’Oscars is how it transforms reading for every single student!” said teacher Julie McClain.  “Even if they weren’t up on stage, students were all rooting for their favorite book to win. This event encourages the whole grade level to read the books and authors that were nominated.”

Characters Pippi Longstocking, Annabeth Chase, Amy Cahill, Hermione Granger, and Ramona Quimby were nominated in the Best Female Protagonist category.  “Ramona Quimby is anxious, curious, and tends to annoy people. You’ve got to love the little pest!” said Charlene Hsu.

Students costumed as famed wizards Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Lord Voldemort, and author J.K. Rowling thanked the audience for voting them the winners in the Best Series category.  Detailed book summaries were shown during commercial breaks.

In the Male Protagonist category, the Castle Rock students voted for their favorite “good guy” characters including heroes Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Leo Valdez.

“I’d like to thank my author for inventing my exciting character!” said winning character Percy Jackson, played by Jeffrey Wang.

he thrilling quests detailed in Rick Riordan’s books sealed the award for Best Author.  “The sense of adventure really kept the stories going! When I was a teacher, I never thought all of this would be possible!” said student Nathan Tok posing as the author.

The audience screamed in delight when Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief was named Best Book.

“I want to eat some enchiladas!” announced Hagen White playing the part of Percy Jackson’s quirky vegetarian best friend, Grover Underwood. “You never know when you’ll need food!”

 

The B’Oscars is the action plan for the IB School program of inquiry “How we express ourselves” with the central idea of “Tales that have been with us since the beginning of mankind.”

Students now hope to stock the school library with their favorite titles.  “Our book drive is important because we need new books so children can have more imagination,” said 5th grader Charleen Chen.

Miss Diamond Bar 2016 Crowned

Photo Courtesy: Diamond Bar High School Miss Diamond Bar 2016 and her Court. From Left to Right: Princess Shannon Clewley, Princess Tayla Beasley, Miss Diamond Bar Ashley Chen, Princess Lauren Ritchie, and Princess Bree Ward.

Photo Courtesy: Diamond Bar High School
Miss Diamond Bar 2016 and her Court. From Left to Right: Princess Shannon Clewley, Princess Tayla Beasley, Miss Diamond Bar Ashley Chen, Princess Lauren Ritchie, and Princess Bree Ward.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Sunday, March 13, Diamond Bar High School junior Ashley Chen was crowned Miss Diamond Bar 2016 in the DBHS theater.

The 2016 Princess court includes Bree Ward, a sophomore at Mt. Sac (DBHS c/o 2014), Shannon Clewley, a senior at DBHS,  Lauren Ritchie, a senior at DBHS, and Tayla Beasley, a junior at DBHS.

Since 1964, Miss Diamond Bar and her Court of Princesses have been committed to serve as ambassadors for the City of Diamond Bar and positive role models to the youth of our community for 50 years.  These young ladies all juggle full time school schedules and/or part/full time jobs, while maintaining their rigorous pageant schedule of over 50 appearances a year.  The Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. is a non-profit organization that depends on the support of the volunteers, local businesses and city leaders to continue this important community tradition.

For more information about the Miss Diamond Bar pageant, and for an application for the 2017 pageant, visit http://www.missdiamondbarpageant.org.

The Whole Enchilada

Eastvale News Business Feature The Whole EnchiladaStaff Reports

Diamond Bar – Spring is here! Why not take a break from the kitchen and celebrate springtime at The Whole Enchilada. With its promise of authenticity, The Whole Enchilada guarantees that its customers will enjoy the taste of their savory entrees.
The Whole Enchilada can help you make at-home dinners easy by offering tamales all year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese. From platters and entrée meals to taco bars, they also provide other options to serve fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.
“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from tacos and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.
The Whole Enchilada’s food is only one reason to celebrate at their restaurant. They also pride themselves on excellent customer service due to their family friendly servers being attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable.
If you’re planning a celebration, parties can be planned easily at a home or business with The Whole Enchilada’s catering service. Book now and you can reserve a portion of the restaurant to celebrate with good food, family, and friends.
The staff will be there to help you celebrate special moments, raise money for your team or organization, and provide a wonderful experience for your children. They love working with the community to help with fundraisers, and special events for churches, sports, schools, clubs, and more.
Birthday parties are always fun at The Whole Enchilada, as well. No matter how old you are, the staff will provide you with a total birthday experience including singing, a special picture to take home, free birthday hat and dessert, and best of all, five “Enchilada Bucks” to use the next time you visit.
Better yet, The Whole Enchilada’s “Kids Club” includes four mailings per year entitling your children to a free meal when accompanied by an adult, as well as a birthday invitation for a free meal and dessert.
The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online at http://www.wholeenchilada.com. And remember to ask your server for a Combo Punch Card on your next visit, which provides a free combo dinner when you purchase any nine of their combination dinners.
The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, (at Grand Ave.), in Diamond Bar. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.

