Category Archives: Diamond Bar

A Proper Greeting

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

With the flu season in high gear, everyone seems to be getting sick. Coworkers are sick. Neighbors are sick. School kids and teachers are sick. Everyone is sick!

I have heard that one of the most common ways to catch the flu is through contact with someone who has the virus. And, the most common contact is with your hands. Door knobs, cell phones, key boards and other things we touch with our hands can spread the flu virus. Even shaking hands with a sick person can spread the virus to others.

I watched a demonstration on the news where one person dipped his hand in a germ infested dish. He then shook hands with a volunteer who in turn shook hands with another volunteer. The conclusion of the study showed that one infected person could spread the virus to five additional people as the germs passed from one person to another. Wow!

I have heard that one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently. One medical professional said that washing your hands is the single best protection against catching and spreading the flu. If that is true, then how do you properly greet a friend, family member or co-worker?

At our church, we have recommended that people not shake hands during the flu season, but try doing “fist bumps” that minimize hand contact. A Chinese friend had a better suggestion, “Why don’t we just bow to one another and avoid any physical contact?” Sounds like a great idea.

I don’t know how long the flu season will last. And, I don’t know how long I can keep greeting people without a hug or hand shake. But, I do know that all of us need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the flu this year.

So, wash your hands often. Try a “fist bump” or “bow” instead of a handshake. And, if you start to feel like you are catching the flu, drink plenty of fluids, take two aspirin and call me in the morning!

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.

 

 

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 11.15.14

weekly-news-11-15-14-coverThe Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Nov15WeeklyAll to access the complete Nov. 15th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Diamond Bar: Council Recap Nov 4

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Diamond Bar – While state-wide elections were on the minds of most Californians, the Diamond Bar City Council kept its discussions local with its latest meeting on Tues., Nov. 4.

After an invocation by Worship Pastor, Jeremy DeFriend, and public comments from attending residents, the Council delved into the reading for its future event schedule.

The schedule included a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 5 at the Diamond Bar Center, the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11, a cancelled Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 11 because of Veterans’ Day, a Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Nov. 13, a Heritage Park Rehabilitation public workshop on Nov. 13, an Eco Expo on Nov. 15, the next City Council meeting on Nov. 18, the Walnut Valley Water District public meeting on Nov. 19, the Windmill Dedication on Nov. 20 at the Diamond Bar Towne Center, and the Grand View Trail opening on Nov. 22 at 1600 Grand Avenue.

The Council then went on to approve the items on the agenda, including the minutes for a study session on Oct. 21, a regular meeting on Oct. 21, the Planning Commission on Sept. 9, the Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 25, the ratification of a check register in the amount of $1,327,948.87, the Treasurer’s Statement for September 2014, Amendment No. 4 for the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the State Route 60/Lemon Avenue Partial Interchange project, the authorization and approval of the $450,000 sale of Proposition A funds to the City of Industry, and the award of a contract in the amount of $36,202.41 to Interior Office Solutions for the purchase and installation of office furniture at City Hall from the General Fund reserves.

The Council then discussed its only public hearing item for adopting a resolution confirming a cost report for nuisance abatement costs concerning 427 N. Platina Drive. A presentation by Community Development Director, Greg Gubman, outlined that the property at 427 N. Platina Drive is considered a public nuisance because of its overgrown vegetation and dilapidated state. Gubman said the property owners, after failing to improve the site after months of warnings, were subject to City intervention which cleaned up the property for a total cost of $3,624.63 to the owner. Gubman also issued a $100 citation to the property owner and said the City would be keeping an eye on the property to see that it remains within City codes.

The Council then approved the resolution concerning the nuisance abatement.

The final item of the evening appointed Surendra Mehta as the Traffic and Transportation Commissioner.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet on Nov. 18 in the Diamond Bar City Council Chambers.

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 11.08.14

Weekly-news11.08.14The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Nov8WeeklyAll to access the complete Nov. 8th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Diamond Bar: Evergreen 2nd Graders Have A Scary Good Time

BY KELLI GILE

 

evergreen-elementary-students

Evergreen Scary students gathered together to perform songs and a poem after the dance. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Diamond Bar – It looked like Evergreen Elementary 2nd Graders were ready for Halloween moments before the Danse Macabre, held on Oct. 22.

