Category Archives: Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar Completes Beautification Projects

Photo by Jennifer Heyen New City Monument Greets Commuters along Grand Avenue

Photo by Jennifer Heyen
New City Monument Greets Commuters along Grand Avenue

By Carol Heyen

DIAMOND BAR– The City of Diamond Bar has recently completed two major beautification improvement projects.

The Grand Avenue Beautification Project, which began in May 2015, included several aesthetically-pleasing upgrades along Grand Avenue at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive.  Both of which are considered primary gateways into the city, according to city officials.
Workers installed 16 new traffic signals, created 12,000 square feet of new sidewalks, and laid 3,000 square feet of pavers.
A new gateway monument was installed at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive. Design details of windmills and timber rails from the city’s agriculture past are incorporated in the new monument.

Other improvements included the planting of 67 new drought-resistant trees along with other water-friendly plants. Bus benches will be added by Foothill Transit later this year.
Money for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project was made possible from a federal grant obtained through the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act.

Carlton Peterson Park’s parking lot also underwent some much-needed rehabilitation. The rehabilitation included repaving and adding 34 new parking spots. Ronald Reagan Park will also undergo parking lot rehabilitation.

 

Brahma Mathletes named National Champs

Photo courtesy of Walnut Valley U.S.D.

Photo courtesy of Walnut Valley U.S.D.

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR – Diamond Bar High’s Math Team wrapped up its undefeated season in dramatic fashion.

After eight weeks of exciting competition against hundreds of schools across the nation, the Diamond Bar students were named the national Math Madness champions on December 11.

Math Madness is a national online event inspired by college basketball’s March Madness tournament. Teams in the contest, which is sponsored by the American Mathematics Association (AMA), play in a round-robin format and then are seeded into a draw of 64 teams.

First reports from the December 9 finals ranked the Brahmas as second place finishers against competitors from Valley Christian High School in San Jose.  Two days later, officials announced that the first place team had cheated, and named the Brahmas the winners

“We knew that the final match was going to be very, very close,” commented math teacher and advisor Jeff Brose.   Teachers Dena Lorde and Jimmy Kuo served as co-advisors and retired teacher Howard Alcosser as Coach Emeritus.

Each 30-minute weekly match contained a set of 10 questions which became more difficult as the competition progressed.  “In one of our matches this year, we earned the deciding point with just seconds remaining,” said Brose, whose team played in the Division IIE, which is the division made up of teams with more than 20 active members.  “Making it to the finals this year was a pretty big thing,” Brose said. The school’s best finish to date was making it to the quarterfinals.

“They (Valley Christian) had been performing on par with us through the tournament,” he added.

Playing other opponents in the semifinals, DBHS earned 69 points and Valley Christian earned 70 points. The team score was comprised of the top players’ scores.  In the final match, Diamond Bar earned 62 points, with about 60 students competing.  “Valley Christian shocked everyone by earning a whopping 93 points,” Brose said.

Diamond Bar’s top performer was Benjamin Chen, who was able to earn 9/10 on the final.  Ben is ranked #21 in the nation out of over 17,000 students.  Runner-ups Sabrina Tseng and William He each scored 7’s on the exam.

“When Valley Christian turned in an unbelievable six perfect 10/10 scores, AMA’s Tim Kelley determined they had cheated,” Brose said.  In the end, Diamond Bar was awarded the championship.   “This capped a truly unforgettable season,” said Brose.  The students learned some lifelong lessons, including the value of working as a team toward a goal and performing under pressure with poise and integrity, Brose said.  “And they learned some cool math too!” he quipped.

Diamond Bar High was among a select group of schools invited to join the new Math Madness competition when it began a few years ago.  Since then the contest has grown tremendously.
“Being named the champions is a major accomplishment, because a large number of the schools involved in the contest are private schools, prep schools, and specialized math and STEM academies,” Alcosser said.

 

Go The Extra Mile

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper
One phrase that we have often used in our family is “Go The Extra Mile”.  We would tell our kids to do more than they were asked to do.  We wanted them to go beyond what was expected of them.
During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave a series of instructions to his followers.  He challenged them to live differently than the culture of their time.  In Matthew 5:41, Jesus said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two”.  At the time Jesus spoke those words, the nation of Israel was under Roman occupation.  A Roman soldier could force anyone to carry his equipment and materials up to a full mile.  No one could refuse this demand.
When Jesus said, “go with him two,” He was saying that His followers should exceed what is demanded of them by those in authority.  Followers of Christ should go “above and beyond” what is required of them.  Today, many people do as little as possible.  Students in school spend as little time as necessary to complete their homework.  Employees often do the same thing.  They can’t wait to punch their time card and leave their building or factory.
I wonder about you.  When you are given an assignment at work or school, do you strive for excellence or just try to do the minimum required?  Do you exceed the expectations of your teacher or boss or do you only do as little as necessary to complete the assignment?  What would your classmates or co-workers say about the quality of your work and the level of your performance?
I read a story about a man in England who built walls out of rocks and stones.  You see these stone walls all over rural England.  He was very careful to make sure that the foundation of the wall was well built, even though it would eventually be covered up with dirt.  When his young apprentice asked him why he spent so much time and effort on the part of the wall that no one would see, he replied, “Even if no one else sees it, I will know and God will know if it was well built.”
Let me challenge you to exceed expectations and excel in what you do.  Look for opportunities to “go the extra mile.”  Others may never know the extra time and effort you invested, but God will know and you will, 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 visit http://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR– The December 15 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a presentation of a City Tile to Lt. Anthony Tachias upon his retirement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Council thanked him for his hard work and praised his 32 years of dedicated service to the Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Diamond Bar.

