Category Archives: Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar: WVUSD Board Recognizes South Pointe Star Student and Partner in Education

Dr. Neil Vedecha was recognized with the South Pointe Middle School Partner in Education Award

Orthodontist Dr. Neil Vedecha was recognized with the South Pointe Middle School Partner in Education Award on February 19. Shown with Principal Susan Arzola and Board President Cindy Ruiz.

BY KELLI GILE

Diamond Bar— The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees honored a Super Star Student and Community Partner from South Pointe Middle School during the February 19 meeting.

Dr. Neil Vadecha was awarded with the Partner in Education Award. He is a WVUSD graduate and an orthodontist in the Claremont area. Vadecha stepped forward to transform a shy, withdrawn student with a serious dental problem to a confident, successful young man who is not afraid to smile. “Dr. Vadecha very generously made sure this student’s dental issues were addressed – and as a result a life was changed,” Principal Susan Arzola said.

The student started making friends with his peers. He joined student groups and began getting recognized for his special gifts and talents. “Because of Dr. Vedecha’s generosity, the student’s social confidence was lifted and his social interactions became a source of joy for him,” Arzola added. As a result of this correction of this dental issue, he became more involved in school activities both at South Pointe and he has now moved on successfully to high school. “Thank you is simply not enough Dr. Vedecha. You not only changed a life, you saved a life,” she said.

Eighth grader Angel Mendoza was honored as a Super Star Student at the meeting. “In the midst of Panther Country, we have remarkable students who have persevered and accomplished great things on a personal level,” Arzola said.

Angel’s family suffered a great loss during elementary school. When Angel entered South Pointe, it was a new beginning

South Pointe 8th grader Angel Mendoza was honored as a Super Star Student on February 19.

South Pointe 8th grader Angel Mendoza was honored as a Super Star Student on February 19. Shown with Principal Susan Arzola and Board President Cindy Ruiz.

for him. “Angel chose to seize the moment. And with a new outlook and attitude, he began advocating for himself, asking questions when he didn’t understand and showing pride in his appearance and attendance,” Arzola said. And through hard work and determination, he has earned a 2.6 GPA. “He didn’t give up and we are very proud to call him a Panther,” she added.

Diamond Bar: Face Your Fears

BY MARK HOPPER

As we continue to study the Old Testament book of Ezra at our church on Sunday mornings, I have noticed a theme that runs through the early chapters of the book.  That theme is fear.

The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem, but they encountered legal obstacles and stiff opposition from their enemies.  They were intimidated and fearful.  God sent two prophets to encourage the Jews to complete the project.  Haggai challenged the people to examine their priorities.  Zechariah encouraged them to not be afraid.

Several times in those early chapters, Zechariah told them to face their fears.  Their problems were real. The opposition was relentless.  Their rebuilding efforts had stalled.  They had become paralyzed by fear.

What things are you afraid of?  What things are holding you back in your life?  Maybe you are afraid to pursue a new career.  Maybe you are hesitant to start a remodeling project at home.  Maybe you are reluctant to meet new people or visit new places.  Maybe you are putting off an important medical exam or treatment.

You need the encouragement of friends and a stronger faith in God to overcome your fears.  Friends can help remind you of the personal strengths and abilities that they see in your life.  They can say to you, “You can do it!”

Your faith in God can also help you overcome your fears.  Throughout the Bible you will see phrases like, “Be strong, I am with you,” and “Fear not, for I am with you.”  With His help, you can face your fears.  Let me encourage you to examine your life and see if there are some things you are afraid of that are holding you back.  Ask God to give you the strength to face your fears this week.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. (909) 594-7604 .Sunday Services:  9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Website: http://www.efreedb.org.

Diamond Bar: Council Looking To Save Bob’s Big Boy

Staff Reports

Bob's Big Boy Restuarant

Bob’s Big Boy

Diamond Bar – At the Diamond Bar City Council meeting held on Feb. 18, residents asked the council to help them make Bob’s Big Boy off Golden Springs Drive a historical landmark, in order for the restaurant to stay in the area.

The fast-food chain’s lease is set to expire in a few years and the landlord is looking to raise the rent. “We’d appreciate anything you can do to help us,” said resident and shift manager of Bob’s Big Boy, Gloria Shepard, at the meeting.

DeStefano said he would be more than happy to look into steps for declaring the restaurant a landmark, but that it would be “rather tricky” since such designations usually go to businesses and locations with a specific architectural design, tied to a significant or historical event, or an association with a person of distinction. Based on those criteria, DeStefano said he did not consider the property would be a candidate.

“I do believe that this sounds more like it’s an issue between the property owner and the business operator,” said DeStefano.

Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Tye said, “We’re talking about two years in advance here. I don’t even know if we have a policy for historic locations, but it’s the right thing to do for the city of Diamond Bar to get out and support Bob’s.  The right thing is to bring it to our residents’ attentions and to say ‘get out there and support this business, get out there and commit to going to Bob’s Big Boy,’ however often that is. This is something that we value and have come to appreciate in Diamond Bar. I don’t know what could be more iconic than Bob standing out on the corner of Golden Springs and Brea Canyon. If that is not architectural importance I don’t know what is.”

Starting last year, franchise owner, James Tsai, made an effort to preserve his beloved restaurant from extinction by obtaining over 1,800 petition signatures from loyal customers in June 2013.

