Chamber Upcoming Events:
Aug 2 Let’s Go on Safari Presentation by Destined To Travel LLC
Aug 13 Eastvale City Council Meeting
Aug 20 Planning Commission Meeting
Aug 21 Second Annual Mega Mixer Business Expo
Aug 23 Sunrise Stampede XC Race
Aug 27 Eastvale City Council Meeting
The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link July26WeeklyAll to access the complete July 26-Aug 1, 2014 issue in pdf format.
BY RAYMOND MENDOZA
Walnut’s New Mayor, Nancy Tragarz (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)
Walnut – During the July 9 city council meeting, titles were exchanged and Mayor Pro Tem, Nancy Tragarz, was officially sworn in as mayor for the City of Walnut- promising to uphold the community’s values and pledging to serve to the best of her abilities.
Tragarz, who served as mayor of Walnut once before from 2011 to 2012, said she’s looking forward to leading the council with a strong sense of leadership, finance, accounting and legal skills to help push along the city’s prominence.
“My goal is to create unity and teamwork on the council and in the entire community,” Tragarz said. “The policy I will fight for is transparency, honesty, ethics, and doing what is in the best interest of the community as a whole.”
In consideration for her background, Tragarz brings a wide variety of expertise to her role as mayor, having graduated from Walnut High School with highest honors in 1981 then obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC, magna cum laude, in 1985.
Tragarz then attended Loyola Law School while working as a certified law clerk for the Los Angeles County District Attorney. She passed the bar exam in 1991 and worked for two different law firms in the area of business litigation, bankruptcy, and contracts. She has also volunteered as a temporary judge in the Los Angeles County Courts since 1998.
In 2002, Tragarz worked part-time for a firm in order to spend more time with her two sons.
She then served as a vice chair for the City’s special ethics committee from 2002 to 2003, where she helped draft Walnut’s first code of ethics and candidates’ campaign manual.
By 2005, Tragarz was then appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and served as vice chair before being elected to Walnut’s City Council in 2008.
Tragarz said her long-time strategy of being honest and attuned with the needs of Walnut’s residents will keep the city moving in the right direction.
While elected officials sometimes have a tendency to oversell themselves with promises and delusions of grandeur, Tragarz remains realistic to her constituents by saying she has no specific agenda and that she would “respond to the needs and desires of the community.”
As she starts her second term as mayor of Walnut, Tragarz said the best way to deal with concerns of the public is to be informative and lawful in her decisions, stating that the residents are willing to accept the truth if they are provided with facts.
“I believe honesty and integrity is the best policy.”
STAFF REPORTS
Rowland Heights – The Rowland Unified School District Board of Education announced on Thurs., July 10 that a comprehensive three year (2013-2016) Tentative Agreement was reached on Tuesday evening, July 8, by RUSD and the Association of Rowland Educators (ARE) negotiation teams after meeting with the state-appointed mediator for a fourth session. As a result, there will be no formal negotiations during the 2014-2015 school year, and only limited negotiations during the 2015-2016 school year.
RUSD Board President, Heidi L. Gallegos, observed, “The tentative agreement reached clearly recognizes the dedicated work of our Rowland teachers while leaving the District in a solid financial position for the future. I would like to acknowledge the hard work done on both sides of the aisle by our bargaining teams.”
Highlights of the Tentative Agreement include a multi-year agreement; salary increase of 4% retroactive to July 1, 2013; salary increase of 4%, effective July 1, 2014; District’s maximum contribution to employee health and welfare benefits increased to $11,000, effective Jan. 1, 2015; $1,500 cash-in-lieu payment for eligible employees who elect to opt out of District health and welfare benefits coverage; late start to continue at high schools for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 schools years; and reduced counselor ratios.
ARE President, Shay Lohman, stated, “The Association is pleased that after a very long struggle a fair agreement has been reached and can be sent to membership for a vote. We are very grateful for the leadership provided recently by interim superintendent, Dr. John Roach, and we are excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for RUSD.”
The Tentative Agreement will be presented to ARE members for ratification within the next two to three weeks. After ratification, the agreement will be presented to the District’s Governing Board at its Aug. 12 meeting. As part of the District’s review process, the economic provisions of the Tentative Agreement will also be shared with the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
Each team vowed to work diligently to implement the terms of the agreement once it is approved by all parties.