Next, representatives from the Los Angeles County Public Works department discussed El Nino preparedness. They emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of the El Nino season and its dangers, and the importance of the community preparing for potential problems caused by flooding from El Nino storms. More information can be found online at www.lacounty.gov/elnino.

During the public comments, a representative from Donate Life invited the Council to add a dedicated rose to the Donate Life float for the Rose Parade. The float will feature donors as well as those who received a donated organ and the gift of life. Also, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced a Holiday Music Program on December 19 at 2 p.m., as well as Santa’s arrival at the Diamond Bar Public Library.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Holiday Diamond Ride, a free shuttle service to and from Diamond Bar shopping centers, running from November 27 to January 1; and the Holiday Tree Curbside Collection Program, that will run December 26 through January 8. Trees free of decorations and flocking may be left at the curb for free pickup, although trees over six feet must be cut in half.  The Planning Commission meeting on December 22 and the Parks and Recreation meeting on December 24 are both canceled. City offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and will reopen on Monday, December 28.  City offices will also be closed January 1 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.  They will reopen on January 4, 2016.  The next City Council meeting will be on January 5; and the next Planning Commission meeting will be on January 12.  The next Traffic and Transportation meeting is on January 14. The Winter Snow Fest will be held on January 16 from 9-3 p.m. at Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar. It will have four snow hills, a snow play area, snowman building, a craft area, and children’s game booths.  Sleds will be provided.

Next, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on December 1; minutes from the planning commission; minutes from October 27; ratification of a check register totaling $421,068.45; adjourning the December 15 City Council meeting to January 19; a resolution approving the application for $267,500 of land and water conservation funds for the development of the Canyon Loop Trail; acceptance of work performed by Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to remove turf from the medians along Diamond Bar Blvd. and replace it with drought tolerant planting material and mulch, plus retro-fitting the irrigation system as necessary to meet state Water Board requirements; a funding agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to secure grant funds in the amount of $1,406,860 for the Diamond Bar adaptive traffic control; adoption of a resolution amending the City compensation plan; an amended and restated City Manager employment agreement; a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year administrative services agreement with ICMA-RC for 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Services; and a contract amendment to the consulting services agreement with Tait & Associates for construction administration services for the Ronald Reagan Park and Carlton Peterson Park parking lots rehabilitation projects in the amount of $40,000.

 

After a brief public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant Program allocation, including $198,757 in Fiscal Year 2016-17 funds and $72,709 from unallocated balance of funds for the total amount of $271,466. A second emergency ordinance was read, and subsequently adopted, which approved the guidelines for implementation of the City of Diamond Bar water efficient landscape ordinance.

Finally, the Council ratified City Council appointments and adopted a resolution confirming the appointment of specific representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.  A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement for other post-employment benefits, trust administration and investment management services with California Public Employees Retirement System was approved, and delegation of authority to request disbursements for qualified expenses was also approved.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again January 5, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Diamond Bar: Over 150 Tons of Carbon Emissions Eliminated

Photos courtesy of Diamond Bar City Hundreds of Diamond Bar resident did their part in going “green” by participating in the first America Recycles Day Nov. 14.

Photos courtesy of Diamond Bar City
Hundreds of Diamond Bar resident did their part in going “green” by participating in the first America Recycles Day Nov. 14.

By Carol Heyen

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar’s Eco Expo set a new record for the largest e-waste collection, with over 5 tons collected at America Recycles Day, Nov.14. At the event that took place at the Air Quality Management District, the community was able to drop off unwanted electronic devices, clothing, and more.

After researching various E-Waste companies, the city decided to partner with All Green Electronics Recycling.

“We chose to partner with All Green because they made us feel that our event was in good hands during all communication and they have all of the required certifications within the E-Waste recycling industry,” said the City’s Management Analyst Alfa Lopez. “They help us provide a free, responsible and safe option for recycling E-Waste.”