Reinforcing his plea, he had a large sign inside the restaurant that read, “PLEASE JOIN US TO HELP KEEP THIS BOB’S BIG BOY FROM BEING CLOSED.  WE NEED YOUR SIGNATURE SO WE CAN BECOME A HISTORIC LANDMARK”.

Built in 1981, Tsai took ownership of Bob’s in 1993.  “The building is old, but well-kept,” said Tsai.  With 24 employees, 14 of which have been with him for anywhere from 10 to 20 years, the Diamond Bar location is known for its customer loyalty. According to the restaurant’s manager, Lucy Bartlett, “We are concerned about the public and hear from hundreds of people that they love coming to Bob’s.  They want us to stay in the community.” But it seems like the only way Bob’s Big Boy can stay in the community, is if it becomes a Historic Landmark.

According to the National Historic Landmarks Program, “National Historic Landmarks (NHL) are exceptional places.  They form a common bond between all Americans.”  Wikipedia further characterizes NHLs as “Sites where events of national historical significance occurred; places where prominent persons lived or worked; icons of ideals that shaped the nation; outstanding examples of design or construction; places characterizing a way of life; or archeological sites able to yield information.”

The process to have the U.S. Department of Interior declare Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar an NHL is long and detailed.

But is it possible for Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar to become a Historical Landmark?  It’s happened before.  The Bob’s in Burbank is the oldest in the United States.  It was built in 1949 by Los Angeles architect Wayne McAllister in the 1940s streamline modern style, and became a California Point of Historical Interest in 1993.  Not a Historical Landmark, but certainly noteworthy, Bob’s Big Boy in Norco – Horsetown USA –  has “Cowboy Bob”, the only one of its kind, greeting customers in a cowboy hat.  The possibility for Diamond Bar is definitely there.

James Tsai invites you to his restaurant to enjoy his food, speak with his employees and see for yourself if you’d like to help his cause.  He says, “We have been at the same location in Diamond Bar for 30 years, and our customers are loyal from generation to generation.  Thank you for your loyalty!  We need your continued support to keep this Big Boy location alive.”  Come to think of it, an Original Double-Deck Cheeseburger sounds pretty good!  Check it out for yourselves.

Bob’s Big Boy is located at 21090 Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar and they can be reached at (909) 595-9170.

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events: Week of Feb 24, 2014

STAFF REPORTS

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Walnut Senior Center Just Desserts Baking Contest

When: Thursday, Feb. 27 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Where: Walnut Senior Center, located at 21215 La Puente Rd. in Walnut

Cost: $2 for seniors and $3 for all others per dessert

Details: Contest is open to all ages. Contestants will have the opportunity to enter their best dessert to be judged and receive a prize. Registration forms available at Walnut Senior Center.

Contact: Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200

City of Walnut Family Health and Fitness Fair

When: Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut

Details: Information booths, FREE screenings, lectures every 30 minutes, Q & A session, Family Fun Walk, family fitness corner, blood drive, live entertainment, and more!

Contact:  Gabriela Encinas at the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200.

Diamond Bar Council Corner: Mid-Year Budget Report Approved

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Diamond Bar – At this week’s Diamond Bar City Council meeting, as part of their periodic review of its annual city budget, the Diamond Bar City Council approved by unanimous vote a resolution which adjusts the city’s fiscal year 2013-14 general fund budget increasing its resource estimate by more than $950,000 to total $23,100,358 and makes other adjustments to general fund appropriations taking into account increases in economic development costs, lighting and landscape assessments, and the resurfacing of the parking lots of several city parks.

Finance Director Diana Honeywell gave a report at the council meeting, and said improvements in the economy, with unemployment rates beginning to come down, and consumer spending rising, as well as improvements in the housing market, were some of the factors staff examined in preparation for the mid-year budget review.

City officials said nearly all categories of revenues showed growth. Among some of the adjustments approved into the budget are:

  • Other taxes- This include sales tax, transient occupancy tax, property tax and franchise tax.
  • State Subventions- Property tax in lieu of vehicle license fee is being increased by $94,670 based on actual collections received in Jan. 2014.
  • Current service charges- planning, building and engineering fees, as well as recreation fees.
  • Investment income re-allocations based in cash balances to those funds.

Some of the highlights of the changes in the General Fund appropriations as made public by the city include engaging the services of a new city attorney late last fiscal year, the re-establishment of a Deputy City Manager position to fill one vacated last month, and an increase to the city’s information systems division’s budget due to “unanticipated increase in computer maintenance costs and professional services related to database work.”

In other matters, the council heard from City Manager James DeStefano, who provided a report on a project at two intersections on Grand Avenue.

The city received about $700,000 in federal funds for the project which has been augmented with about $300,000 of additional resources to improve the public right of way generally in the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Grand Avenue and Longview Drive at Grand Avenue, according to DeStefano.

“These two intersections were selected because they serve as primary gateways to the city and there is a design process that’s underway right now to set a tone that would result in new street furniture, new landscape in those intersections, a variety of street elements that would lighten, brighten and make those much more inviting landmarks within our community and gateways to other portions of our community,” said DeStefano in his report to the council.

“Part of the project is designed to create an overall palate for use with the rest of the community so when we do intersection improvements in the next few years at Golden Springs, Grand, and other areas, we will have a new palate to utilize to spread throughout our community.”