The youngsters were dressed up as vampires, black cats, ghosts, witches, skeletons, and zombies – boo! But when the music began, they had a hauntingly fun surprise for their families!

The students performed an interpretive dance to classical music by the French composer Camille Saint Saens. The Danse Macabre begins at the stroke of midnight when a stranger enters a graveyard.

“That’s the moment when the characters all get to come out for one time during the year,” explained teacher Loree Hoff.

At their cue, each group came out and danced.  The little witches flew around with their brooms and the vampires twirled with their black and red capes. The skeletons drummed and the zombies danced in the graveyard. The little black cats scampered and pawed and the ghosts happily circled the stranger and violinist waving their arms.

When the sun is just about to come up, they hear the rooster crow, and must go back and wait another year to be together and celebrate.

“I’ve never enjoyed classical music so much as when I see your kids performing to it,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.

After the dance, students sung Five Little Pumpkins, The Pumpkin on the Vine, and My Friend The Ghost, and recited the poem Enter This Deserted House, by Shel Silverstein.

“My favorite song was Five Little Pumpkins,” said Emily Fang, age 8, after the show.

Student Yousef Saiv, who played a vampire during the dance, and his parents loved the scary performance.

“My favorite part was when I turned into a bat!” he exclaimed.

Did he plan to dress up as a vampire for Halloween next week?

“No, I think I’ll be a ninja!”

Diamond Bar: 25th Anniversary Time Capsule

STAFF REPORTS

diamond-bar-time-capsule

Photo Caption: Diamond Bar Princesses, Landi Gonzales and Vivian Li; Miss Diamond Bar, Taylor Kalinowski; and Princess Stephanie Alvarez were on hand for the Time Capsule dedication on Oct. 25. (Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez)

Diamond Bar – On Sat., Oct. 25, the City of Diamond Bar continued the celebration for their 25th Anniversary with a ceremonial Time Capsule dedication at City Hall.

Mayor Carole Herrera, Councilman Jack Tanaka, and Congressman Ed Royce were all in attendance at the dedication, along with Miss Diamond Bar, Taylor Kalinowski, and her court of princesses.

An assortment of documents, memorabilia and other items of historical significance were compiled for the capsule, including a plaque from Congressman Royce, a letter and book from Assemblyman Curt Hagman, a congratulatory letter from Senator Bob Huff, and a commemorative program, wine bottle and glass from the 2014 Wine Soiree from the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library.

The Time Capsule will be housed inside one of the walls on the first level of the City Hall building, with the intent of reopening it in 2039, when Diamond Bar celebrates 50 years of cityhood.

For more information on the Time Capsule or the City of Diamond Bar, contact info@diamondbarca.gov, or call (909) 839-7055.

 

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 11.01.14

weekly-news-nov-1-2014The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Nov1WeeklyAll to access the complete Nov. 11thth, 2014 issue in pdf format.

 

Diamond Bar: Council Corner

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met on Tues., Oct. 21, for a regularly scheduled meeting, covering topics for a land and water conservation fund grant, bus shelters, and the Grand Avenue Beautification Project.

After public comments, the schedule of future events was read, outlining a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, a time capsule dedication, a planning commission meeting, a Halloween Haunted House at Heritage Park, the Fall Fun Festival on Oct. 31 at Heritage Park, the next City Council meeting on Nov. 4, a Veterans’ celebration on Nov. 5, and the City’s observance of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 (when all City offices will be closed).

The Council then uniformly approved all items on the consent calendar concerning the minutes for City Council meeting on Oct. 7; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on June 12 and July 10; the ratification of a check registered for $834,087.05; a Resolution approving the application for $153,346 for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the Silver Tip Park Trail and Trail Head; the utilization of Federal funds in the amount of $1,032,964 for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project; the second reading and adoption revising the City’s purchasing system; an agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor to extend their franchise agreement for bus shelters in Diamond Bar for an additional seven years; and an award for the Professional Engineering Services Contract to Tait and Associates, Inc. for civil engineering design, construction administration/inspection and construction survey for the Ronald Reagan Park and Carlton Peterson Park parking lots rehabilitation project in the total amount of $120,685.