Because All Green is an e-Stewards and R2 certified E-Waste recycler, no material collected will be sent overseas to developing nations or dumped into landfills.

“There were multiple educational booths, fun activities and outlets to responsibly recycle,” said Chelsea Wilder from All Green.

Out of all the services provided such as clothing and textile recycling, garden mulch giveaway, and green information booths at the Eco Expo, electronic waste recycling was “the busiest service of that day,” Lopez added.

Due to the Eco Expo’s massive success, another has been scheduled for Earth Day, Saturday, April 23, 2016.  It will also be held at the AQMD.  While electronic devices such as computers, laptops and cell phones are always accepted, it is important to check if your device qualifies for free recycling before heading to the next event.

For more information about Earth Day E-Waste Collection Drive and a list of acceptable items, please visit: http://www.allgreenrecycling.com/events-city-of-diamond-bar/.

 

El Niño Preparedness

Photo courtesy: Breitbart

Photo courtesy: Breitbart

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – It sounds ironic to talk about the dangers of El Niño causing massive flood damage as California is currently in the midst of a terrible drought; however Los Angeles County officials were adamant that residents should be prepared for an emergency as the weather gets colder and rainfall becomes more frequent.
Pamela J. Manning, from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, and Jeanne O’Donnell, senior emergency program manager for the County of Los Angeles, gave a short presentation at the Dec. 14 Diamond Bar city council meeting to dispel rumors associated with El Niño and to offer tips to Diamond Bar residents during the winter season.
For example, Manning stated that most citizens believe that El Niño is a yearly, singular storm that brings in heavy rains and flooding- when in fact El Niño is a climate cycle that causes multiple storms over the course of several months. In Southern California, El Niño is expected to cause increased rainfall from February through May, giving residents ample time to prepare for the worst.
“I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve heard people say ‘when is THE El Niño going to hit?’, as though it were one big bucket rainstorm,” Manning said. “That’s not at all what it is. Believe it or not, it’s actually a condition that has been happening since March, which a lot of people don’t realize.”
Manning stated that the county’s flood control systems are checked and that when flooding occurs, rainfall causes mudslides or if there are any other hazardous problems, public works will work to mitigate accidents from occurring.
Residents were also asked to prepare sandbags and to report any dangers caused by storm activity, which could help avoid accidents or injuries.
Manning said that the county looks at “Possible Vulnerable Locations” (PVLs) in every city which can be affected by inclement weather. These areas are noted in order to ensure that when El Niño does arrive, proper precautions are made to ensure that residents are not affected by problems caused around PVLs.
Manning said that only one PVL exists in Diamond Bar, an access road to the Indian Creek sewer maintenance pump.
While Manning covered the county’s ongoing actions, O’Donnell spoke about how residents can be proactive, and that the Internet has been and will continue to be an invaluable tool to warn residents of any storm related dangers.
O’Donnell said the county has been preparing for El Niño for months and that public outreach is important. She mentioned that #LARAIN on Twitter and other social media is a fast and clever way to let the masses know that El Niño can be dangerous, which areas to avoid, and when and where residents can go to receive help during a storm.
O’Donnell mentioned that during El Niño, the county will be working with various cities, emergency responders and even the Red Cross in the event that problems and injuries do occur.
“We’re really working hard to reach out and bring those agencies in and have conversations so that when El Niño does start, it’s not a ‘he said that, she said this’ situation and instead people understand the threats and the risks.”
Both O’Donnell and Manning agreed that having an emergency kit with food, water, clothing, a first aid kit, and various other survival items is important during an emergency and that keeping connected and informed is what can save lives and circumvent problems during El Niño.

Helpful tips from Los Angeles County:

  • Monitor TVs and the radio for news
  • Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation has been ordered
  • Stay away from flooded channels and rivers
  • Do not try to cross flooded areas
  • Flood water picks up sewage and chemicals- throw away any food or medication that comes in contact with flood waters
  • Stay away from steep slopes- they become unstable during heavy rainfall
  • Never touch a downed power line
  • Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences, and walls on hillsides
  • If trapped in your vehicle- stay inside. If the water level rises, get on top of your car
  • Be alert when driving
  • Report small problems before they become big problems

 

As Manning and O’Donnell concluded their presentation, they said that additional information can be obtained at www.lacounty.gov/elnino and www.dpwcare.org.

A Man Named Mark

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

The worst home improvement project is plumbing.  When you start a plumbing project in most homes, you can expect to go back to the store at least three times and often more.

Recently, my wife and I were in Arizona visiting her mother and working on some home improvement projects. One of the major projects I undertook was to change the valves on the water connections for the washing machine.  A main reason that plumbing projects are so frustrating is that you have to turn off the main water supply into the house before you can change out valves and other water supply outlets.  Once the water is off and old valves are removed, there is no turning back.  You are committed to finishing the job completely before you can turn the water back on.  There is no room for error or only doing the job halfway.  Once you start, you have to finish.   Inevitably, you run into a problem that you did not expect.  In my case, I was trying to replace the two valves that supply the hot and cold water to the washing machine.