DeStefano added that even though approximately $1 million worth of resources has been allocated to the project, those resources can only be utilized on Grand Avenue in this general area; particularly the federal dollars are restricted and can’t be utilized in any other way.  Local businesses and residents are invited to come to city hall on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. for a public meeting inviting comments, looking at the design concepts, and to participate in the overall process of improving the project leading to design and construction sometime later this year into 2015.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents implored the council to help Bob’s Big Boy at Golden Springs Drive get historical landmark designation in order for the restaurant to stay in the area. The fast-food chain’s lease is set to expire in a few years and the landlord is looking to raise the rent. For more information about this, read the story on page 1.

In other city council actions, the council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 2, 2014, suspending Chapter 8.26 of the city municipal code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries. The council also approved by a 5-0 vote the first reading of a permanent ordinance prohibiting these establishments, including mobile dispensaries.

The council also voted to appoint new members to its Parks and Recreation, planning, and Traffic and Transportation commissions.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council is set for March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21685 Copley Drive.

Walnut/Diamond Bar: Patch.com Suffers Massive Layoffs

BY GLENN FREEMAN

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

Walnut/Diamond Bar – Just two weeks after an abrupt announcement in mid-January that AOL was partnering with Hale Global to run its troubled Patch.com network of hyper-local community news sites, the joint venture laid off hundreds of staff members.  With media reports saying upwards of 80 to 90 percent of the staff was let go, the move has severely impacted each of the 900 local sites.

According to news reports, staff members were notified of their termination via a conference call, wherein Patch’s Chief Operating Officer, Leigh Zarelli Lewis, relayed information on the restructuring.

“Patch is being restructured in connection with the creation of the joint venture with Hale Global,” Lewis said, according to an excerpt of the call printed on Jim Romenesko’s media blog. “Hale Global has decided which Patch employees will receive an offer of employment to move forward in accordance with their vision for Patch and which will not. Unfortunately, your role has been eliminated and you will no longer have a role at Patch and today will be your last day of employment with the company…Thank you, again, and best of luck.”

Locally, there are Patch sites for the communities of Diamond Bar-Walnut, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, Glendora, Claremont-La Verne, and Redlands-Loma Linda.  A Jan. 30 posting on the Diamond Bar-Walnut site by Editor, Melanie Johnson, says the local staff was among those let go.

“Hi, Diamond Bar-Walnut Patchers!  I am posting to let you know that Patch was recently purchased by a company who has decided to do some restructuring. As a result, the local editor positions have been eliminated, including mine,” Johnson posted.

The website is still being updated, but not as frequently and the content appears to be more broad and regional in nature. Former staffers say the sites are being updated from afar, with a small staff now covering all Patch sites within California (which had the most sites within the Patch network, by far).  What the future holds is still unclear, but more user-generated content has been mentioned by some.

In the Jan. 15 press release announcing the partnership, AOL and Hale Global said they are “Committed to re-launching Patch as an efficient platform that allows citizens and businesses to create and share locally-themed news and content – not just with those in their own communities, but to the wider world.”

Patch began in 2007 with the help of AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, who eventually encouraged AOL to buy the collection of hyper-local news sites in 2009.  Armstrong expressed confidence in Hale Global’s ability to turn the sites around, despite Patch’s financial problems.

“Hale Global has a strong track record of operational excellence and platform experience, and we are looking forward to working closely with them on Patch,” Armstrong said in the press release.  AOL plans to maintain a minority stake in Patch.

 

Diamond Bar: Library Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

BY DIAMOND BAR LIBRARY FRIENDS

Diamond Bar Library Volunteers

: (L to R) Council Members Jack Tanaka and Nancy Lyons; Volunteers of the Year Mary and Jim Hackett; Council Members Steve Tye and Carol Herrera; Basically BOOKS Volunteer of the Year, Peggy Murphy; Business of the Year Emma and George Yu; Councilmember Ling Ling Chang and Friends’ President, Ruth Low.

Diamond Bar – The 14th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at Diamond Palace Restaurant on Jan. 10.  This was an opportunity for the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library to thank all of the Basically BOOKS fifty-plus volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Diamond Bar Library.

Basically BOOKS raised over $40,000 to support the local community library in 2013.  There are two locations, one inside the Diamond Bar Library at 21800 Copley Drive, and the other at 21447 Golden Springs Drive, both in Diamond Bar.  Please stop by and thank these dedicated volunteers in person and pick up some great values.

The dinner was also the perfect time for the Friends to thank outstanding people dedicated to the Diamond Bar Library.  President Ruth Low announced the Jack and Kathleen Newe Volunteer of the Year Award as Mary and Jim Hackett.  Mary and Jim have dedicated themselves over the past nine years to making Basically BOOKS such a successful non-profit bookstore.  Kathleen Newe presented them with the plaque and praised their outstanding dedication.  Peggy Murphy, who is taking over as the manager of Basically BOOKS as Mary retires, also received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Past President Rick Rogers announced the winner of the Jack and Eileen Tillery Business of the Year Award as George and Emma Yu, of Printing Dynamics in Walnut.  Printing Dynamics has been the printer for the Friends and the Wine Soirée for over 20 years, and has been invaluable in its success.  George has always been ready to advise and produce high-quality printing for the Friends.

Chino/Diamond Bar: Chino Resident Among Six Killed in Wrong Way Crash

Car Crash Diamond Bar

These are the remnants of vehicles in Sunday’s deadly crash. (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – Kristin Melissa Young, 21, of Chino, lost her life in the unfortunate events that unraveled at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9.  A heartbreaking collision left six people dead, including a family of four.  Young was a passenger in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro being driven by her friend, who was allegedly drunk at the time, when they crashed head-on into a red 1998 Ford Explorer.  The crash also killed the driver’s sister.

