Diamond Bar Community Foundation and Walnut Valley Rotary tee it up “Fore the Kids”

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Community Foundation (DBCF) and the Walnut Valley Rotary Club will be hosting their fifth annual golf tournament at Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills, on May 11, at 9 a.m.  This fund-raising event will benefit local children.

The Golf tournament will include a scramble format, putting contest, breakfast, lunch, a chance to win a car, raffle prizes and silent auctions.

Special guests in attendance will include comedic actor and former teen heartthrob, Scott Baio, local dignitaries and Diamond Bar city officials.

“The Golfing ‘Fore the Kids’ tournament is one of the major fundraisers for both the Diamond Bar Community Foundation and the Walnut Valley Rotary Club,” states Lew Herndon, Fields For Kids Coordinator. “This year the Foundation’s majority portion will be directed to the Fields For Kids Project.”

The Fields For Kids project was formed under the DBCF to raise awareness and concern for the lack of sports fields in Diamond Bar. Today, there are over 6,000 kids that participate in youth sports in Diamond Bar, but there are not enough fields to accommodate them. With the increasing rate of childhood obesity, Diamond Bar cannot afford to turn area kids away due to lack of fields. The Fields For Kids golf tournament will help to put a dent in tackling this decade-old problem.

The DBCF is looking for sponsors and golfers to participate in this exciting event. Visit www.thedbcf.org to sponsor or register today.

The Diamond Bar Community Foundation was established to raise money for art, recreation, and cultural programs in the City of Diamond Bar in order to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The DBCF is proud to provide sports scholarships and equipment for youth in our community, approve grants for organizations, and fund and support select City events and programs. To learn more about the DBCF, visit www.thedbcf.org. 

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Are you looking for a great volunteer experience in Diamond Bar?  Basically BOOKS, the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library non-profit bookstores, are friendly places serving the community as a resource for school, work and pleasure reading at exceptionally low prices.

There are many special sales throughout the month, so stop by one or both of their beautiful locations. Right now, they are featuring some desirable Star Trek memorabilia in stock.  If you are a Star Trek fan, you will enjoy seeing what they have.

Bookstore Manager, Peggy Murphy, is actively looking for new volunteers to staff both locations (23447 Golden Springs Road, near the intersection of Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Blvd.; and the bookstore at the Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive, across from the AQMD Building).

All proceeds from both Basically BOOKS stores directly benefit the Diamond Bar Library.  For more information, please contact Peggy Murphy at (909) 938-0382, or email peggymurphy08@gmail.com.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s (LASD) Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a female adult that occurred on Wed., Mar. 25, in the 1200 block of North Diamond Bar Blvd., in the city of Diamond Bar.
According to Detectives at the LASD Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station, the LA County Fire Department received a “structure fire” call at the victim’s residence at approximately 1:05 a.m.  Fire personnel responded and extinguished the fire. After a preliminary search of the residence, cause and origin of the fire could not be determined, nor were any victims located in the residence.
Based on this preliminary report, the LASD Arson/Explosives Detail later responded to the residence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the structure fire. During the exploration, investigators received information that the resident of the location, a female adult, was possibly killed by another female, who may have also started the fire. The person suspected of committing these acts was also believed to be driving to the Tustin area.
Tustin Police Department personnel were notified of the incident and subsequently located the female driving in their area. They detained the suspect at the intersection of Tustin Ranch Road and Greenway Drive, before transporting her to the Tustin Police Department for questioning.

It is believed that the victim may possibly be inside the suspect’s vehicle.
There was no additional information available at press time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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.

(Photo By: Raymond Mendoz)a
Mayor Steve Tye delivers the annual State of the City Address concerning the City’s major projects and plans.

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Future plans for the City of Diamond Bar were given a promising backing when Mayor Steve Tye delivered the annual State of the City Address that outlined the City’s short and long-term goals.

The event  was held at the Diamond Bar Center, at 1600 Grand Avenue, and covered various topics that Tye believed would not only make Diamond Bar more profitable, but also more attractive to residents in neighboring cities.

Tye’s speech outlined City projects, including  the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, the conversion of the former Von’s Grocery to a Haggen brand store, the opening of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, two new tire store/service centers, the expansion of the Shell gas station on Diamond Bar Blvd., a new Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Waba Grill, the future of the former Honda and K-mart locations, maintenance for Heritage Park, improvements for Steep Canyon Connector Trail and Pantera Park Trail, a “Pop-up City Hall” for spreading information, and two projects that would hopefully lessen traffic congestion.

“It’s our strong sense of shared ownership of what happens in our community that has made a difference, and will continue to make a difference, for the next 25, 50 and 100 years,” Tye said. “We, as a collective, have made Diamond Bar a community worth belonging to – and it’s because it’s worth belonging to. It’s worth investing in.”

Tye mentioned that while new businesses are typically a welcome sight for sales taxes, he also stated that the City is firmly against allowing medical marijuana dispensaries and massage parlors at this point in time, because both establishments have the likelihood of creating “disorder” that could put Diamond Bar at risk.