On my first trip to the store, I bought two identical valves and they looked the same.  When I brought them home and tried to install them, one fit but the other one did not.  How could that be?  I went back to the home improvement store looking for help.  Although there were several people willing to help me, they all said I needed to talk to Mark.  He was an experienced plumber with a good name.  He was the one I should talk to.  It turned out that the man named Mark was rather shy and soft spoken, but I quickly discovered that he was both knowledgeable and helpful.  He agreed that my two valves were not the same.  One valve had “compression threads” and the other valve had standard “pipe threads”.  I knew pipes had threads, but I did not realize that there are different kinds of threads!

He said that I needed a transition connection that would enable both of the valves to fit the compression threads coming out of the wall.  No one else in the plumbing department could diagnose my problem, but Mark did.  With his help, some Teflon tape and a lot of pipe dope, I soon had the problem solved and the valves reassembled.  I could turn the water back on and life could return to normal.

I’m thankful that there are “Marks” in the world who can solve problems for us.  It’s great to have someone who is knowledgeable in their field to ask for help and advice.  I’m sure there is someone in your life who knows a lot about computers, car repair or baking cookies. You may have a skill or expertise that enables you to help others, too.  I hope that you will watch for an opportunity to help others like Mark helped me.  And, I hope you will say “Thanks” to the people who have stepped in to help you solve a mystery or problem in your life.

I not only said thanks to Mark, but I also sent an email to his boss to express my appreciation for Mark’s help and guidance in solving my problem.   I hope my brief note will result in some recognition or reward for my new hero named Mark.

 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 visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Holiday Diamond Ride Shuttles DB Residents to Local Shops

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Holiday Diamond Ride has returned to Diamond Bar. This holiday season, the City of Diamond Bar and Dial-A-Ride has once again partnered to offer residents free transportation to and from the city’s shopping centers. The free service brings peace of mind to residents seeking to avoid the holiday traffic while supporting local businesses. Holiday Diamond Ride will operate through Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.

Residents must be at least 18 years of age to schedule a trip, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of Diamond Bar residency (license or utility bill) is required to participate. For more information or to book a trip, call 800-578-6555.

An Unseen Friend

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

We have two citrus trees outside our kitchen window.  When the weather is nice, we like to open the window in the morning and leave it open in the evening until we go to bed.

A few months ago, we began to notice that in the evening, just before it got dark, we would hear a bird in the tree outside the window.  He would chirp and whistle and sing as it got dark.  It was like he was saying good night before he went to sleep.

We continue to hear this same chirping and singing every night.  The unseen bird must consider our tree his home.  We actually enjoy hearing the bird each night.  We are glad that he is safe and survived another day.

Since we get up at different times in the morning, I don’t remember hearing our feathered friend.  However, about a week ago I heard the same singing just as day light was returning. I think the bird was saying “good morning” to our family just as he had been saying good night in the evening.

I suspect that the bird is also saying good morning and good night to his feathered friends in our neighborhood, too. This must be one way that the birds check in at the beginning and end of each day.

What is interesting is that I don’t think we have ever actually seen the bird who greets us each morning and each night.  He or she is an unseen friend.  We know he is there, but we have never seen him.

There are several passages in the Bible that talk about an unseen friend.  He is called the comforter, the counselor and the helper – the Holy Spirit.  In John 14:16, Jesus said, ” I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him or knows him…He will be with you and dwell in you”.

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would be an unseen friend, who would help and strengthen those who follow Him.  Jesus promised to never leave us alone, but to provide the Holy Spirit to be our companion, comforter and helper.

The Holy Spirit is just like our unseen friend in the tree outside our kitchen window.  Even though we don’t see him, we know that he is there.  We may not hear his voice, but we are confident that we are not alone.

Let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and do some reading in the Gospel of John, especially chapters 13-16.  You can discover some encouraging lessons about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Make time to visit a church near you that teaches the Bible and learn more about how God provides a helper and comforter to those who put their faith in Christ.  You can find comfort and hope knowing that you have an unseen friend!

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

 

Diamond Bar: Cultivating Critical Thinkers

Photo courtesy: WVUSD Evergreen kindergarten groups build beanstalk structures using flexible pipe cleaners.

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Evergreen kindergarten groups build beanstalk structures using flexible pipe cleaners.

Project Lead the Way Engages Evergreen Students

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR – Evergreen Elementary third graders are designing unpowered gliders using an engineering app in a Science of Flight lesson.  After completing the plans, they build model aircraft, continuously testing and modifying to achieve maximum flight distance.