According to authorities, Olivia Carolee Culbreath, 21, of Fontana, was driving the wrong way on the westbound 60 Freeway near Diamond Bar Boulevard, speeding at approximately 100 miles per hour, when her Camaro struck the Explorer, which in turn struck another vehicle (a passenger in this vehicle sustained minor injuries).

Culbreath suffered a ruptured bladder and broken femur in the crash.  A CHP news release states that she was arrested Sunday on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury or death, and felony manslaughter.  Culbreath was hospitalized at USC Medical Center and could ultimately spend the rest of her life in jail.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office has identified the deceased as Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, a Rialto resident and also the driver’s sister; Kristin Melissa Young, 21, from Chino; and the family riding in the Ford Explorer, Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; his daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado, all from Huntington Park.

According to DMV records, Culbreath had just had restrictions lifted from her license last week from a DUI conviction in San Bernardino juvenile court back in 2010.  She is reportedly survived by her infant son, born in late January.

Diamond Bar: Lessons For Life

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY MARK HOPPER

We are continuing to study the Old Testament book of Ezra on Sunday mornings at our church. I noticed several practical lessons in chapter four that seem to easily apply to our lives today.
You may be in business or education. You may be married or single. You may be a politician or a business professional. It seems like these principles can apply to almost anyone of any age.
First, don’t compromise your values and convictions. In this fourth chapter of Ezra, the Jewish people faced an important decision. Will they compromise their convictions or stick to their core values?
How often have we warned our teenagers to not go with the crowd or give in to peer pressure? How often have you faced a difficult decision in your business or personal life that may involve compromising your convictions?
If you compromise, you may regret it later. If you stick to your core values, you will rarely regret it.
Second, expect opposition and criticism. In Ezra chapter four, the Jewish people declined the offer from others to help with the re-building of their Temple. Immediately, these friends turned into foes. They tried to hinder and stop the progress on the new Temple.
When you try to stick to your values and not compromise, you should expect to be criticized. Some people won’t understand why you won’t go along with the crowd. Business associates may question your loyalty to the company when you refuse to follow the new policy that you feel goes against your values.
Third, expect delays and difficulties. When you stick to your core values, you may face a bumpy road ahead. In Ezra chapter four, those who opposed their effort hired lobbyists and lawyers to try to stop their progress.
Often we hear in the news today of groups that oppose a new freeway, new housing development or new shopping center. They will hire lawyers and experts to prevent a new project from being completed.
Certainly we need to study and evaluate how a new freeway or housing development will impact those who live nearby. But even after permission is granted, some will continue to try to delay its completion.

When you try to stick to your convictions and when you are not willing to compromise your core values, expect difficulties and delays along the way. You may not get a promotion in your company or you may not get the recognition you deserve in your school.

But, when you stick to your convictions and when you refuse to compromise your core values, you will sleep better at night. You will enjoy a sense of peace. I think you will be glad you did!

Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar
3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd
(909) 594-7604
Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar: High School Football Coach Steps Down

Diamond Bar Highschool Football

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY KELLI GILE

Diamond Bar— Diamond Bar High School Coach Ryan Maine has decided to step down as Varsity Football Coach.
Ryan and his wife Lindsay are pursuing opportunities for their family that may include relocation.
“We truly appreciate all that Coach Maine has done for the program over his entire history at DBHS. We fully support him and his wife in their future endeavors and wish them the best of luck,” said Principal Catherine Real.
“We will be conducting a comprehensive search for a new Head Football Coach to ensure that our student athletes will be successful for years to come,” Real added.
Maine served three years as Head Coach and seven years in the Brahma Football Program. Even though Maine will step down as coach, he will remain on the Diamond Bar High School staff as a teacher.
“We appreciate the efforts that Coach Maine and his entire staff have made over the last three years. We are in a much better place because of this. Principal Real and I have already begun the search for a new Head Coach and are excited to see where that search will take us. Coach Maine will still be around for the immediate future and will assist in making the transition as smooth as possible. I can’t thank Ryan and Lindsay enough for the extreme sacrifice they have made over the last three years to bring Brahma football back where it belongs,” said Athletic Director Kurt Davies.