“I am thrilled that the teams reached an agreement [yesterday],” said interim superintendent Roach. “The school year will begin with all employees focused on meeting the needs of our students.”
BY MICHAEL ARMIJO
Doug was a simple guy who had worked hard to be “normal.” His upbringing wasn’t the best, but Doug beat the odds and found life within his spiritual realm. He found God and decided that his true place in life was with Him. He wanted to come out of the darkness and stand strong into the light.
One day Doug stood in line at a mini-mart when a young woman came in. He immediately noticed her long brown hair, her beautiful eyes, and her slightly crooked smile. She raced in for her purchase, and without noticing, dropped a fifty-dollar bill on the floor.
As he hesitated, Doug remembered his obligation to stand in the light. He remembered that he attends church on Sundays, and needs to do what is right; but he didn’t. A little voice in Doug’s head whispered, “Pick up the money and put it in your pocket.” He picked up the fifty, placed it in his pocket, and turned the negative into a positive by bragging about how “lucky” he was.
Soon after, he reexamined his actions and tried to justify them. He thought to himself, “God wanted me to have this money; he knew how much I needed it.” And then the guilt set in. He wasn’t comfortable attending church on Sundays, and he began to run from his guilt by not caring anymore. Doug was lost to guilt and temptation.
Several weeks went by and Doug’s dishonesty grew. He felt content about his new place because he received things he didn’t earn; he took things that he didn’t deserve. His ‘cheating the system’ helped him receive tangible items that he usually couldn’t afford. And then one day a friend invited him back to church and Doug was faced with an uncomfortable decision: Do I continue my wicked ways, or do I go back to the light?
If Doug was to give up his newfound lifestyle, he would then have to change what he was taking from others. He would have to exchange his financial riches for spiritual ones. Honesty would once again have to prevail in his life. All the taking, which had grown into a disease, would have to transform into giving. But Doug was afraid of doing what was right.
I believe that honesty doesn’t just happen, and to many, it has to be taught. To truly stand strong in the light requires commitment and focus on the bigger picture. And although life has given me unpredictable waves that have created confusion within my own life, I still believe that there is something out there, a higher power, and an incredible universe that shines brighter than imaginable. In those moments when we do the right thing, when we feel inexplicable happiness and peace, we draw from this power and feel the benefit of this light.
I hope for Doug, and the many others who have fallen into the darkness of life, that they can overcome their fears about love, affection, honesty, intimacy, goodness and truth. And is it really easier to live in that fear within the darkness? When we are able to overcome and understand who we really are, where we are going, and what we believe in, these elements of truth help keep us free from sin, pain, and being fearful. At that time we will have no fear, and we will stand strong with our hearts full of that light.
BY MIKE TAYLOR
(L-R) California Community College Chancellor Brice Harris, Mt. SAC Student Services Vice President Audrey Yamagata-Noji, former Mt. SAC student and now Governor’s Fellow with the California Department of Finance Rene Kouassi, past Mt. SAC Associated Students President May Ochoa, and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
(Photo Courtesy: Mike Taylor)
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College Student Services Vice President, Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji, was honored recently with the Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award in Sacramento.
Yamagata-Noji was named for the award for establishing numerous programs that provide mentorship and tutoring services for underrepresented students. She has been a champion of diversity and equity programs at Mt. SAC that support student success, including the college’s Bridge Program for first-time college students, the Arise Program for Asian and Pacific Islander students, and the Aspire Program for African-American students. The award was established to honor community college staff, districts, colleges and programs that have made the greatest contribution toward diversity and equity at community colleges.
“Dr. John W. Rice wanted all community college students to be treated equally, fairly, and with respect. All he wanted was for everyone to have an equal chance at an education, and the winners of the award today want the same thing,” said California Community Colleges Board of Governors President and Mt. SAC Trustee, Dr. Manuel Baca.
The award is named after the former California Community Colleges Board of Governors member and the father of former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
“For my father, being a part of the community college system was not just a profession, but it was a passion and indeed a mission and a calling,” said former the U.S. Secretary of State, who delivered the keynote address at the 14th annual awards ceremony. “He recognized that education is not a right, it’s a privilege and that someone stood up for him and that he must stand up for others.”
