Category Archives: The Weekly News

Walnut: Red Light Cameras Stay For Three Months

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Walnut – Faced with the impending expiration of a contract with a company that maintains and operates the red light camera at the intersection at Temple, Grand and Amar, and with a growing trend of other cities taking down their cameras, the City Council voted to extend the City’s contract for another three months to further study the implications of retaining or dismantling the camera.

“I know making a decision about whether to terminate or to continue should be based on safety, whether its cost effective and what is the best for the community,” said Mayor Antonio (Tony) Cartagena as the Council voted 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz abstained) to extend the contract with RedFlex, set to expire on Feb. 27, 2014.

According to a report made public by the city staff, the City’s photo enforcement program was approved in 2006 and extended for five years in February 2009. The contract does not have a rollover provision, which means if the contract expires, RedFlex would remove the equipment, and the program would terminate.
The annual cost to operate the program is $141,116, with $140,016 going to RedFlex and $1,100 provided for training a Law Enforcement Technician (LET). The LET position is charged to a grant and does not come from the City’s general fund sources, according to a report by Senior Management Analyst, Rosalea Layman.

“It is difficult to determine the exact amount of revenue generated by the program because the City receives a lump sum from the county that includes all traffic violations, fines and fees received,” wrote Layman in the report. She said the City estimates it receives approximately $130,000 with $63,700 of the revenue restricted for public safety purposes.

City staff warned that if the program is eliminated, the City would realize a loss of associated revenue, in addition to a potential increase cost for additional patrol deployment of more than $260,000 per year. Walnut issued 5,053 citations to alleged violators in 2013.

Captain Jeff Scroggin said that he was concerned if the cameras were removed, that there would be an increase of people pushing across that intersection to try to get into Mt. San Antonio College. “The ability to police that area with the normal deployment would be difficult because of all the other calls we are responding to and the patrols we’re doing.”

The council also heard testimonies from residents and the public, some who favored the red light program and others who expressed concerns over possible 6th Amendment violations to pedestrian safety and the safety of Mt. SAC students crossing to reach the bus stop on the south side of the intersection. Others suggested the City install a countdown on the intersection instead of hand symbol.

Council Member Bob Pacheco questioned the efficacy of the camera, quoting the report which showed that accidents increased from 12 to 19 at the intersection between 2005 and 2013, when they were last reported. “I don’t understand, if the traffic light is to prevent injuries, and the cameras are basically to try to deter that from happening, I don’t see a reason why there was an increase,” said Pacheco. “We are always very concerned with the status of the economy and the impact on our revenue, this is a source of revenue for the City, but it should not be just a means for deciding of what we do with it, whether we make or don’t make money is not a question in my mind, it’s a question of is it providing the benefit that we’re supposed to be getting,” he added.

Jay Beeber, Executive Director of Safer Streets L.A., addressed the Council and disputed the City staff’s assertion that the intersection was less safe because there is more traffic flow. That‘s actually contrary to what you would expect with increased traffic flow. “In the five years before the program was started, there was one red light running collision. Since implementation, there have been five, a 400 percent increase. There were 24 rear-end collisions prior, 43 in the five years after, an 80 percent increase”, said Beeber.

In other actions, the Council heard a presentation on fraud and cybercrime prevention from Lt. Mark Stevens from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and also approved the adoption of 2014-2015 Community Development Block Grant Program funds for housing rehabilitation and senior citizen activities.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 21201 La Puente Road.

City Of Chino Hills Sets Dog Park Workshop

City of Chino Hills

Dog Park Workshop Set to Gather Community Input – January 15th

The Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking input from the community as they review opportunities to potentially create a dog park in the City.  A Dog Park Workshop has been scheduled on Wednesday, January 15th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.  Staff will make a presentation and provide background and information on earlier efforts to develop a dog park.  Attendees will break into small groups to brainstorm and share their opinions on a variety of topics related to a dog park at an existing park site, including what features are necessary.  Persons who are unable to attend are invited to submit their input by sending an email to cfructuoso@chinohills.org or by phone at (909) 364-2711.

City of Chino Hills Announces Job Opening

Planning Manager $94,000 Year

As a key member of the Community Development team, the Planning Manager is responsible to oversee the Development Services Division.  Please read the recruitment brochure at the right for additional information.

TO APPLY:  A completed City employment application with an original signature must be submitted to the Human Resources Office.  Faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted.  Resumes are encouraged but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application.  Applications may be downloaded to the right or may be obtained at the City of Chino Hills, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA  91709.  Phone:  (909) 364-2630. http://www.chinohills.org/jobs.aspx?jobID=111

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is: five years of increasingly responsible experience in the planning field including two years of supervisory and administrative experience and the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field.