Armed Forces Banners

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– The first of two annual deadlines for Diamond Bar residents to honor an immediate family member serving on active duty in the United States military through the City of Diamond Bar’s Armed Forces Banner Program is coming up.

Friday, April 8 is the first cutoff date to submit a request to have a banner personalized with a loved one’s name and military branch. Banner installations will occur in the month of May. Applications received after April 8 will be part of the second round of requests, with banners going up in November.

Complete participation requirements and a downloadable application form are available online at www.diamondbarca.gov/armedforces or by calling the City’s Community Services Department at 909.839.7060.

Decorating For Easter

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

One of my least favorite assignments is to “get the boxes down from the attic.”  I hear these words several times a year, when my wife wants to decorate our house for a new season.

 

The largest number of storage boxes contain Christmas decorations.  Most of these are stored on shelves in the garage.  There are fewer Fall decorations and these are stored in the attic space above the garage.  

 

Each of these seasonal decorations contribute to the festive atmosphere in our house for a few weeks.   My job is to get them down and put them away again.

 

Now that Spring is coming, I heard those familiar words again recently.  My wife asked me if I would “get the Easter boxes down from the attic”.  There was a sense of urgency in her voice because two of our granddaughters were coming to our house and she wanted to let them help decorate.

 

 I’m not sure who had more fun, the grandchildren or my wife.  These two young girls had a wonderful time discovering the variety of decorations in those boxes.  They couldn’t believe all the neat stuff that Grammy had collected.  They loved finding places to put the decorations all over our house.

 

I noticed the sparkle in my wife’s eye and the smile on her face as she watched the enthusiasm of her young assistants.  It was enjoyable to watch Grammy and her girls decorate our house for Easter.

 

I don’t know how the seasonal decorating goes on in your house, but I know it is important at our house.   My wife enjoyed it very much and so did her young helpers!

 

This year Easter will be on Sunday, March 27th.  Our church will be having three Easter Sunday services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 a.m.  We will also have one service on Good Friday, March 25th, at 7:00 p.m.

 

Easter is the day when Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.  The Bible says that Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the dead to pay for our sins and to purchase a place for us in heaven.  I hope you will take time to celebrate Easter this year.  Get out those decorations.  Get up and go to church to celebrate that Jesus is alive!

 

If you don’t have a church home, we would be delighted to have you worship with us on Easter Sunday.   You will be glad you did and we will be too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar: Easter Egg Hunt

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

 

DIAMOND BAR – The City of Diamond Bar and the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club are again teaming up to host their popular annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26.

The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast organized by the Fire Explorers Post 19 (nominal fee applies), followed by the free egg hunt at 10:00 a.m., featuring thousands of treat-filled plastic eggs.

Hunting areas will be divided into six areas based on age groups, with parental assistance allowed for the youngest attendees.  Photo packages with the Easter Bunny will be available for purchase, starting at $10.  Please be advised that only cash will be accepted as a form of payment for the pancake breakfast and photo packages.

Children need to bring their own baskets for the egg collection. Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar.

For more information, call the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070 or visit www.diamondbarca.gov/EEH.

Two Tea Cups

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

Having a cup of tea is one of my wife’s favorite things. She enjoys a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s night at home. She enjoys going out with friends to a local tea shop.  She also enjoys taking our daughters and our grandchildren out to a special Tea Party.  The grandkids get special sandwiches and desserts along with a variety of flavored tea, and they love having Tea Parties with Grammy at our house, too.

Enjoying a cup of tea and collecting tea cups are a big deal in our family.

Recently, one of our daughters, who lives out of the area, sent my wife a package.  In the box was a beautiful tea cup and a note.

Her note explained that while she was out shopping, she saw this tea cup and thought of her mother. Our daughter knew that my wife already had plenty of tea cups, but she bought this one to let her mother know she was thinking of her.

Our daughter went on to explain that she had actually purchased two tea cups.  One was for herself and one was for her mother.   Even though they don’t live nearby, my wife and our daughter would have matching tea cups to share.

In her note she wrote, “I got a matching tea cup for me – just like yours, so when I drink out of it, I will be praying for you and you can be praying for me.”

These matching tea cups are a tangible reminder of the bond that is shared by a mother and her daughter.

You may share something similar with a friend or loved one.  Some people have matching bracelets.  Others have one-half of a charm or necklace, with their friend or loved one having the other half.

In the Bible, there are many examples of visual, tangible reminders that God provided to remind his people of his love.  In the Christian Faith, we share a piece of bread and a small cup of juice to remind us of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples.  The bread is a reminder of His body that was nailed to the Cross and the cup is a reminder of His blood that was shed at His crucifixion.