The meeting officially adjourned at 7:19 p.m., in memory of long-time Diamond Bar resident, Eileen Tillery, with plans to meet on Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at 21865 Copley Drive.

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 10.25.14

The-Weekly-News -10.25.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Oct25WeeklyAll  to access the complete Oct. 25th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Celebrate Halloween At The Whole Enchilada

Staff Reports

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. (at Grand Ave.) in Diamond Bar.

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114
S. Diamond Bar Blvd. (at Grand Ave.) in
Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar – Come celebrate the spooktacular season of Halloween while savoring fresh Mexican cuisine at The Whole Enchilada. With its promise of authenticity, The Whole Enchilada guarantees that its customers will enjoy their dining experience.

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, they offer 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 enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning a Halloween celebration at home? The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event 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. Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a Trick-or-Treat fiesta, business meetings or parties, promotions, fundraisers, birthdays, or just an evening out, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food. They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a delicious treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit. The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online. It’s the perfect gift for Halloween, or that special someone in your life. And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and their Kids Club. With a wide variety of reasons to visit, The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Halloween, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com. See their ad in the October 18th publication of the Weekly News.

 

Weddings And Marriage

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

In my last article, I mentioned that my wife and I had attended four weddings in four weeks from late August and to the end of September.  All of the weddings were at outdoor locations from Temecula to Malibu, from Oak Glen to downtown L.A.

It used to be that June was the month for weddings, but one wedding planner told me that now September has become the new popular choice for weddings.

There is a passage in the Bible that says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, cleave to his wife and the two will become one flesh,” (Genesis 2:24).  This short verse contains three important words.

When a couple gets married, they need to leave their father and mother.  They need to end their dependence on their parents and establish their own family.  Many young adults have already done this by finishing school and starting a career.  But, sometimes they have remained financially and emotionally dependent on their parents.

In addition, the married couple needs to cleave to one another.  The word in the original Hebrew language has the idea of an unbreakable bond.  We might use the word “super glue” to convey the idea that a married couple needs to “stick together” and not let anything or anyone break this sacred commitment.

Finally, the Bible verse also says that the married man and woman “become one flesh”.  This expresses the physical intimacy that God intended for a married couple to share.  It is one of the most remarkable and unique relationships known to mankind.

These days, sadly, physical intimacy is not taken seriously.  Movies, TV sitcoms, books and magazines often give the impression that intimacy does not need to be protected and that people should pursue any relationships they want.

Maybe it sounds old fashioned to encourage students and young adults to not live recklessly and thoughtlessly in this area of their lives.  Maybe it seems unrealistic to expect married couples to remain faithful to their wedding vows and to one another.

Maybe we need to remind ourselves and our kids that marriage is something very special.

Weddings are special moments in the lives of the couple getting married and for families who celebrate this wonderful occasion.

Regardless of what month you select for your wedding, I hope you will remember these three important words – leave, cleave and become one!

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.

 

Celebrating the Simple Things

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I believe that each day we have the honor of being alive is call for celebration. Every morning as I awaken and see the sun rising and filling the sky with majestic colors, I am reminded of how lucky we are.As I step out in the morning with Midnight, my therapy dog, I feel blessed for his friendship and for the health that we both have. As we start our walk through our wonderful community, I am proud to be part of it and I enjoy the morning song of the birds around us. As we walk, I enjoy the trees and flowers that represent life in the neighborhood.

Midnight and I are greeted by the other daily walkers with a friendly smile and warm hello. It’s so nice to be part of such a wonderful neighborhood filled with such lovely people.

Sometimes the other dogs will visit with Midnight as we make our way through our neighborhood, and that makes Midnight a very happy soul.

I think the feeling of the sun on my face is just magical. The fragrant plants and flowers are intoxicating and so very delightful. Swimming or floating in water has always been very freeing for me. Laughter truly is the best medicine and I think we all could do a lot more of it. Looking up at a night sky filled with stars and a full moon can be an experience that provides a wonderful kind of solace. Just hanging out with my grandson is fabulous.