Job Details

Category

Management

Status

Open

Salary

$94,265 – $114,580 annually

Published

January 10, 2014 10:00 AM

Closing

February 21, 2014 4:30 PM

Walnut: New Starbucks Center Nearing Completion

Photo By Raymond Mendoza A Starbucks is nearly completed at the new Lemon Valley Retail Center located off Valley and Lemon.

A Starbucks is nearly completed at the new Lemon Valley Retail Center located off Valley and Lemon. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – The Lemon Valley Retail Center, located at 20373 Valley Boulevard in Walnut, and home of the new Starbucks Coffee Drive-Thru, is nearly finished. The 7,390 square foot, two-story building, which was approved for construction by the Walnut Planning Commission in February of 2012, will include space for an additional restaurant on the first floor, and one to two office suites on the second floor.

The 24,400 square foot lot, located on the northwest corner of Valley Boulevard and Lemon Avenue, was initially developed back in 1965. It was the site of a gas service station, which was demolished in 1995.

To ensure safety for future development, the property went through an environmental remediation from 1995 through 2010. According to the Walnut Planning Commission Minutes from January 18, 2012, the property owner has obtained the appropriate documentation from Los Angeles County certifying that the lot was properly abated of any environmental impacts resulting from the prior gas service station use, and was cleared for future development. Construction was slowed earlier this year pending approval of the drive-thru lane.

Positioning on the property, appropriate access to the main streets, and the affects the vehicle queue would have on traffic and parking for other businesses in the center all had to be finalized. The City of Walnut Building Department states that Starbucks is the only confirmed business at this time. The popular quick-service restaurant, Taco Factory, is rumored to become part of the center, but verification has not yet been provided.

Despite which business options plan to join the coffee house, the Lemon Valley Retail Center is a welcome addition to the City of Walnut. Starbucks is planning on opening for business on September 24, 2013. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?

Walnut: Winter Solstice Tells A Beautiful Story

BY SARAH ARMIJO

St Lorenzo Choir performs in Walnut

The St Lorenzo Choir sang beautifully at the Winter Solstice Concert.

Walnut – When you hear a story through music, it creates a special meaning, and the story told through the performers in the Winter Solstice concert was a unique and passionate way of hearing the story of Christmas.

The Winter Solstice concert held at St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish Church on December 28, 2013 featured an impeccable performance from the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale, and Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan.

Under the direction of the talented Dr. Nové Deypalan and Collaborative Artist, Stephen Lazarus, the performers in the Winter Solstice concert were able to leave the audience speechless after each piece.

The night started off with the recently created Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra getting the audience in the Christmas spirit with “A Christmas Festival” arranged by Leroy Anderson. Then, with it’s now 100 members, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir took the stage by singing “We’ll Dress the House” arranged by Deypalan.

But the audience were left in awe when Cristina Pacheco, Walnut High School graduate and Executive Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale took the stage to sing “As If We Never Said Goodbye” to start off the series of amazing vocalists.

After the remarkable performances from soloist Jordan Jimenez, trio Brian, Jada and Devon Roberts, and duet Ava Mills and Kristy Camarella, the Walnut Valley Master Chorale made their first appearance to sing a series of Christmas classics.

Following Chris Rodriguez’ conduction of the last two songs in the “Welcome Home” section, vocalists Jackie Madrigal, Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan, and Anna Betancourt, along with the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra took over the “Yuletide” section before the intermission.

Reverend Tony P. Astudillo’s speech started the second half of the concert. Then the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra got the audience right back in the Christmas mood, with the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir following.

After the variety of performances from the amazing vocalists, Paul Kintanar, JCris Ronquillo, Roberto Gomez, Bess de Guzman-Valenzuela, and Sal Malaki, the night ended in an outstanding version of the classic “Hallelujah.”

The Winter Solstice performers received tremendous amount of support from the community. Eighteen letters were written to the church and director by community members, office leaders, schools, and members of the Catholic parish community to show their appreciation.

Walnut Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena and Congressman Ed Royce attended the show and had nothing but great things to say about the Winter Solstice concert and the St. Lorenzo Parish Community.

“This worthwhile musical production serves as an excellent way for a much needed Vellucci Hall renovation and Faith Formation programs to feature their amazing talents. Most importantly, it provides superb musical entertainment for our benefactors and community members not only in the City of Walnut, but in the entire San Gabriel Valley,” said Mayor Cartagena in his letter to St. Lorenzo.