In the Jewish faith, they share several items of food including unleavened bread and cups of wine as they remember the Passover recorded in Exodus.  These are tangible and visible reminders of God’s love and care.

I wonder if you have something on your shelf or in your cupboard that is a helpful reminder of someone’s love or concern for you?  Is there someone in your family or at your place of work that would be encouraged by a thoughtful gift from you?

Two tea cups can be a timely reminder that you are thinking of others and they are thinking of you!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR-The March 1 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with an award presentation to Charles Fisher. Fisher reported suspicious activity in his neighborhood, which led to the apprehension of two burglars. He received $500 from the Report for Reward program. Planning Commissioner Bob Nishimura and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ted Owens were also presented with a City Tile, in recognition for their years of service to the community.
Lt. Philip Marquez was also introduced as the newest member of the Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Team. Although Marquez is new to the city, he is not new to policing; he served the public for many years before his move to Diamond Bar.
During the public comments, several residents expressed their distaste for the Millennium home development. The lawyer representing the current owners of Millennium refuted several claims, but residents remained disgruntled.
Next, a Diamond Bar resident called for body cameras to be worn by the city police force, as they would help keep policemen accountable for their actions and possibly reduce unnecessary police force. The City Manager acknowledged the advantages of body cameras, and discussed current efforts to make body cameras part of standard police uniforms. A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library then announced upcoming events, such a workshop regarding the new SAT and ACT tests on March 12 from 12-4 p.m., and a presentation about diabetes on March 14 from 2-3 p.m.
The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting of February 16; ratification of a check register totaling $762,553.58; the treasurer’s statement for the month of January 2015; an agreement with Exterior Products Corporation for services related to vertical street pole banners; a design and construction administration/inspection services contract for Area 4 residential and collector street rehabilitation to Onward Engineering, Inc; a contract amendment with Fehr & Peers for the development of the adaptive traffic control system request for proposal and travel time data collection; a resolution authorizing participation in the MiCTA Master Services Agreement government purchasing program and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a seven-year agreement with Time Warner Cable to purchase increased internet bandwidth; and a resolution amending the City’s personnel rules and regulations, effective March 2. The Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending city code relating to an administrative personnel system.
Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.
The schedule of future events includes the Planning Commission meeting on March 8 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on March 10 at 7 p.m.; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 24 at 7 p.m.; and the State of the City by Mayor Lyons on March 30 at 6 p.m. at 1600 Grand Ave. The Planning Commission meeting for March 22 was cancelled, and the next City Council meeting was postponed to March 22 at 6:30 p.m.

DBHS Sophomore Wins Holocaust Art Contest

Photo courtesy of Diamond Bar HS Holocaust Art Contest Winner Hailey Shi

Photo courtesy of Diamond Bar HS
Holocaust Art Contest Winner Hailey Shi

Courtesy of DBHS

 

Diamond Bar– On Friday, March 4, Diamond Bar High School sophomore Hailey Shi won 1st place in the annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest held at Chapman University.

Hailey previously won the Holocaust Art and Writing Contest in the Middle School category when she was in the 8th grade.  Earlier this year, she decided she wanted to submit an entry as a high school student.

In order to prepare for the competition, Hailey listened to hours of tape recorded interviews of Holocaust survivors.  She played the recordings in the car as her parents drove her to school and back.  After listening to the horrific memories of a number of survivors, she chose Mr. Sol Liber as the person to whom she dedicated her painting.  Hailey felt a deep emotional connection to the suffering he endured. His memories evoked visual imagery that she created in response to his life story.

The resulting painting is a blend of portraiture, emotional drama, and heart-wrenching imagery.  Hailey is skilled at composition, color, and dramatic lighting.

In partnership with The 1939 Society, one of the largest and most active Holocaust survivor organizations in the United States, and with the support of the Samueli Foundation, Dana and Yossie Hollander and others, the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education annually sponsors an art and writing contest for middle and high school students.
Focusing on themes central both to the Holocaust and to ethical decision making in our world today, the contest gives students from public, private and parochial schools the opportunity to share their creative  works in response to survivors’ oral testimonies.

Representatives and educators from each school attend the awards ceremony, where they meet Holocaust survivors.  First-place student winners, their parents/guardians and teachers are invited to participate in an afternoon conversation, followed by a special event dinner, in Los Angeles with 1939 Society members who are survivors and witnesses to the Holocaust.

 

Outstanding Service

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a day with some of our grandchildren and their parents at Disneyland.  It was a warm, sunny day at the Happiest Place on Earth.