Diamond Bar: Council Corner-Dangerous Parking Area

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Diamond Bar – At the latest Diamond Bar City Council meeting on Feb. 4, the council heard and adopted a second reading of an ordinance establishing a hotel zoning district on the parcels bounded by Grand Avenue and the 57/60 freeways to allow for future hotel constructions, among other items in a packed agenda. They also heard concerns from a resident regarding a dangerous parking area at Evergreen Elementary School.
The meeting started with the City recognizing the new business of the month, Chase Bank. Representatives from the bank, which is the third branch to open in the city, received a certificate plaque for their contributions. Amidst the features unique to the bank are its drive-up tellers. According to representatives, the bank also ranks as the number one Small Business Administration (SBA) loan lender.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Council was made aware of a recent change to the school traffic plan where parents are no longer allowed to follow the plan in regard to dropping off children on the red zone in front of Evergreen Elementary School at the load and unload zone for buses. Several vehicles have been issued traffic violation tickets in the area.
A narrow area close to kindergarten classrooms and a play yard presents a danger zone around a 10-foot perimeter of the school busses, according to parents who asked the City to fix and expedite the problem. Since the busses are elevated, it would be dangerous for a driver to go into the driveway because he would not see the kids playing in the area. Parents asked for the curb to be painted red for loading and unloading.
City staff representatives called the high traffic area “chaotic,” especially during congested peak drop off and pick up times. They indicated the school district is working to resolve some of the issues and warned that utilizing the red curb zone in front of the school is not legal, but parents have been known to do so. The City has hired a traffic consultant and is working with the school district on the issue.
In other actions, the Council approved the consent calendar by a 5-0 vote, including a ratification of a check register dated Jan. 16 through Jan. 29, totaling more than $831,000, and approving the treasurer’s statement for the month of December 2013. The council also awarded a contract to Onward Engineering for the Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Stonepine Drive.
The council heard a second reading of an ordinance establishing a hotel zoning district on the parcels bounded by Grand Avenue and the 57/60 freeways. Ordinance No. 01 (2014) establishing the hotel overlay zoning district and amending the City’s official zoning map to designate the zone as a hotel overlay was unanimously approved.
At their previous meeting, the Council discussed the merits of possible construction of a hotel at the former Honda Automotive site near the on-ramp of the 56 and 60 freeways. It was deemed then as the best possible use of the land to benefit the City’s goals and objectives.
The Council also adopted a resolution by a 3-2 vote to subdivide air space for a 19-unit office condominium located at 660 N. Diamond Bar. The 2,666 square foot project includes 78 parking spaces, medical offices and common spaces.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is on Feb. 18 at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

Diamond Bar: Celebrate Your Love With The Whole Enchilada

The Whole Enchilada Restaurant Diamond Bar

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. in Diamond Bar. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, or check out their ad on page 12 for great coupons and specials.

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – Celebrate love with your sweetheart without straining your wallet at The Whole Enchilada in Diamond Bar. The Whole Enchilada is offering exclusive Weekly News coupons to help you have a delicious, authentic Mexican dinner for less. Check out page 12 for their “2 for $20”, “½ off any entrée” or “free dessert” coupons, among others.

Would you rather have a romantic night in instead? The Whole Enchilada can make an at-home dinner easy by offering tamales all year round! This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.

If you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family or friends, parties can be planned easily at a home or business with The Whole Enchilada’s catering service. From platters and entrée meals to taco bars, they provide a variety of options to serve fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of delicious Mexican dishes ranging from tacos and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

The Whole Enchilada’s food is only one reason to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day at their restaurant. They also pride themselves on excellent customer service due to their family friendly servers being attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable. Book now and you can reserve a portion of the restaurant to celebrate the Valentine’s Day with good food, family, and friends.

The Whole Enchilada is much more than a place to eat. The staff is there to help you celebrate special moments, raise money for your team or organization, and provide a wonderful experience for your children. They love working with the community to help with fundraisers, and special events for churches, sports, schools, clubs, and more.

Birthday parties are always fun at The Whole Enchilada, as well. No matter how old you are, the staff will provide you with a total birthday experience including singing, a special picture to take home, free birthday hat and dessert, and best of all, five “Enchilada Bucks” to use the next time you visit.

The Whole Enchilada’s “Kids Club” includes four mailings per year entitling your children to a free meal when accompanied by an adult, as well as a birthday invitation for a free meal and dessert.

The Whole Enchilada also has gift cards available for purchase in person or online at http://www.wholeenchilada.com. And remember to ask your server for a Combo Punch Card on your next visit. This card provides you with a free combo dinner when you purchase any nine of their combination dinners.

Book your Valentine’s party today, and make sure to check out the coupons on page 12 of The Weekly News for great specials!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, (at Grand Ave.), Diamond Bar, CA, 91765. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340 and check out their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.

Diamond Bar: Medical Marijuana: Still Available Locally?

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Diamond Bar – Last month, Diamond Bar followed suit with many San Gabriel Valley cities which have moved to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the county. At their recent meeting on Jan. 21, the City Council moved to amend the City’s municipal code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries for 45 days in order to comply with Federal law and in order to give City staff time to enact a future ordinance permanently banning dispensaries as a permitted use under the City’s current zoning laws.

Council Member Jack Tanaka said the last dispensary in the City operating several years ago was monitored by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, but the City didn’t experience any problems with the facility at the time. “As long as people had their prescriptions, we left them alone,” said Tanaka, who added, “Things may change as a result of the emergency ordinance the City just passed and as a result of the trend by San Gabriel Valley cities to enforce Federal law. That’s what the Planning Department is going to be looking into the next 45 days.”

Tanaka said mobile dispensaries would also be subject to the City’s amended zoning ordinances. “Normally mobile businesses still have to get licenses to come into the city.” He added that he was not aware of any mobile dispensaries delivering into Diamond Bar but because of the newly approved ordinance, law enforcement would have grounds to shut down any operation if it was made aware of one.”

Citing criminal behavior within the City associated with the dispensaries last summer, through the approval of a similar ordinance, the City of Covina also banned all types of medical marijuana dispensaries from operating within city limits. According to a local newspaper’s account, the City’s decision followed a California Supreme Court ruling in May 2013 that allows cities to make their own decisions on whether medical marijuana dispensaries can operate within their borders.