The gliders could be used to bring basic supplies to an area hit by a natural disaster in the “real world” simulation, through Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch, a program that began last year at the Diamond Bar campus.

“PLTW is wonderful because it provides a complete STEM program that meets the Next Generation Science Standards and integrates Math and Language Arts standards,” third grade teacher Lynne Stark explains. “The best thing is that PLTW is highly engaging and fun for our students!”

In another class, kindergartners work together designing “tall and strong” Jack and the Beanstalk structures from pipe cleaners. They request help from peers during “Think Tank” discussions to solve design dilemmas, relating to function and structure.

“A good base needs to be spread out so it can be strong,” comments youngster Emily Chang. “PLTW is good for my brain!”

PLTW is the nation’s leading provider of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for schools.  PLTW Launch provides the first step in PLTW that continues in Walnut Valley middle and high schools.

“Since implementing PLTW, students have become greater collaborators, more creative problem solvers, and have developed more critical thinking through innovative, hands-on, real world problem solving,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.

Students love the program, become totally engaged in the learning activities and develop more rigorous skills and knowledge while having fun!

“PLTW is a great initiative to influence and encourage children in developing and nurturing early STEM skills,” shares parent Neeta Bhat.

“These PLTW activities are instilling the necessary life skills in these children which they will benefit from, at every step in their life,” adds parent Rajesh Gupta.

Evergreen is the first WVUSD elementary school to offer the PLTW Launch program.

“It is a fabulous example of what teamwork can accomplish. Our extensive community support, district support, and dedicated teachers working together help our Evergreen Eagles soar!” Wills said.

Diamond Bar Council Meeting Recap

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.

New Diamond Bar Council Sworn In

Courtesy of City of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar introduces new Mayor Nancy Lyons, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and congratulates Council Members Carol Herrera and Ruth Low for taking the oath of office Dec. 1.

Courtesy of City of Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar introduces new Mayor Nancy Lyons, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and congratulates Council Members Carol Herrera and Ruth Low for taking the oath of office Dec. 1.

Ruth Low joins city’s governing body

Staff Reports

 

Diamond Bar – Ruth Low was sworn in as the new Diamond Bar City Council member Monday evening, Dec. 1 at the city council chambers.

Also sworn in were Mayor Nancy Lyons, who begins her first term as mayor in January, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and Councilmember Carol Herrera, entering her sixth term on the city’s governing body.
Former Congressman and Diamond Bar Mayor Gary Miller made it official and swore in Carol Herrera to her sixth four-year term. First elected to the council in 1995, Herrera said she looks forward to working with Low.
Low was next to be sworn in by her husband. She defeated retired police officer Robert Nishimura in the November municipal election. She takes over the seat vacated by 10-year councilmember Jack Tanaka, who retired this month. Low, a criminal prosecutor, has volunteered for the city in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. Most recently, she served the city’s planning commissioner.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the council presented Steve Tye with a gavel for serving as mayor. Lyons also presented Tye with his own personalized bobblehead doll to remember his year as mayor.
“It was an honor and privilege to serve as mayor and always a pleasure to serve this great city,” Tye said.

A Free Lunch?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

We have all heard the phrase “There is no such thing as a free lunch”.  I’m not sure when or where this saying got started, but I have discovered that it is not true.

Two recent incidents made it clear to me that there really is such a thing as a “free lunch”!  One example was a delicious lunch that was provided for our church staff by an anonymous member.

Many churches celebrate “Pastor Appreciation Month” in October.

Different churches honor their pastors and staff members in different ways.  Someone at our church offered to pay for lunch for all of our church staff.  We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant and really enjoyed it.  It really was a “free lunch”.

More recently, I stopped at a local fast food restaurant for a quick lunch.  While I waited in line to order my food, the owner greeted me and asked how I was doing.  He does not attend our church but recently came to an event on our campus.

As I placed my order and pulled out my wallet to pay, he insisted on making my lunch complimentary. I was caught by surprise. I did not expect to receive a “free lunch”.  I felt awkward but I did appreciate his kindness and I did enjoy my lunch, too!

We have all heard stories of people paying for the food or coffee for the car behind them in the drive through lane at Starbucks or a fast food restaurant. We have heard of examples of people anonymously paying for some one’s lay away items in a local department store.

The Bible teaches us to be generous and share with others. In First Timothy 5:17-18, it says, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world…to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share”.

You may not think you are rich, but you probably have more money and more possessions than most people in the world.  You may not be able to help people in another country or on a different continent, but you may be able to help someone nearby.

I hope you will watch for an opportunity to help a neighbor, co-worker or classmate this season.  A thoughtful gift card or small amount of cash in an envelope could be just the encouragement that someone needs to lift their spirits at Christmas time.