Yamagata-Noji has served as Student Services Vice President at Mt. SAC since 1996. A resident of Santa Ana, she has also served on the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education for over 30 years and is currently serving as Board President.
BY KELLI GILE
Michael Siacunco and Sarah Lin were engaged on July 11 at the exact place they met 17 years ago – the Quail Summit Elementary School amphitheater.
Diamond Bar – Michael Siacunco and Sarah Lin were engaged on July 11 at the exact place they met 17 years ago – the amphitheater at Quail Summit Elementary School.
Their story began on the second day of school in the 4th Grade.
“She chased me because she liked me,” he recalled.
“I liked him,” Lin acknowledged.
Siacunco even got in trouble for running on the playground that day, but he didn’t hold it against her. They became friends, dated during middle school, and then reconnected during college.
“Then we became best friends,” Lin said. Siacunco is currently serving in the US Air Force stationed in Denver, Colorado and Lin is a nurse at UCLA Medical Center.
Two years ago she wrote him letters during the eight-week basic training.
“I encouraged him and tried to keep him positive,” she said.
“I knew I was headed somewhere that I wanted to be.” Siacunco said. He still has the special letters.
They became a couple about a year ago.
“We were both finding our faith and we just took a leap of faith,” he said.
He’s the best,” Lin said.
Siacunco arranged the surprise proposal during leave in his hometown.
“We always talk about how this is where we met, “he said.
He incorporated all their favorite places into the occasion – Quail Summit Elementary, Chaparral Middle School, and Diamond Bar High, St. Denis Church, and the Diamond Bar Center. A girlfriend drove Lin to each location where other friends holding a poster with a special memory and a gift greeted her.
“Every stop had a little blurb about what we were going through during that time in our lives.” Siacunco said.
“The best thing was that I had no idea!” Lin exclaimed.
But after a few stops, she got the picture.
“By the time we were at Quail Summit I already knew.”
The campus was decorated with lights and rose petals. About 30 family members and friends gathered in the amphitheater while video played photos and tributes.
“I was watching the projector and he came down the aisle singing, “As Beautiful As You,” by All 4 One. Then he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
“Ever since we were younger I would always get butterflies. When I proposed I got those same butterflies that I would get when I was in 6th Grade,” he said.
“I was in tears. I just nodded, I couldn’t even talk.” Lin said.
All the families and friends cheered.
“He’s known me for 17 years, there’s no doubt. He’s the one,” she said.
“She was my first girlfriend when we were nine, my first dance when we were ten, and my first kiss. And here we are 17 years later at the place where we met and she’s now my fiancée,” he said.
STAFF REPORTS
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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.
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp
When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions. All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend. Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.
West Covina Summer Concert Series
When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue
Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:
Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.
Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series
When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.
Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive
Details: Free admission and free parking
Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us
21st Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
When: Saturday, July 26
Where: Oxnard, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).
Details: For $20 per person you can enjoy salsa, food, music and dance. Lunch is on your own at the festival. All ages are welcome.
Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.
Reduced Cost Vaccination Clinic
When: Tuesday, July 29, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Chino Community Building, 5443 B Street, Chino
Details: The Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA will hold a reduced fee vaccination and licensing clinic for pets. Dogs: Rabies/$6; DHPP/$15; Bordetella/$15. Cats: Rabies/$10; FVRCP/$18.
Contact: (909) 706-4601
Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs
When: Now through August 2014
Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.
Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.
Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.
Wheel Food Fest
When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.
Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.
Chino Relay for Life
When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.
Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino
Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!
Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com
Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII
When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue
Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!
Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.
Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!
When: Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).
Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.
Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.
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
BY TIANA GOEGEBUER
Eastvale – Rapper Kendrick Lamar recently purchased a modest home in the city of Eastvale.