These simple things I speak of don’t cost any money, but are literally priceless. I think if we all take time to appreciate the simple things that are so wonderful in our world, we will be more positive. I think we will not dwell so much on what is wrong, but focus on what is right!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Diamond Bar, and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy also runs free family support groups, anger management groups, and special groups for seniors and teens. She is also available for motivational speaking engagements. For more information on any of these services, contact Nancy at (909)229-0727.

Diamond Bar Seeking Veterans

STAFF REPORTS

 

vaterans-day-image

(Image Courtesy: Commerce.gov)

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is seeking the names of veterans who are new to the community, or who have not previously been honored by the Diamond Bar City Council, so that they may be acknowledged during this year’s Veterans Recognition Ceremony.            The ceremony is taking place on Wed., Nov. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Diamond Bar Center. A live patriotic concert by the award-winning South Pointe Middle School Band, and a video featuring the first-hand wartime service experiences of several Diamond Bar veterans will be a part of the observance.

Admission to the event is free, but reservations are required. Secure your spot today by calling (909) 839-7070. The Diamond Bar Center is located at 1600 Grand Avenue.

If you – or someone you know – are a veteran who meets the above criteria, please contact the City of Diamond Bar at (909) 839-7000, to be included in this ceremony of appreciation.

 

Diamond Bar Landmark Preservation

Staff Reports

diamond-bar-windmill

(Photo Courtesy: lifeintheheights.com)

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar windmill is getting a new lease on life, thanks to a partnership between the City and the owners of the Diamond Bar Towne Center.

According to the City of Diamond Bar, efforts will get underway in mid-October to recondition the historically-significant windmill structure and spruce up the land it sits on, with plans for an official City dedication to take place sometime in November.

The preservation project is the culmination of many years of efforts by the Diamond Bar City Council to enter into a long-term maintenance and preservation agreement with the shopping center owners.

In August, shortly after Retail Opportunity Investments Corp (ROIC) took over ownership of the shopping center, the agreement materialized granting the City access to the windmill and the immediate property where it stands for purposes of carrying out routine maintenance work to keep it structurally sound.

The windmill is believed to have stood only 200 feet away from where it is now situated, serving as a water source for livestock and field irrigation on the Diamond Bar Ranch. According to accounts by several long-time residents, the windmill was saved from destruction by Don Ury, then Vice President of the Transamerica Corporation, the first and major developer of Diamond Bar.

The Diamond Bar Towne Center is located near the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue; the windmill is located near the Wells Fargo Bank.

For more information about the Diamond Bar’s history and the planned windmill dedication event, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/history.

Getting Married

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Someone told me recently that September has become the new big month for weddings. Traditionally we think of June weddings, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

From late August to the end of September, my wife and I attended four different weddings.

There was a wedding every week!

We enjoy attending weddings and sometimes I am asked to officiate.  Certainly each wedding is a special moment in the life of the families and couple involved.

One interesting pattern with all four of the weddings was that each one was held outdoors. Some were in lush garden settings, while others were in more remote, secluded settings.

I’m not sure what has happened to the traditional church wedding, but I have noticed that it is a growing trend to have weddings outdoors or in less traditional settings.

A number of different weddings are recorded in the Bible.  One of the most famous is the wedding that Jesus attended with His disciples in Cana of Galilee, found in the book of John, Chapter 2.

Another wedding is recorded in Genesis, Chapter 29.  In this passage, Jacob is tricked by his father-in-law and ends up with the wrong wife.  Jacob wanted to marry Rachel, but the father-in-law gave Jacob the veiled sister, Leah, instead!

Marriage is a special, God-given relationship.  In Genesis, Chapter 2, we read, “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.

We’ll talk more about the “leaving and cleaving” in my next article.  But let me express my congratulations to the families and couples that got married during the past month.  It looks like you are in good company since September has become the new month to get married.

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.

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

City of Hope Blood Drive

When: Thurs., Oct. 16, 12:45 to 7 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, Gymnasium, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.

Contact: Call (909) 861-2740 for appointments, and be sure to bring your ID to the event.

 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When: October 17, 18, 24, and 25. All shows are at 7 p.m.

Where: Diamond Bar High School Theatre, 21400 E. Pathfinder Road, Diamond Bar.