Maybe you can provide a “free lunch” for the car behind you in the drive thru lane or give a gift to someone in need.  You will be glad you did and they will, too!

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

Local Sheriff Offers Vacation Checks Service

By Monique Valadez
DIAMOND BAR–There’s one thing you can put on your to-do list this holiday season that will keep your home safe if you’re leaving town.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Diamond Bar-Walnut station is offering to watch your home free of charge.
Tis’ the season for burglars to scout out empty neighborhoods. But, this year the local sheriff’s department is taking extra steps to prevent break-ins through its vacation check service.
“This service acts as an extra set of eyes and ears for homes and neighborhood,” said Sergeant Mark Saldecke with the L.A. County Sheriff Department – Diamond Bar-Walnut Station. “And, it’s free!”
The free service involves a sheriff’s deputy or trained volunteer on patrol monitoring the registered properties, at least once a day while you are away, to check for evidence of possible forced entry or any other suspicious activity, Saldecke said.
“It’s very reassuring for homeowner’s away on vacation as well as for the neighborhood,” Saldecke said of the year-round service.
The patrol officers or volunteers make it a point to get out of their vehicles and conduct a thorough check of the vacant homes.
“We’ll walk through, look at all the windows and doors, check the backyard, make sure the screens are intact,” said Saldecke. “We don’t just drive through the neighborhood. We make sure to conduct meaningful checks of the homes.”
Saldecke also encourages residents to get involved in their local neighborhood watch program that works together with the local sheriff’s to keep a close eye on suspicious activity.
Residents are so appreciative of this service that they often return from their vacation bearing treats to the station for offering a helping hand while they were away, Saldecke said.

To register for the free vacation check service, visit the station located at 21695 E. Valley Boulevard in Walnut or call Sergeant Saldecke at 909-595-2264.

Sheriff’s still recommend a few tips that can prevent your home from being a target: stop any mail or packages from being delivered, put your lights on a timer, keep your blinds closed, and tell someone you trust you’re going out of town.

 

Cleaning The Garage (Part 2)

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

In my last article, I shared about cleaning up the garage at our house. It was like “Spring Cleaning” in November. It felt good to throw things away and get the garage organized.

But as I thought more about this experience, I wondered how did we get so much of that stuff in the first place? Part of the problem is that we tend to keep things we really don’t need any more. The other part of the equation is that we keep buying and adding to the stuff we already have.

We live in a consumer economy. Advertisements entice us to buy more things. They also sow a sense of discontentment that motivates us to buy newer, bigger and better things than we already have.

There is an interesting story that Jesus told in the Bible in Luke chapter 12. Jesus warns his listeners about always wanting more and more things. He says in verse 15, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”.

Jesus goes on to tell a parable about a farmer who was so successful that he did not have room to store all of his crops. He faces a dilemma. His barns are filled to capacity. He doesn’t have any more room to store all his stuff.

Instead of sharing some of his abundance with others, he decides that he will tear down his barns, build bigger ones so he can keep everything for himself. It is like the person whose garage is so full that he can’t even get his cars in. Instead of cleaning out his garage and giving some things to others, he decides to rent a storage unit so he can keep it all for himself.

At the end of the parable, the man dies suddenly and all of his earthly possessions that he saved and hoarded are left to others. Jesus calls this man a fool.

Someone said that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly message. Jesus told this story to remind us that there is more to life than our material possessions. He warns about the danger of greed and the importance of sharing what we have with others.

I wonder what Jesus would say about our homes, closets, attics and garages that are full of stuff? I wonder what He would say about the thousands of self-storage units that people rent to keep the things that they can’t fit into their own homes and garages?

Let me encourage you to look around your house this month and see if there are things that you no longer need or use. Why not have a garage sale and use the proceeds to help others. Why not give some extra books to your local library and some clothes that you no longer wear to Goodwill? Why not buy a little less this holiday season and put a little more in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle?

Don’t be a fool and cling to all your material possessions. Be wise and be generous and share some of what you have with others.

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

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

 

DIAMOND BAR – The Nov. 17 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began by presenting a City Tile to the former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner Ted Carrera, in recognition of his excellent services rendered to the City. Retiring Council member Jack Tanaka was also recognized for his hard work over the past 10 years on the Council. Tanaka was honored not only by the Council, but also by several others, including State Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang and several representatives from the City Councils of several different Cities. Tanaka himself stated that it was “a privilege and an honor” to serve the residents of Diamond Bar.

Following the several recognitions for Tanaka, the City Manager reports and comments were discussed where James DeStefano thanked the patience of Diamond Bar residents and business owners concerning the construction on Grand Avenue over the past several weekends.