“My deepest appreciation to all parishioners of the St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish for their continued dedication and contributions to the St. Lorenzo community, as well as their continued support in the enhancement of the City of Walnut,” Cartagena added.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of “Winter Solstice” for their tireless efforts and contributions to St. Lorezno’s parish. I applaud your service and unwavering commitment to your faith community,” said Congressman Ed Royce in his letter.

Pastoral Council Leader, Ed Slingluff, also gave a special thank you to Nové Deypalan, Arcel Punsalang, Honchee Natividad, and Espie Cabuntala for leading the faith community in the event, and he also thanked the “countless volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes to makes this endeavor a success.”

Deypalan, Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, also wrote a letter to the church on the day of the concert to show his appreciation, as well.

“To serve as Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church is a notable privilege because of the selfless volunteer singers whose dedication is immeasurable,” said Dr. Nové Deypalan, who is also the Founder and Music Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale.

“I am very proud of the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir’s accomplishments and very grateful for their continued support. In addition, I am thrilled and honored to lead this remarkable ensemble that has touched my heart,” Deypalan added.

For more information about these groups and performers, go to http://www.walnutvalleysymphony.org or http://www.stlorenzo.org.

Diamond Bar: Four Rewarded For Reporting Crime

ANAPR STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar Report for Reward Program

“Report For Reward” Program rewards local Diamond Bar residents.

Diamond Bar – Four Diamond Bar residents were recently rewarded $500 each for reporting suspicious activity that lead to the arrest of three suspected burglars.

The financial awards were approved by a committee consisted of a sworn member of the Sheriff’s Department and Diamond Bar City staff under the Report for Reward program that went into effect Nov. 15, 2013.

The Report for Reward program aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary, according to the City newsletter. The program is open to everyone, but City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

Citizen Barbara DeCarbo was recognized as the first recipient of the Report for Reward program and was thanked for her services to the city at the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.

At the meeting, DeCarbo described the incident she reported to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. She said she was home one September afternoon when saw a man walking on the sidewalk in front of her neighbor’s home and then walk to the side of the house to the backyard. Knowing that her neighbors weren’t home, she called the Police to give them information about the suspicious man and the suspicious vehicle that had been driving back and forth on her street. Sheriff Deputies responded quickly, which resulted in three male suspects being arrested that day.

DeCarbo then asked the community to please get to know their neighbors and get involved. The City Council agreed and Mayor Carol Herrera added that with 16,000 residential units in the city, it is impossible to have a deputy patrol each one.

The City website also states that one of the best ways to safeguard your neighborhood against burglaries is to get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other’s property. “The more eyes you have looking for suspicious or criminal activity, the better protected you and your neighbors will be against burglaries.” It also says to make sure to also trust your instincts, and immediately call the Sheriff’s Station if something does not look or feel right.

Suspicious activity that should always be reported includes unfamiliar persons on foot, bicycle, or vehicle driving through residential streets below the speed limit or lingering in an area, seemingly without a purpose. City officials say that when calling the Sheriff’s Station (909) 595-2264 (9-1-1 if the burglary is in progress or it is an emergency), try to provide as much as information as you can about what you are observing, such as description of the individuals, and the car color, make, model and, if possible, a license plate number.

The City also asks to consider joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group in your area by calling Community Relations Deputy Aaron Scheller at (909) 839-7079.

The Report for Reward program was established after being approved by the Diamond Bar City Council – by way of Ordinance No. 08(2013) – during its regular meeting of October 1, 2013.

To encourage wider participation in the Report for Reward program, City staff and Sheriff’s deputies in late November 2013 met with Diamond Bar employees the United States Postal Service and the City’s contract street sweeping company to inform them of the program and guide them on how to detect suspicious behavior while out in the field, according to the newsletter. Additional meetings are planned with other City vendors and area service providers in the coming weeks. Community groups who would like a presentation on the Report for Reward program may contact City Hall at 909.839.7000.

For more information about the program, including answers to frequently-asked questions, please visit the City website at diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Rancho Cucamonga: Police Bicycle Giveaway

San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dept.

Rancho Cucamonga – Christmas came early for 22 children of the Northtown community thanks to a unique, merit-based bicycle giveaway program that focuses on improvements of students in school and their commitment to community service.

The Rancho Police Department and Northtown Community Center hosted the second annual Bike Giveaway event Thursday night at the neighborhood community center.

The students received brand new bicycles, courtesy of Target in Rancho Cucamonga, as a reward for their good attendance, great citizenship and improved grades.