However, despite the approved bans, there are still medical mobile dispensaries (MMDs) delivering strands of medical marijuana such as Indica, Sativa and edibles, working out of the San Gabriel Valley and delivering to surrounding areas such as La Puente, Pomona, Walnut, La Verne, El Monte, Covina and other parts of the county, according to an online directory posted by High Times Magazine. These dispensaries claim to have “new strains coming every day” and even offer discounts for seniors and college students, as long as they can verify they possess a valid medical marijuana card.

Public information made available by the City of Covina’s staff in 2013 identified at least four services within ten miles that advertised directly within the city on “Weedmaps.com,” an Internet listing service. Staff reports to the City Council last summer stated, “In other parts of the state, shuttered businesses turned to delivery services instead. There is reason to expect the same in the City of Covina in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, Covina’s cooperation with Federal law enforcement, and its own aggressive action to shut down MMDs.”

Madeline Balsz, a representative from the Covina City Clerk’s office, confirmed the City’s ordinance also banned mobile dispensaries and deliveries. Wording from the ordinance (No. 13-2022) made public by City staff states, “No person shall deliver marijuana or marijuana infused products, such as tinctures, baked goods or other consumable products, to any location within the City from a medical marijuana dispensary, regardless of where the medical dispensary is located.” A call to City Attorney, Michael Montgomery, to clarify the statutes was not returned at press time, but Lieutenant John Curley of the Covina Police Department said deliveries made by mobile dispensaries into the City would be considered a violation of the City’s statutes.

According to a San Gabriel Valley Tribune report, a Federal crackdown in the City of La Puente forced the last three remaining collectives in that city to shut down two years ago.

However, the website, Where’s Weed?, lists a number of marijuana dispensaries in La Puente which may still be operating under the dispensary delivery business model which does not necessitate a storefront and thus avoids Federal crackdowns. Google searches indicate similar delivery services are operational in Chino, Glendora, Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga, among other San Gabriel Valley cities.

Diamond Bar: Massage Envy Offers The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Massage Envy Diamond Bar

Massage Envy is located at 1195 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite B, Diamond Bar CA 91765. You can reach them at (909) 612-9700 or see their ad on page 7.


STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – As the month celebrating love is upon us, it’s time to think about what you’ll be getting your special someone for Valentine’s Day. Massage Envy offers the perfect gift that everyone deserves: the gift of relaxation. With Massage Envy’s coupon on page 7, you can give your loved one a remarkable spa package for less. Take advantage of this exclusive deal for a quality massage by trained professionals.

Massage Envy excels in providing professional, convenient, and affordable massage therapy and facial services. They also customize each session to their clients’ needs, meaning that you’re not constrained to a specific routine.

The owners at Massage Envy decided to locate in Diamond Bar so they could develop a team of professional and intuitive therapists and estheticians to help improve the quality of life through the healing touch of massage therapy and facials.

At Massage Envy you will be immersed in a team environment with more than 10 years of experience, and where the employees constantly giving each other comments and suggestions to help make your experience that much more enjoyable. The employees strive to constantly provide motivational support to one another, allowing them to reach their maximum potential. By doing this, Massage Envy creates an environment where clients can feel the cohesive team effort which allows for a relaxing, inviting, and memorable experience.

Massage Envy also specializes in multiple types of services ranging from relaxation, hot stone, and therapeutic, which includes sciatic pain, headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder, and more. They also have enhanced therapies such as deep muscle therapy, sugar foot scrub, and an assortment of aromatherapies.

Massage Envy has two holiday packages available when you mention The Weekly News. Check out their newest $99 Spa Package, which includes a 1-hour massage, 1-hour facial session and a free gift. This special package is valued at $220! You can also take advantage of the “Buy 3 and Get 1 Free” deal at Massage Envy. For more information about these specials, check out their ad on page 7.

Massage Envy is located at 1195 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite B, Diamond Bar, CA 91765; on the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave., right next to Starbucks. They are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You may also contact them at (909) 612-9700 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Diamond Bar: DB Mayor Pro-Tem Runs For State Assembly

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye, recently announced that he will be running for the 55th Assembly District Seat, which is currently held by Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

Tye kicked off his campaign to run for State Assembly in a Press Conference on Friday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Diamond Bar City Hall. He was joined by City leaders who are supporting his candidacy, including Mayor Carol Herrera and Councilwoman Nancy Lyons, according to a news release.

Steve Tye was first elected to the Diamond Bar City Council in November 2005, then re-elected in 2009 and again in 2013. He served as mayor in 2007 and 2011, and currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem. Before becoming a Councilman, Tye was appointed to the Planning Commission four times, serving from 1997 to 2005, including two terms as chairman. He was also a member and one-term chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission from 1994 to 1997.

In addition to his two decades of public service, Tye solidifies his candidacy with 12 years experience in financial planning, according to a news release.
“I want to take what I’ve learned in city government, combined with my business background, and make a positive difference in Sacramento,” explains Mayor Pro Tem Tye in a statement. “My priorities will be to work for a stronger economy, more skilled jobs and increased education and training opportunities, especially for the people in Assembly District 55.”