During the public comments, a representative from Diamond Bar Youth for Action and Stop At Hunger announced Stop At Hunger’s third annual holiday food drive, beginning on Nov. 17 and ending on Dec. 17. Residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable goods to the Diamond Bar Center, Diamond Bar City Hall, Diamond Bar Library, and Heritage Park Community Center. A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several upcoming events, including Michael Rayner’s Comedy and Juggling Show on Nov. 19, from 4 to 4:45 p.m.; a Girl’s Only Party on Nov. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Baby and Toddler Storytime on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and a fun parents and children workshop on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Concluding the public comments was a representative from Waste Management, who presented the City a check rewarding the City for paint recycling.

After public comments were closed, the schedule of future of events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.; on Nov. 26-27, City Offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving, and will reopen on Nov. 30; from Nov. 27-Jan. 1, Holiday Diamond Ride will be operational, and will shuttle residents 18 years or older to and from the Diamond Bar Shopping Centers; the next City Council meeting is on Dec. 1 at 6:30; the Candy Cane Craft Fair will be on Dec. 5, starting at 9 a.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.; and the last City Council meeting of the year will occur on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar including minutes from the Nov. 3 City Council meeting; minutes from the Oct. 13 Planning Commission meeting; ratification of a check register totalling $1,523,335.31; transmittal of comprehensive annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2015; and a resolution approving the application for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for the fourth supervisorial district 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition funding for Stardust Mini Park ADA retrofit and approving the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan.

Following a public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution confirming a cost report for nuisance abatement costs concerning 783 Bowcreek Drive and establishing a special assessment and lien thereof.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.

Holiday Feast 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.

By Monique Valadez

Diamond Bar – This holiday season, give yourself the gift of kitchen-free days and let Mandarin Taste prepare a delectable holiday feast that will have dashing over for seconds. Known for its delicious, authentic Chinese cuisine, Mandarin Taste has brought quality service and traditional Chinese cuisine to Diamond Bar for over 30 years.

Make Mandarin Taste an enjoyable holiday tradition! 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 and cleaning up after a house full of guests. Mandarin Taste hopes to make the holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable for you while you feast and share memories with your loved ones.

From Peking duck and Hunan lamb to customers-favorite pork fried rice, wonton soup and orange-flavored chicken, Mandarin Taste offers 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 and has all-you-can-eat buffets, 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.

 

Check, Please! Diamond Bar’s Bob’s Big Boy Closed

Photo by Monique Valadez Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar shuts down after 35 years. Franchise owner James Tsai and staff waited for customers Thursday afternoon to bear the bad news.

Photo by Monique Valadez
Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar shuts down after 35 years. Franchise owner James Tsai and staff waited for customers Thursday afternoon to bear the bad news.

Restaurant closes its doors this week
By Monique Valadez

Diamond Bar – After 35 years, Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar is closed for business. Facing rising costs, expensive rehab and landlord disputes, restaurant owner James Tsai swallowed hard and announced that the place he’d owned since 1992 would shut its doors this week.

“We tried all we could to keep our doors open,” Tsai said.”We came to a point where we needed to end this land fighting. But ultimately it became an unfair fight where the landowner won.”

Tsai said he tried negotiating with the building’s landlord over the remaining years on the Bob’s Big Boy lease.

ANAPR was unable to reach the restaurant’s land owners, Garden Grove-based Lakeview Village, Corp.

The diner-style eatery, featuring a long, curved counter with wooden bar stools and small booths scattered throughout the dining room, went through a number of chefs, general managers and culinary styles as the owner repeatedly worked to capture an audience in the ever-changing demographics of the city, located on a busy intersection on Golden Springs Road and the 60 and 57 freeway.

“There are three reasons that changed our minds in closing our doors,” Tsai said.”First, there was spike in rent. Then, demographics had changing, and the last, the 57/60 freeway construction has already started and has moved a lot of businesses in the area.”

“Diamond Bar has always been good to us. The city council has also supported us but there was nothing they could do because of the landowners,” Tsai added.

The restaurant attempted a historical landmark petition campaign back in 2012, but failed to reach the 20,000 required signatures, Tsai said. The building first opened in 1979, and is 15-years young to be considered for the national historical landmark status, he said.

Photo by Monique Valadez

Photo by Monique Valadez

Now only two Bob’s Big Boy locations remain in California – Norco and Burbank.

Though it was no secret that business wasn’t exactly booming. It was also in dire need of costly repairs, according to customers and employees.

For the restaurant employees, the news hit hard. On Thursday afternoon, as if attending a vigil, three of the restaurant’s employees – Gloria Shepherd, Michelle Witt and Marcos Botello – and Tsai, were sitting on the barstools along the famed curved counter signing business cards with discount offers to present to customers as they walked up to the closed restaurant.

“It’s been sort of like a wake since the news broke,” waitress Michelle Witt said recently, seated in the restaurant’s barstool. “It was a punch to the heart, is what it was.”