Details: The Diamond Bar High School Theatre Arts Department will stage Shakespeare’s play in a contemporary setting, the love-peace movement of the late 1960s. Tickets may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama (Adults $11/Students $9), or at the door (Adults $13/Students $11).

 

Alumni Day at Mt. SAC

When: Saturday, October 18, 1 to 9 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College

Details: Celebrate Mt. SAC’s more than one million alumni with a full day of activities including a presentation by alumnae Kim and Ericka Harrison, famed television writers for “Criminal Minds” and the new hit show “How to Get Away with Murder;” agriculture and wildlife sanctuary tours; planetarium shows; and a music faculty concert in the Feddersen Recital Hall. The day’s event will be capped off with the top-ranked Mt. SAC football team taking on Citrus College at 6 p.m., preceded by a pre-game fly-over by the college’s nationally respected flying team and a reception with a barbecue, music, and lots of Mountie spirit.

Contact: Call (909) 274-5443, or visit mtsac.edu/alumni/alumniday.

 

42nd Annual Rowland Heights Buckboard Parade and Festival

When: Saturday, October 18, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast – 7 a.m., at Bell Memorial Church (1747 Nogales Street, Rowland Heights, $5 per person; Parade – 9 a.m., at the corner of Nogales and Colima, concluding at Rowland Heights County Park; Festival – 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park.

Details: The parade will feature a variety of local school bands and student performance groups, community organizations, equestrian groups, floats, and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach. The Family Festival will have more than 45 booths offering handmade arts and crafts, food, community information and services.

Contact: Visit www.buckboarddaysparade.org, or email buckboardparade@hotmail.com.

 

World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert and Dinner

When: Saturday, Oct. 19; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dinner at 5 p.m.

Where: Walnut High School Performing Arts Center, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut

Details: The Walnut High School Jazz Orchestra will share the stage with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra for an evening of musical memories. There will also be a BBQ dinner in between shows. Proceeds from this very special event will benefit the Walnut High School Instrumental Music Department. All seats $30; BBQ Dinner $15

Contact: For more information call, (909) 594-BAND; for tickets visit http://www.seatyourself.biz/walnutmusic.

 

Bark For Life 5K

When: Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills

Details: The American Cancer Society Bark For Life honors the care-giving qualities of canine companions. Bring your best Canine Friend and join the non-competitive walk around the track, followed by demos, games, contests, awards and dog adoptions. $25 per dog; $5 per person. Raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

Contact: Visit www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca, or email Jennifer Rudin at bflchinoeventchair@gmail.com.

 

Annual Ghoster Park Halloween Hunt

When: Saturday, October 25, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: Galster Park, 1620 E. Aroma Drive, West Covina

Details: The City of West Covina and the San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy dare you to be scared at a night of spooky fun! Brave men will cry out for their ‘mummies’ on the Trail of Terror. There will also be Halloween activities, a costume contest, and other Halloween-inspired events. This is a free family event for the entire community.

Contact: Call the Community Services Department at (626) 919-6966, or visit http://www.westcovina.org

 

Free Intervention Information Sessions

When: Third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.

Where: Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina

Details: Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addition. Open to the public, space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

 

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

 

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

 

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

 

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

 

DB Community Garden Space

When: Ongoing; daylight hours.

Where: United Church of Christ, 2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar

Details: The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is progressing on their Community Garden space, located behind the church. Residents interested in developing their own garden space, or helping with this project, are encouraged to visit the Labyrinth on the hilltop. This is also a wonderful location for reflection, and enjoying some peaceful moments in your day.

Contact: Susanne Potter, (909) 861-4735, or visit http://www.diamondbarucc.org.

 

Diamond Bar: Council Recap October 7

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Diamond Bar – At their Oct. 7 meeting, the Diamond Bar City Council heard from the public and staff on various issues including updates on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, homelessness in the area, climate issues, development and water conservation, and more.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation of a City Tile to former Planning Commissioner, Jack Shah.

“You’ve done a great job. You’re moving on to other locations and we want to thank you for your service to the City of Diamond Bar, and we’re going to miss you,” said Mayor Carol Herrera.

“Thank you so much for your trust. You have trusted me for so many years and given me the opportunity to serve this community. It is one of the best communities I’ve lived in. The staff is great, they’ve always supported us and always provided us with great advice and always directed us in making the right decision,” said the departing Shah, who resigned his position effective Aug. 13.