News of Lamar’s purchase really began circulating in late May. The online buzz stated that Lamar had gone against the typical rapper stereotype and settled down not in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, but a former dairy community that had only just become a city four years prior. The fast-growing city of Eastvale is home to about 59,000 residents. Crime rates are low, and the houses are cheaper than neighboring coastal areas in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The home Lamar purchased is said to have been built in 2006. The two-story residence is on an un-gated street, and is a short walk from the local shopping center. The home is 3,529 square feet, and includes three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a pool, and is said to have been purchased for $523,500. In comparison to what many successful rappers spend, Lamar paid a very modest price for his new home in Eastvale. Rapper Drake reportedly paid $9 million for his Southern California mansion; Tyga spent $6.5 million for his residence; and Dr. Dre recently dished out a whopping $40 million on an estate in Brentwood.
A few Eastvale residents have recently tweeted that they have spotted the star cruising around town in a sports car and visiting the city’s Picnic in the Park summer carnival. However, Lamar says that he plans on remaining in his current home in L.A.
By Sarah Armijo
: Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. His current promotion is “We will SELL your house in 6 weeks at highest value!” For more information, go to sellyourcasa.com, call (909) 967-4525. Call today for a free market evaluation!
Southern California – In this day and age, it’s important to know all aspects of your business. For Gil Rivera from sellyourcasa.com, he definitely knows every aspect of buying and selling a home. He is a reliable, experienced, and an affordable Realtor, Broker, and Certified Appraiser.
Rivera sells houses, condos, and 2-4 unit investment properties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He also does real estate appraisals for banks, estates, trusts, divorces, attorneys, refinances, home purchases, and upon death of a homeowner for tax purposes. Rivera also has assistants that work with him who are fluent in Spanish and Chinese, which helps him to reach people of different dialects all over Southern California.
Rivera is in his 20th year of business and has SOLD homes in 26 different cities in Southern California, so his coverage area is expansive. Rivera said, “I can do this because I appraise homes in so many different cities and have the knowledge and expertise associated with your marketplace. Give me an opportunity and you will surely be happy you did!” In Feb. 2013, Rivera listed a home in Monterey Park worth $470,000. Rivera received 53 offers in seven days and SOLD it for $515,000!
Rivera’s philosophy is to “treat my clients the way I want to be treated.” In fact, Rivera said that he became a Realtor because he did not like the way his Realtor treated him when he was buying his home. Rivera shows respect for his clients at all times. He listens to what they say, so that he can better serve them.
Rivera also does not push his Buyers into a sale. Rivera said, “I always tell Buyers: ‘You will know right away when we walk into the house that’s meant for you.’ Whether it takes a week or months, my Buyers will always be satisfied with their purchase and never pressured into it.”
Rivera’s Sellers love the fact that he offers a discounted commission, but with full service. Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. This includes 2.5% to the Buyer’s Agent and 1.5% to Rivera’s office. Most Realtors negotiate a 6% commission because they have to split the fees with their brokerage. But, Rivera passes on the savings to the Seller. This will save Sellers thousands of dollars in commission fees. His team offers full service for that discounted rate including high quality flyers, professional photos, open houses (as allowable by Seller), and extended advertising coverage on the Internet and social media.
Rivera’s current promotion is “We will SELL your house in six weeks at highest value! We only request a listing period of six weeks, while most other Realtors ask for six month listings.” Rivera says that “Buyers need to know that they do not need to pay their Realtor any fees for representing them on a purchase. The Buyer’s agent is paid by the Seller, not the Buyer.
Rivera absolutely loves what he does. He loves selling homes to Buyers because he helps fulfill their dreams of home ownership. His favorite part of selling homes to is transferring the keys to excited Buyers. Rivera loves selling homes for Sellers because he enjoys the uniqueness that each property offers and selling the positive attributes of the home. Rivera says, “Many agents spend their time showing houses….I SELL them!”
Check out Rivera’s website at http://www.SellYourCasa.com to see how many different cities Rivera has sold in and for additional information about Rivera’s company. You can also call toll free at (877) 888-SOLD (7653) or cell phone numbers (909) 967-4525 and (626) 340-9950. Call today for a free market evaluation. See the ad on page 12 of this publication.
STAFF REPORTS
Chino – On July 10, officers of the Chino Police Department arrested three suspects who are believed to have been involved in an armed robbery that took place in the 12800 block of 16th Street.