Unlike similar giveaway programs in the county, this was created to encourage — and reward – improved participation in school and the community.  More than 40 children from the North Town Community, grades 4 to 5, applied for consideration to the program.  Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, as well as leaders from the North Town Community, monitored the nominees’ grades, citizenship and attendance by collaborating with school officials.

It is important to note it is not mandatory for participants to have stellar grades, attendance or citizenship to apply.  All they need is a willing-ness to do better in school and in their community.  Winners are chosen based on overall improvement, not simply a grade point average.

The finalists were chosen based on the above-mentioned criteria, with consideration given to 5th graders because it was the last year they were eligible for the program.  Those in the lower grades still have coming years to win.

The purpose of the program is two-fold: to provide a true incentive for children to strive for academic and civic excellence; as well as to bring together law enforcement, community/business leaders and educators for the common goal of motivating our youth.

All 22 bicylces were graciously donated and assembled by Target in Rancho Cucamonga.Initially, only 20 bikes were allotted for the giveaway but 22 students showed they truly deserved a reward and Target pitched in to donate the additional two bicycles. Carol Norris, a leader in the Northtown community, and Patti Coral, Vice Principal of Cucamonga Elementary, were integral in finding families to participate in the program. Sheriff’s Department officials plan to continue the bike give-away each year and give the children of Northtown an increased incentive to strive for greatness.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

I suspect my friend is seriously ill. She has recently lost a tremendous amount of weight, broken up with her long time boyfriend, and seems very withdrawn. When I ask if she is feeling ok she says yes, but it’s obvious that isn’t true. All her relatives are out of state. I’d like to help her, but she won’t open up.
Jan in Diamond Bar

Dear Jan,
When dealing with an adult peer, I think it’s best to respect the way in which they want to handle their own private issues. Make sure your friend knows you are there for her if she ever needs a friend. Make it easy for her to change her mind by respecting the boundaries she’s set. Stay available, polite, and open minded. Keep yourself in existence in her life but don’t push. Keep in mind that some people prefer to keep their personal issues private.
Take care,
Danice Akiyoshi ND

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She has a great passionfor alternative healing and has over 20 years of experience in this field. She provides a form of energy psychology called The Emotion Code, where she helps people literally get rid of their emotional baggage. She also offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Industry: Fourth Body Found At Industry Waste Facility

Industry – A body was found on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Athens Waste Collection Facility in Industry.  At a little before 9 a.m., Kesha Rena Williams was discovered in the 14000 block of Valley Boulevard.  She is thought to be a homeless woman who frequented the Leimert Park area, and somehow became part of the trash that was collected and transported to the facility.  An autopsy to determine cause of death is still pending.

Williams’ discovery is not the first for the Industry Waste Facility.  Back in June of 2002, a baby girl was found at the site in trash that was reportedly transported from somewhere in Azusa.  Investigators gave the infant the name of Amanda, before she was buried in the Garden of Angeles in Calimesa.  The case remains a cold file to this date.

In an ongoing investigation, another baby girl was found at the Athens facility a year ago, on December 10, 2012.  The infant’s death has been ruled a homicide, and although no arrests have been made, this is reportedly still an active case.  Authorities are looking for information about this baby, known as Jane Doe #83.  If you have information, please contact Sheriff’s Homicide at (323) 890-5500.

The third body was a more recent discovery, in July of this year.  Mark Christopher David arrived in a dumpster picked up in the Hollywood area.  He appeared to have died from an accidental drug overdose.

Just like Erin Lynn Cruz, 27, a homicide victim who was found mechanically separated at a water pollution control plant in Carson on October 26 of this year, these waste management facilities are an unfortunate way to discover that someone’s life ended and came to rest as trash.

Diamond Bar: Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners

Best Use of Holiday Theme Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contests

The Knoll Family won the “Best Use of Theme” category in the decorating contest.

"Most Innovative" Winner Holiday Home Decorating Contes

The Mok family won the “Most Innovative” category for the contest

ANAPR Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Congratulations to the Martinez family, the Knoll family, and the Mok family for being the winners of this year’s Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest (HHDC).

Now in its fifth year, the City’s HHDC aims to recognize Diamond Bar residents who help enhance holiday cheer in the community through their outdoor decorations. Diamond Bar homes were scored on display creativity, curb appeal and use of lighting in three categories.

Best Holiday Spirit Winner Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest

The Martinez family was the winner of the “Best Holiday Spirit” category in the Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

The first category was “Best Holiday Spirit”, which was judged on festive lights and decorations. Mark Martinez and his family were the winners of this category.