At the counter of the restaurant, Gloria E. Shepherd, who has been with the restaurant roughly 22 years, recalled her longtime customers and fond memories.

“All four of my grandchildren have birth photos with their grandmother in a Bob’s Big Boy work shirt,” Shepherd said. “It’s just sad and I’m going to miss my customers that I couldn’t even tell we are closed. Hopefully, they will follow us over to Norco.”

Witt, who has worked as a waitress for five years at Bob’s, said that she is deeply saddened by the closure and most importantly will miss about having to shut down more for the longtime customers they’ve considered family but is ready to bring her friendly service to Norco’s Bob’s Big Boy.

“Between just our staff and customers, this was family,” Witt said. “This is a place where memories were made. Many people will tell us this is where they had our first date or the place where customers came after a football game. We’ve established traditions and family here. And now, it’s all gone!”

Tsai said he did all he could to keep the restaurant doors open but the landlord was very difficult to work with.

With nearly 45 employees, Tsai said he was able to get most of his staff transferred to the Bob’s Big Boy in Norco.

“About 65 percent of staff all got transferred over to the Norco restaurant,” Tsai said. “We tried taking care of all our staff. Some already had other jobs and others were unable to transfer due to the distance.”

“The Norco restaurant was very welcoming and have already started training us a new computer system,” Shepherd said. “Norco is actually closer to my Ontario home. I’m just not sure what the traffic commute or shift I will have but I’ll see what the future holds.”

With tears in her eyes and a shaky voice, “We’ll be here until we can to let the customers know we are closed.”

Shepherd, Witt and Botello have remained loyal to the bitter end. They say they’re taking shifts at the restaurant to personally inform customers of the closure. They start their new jobs Dec. 1 at the Norco restaurant.

“Looks like we’re trading in our aprons for cowboy boots and a hat,” Witt laughed.

Cleaning The Garage

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

Spring cleaning usually happens in March or April. But, it happened at our house in the middle of November! Maybe we should call it “fall” cleaning?

There are several lessons that I learned while we were cleaning out the garage. The first lesson was that you have to start! My wife and I had talked about cleaning the garage many times, but this time we finally did it. Sometimes the hardest part of any job is getting started!

Another lesson I learned was that we tend to keep things we really don’t need any more.

As we cleared off some shelves and reorganized some different things, we both asked each other, “Do you know why we have saved this?” Sometimes we even asked, “Do you know what this is or what it belongs to?”

At the same time, I was glad to find some things that we had saved and I had not been able to find. There were several tools and other items that we discovered hidden behind boxes or covered up by other stuff. Nice to find some things that we thought were lost.

I think any cleaning project goes better if you do them with other people. It is harder to get motivated when you are working alone. There is something about working together with other people that keeps you going.  And, the conversation makes it more fun, too.

One slogan that we have used is, “When in doubt…throw it out”. My wife said, “Sometimes, you just have to let it go”.  It can be hard to throw some things away, but sometimes we have to make the tough decisions. And, some things can be recycled, too.

This may not be the time of year for “spring cleaning” but it might just be the right time for you to tackle a cluttered closet or maybe even the two-car garage. Find a friend and get started. You will be glad you did!

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

Diamond Bar Election 2015

Carol Herrera

Carol Herrera

By Monique Valadez

DIAMOND BAR – As of Nov. 13, criminal prosecutor Ruth Low and the incumbent city council member Carol Herrera appear to have clinched the top seats for the Diamond Bar City Council. The final verdict will be announced on Friday, Nov. 27 by the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/Clerk.
Retired police officer Robert Nishimura is close behind Low and Herrera. According to the unofficial results, Low received 2,266 votes, Herrera received 2,216 votes and Nishimura received 2,149 votes. Coming in the fourth spot, Robert Velker received 730 votes.
Herrera, who’s held the council seat since 1995, remains optimistic and continues to push her community goals.
“My priorities are public safety, reducing traffic and economic development,” Herrera said. One of the economic development project’s Herrera hopes to visit if re-elected is the rehabilitation of the Kmart center.

Ruth Low

Ruth Low

Low and Herrera both support the reconfiguration of the traffic madness along the 57/60 freeway interchange, a project that recently broke ground with construction starting in early 2016.
Low’s campaign also pushes for public safety and solving the city’s traffic issues.  “I have directly contributed to making our community safer by vigorously enforcing our criminal laws, and as Councilmember, I will make community safety my top priority,” the current Planning Commissioner said. “My goals are to maintain public safety, promote excellence in education and lifelong learning, mitigate traffic, conserve our environment and promote fiscal prudence.”
Low will take the seat vacated by Councilman Jack Tanaka, who decided not to run for re-election.
According to city officials, Diamond Bar’s city clerk will certify the election results and swear in the newly elected council members during the Dec. 1 council meeting.