At approximately 3:24 a.m., a victim told police he was robbed at gunpoint while walking on 16th street, and that his handgun and cash had been taken by three armed suspects described as Hispanic males. The suspects were last seen running from the scene into a nearby residential area.
According to a press release from the City of Chino, officers quickly cordoned off the area of Benson Avenue, 18th Street, Tronkeel and Serene Avenues, and evacuated nearby residents. Members of the Chino SWAT Team arrived on scene and surrounded a house in the 12800 block of 16th Street, which is where the suspects were believed to be hiding.
At approximately 5:52 a.m., officers came into contact with Edgar Campos, 20, of Chino, who was walking in the 12800 block of 18th Street. Officers detained him for questioning and later arrested him for his alleged involvement in the robbery.
At 12:04 p.m., SWAT officers removed the second suspect, Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., 24, of Chino, from the home on 16th Street.
Through the investigative process, officers arrested a third suspect – Carlos Meza, 21, of Chino – at around 12:58 p.m. Meza was arrested near the intersection of Benson and Tronkeel Avenues.
All three suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on robbery with gang enhancements. Details are still emerging and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.
BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR
Diamond Bar – During the July 15 meeting, the Diamond Bar City Council addressed a light agenda calendar which included a discussion of the following steps for three of the City’s Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts (LLAD), approval of minutes from a study session regarding updates to the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, and ratification of an expenditure totaling more than $1 million in City funds for green building construction, legal consultants and health insurance benefits, among other items.
In a written report made public by City Manager, James DeStefano, he stated the purpose of the July 1 study session was to provide the City Council with more details on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. According to the report, the concept was first discussed with the Council in April. Since that time, the Public Works Department team has been designing the project and preparing for construction.
Upon City Council approval, the project will go to Caltrans for review, after which it will move to the design and construction phases. 53 residents attended an open house earlier this year to review the concept plans and give input on what the community wanted to see as part of the final design. Some of the votes of elements for the final design included decorative traffic signal poles, the diamond shape representative of the City, and interlocking pavers in parkways and medians.
The Public Works Department staff reported that all improvements presented during the study session totaled about $1.5 million with available resources at $1.7 million. There is no general fund money committed to the project according to Public Works Director, David Liu. Staff estimated the project to begin in October after all the design plans and specs are sent to Caltrans for their review, which could take up to three months to complete.
In other actions, the Council approved the recommendations from its Lighting and Landscape Assessment District subcommittee and consultants from SCI (experts in the field of assessment engineering and levy administration related to LLAD) to discuss options to reduce ongoing general fund subsidies to the districts. The districts primarily maintain public rights-of-way, medians and parkways throughout the City, consisting of mini parks, slopes and open space areas totaling 60.45 acres, and small turf areas located primarily in the southwestern side of the city including the Ronald Reagan Park neighborhoods and Brea Canyon cut-off, among other areas, respectively.
Council members lauded City staff and members of the Parks and Recreations Department for their work on the City’s 4th of July Celebration, which included 25 minutes of fireworks to commemorate the Diamond Bar’s 25th Anniversary.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council takes place on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
Join the fun at Rock Around Norco! Car Show & Sock Hop on Saturday August 9th, 2014.
The car show is from 3pm-6om at the Bob’s Big Boy parking lot at 3521 Hamner Blvd. and the Sock Hop is 7pm-10pm at the Riley Gymnasium Plaza, 3950 Acacia Ave, Norco.
The family event is presented by the City of Norco, Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services and Bob’s Big Boy. Proceeds benefit the George A. Ingalls Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.
For more information call 951-270-5632 or visit http://www.norco.ca.us.
The Industry Manufacturers Council will host a Legislative Update Breakfast on Friday, July 25th. The program, presented by California Assemblyman Curt Hagman, will be Business-Related Legislation Currently Under Consideration in Sacramento. The Breakfast will be held at the Pacific Palms Resort, One Industry Hills Parkway in the City of Industry. Breakfast is at 7:30 with the program beginning at 8am and concluding at 9am. Cost of the breakfast is $20. Please RSVP at 626-968-3737.