As part of the evening’s consent calendar, Herrera appointed Jen “Fred” Mahlke to fill the vacancy left by Shah. During the City Manager portion of the meeting, Public Works Director, David Liu, presented an update on the Grand Avenue Project. Liu said project plans include upgrading the medians and parkways with special design elements to add visual interest and highlight some of the City’s local history, and pedestrian and access lighting. The locations discussed as part of the project include the intersections of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard.

According to Liu, on April 1, the staff presented final concept plans to the Council. Final designs for the plans were approved by the Council on July 1. Design plans and specs were then submitted to Cal Trans on July 30. Cal Trans notified the City on Sept. 10 that the plans and specs had been approved.

Liu added the City is currently working with a landscape architect to design and build a gateway monument at the easterly City limit line, along the intersection down Grand Avenue. Work is to be finished by early November, with a contract awarded in January 2015 including plans to finish in April or May of 2015.

During public comments, Theresa Lee, a member of the Country Estates Homeowners Association thanked City officials for providing residents with more information on the proposed Millennium Development.

Kurt Nelson, a consultant representing the developer, said he did not know why there was so much controversy and unhappiness about the project. Nelson added he did hear many people who seemed to be uninformed about the facts of the project. Nelson said he would be very happy to meet with any Diamond Bar Country Estate homeowners in the future to let them know about costs, and other concerns the association members might have.

“I think communication and getting the facts out there is key,” said Nelson.

In other matters, Stephen Fomba, Program Manager for the SGV Consortium on Homelessness – a non-profit organization dedicated to homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley – introduced himself to the Council and updated them on the homeless situation in the area.

Fomba, whose organization is tasked with conducting a bi-annual homeless count in the San Gabriel Valley, said all of L.A. County is moving to a coordinated entry system, using a tool to identify, assess and link homeless individuals and families with appropriate housing.

“It’s the best way toward ending homelessness in the U.S., by calling for the City to partner with them,” Fomba told the Council, adding that his organization will be coordinating a homeless summit in Pasadena on Nov. 13, and invited the council and community to attend.

Fomba said the summit usually attracts 500 to 600 attendees in Pasadena. The nonprofit also adopted a proclamation which other cities have already adopted in the SGV, asking for the establishment of a homeless awareness week in mid November to coincide with the national homeless and hunger awareness week.

Other members of the public asked for the Council to provide an update on issues such as water conversation, climate issues and development, asking if the City could look into bringing in smaller businesses for people to congregate, and get together, as opposed to big corporations and retail chains like K-Mart. To this end, a new Facebook group known as Diamond Bar Buzz has been put together for people in the City to discuss these social issues.

City Manager James DeStefano, said the City has specifically cut water usage by 23 percent in the last billing statement since formal drought conditions were adopted by the SGV Water District, and added that the City continues to look at ways for individuals and local businesses to save water in light of pending water rate increases likely to take place in the near future.

De Stefano said that he agreed with speakers who asked for a center for community gathering.

“That is exactly the type of product we’d like to see in Diamond Bar. There are very limited choices in Diamond Bar. Land is the toughest component; we just don’t have a lot of land and we don’t have willing property owners of existing properties that are interested in tearing down and starting again, redeveloping those properties. We have some choices on some vacant lands, but those are also a challenge,” said DeStefano.

In other actions, by a 4-0 vote (with Jack Tanaka excused for illness), the Council approved a packed consent calendar including the ratification of a check register totaling more than $2 million approving contract amendments for on-call traffic engineering services from various consultants, and approving a notice of completion for the Median Modification project on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Kiowa Crest Drive, among other matters.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD/Government Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. There will also be a time capsule dedication on Sat., Oct. 25, at 4 p.m., at the same location.

 

 

Diamond Bar: Local Kmart To Close

STAFF REPORTS

 

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Kmart, located at 249 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, is closing its doors. According to the store manager at that location, the last day of business will be conducted on Sun., Dec. 7. The manager further states that all sales to reduce inventory have already gone into effect, and signs advertising up to 80% off have been posted. Post closure, all remaining inventory will be reverted back to the corporation for distribution to other Kmart locations.