Assembly District 55 includes Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Hills, Chino Hills, Yorba Linda, La Habra, Brea and Placentia. It combines the northernmost part of Orange County, the easternmost part of Los Angeles County, and the westernmost part of San Bernardino County. In addition to the geographic divide, party affiliation breaks down into almost 40% Republican, close to 32% Democrat and 23% with no party preference. In the 2012 Primary, 58,000 votes were cast out of a pool of 241,000 registered voters.
“While California’s recovery is gaining strength, it’s still fragile,” said Tye. “Voters want to know that their elected officials have the economic knowhow and business experience necessary to keep our state moving forward.”
For more information about Steve Tye, his candidacy, and this upcoming campaign kickoff, call ((909) 319-5426, and watch for his website coming soon to http://www.ElectSteveTye.com.

Diamond Bar: Crazy Weather

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY MARK HOPPER

I think all of us in Southern California have been amazed by the continuing warm weather we have been having this winter. It sure doesn’t feel like winter!
I call this, “Rose Parade Weather.” Usually right around the first of the year we get this wave of warm weather while the rest of the country is frozen under snow and sub-zero temperatures. When people in other parts of the country watch the Rose Parade, they notice the clear blue skies and warm sunny weather. The result is that a lot of them leave their homes and move to California!

But this year, the unusually warm weather hasn’t stopped. I think we are into our third of fourth week of temperatures that are far above normal. In addition, we are hearing reports that rainfall is far below normal. The Governor has declared a “Drought Emergency,” and is asking all of us to reduce our water usage.

For some people, the warm weather is wonderful. I am enjoying working in my yard and my tomato plants are happy with dozens of new blossoms. For other people, the warm weather is not as welcome. Local ski resorts have not had fresh snow in weeks. Skiers and snow boarders are hoping things will change soon.

Some things are out of our control. We can’t make it rain. We can’t change the temperature. We can’t change the weather. But, we can change how we respond to each situation we face. We can grumble or we can be grateful. We can complain or we can adapt to situations that are out of our control.

Remember, the weather will eventually get back to “normal”. The snow will come, the cooler weather will return and we will soon forget the summer of January 2014. So, enjoy it while you can!

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar: Evergreen Elementary Announces School Spelling Champ

Spelling Champion Kelli Gile

Evergreen Elementary spelling champion, Thordar Han, will now concentrate of preparing for the regional contest. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Diamond Bar— Thordar Han, a 5th Grade student, is Evergreen Elementary’s Spelling Champion! Jason Chen took Second Place honors, and Jason Kim earned Third Place during the school’s Spelling Bee, held on January 10.
All 4th and 5th Grade students participated in classroom competitions that narrowed the field of 200 students down to 18 finalists, who competed in front of their peers on the Multipurpose Room stage.
In the final round, Han won the school championship when she correctly spelled, “Monochrome.”
“When I heard the word, I knew how to spell it,” the 10-year-old said.
Han said she has always liked spelling and practiced with online tests for the competition. She is also an avid reader and likes to play the drums in the school band.
“It felt good,” she said about winning the Spelling Bee. The soft-spoken Diamond Bar student said she kept her excitement on the inside and shared the good news with her family when she got home from school.
Han will now represent Evergreen and compete in the 2014 Inland Valley Regional Competition that could lead to the ultimate competition at the nationwide contest in Washington, D.C.
4th and 5th Grade teachers, Lily Chang, Sally Choi, Shelby Coomber, Cathy Patterson, Lynn Otsu and Kris Kobzeff, coordinated this exciting activity for their students with help from volunteer, Bernice Bromberg, and support from the Evergreen Community Club.
“This is another great example of our dedicated staff and fabulous volunteers working together to create wonderful opportunities for our talented students,” said Principal, Carolyn Wills.
“Evergreen is rooting for Thordar in the next round of competition. Congratulations to Thordar, Jason Chen and Jason Kim! Great job,” she said.

Diamond Bar: Hotel To Replace Honda, DB Bans MJ

By Ariel Carmona, Jr.

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council approved several resolutions at the Jan. 21 meeting dealing with crucial development decisions in the City, including a proposal to establish a zoning district for the possible construction of a hotel at the site formerly known as the Honda Dealership, and an emergency ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in order to comply with Federal laws, among other items.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1(2014), which would establish a new overlay zone district to promote and facilitate the development of a prominent site, which was formerly the location of the Honda Dealership and a Burger King drive-thru restaurant, located across the 60 Freeway off-ramp, in a manner staff reports describe as, “Consistent with the City Council’s adopted goals and objectives since 2009.”

The City’s Staff Report to the Council specified the City’s plans for redevelopment, including specific plans to revitalize the Burger King and Honda property areas, “In a way that provides the greatest net benefit to the community.” The staff determined, based on the criteria set forth in the Council’s goals and objectives, that the highest and best use for the overlay would be a hotel.

“Any future reuse of the land would require a hotel to be the anchor use,” said Greg Gobman, Community Development Director. “And, any secondary uses on that site would be limited to those prescribed in the Development Code,” he added.
City staff told the Council that a world-renowned consultant took several factors into account to determine what would be the most optimal use of the property. According to the report, two major, mutually exclusive projects have been approved next to the Honda site: The Industry Business Center (IBC), and an NFL Stadium. Under the IBC scenario, a business park including office and industrial space would be built out, while the stadium project would include an ancillary office, medical and retail uses. Neither option would include a hotel.

The staff concluded that based upon the analysis of the consultant, the highest and best use of the Honda property is one with a hotel anchor, with project-specific characteristics dependent upon other factors. “The Honda site itself is literally set aside from the rest of the City. That’s also true figuratively in that its physical isolation and its prominent location at the convergence of two freeways is where we see 200,000 vehicles passing by each day, and in addition to this site being located right at existing and future on/off ramps, there is tremendous opportunity to develop this site in ways that really are not possible elsewhere,” said Gobman.