The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link July19WeeklyAll to access the complete July 19-25, 2014 issue in pdf format
STAFF REPORTS
New Chino Police Chief, Karen Comstock (Photo Courtesy: City of Chino)
Chino – On Tues., July 15, during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, City Manager, Matt Ballantyne, announced that Captain Karen Comstock will become the new Police Chief upon the retirement of current Police Chief, Miles Pruitt. Chief Pruitt will retire effective Dec. 4, 2014.
“This is an exciting time for Chino,” said Ballantyne. “Karen is a homegrown product of this community and the Department. She was raised in Chino, graduated from Don Lugo High School, and her family still has roots here. Karen has been an active part of this community for many years. Her knowledge of the community combined with her experience and training will serve her well as she transitions into her new position as Chief,” Ballantyne added.
Captain Comstock began her career with the Department in 1985, when she became a Police Explorer. She worked her way up through the organization and became a Cadet and later a Reserve Officer; she was hired as a Police Officer in 1990. Since that time, she has held a number of positions and has served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Detective Bureau Supervisor, and was a member of the Crisis Negotiations Team. She has worked as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Bureau and in the Background Investigation Unit. She filled the role of Deputy Chief for three months, while Chief Pruitt served as the Acting City Manager in 2012. Comstock was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2009.
“Chino is an amazing community and I feel blessed to have grown up here and to have served the residents and members of the business community for so many years,” said Comstock. “The men and women of the Chino Police Department are amongst the best and brightest in law enforcement today; I am honored and look forward to serving the community in my new capacity as Chief,” she said.
Captain Comstock holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management, both from the University of Phoenix. She is also a graduate of the Supervisory Leadership Institute. Comstock will be the 17th Chief to lead the Chino Police Department and the first female to proudly serve in this capacity.
INFO. COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE SHERIFF’S DEPT.
Israel Martinez
Wilivaldo Arteaga Martinez
NORCO-On July 18, 2014, about 1:30 p.m., members of the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Investigation Bureau, along with deputies assigned to the Norco Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant in the 3700 block of California Avenue, in the city of Norco. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into an illegal outdoor marijuana grow at the location. During the search warrant service over 400 marijuana plants were located and seized.
The subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of two adult suspects, identified as Israel Martinez, age 49, and Wilivaldo Arteaga Martinez, age 34, residents from the city of Ontario. They were each booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) for marijuana cultivation and conspiracy charges.
The Norco Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety of the citizens of Norco and is vigilant in combating crime. Anyone with information about this case can contact Deputies Robles or Ghiliotty at (951) 270-5673.
Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.
STAFF REPORTS
Sacramento – Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) expressed his disappointment and frustration with U.S. District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney’s ruling on Wed., July 16 declaring California’s death penalty unconstitutional because the lengthy and unpredictable delays violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
“I am not disputing the fact that California’s death penalty procedures are dysfunctional,” said Assemblyman Hagman. “It takes decades for a sentence to be carried out due to appeals, court orders, ever-changing regulations, and other red tape. The solution is not to abolish the death penalty all together but rather to fix these unnecessary and burdensome barriers. What about the families of the victims? They suffer cruel and unusual punishment waiting for justice to be served.”
Assemblyman Hagman added that California’s citizens continue to support the death penalty and the will of the people should not be silenced by one judge’s decision. In 2012, an attempt to eliminate capital punishment was rejected by voters.
A moratorium was put on the death penalty in 2006 by another district judge calling for changes to the current lethal injection procedures. These changes have yet to be approved.
Staff Reports
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The contractor for a development in City of Ontario will be closing Archibald Avenue at Limonite Avenue this weekend July 19 & 20, 2014. The Closure will start on Saturday, July 19th at 6:00 a.m. and be re-opened by Sunday, July 20th at 6:00 p.m. The closure is to implement underground utilities that will be serving the new residential development on Archibald Avenue at Merrill Avenue.
Closure Location: Archibald Avenue between Limonite avenue and Merrill Avenue
Closure Dates: July 19 & 20
Hours: Start on Saturday at 6:00 a.m.; End on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
This will be a complete closure of Archibald Avenue from Limonite Avenue to Merrill. A detour route has been implemented. The contractor installed electronic message boards to warn citizens of the coming closure and traffic impacts. The electronic message boards will remain up until the completion of the work.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the inspector for the City of Ontario, Ken Oubre, at (909) 395-2138
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