This was the first time that some of the grand kids had been to Disneyland.  They were very excited to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure.  They enjoyed a number of the rides and attractions in both parks.
One of their favorites was the new “Cars” ride in California Adventure.  This attraction is based on the Disney movie “Cars” and has two cars racing side-by-side down a curving road course.
I waited at the finish line with the youngest grandchild while my wife and the other adults and kids went on the “Cars” ride.  I did not see what happened on the race course, but as the cars raced along, my wife lost the baseball cap she was wearing.  It just flew off as her car rounded a sharp curve.
The reason she was wearing a baseball cap is that she doesn’t have any hair right now.  She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer and has lost all of her hair.
There was nothing she could do.  The hat was gone and her bald head was exposed to the world.  They operators could not stop the ride.  Her hat was gone.
But then, something unexpected happened.  As soon as the ride came to a complete stop, one of the Disney employees saw my wife’s predicament and stepped in to help.
The female employee quickly ushered my wife off the ride and led her into a souvenir shop nearby.  She instructed my wife to select a new hat at no cost.  It was a timely and thoughtful gift.
The employee said that she did not want my wife to have to spend the rest of the day at Disneyland without a hat to cover her head.  We were surprised and impressed with the Disney employee’s quick and compassionate action.
Our trip to Disneyland with our grandchildren is a day that we will remember for a long time.  We had such a nice time together.  And, it is a day we will remember the outstanding customer service of a thoughtful Disney employee, too.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Volunteen Summer Program

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

Are you between the ages of 13 and 15 and looking for a fun way to earn community service hours while gaining job skills in the City recreation services field?  The City of Diamond Bar is currently seeking interested teens to be part of its 2016 Summer Volunteen Program.

To be eligible to participate, you must be available to work starting May 16 and until August 12 for a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Hours are mutually arranged between the Volunteen program coordinator and the participant.

Volunteens help with popular City programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Baseball and Tiny Tots, and also assist with the City’s popular Concerts and Movies in the Park series.

The last day to apply to be considered for the 2016 Volunteen Program is Thursday, April 14. Only online applications submitted through the NeoGov system, available through the City website at http://www.DiamondBarCa.gov/ employment will be considered. No paper applications or emailed resumes will be accepted.

For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

Theatre Students Bring Musical And Literary Classic To DBHS Stage

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR-Diamond Bar High School’s Theatre Department will present a production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same title. Les Misérables is a story of justice and redemption in a time of social and political revolution. DBHS’ production will feature students from the Diamond Bar and Walnut area who auditioned for the children’s roles in the piece.

“We wanted to extend the great learning experience that comprises the production of our Spring Musical to younger children in our district. They are learning not just acting, music and vocal technique, but they are also having a great time learning about French history and the events that the story is based on,” said director Beatrice Casagran. “I am amazed at the depth of insights and questions that are being raised by some of our youngest cast members during our character preparation discussions.  It just highlights that theatre is a great way to for young people to access literature,” she added.

DBHS theatre productions are student-run shows, with students involved in every aspect from publicity to production management.  In fact, the ambitious, Gothic inspired set is being built by DBHS Stagecraft students.

Set in 19th-century France, Les Misérables follows the life of Jean Valjean, a man released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment. The kind act of a stranger gives Valjean resolve to turn his life around.  Hoping to find a new beginning, he breaks his parole, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police Inspector Javert. Set during the years around the Paris student uprising of 1832, Les Misérables paints a striking portrait of the dark world within the City of Light, and is a sweeping history of a turbulent age through an unforgettable cast of characters.

Shows are April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the school theatre located at 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. Proceeds go directly to help fund the DBHS Theatre Arts Program. Tickets are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.

Three Area Teams Make CIF Finals

By Lyn Taylor

 

It’s a great year for basketball in the Inland Empire.  Chino Hills High School, Ayala High School and Diamond Ranch High School’s boys’ basketball teams have all made it into the CIF Southern Section Finals to be played this weekend, March 4-5.

Diamond Ranch High School (23-8) will play Chaminade, Friday night March 4, at Azusa Pacific University for the Division 3A Championship.    Diamond Ranch is led by former professional basketball player and multiple award-winning coach Eric Cooper.

The #1 team in the nation, Steve Baik’s Chino Hills Huskies (30-0),  have dominated this season in the Open Division, and will take on Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon (26-3) at 6:30 p.m. for the prestigious Open Division Championship.   Chino Hills’ Ball brothers, Lonzo, Liangelo and Lamelo Ball lead the team, with Elizjah Scott and Onyeka Okongwu creating a starting five who are fun to watch and difficult to defeat.

Ayala’s Bulldogs (29-3) led by Coach John Mounce, will compete against Edison (24-7) at 8:30 p.m. the same night, also at the Honda Center, for the 2AA Championship.  The Bulldogs will have 6’5” senior star John Edgar to help them in their first championship quest.

Good luck to all of the boys!