However, the biggest topic of the event was not unwanted businesses, but rather the City’s longtime struggle with increasing traffic problems.

Diamond Bar residents, Phil and Pat Williams, said the biggest topics were the planned 57/60 Confluence Project and the Lemon Avenue On/Off Ramp Project. Both said that traffic was a major problem in certain parts of the City and that the two projects would help to ease some of the burden.

32-year resident, Bruce Buller, agreed with the Williams’, stating that it was good to see the City improving itself in terms of traffic, especially since Diamond Bar and other surrounding cities continue to grow.

In both cases, construction for the 57/60 Confluence Project and the Lemon Avenue On/Off Ramp Project is set to take place over the next few years. Tye said the 57/60 Confluence Project – which will cost an estimated $275 million – will be split into four phases, with the earliest phase starting this fall and the last phase starting sometime after 2017. Tye said the construction is extremely important since the two mile space of freeway hosts an average of 600 accidents per year and is rated as the seventh worst bottleneck in the entire United States.

Tye mentioned that while the City only has $46 million to go toward the 57/60 Confluence Project at the present time, Public Works Director, David Liu, and City Council Member, Jimmy Lin, are currently lobbying for more federal funds from Washington D.C.

Conversely, the Lemon Avenue On/Off Ramp Project will cost $22.34 million – a drop in the bucket compared to the 57/60 project. The Lemon Avenue On/Off Ramp Project will also be fully funded by federal, state and local sources, which includes several million dollars from the City of Industry. Tye said the construction is slated to begin January 2016 and conclude by the middle of 2017.

“There’s still a lot of work to do together with our project partners that include the City of Industry and Metro,” Tye said. “But as our track record shows, we are committed. We are ready for the challenge and we’re not afraid to do the hard work.”

Tye said the City’s current projects will be a long-term investment that will carry over through the decades and ensure Diamond Bar’s impressive reputation, making it the image of pride among other cities in California.

(Photo By: Raymond Mendoza)
Senior Management Analyst, Anthony Santos, discusses the details of the City’s Dial-A-Ride service.

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met with a relatively short meeting on Saint Patrick’s Day, Mar. 17.  The big issue of the evening concerned the renewal of the City’s Dial-A-Ride program.

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons was absent from the meeting.

As the first order of business, the Council read off the list of scheduled events, including the Planning Commission meeting on Mar. 24, the State of the City event on Mar. 25, the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting on Mar. 26, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 4, and the next City Council meeting on Apr. 7.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes for the Mar. 3 study session and regular meeting of the City Council; the minutes for the Jan. 22 Parks and Recreation Commission; the ratification of a check register in the amount of $1,229,546; the award of contract to ICG, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $20,000 for the design of the Longview Park North Swing Set expansion and as-needed conceptual design work, and appropriation of $12,000 from savings in the Economic Development/Professional Services Account; the approval of Contract Amendment No. 3 with Fehr & Peers in the amount of $18,000 for the professional services related to State Route57/60 Freeway Congestion Relief Strategy; and the adoption of resolution for granting an easement for construction, operation and maintenance of Southern California Edison facilities located on Lot 63 of Tract 72295, commonly referred to as Diamond Canyon Park.

Without any other business, the Council moved onto Considerations concerning the approval of a three year contract for a company to provide Dial-A-Ride service to the City. Dial-A-Ride is a city-wide transportation service that gives residents a ride anywhere in Diamond Bar for 50 cents, and rides to hospitals beyond the city limits for $1.50.

According to Diamond Bar Senior Management Analyst, Anthony Santos, the program has been a staple in the City since 1995, and is available for senior citizens over 60 and any disabled adult residents. With Santos’ recommendation, the City would cease its partnership with California Yellow Cab – the company which held the previous contract – and begin a new contract with American Cab Co., LLC.

Santos said one of the major factors in switching over to American Cab Company was the extensive savings for the City, which would be estimated at nearly $100,000 per year.

“American Cab was the best cost of the most responsive bidders,” Santos said. “We’re estimating approximately $25,000 per month and over $300,000 per year. California Yellow (Cab) was looking at over $30,000 per month and closer to almost $400,000 a year.”

After Santos’ explanation, Council member Carol Herrera said the transition to the new Dial-A-Ride service provider will be “simple and seamless,” and that it will continue to provide an outstanding service to the Diamond Bar residents.

The City Council approved the three-year contract agreement with American Cab Co., LLC for approximately $350,000, to be paid through the City’s Proposition C Local Return Funds.

Residents looking to use the Dial-A-Cab service can call (800) 578-6555.

The Council then adjourned with plans to meet again on Apr. 7 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center at 21865 Copley Drive.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
DBHS football player, Isaiah Thompson, signed a national letter of intent to play at Dixie State University on March 9. Shown with Principal Catherine Real; Grade Level Coordinator, Sonja Burns; Coach Marcus Hughes; and Athletic Director Kevin Ferguson.