After hearing feedback from a resident opposing the proposed hotel development option, the Council weighed in on the issue. “I think the opportunity there is to capture the between $600,000 and $1 million in transient occupancy taxes, so I think it makes sense to take that action on this property,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye.

In other actions, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt an emergency ordinance prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. Previously, the City’s code permitted one use, but City Manager, James DeStefano, said that code may be in conflict with Federal law. He pointed out that the City does not have any dispensaries currently operating.
According to staff reports made public by the City, the conflict between State and Federal laws has led to many Southern California cities, including Whittier, San Dimas, Fullerton, and other cities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, to place restrictions on medical marijuana dispensaries, as a permitted land use or place a moratorium on the establishment of such a use.

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, which enabled seriously ill patients to legally possess, use, and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes under State law. Subsequently, SB420 was enacted by the State Legislature to clarify the scope of the Act, and to allow local jurisdictions like Diamond Bar to adopt and enforce rules and regulations consistent with the Act.

The emergency ordinance prohibits the establishment or operation of what the City deems retail marijuana dispensaries for a period of 45 days and ultimately provides the City time to adopt an ordinance permanently prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries as a permitted use under the City’s zoning laws.

During the subcommittee reports part of the meeting, Mayor Carol Herrera said that with a lot of people being out of work, there was a minor rash of burglaries during the holiday season. “We are intersected by two major freeways, so we are a relatively easy target,” said Herrera. “I have said before that we have an outstanding Sheriff’s Department that is on the alert to watch out for all of you”, she added. Herrera said officers noticed burglary tools and merchandise in a vehicle during two recent traffic stops. “That’s further evidence that our Sheriff’s Department is doing an outstanding job looking out for the homeowners, and for all of us.”

The next meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m., in the Government Center South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Main Auditorium, located at 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar: Dr. Jeffery W. Lowe Passes Away

By Michael Armijo

Jeffrey Lowe

Jeffrey Lowe (Photo Courtesy of SB County Sheriffs Dept/Chino Hills)

Diamond Bar – Dr. Jeffrey W. Lowe, a long time Chiropractor and Community Activist, passed away at 48 years old on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 of apparent heart failure.

Dr. Lowe held his practice in the Albertsons shopping center on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue for almost 20 years. He was the current President of the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Booster Club, former Diamond Bar Rotary President, past board member of the Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce, and a San Bernardino County Sheriff Reserve Deputy for over 20 years, in the patrol and homicide division.

Dr. Lowe was born in Montebello, California and grew up in La Habra, where he graduated from La Habra High School in 1983. From there, he went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in 1992 from the Los Angeles Chiropractic College.
He was described by his peers as a “giver, family man, compassionate individual, special, caring, and a loving man.”

“Jeff always made me feel special and beautiful,” his wife, Kim Lowe said. “I am so very proud of all his accomplishments.”
“He was an excellent partner, neighbor, and friend,” said fellow Deputy Mike Kreeger. “Laughter and friendship are both words that describe Jeff well, as he loved to laugh.”

I write this story, as a reporter, but more importantly, as a personal friend to Jeff. I will always miss his infectious smile, his servant’s heart, warmth-filled hugs, and compassionate element of being a healer, brother, giver, deputy, friend, and leader.

Dr. Lowe was married in 2005 to his wife, Kim, and has been a Chino Hills Resident for over 20 years. He is survived by his step-daughter Robin, grandmother Nana, parents Ron and Karen, sister Kellee, brother-in-law Paul, and nephews Dylan, Karissa, and Sydney. On his wife’s side, he is survived by his brother-in-law Larry, his wife Edenna, and his three nieces Lilly, Tori, and Violet.

Diamond Bar: Stay or Go?

BY MARK HOPPER

We are in the beginning of a new sermon series at our church in the Old Testament book of Ezra. I have really enjoyed studying and preparing for this series.
The book of Ezra records events in the life of the Jewish people in the 500s BC. Leaders and families from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin have been living in exile in Babylon (Iran / Iraq) for about 70 years.
After the fall of Babylon, the new Persian King, Cyrus, issued a decree that allowed exiles to return to their homelands. In the British Museum, there is a cylindar (the Cyrus Cylindar), which was discovered in the 1800s, that records this remarkable event.
The decree, which was written in the 500s BC, allowed exiles from many countries to leave Babylon and return to their homelands.
The book of Ezra provides an account of how the Jewish exiles responded to this unexpected opportunity. Some decided to “go” while others decide to “stay”.
How do you think you would respond in their situation? Many of the exiles had built homes and raised families in Babylon. They were not anxious to leave.
Others felt this was a unique opportunity to return to their homeland, even though they knew that Jerusalem had been destroyed and was mostly uninhabited for the past 50-60 years. They were willing to “go”.
How do you respond to unexpected opportunities? Do you play it safe or are you willing to take a chance? Do you prefer the familiar or are you willing to venture into the unknown?
A lot of it has to do with your faith. Are you willing to venture out and trust God to lead and guide you or do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone?
If you have a Bible at home, I hope you will dust it off and use the table of contents to find the book of Ezra and read it for yourself. If you don’t have a church home, let me invite you to come to our church on Sunday morning and learn with us as we study the book of Ezra together.
Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, (909) 594-7604; Sunday Services; 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org.