Revenue losses are suspected at the helm of the closure, although calls to Kmart’s corporate office in Illinois were not returned. A loss of customer traffic is sure to fuel some of the conjecture.

Yelp comments on this particular Kmart store consistently report dismal and rude customer service, with a common rating of only one star. One customer in particular wrote, “I wish I could give ZERO stars. This Kmart never fails to disappoint. Don’t expect any customer service here, because you won’t find any in this store. I’ve walked out angry and disappointed multiple times…”

If customer services is not your top priority, you still may be able to find some significant savings between now and December 7.

 

Weather Conditions

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When people ask me about the weather in California, I usually try to explain it like this. It is a contest between the desert and the ocean.  The hot dry winds push in from the north and east, and the cool ocean breezes push back from the south and west.

We are caught in a tug-of-war between these two imposing forces. Fortunately, the ocean usually dominates our weather and as a result we get morning fog and cool afternoon breezes.

But when the hot, dry Santa Ana winds prevail and the heat builds up, the air conditioning bills skyrocket. We all felt the effects of the heat during the past few weeks.  And, we will see the increased electric bills in another few weeks.

My wife and I grew up in Arizona.  The past few days felt like we were back in Arizona.  The days were really hot and the evenings provided little relief.  Everyone you talked to would comment about the heat. In the Phoenix area it is not uncommon to have over 100 days a year that are over 100 degrees. The low temperature at night often does not get below 90 degrees. It stays hot all summer.

There are a lot of things that I do miss about Arizona, but one thing I do not miss is the long, hot summer.

I heard the story of a pastor who was asked to help start a new church in Arizona.  After thinking about the invitation for a while, he replied, “There are three reasons that I think that God does not want me to move to Arizona…June, July and August!”

Someone said that God uses adversity and discomfort to get our attention.  The hot, dry weather we have experienced certainly got our attention.  It reminds us of how we expect comfort and convenience.  It reminds us of how fortunate we are to have air-conditioned homes and cars, offices and classrooms.

I hope that the weather is a little cooler by the time you are reading this article.  Let me encourage you to be thankful for the comforts you enjoy and don’t complain when the weather warms up for a few days. Just remember, you could be living in Arizona!

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: Woman Gets 26 Years For Slaying DB Man

STAFF REPORTS

Carmen-Montelongo

Carmen Montelongo (Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino Co. D.A.)

Diamond Bar/Riverside County – Samuel Wiggins, 62, of Diamond Bar, met with a gruesome death in April of 2011. He was stabbed approximately 24 times in his Diamond Bar home, and then his remains were dismembered and distributed in a variety of macabre places.

Wiggins –a retired aerospace worker – was reported missing when family could not reach him.

On Aug. 27, 2012, the Rancho Cucamonga District of the Superior Court of California delivered the Complaint that on or about Apr. 20 through May 29, 2011, the crime of willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder was committed by Carmen Montelongo, who did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder Samuel Wiggins.

Although eye-opening, the Complaint does not capture the ghastly details of what happened after Montelongo murdered Wiggins.

Whatever the details are that led to Wiggins being stabbed 22 times in the back, and twice in the chest are unclear, although reports of sexual abuse were alleged. The trial proved that Montelongo did not stop with the murder. She disposed of the remains by distributing some parts in gardens at a former residence, obscured some at the home of a relative she was staying with, and buried the head and arms in large flower pots that she reportedly gifted family with at a home in Bell Gardens on that Mother’s Day.

It was reportedly neighbors that were prompted to contact police upon smelling decay.

Montelongo was arrested on May 29, 2011 by Ontario Police in the midst of moving a large mobile trash can containing some exhumed remains down a residential street, apparently attempting to further hide evidence.

The adult children of Montelongo were also taken into custody not long after her arrest on suspicion of helping their mother dispose of the body. Ultimately, prosecutors did not file criminal charges against them.

The trial culminated on Aug. 29 when a jury found Montelongo guilty of first-degree murder for the unlawful death of Wiggins.

Montelongo, who has also used the name Montenegro, received 26 years to life at her sentencing on Mon., Sept. 29. She has maintained her innocence throughout the course of action.