Senior commits to play football at Dixie State University

By Kelli Gile 

Diamond Bar – It’s official.  Brahma Isaiah Thompson has committed to Dixie State University.

The 17-year old Diamond Bar High senior signed a national letter of intent to play for the Red Storm football program in St. George, Utah.

It’s a great feeling,” Thomson said after a ceremony with family members and school officials on March 9.

The talented, strong kicker and wingback earned his spot as a starter on the Brahma varsity team as a sophomore.

“A lot of people don’t realize that for a school this size, it’s a pretty big deal,” said Head Football Coach, Marcus Hughes.

Coach Joe Beaudion recalled when he noticed Thompson during the first couple practices.

“I said, ‘Who’s that kid out there? He moves real well. He’s real shifty!’”

Thompson believes his speed and toughness gained the attention of college recruiters.

“I like to hit. I make plays.  That’s what I do.”

The teen is already impressed with Dixie State.

“It’s a great school and a bunch of great coaches and players. I’m just excited to get working over there.”

The Brahma coaches advised the football player to maintain his successful work ethic and drive.

“Thompson has a drive that carried him on. So, keep that with you,” Beaudion stated.

“You are a special athlete. Just keep working hard. I think you can do well!” Hughes added.

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – On Tues., Mar. 3, the hot topic of the night at the Diamond Bar City Council meeting was trees.  Diamond Bar residents came out in droves to fight for the preservation of several trees that they argued represented the beauty of the City.

The evening’s public comment section was filled with residents asking for City officials to consider different plans concerning several trees on streets between Diamond Bar Blvd. and Stonepine Drive for the Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project.

The City, with the help of an arborist, noted that the large pine trees had grown out of control and have caused damage to the street’s asphalt and the sidewalk area. Pictures shown at the meeting illustrated that even with ongoing trimming and cutting of roots, the trees in the area were causing immense damage that could lead unsafe roadways and walking areas.

Attending residents did not give up their cause, stating that routine tree maintenance could make the streets safe again. Council member Nancy Herrera disagreed with some of the residents, citing past litigations that had been brought against the City for damages caused by unsafe roads as a result of tree root growth. She also mentioned the possibility of the tree roots damaging the streets enough to cause sinkholes. Herrera said the possibility of these safety hazards were a most compelling argument since personal safety is more important than trees.

“Lives and safety are paramount over trees,” Herrera said to the meeting attendees.

Mayor Steve Tye and the other members of the Council instead fell back to compromising on the plans. Tye made an analogy that removing the trees would be akin to cutting off a portion of one’s leg after finding a minor infection localized on a toe.

Tye’s mode of thinking was to instead reject all current bids for the rehabilitation project and bring the plans back to City officials for re-evaluation before a final approval could be given. His motion was approved 4-1 (with Herrera dissenting) and residents cheered at the possibility of keeping some of their neighborhood’s trees intact.

During the meeting, the City’s schedule of future events were announced for the Mar.10 Planning Commission meeting, the March 12 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, and the March 17 City Council meeting.

The Council also approved all items on the Consent Calendar concerning the minutes for the Feb. 17 Council and Dec.9 Planning Commission meetings, as well as ratification of a check dated Feb. 12 through Feb. 25 totaling $716,891.89, and the Treasurer’s statement for January 2015.

The Council then approved the only item on its consideration calendar, which was for the re-appointment all of its commissioners.

Following the final item’s approval, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on Mar. 17 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, at 21810 Copley Drive.

Viva Italia!

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Chairs Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce that the annual Friends of the Diamond Bar Library Wine Soirée will be held on Sun., Apr. 26, at the Diamond Bar Center.

In 2012, with the support of the community through the Wine Soirée, the Friends donated $80,000 to partner with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Diamond Bar to make the new library a wonderful addition to Diamond Bar.  They could not do this without the help of the community.  By participating in the 22nd Annual Wine Soirée, you will have a great afternoon with old and new friends and know that all of the proceeds go directly to your local library and literacy in the community.

Come, bring your friends and neighbors, and join this festive and exciting afternoon with delicious food from local restaurants, great wine, music, raffles and exciting silent and live auctions.  Some of the great restaurant food hosts include Aljibani Halal Market, Buca di Beppo, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Coco’s Bakery, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Diamond Palace, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, House of Bread, It’s A Grind, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, NiNi Bakery, Round Table Pizza, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them in person and thank them for their support of literacy in the community.

With your help, the Friends gave over $30,000 in 2014 for much needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc., that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and the non-profit bookstore, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored “Read Together Diamond Bar 2014,” that brought Librarian of Congress, David S. Mao, to Diamond Bar last October.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all proceeds from the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, and the music they enjoy – will go to improving the quality of life and learning.

The Annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar, and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $60 per person.  Advertising is also available in the beautiful annual program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

For tickets and program information, call (909) 861-2002, or visit www.dblibraryfriends.org.