Patty Knoll and her family won the “Best Use of Theme” category, which was judged on how well a specific theme was used throughout the entire display.

Tom Mok and his family were the winners of the “Most Innovative” category, which was the use of new technologies and/original decoration methods or styles.

Winners in each category received a special recognition yard sign, a mention in the City newsletter and website, and a certificate of recognition from the Diamond Bar City Council.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Trustees Elect New Officers, New Trustees Installed

Walnut—At its annual organizational meeting on Dec. 11, the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees elected Fred Chyr as president, Dr. David K. Hall as vice president, and Judy Chen Haggerty, Esq., as clerk for a one-year term.  Also new trustees Laura Santos and Robert Hidalgo were sworn in to four-year terms as the Mt. SAC governing board expanded from five to seven members as a result of district reorganization.

The vast Mt. SAC geographic district was restructured earlier this year into seven trustee areas, requiring each representative to reside in and be elected from those areas versus the historical at-large process.

President Chyr (District 5) was elected to the governing board in November 1995 and reelected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011.  He last served as board president in 2009.  He has nearly 30 years of experience in business and education and currently serves as Associate Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at the University of La Verne.

Vice President Hall (District 2) is the longest-serving trustee by one month over Chyr in that he was appointed to fill a board vacancy in October 1995.  Two years later, he was elected to the position and was reelected in 2001, 2005, 2009 and this past November (unopposed).  Hall previously served two terms as president of the Mt. SAC Foundation.   Professionally, Dr. Hall is senior vice president of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, which owns and operates auto dealerships throughout Southern California.

Board Clerk Chen Haggerty (District 6) was elected to the board in 2001 and reelected in 2005, 2009, and this past November (also unopposed).  She is the first Asian-American to serve as a trustee and a former president of the board.   Trustee Chen Haggerty is a practicing attorney, law professor at Rio Hondo College, and the Law Area Chair for the University of Phoenix.  (Read her bio at [link]).

Trustee Santos was elected in November to represent the newly created District 3, which covers La Puente, Bassett, Baldwin Park, and Irwindale.  She previously served on the Basset Unified School District Board since 2007.

Trustee Hidalgo was also elected in November to represent the newly created District 4, which covers most of West Covina and Valinda.  He previously served on the Rowland Unified School Board of Education since 2005.

Completing the board membership are outgoing president Dr. Manuel Baca (District 7) and trustee Rosanne Bader (District 1).  In addition, a student trustee (currently Karina Maureira), is elected annually by the student body to represent its interests on the board.

 

Walnut: Winter Solstice Concert Ushers Hope For New Beginnings

Staff Reports

Walnut – The St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir took center stage at the much anticipated “Winter Solstice” concert on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. at the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church, 747 Meadowpass Rd. in Walnut. This concert featured the special participation of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale and a distinguished guest performer, Msgr. Joseph Brennan, Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Moderator of the Curia/Vicar General.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation of the Vellucci Hall, the Faith Formation Programs, the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Operations, and the Building Fund. Dr. Nové Deypalan, Music Director, conducted the choir.

Fr. Tony P. Astudillo, Pastor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church, was excited to share this joyous occasion and celebrate Christmas with family and friends in unity, harmonized in beautiful Christmas carols and ‘fa-la-la’s.

 

Diamond Bar Council Corner: Willow Heights

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for its final regular meeting of December, which brought an end to drawn-out talks about Willow Heights and the flood control channel covering.

Council members started with various presentations starting with Jeffrey Scroggin, captain for the Walnut/Diamond Bar sheriff’s station, reporting on the state of police affairs in the city.

“Historically Diamond Bar has been one of the safest communities in all of Southern California,” Scroggins said. “For 2013 Diamond Bar has seen a 5.37 percent decrease in part one crimes as compared to 2012.”

Part one crimes, according to the FBI.gov website, includes criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

Combating crime has also been aided with the recently approved “Report for Reward” program, which rewards Diamond Bar residents for providing information that eventually leads to arrests concerning burglaries.

Citizen Barbara DeCarbo was thanked for her services to the city and was recognized as the first recipient of the “Report for Reward” program.

Krystal Spindler, editor, and Kristen Khoury, layout and graphic design, were also recognized by the council for their outstanding work at Windmill Magazine; a publication that has been in existence for 52 years.

Mr. G’s Pizzeria and Pasta, located at 27267 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, was awarded a City Tile and named the Business of the Month and recognized for their long-standing presence in the community.

Council members then unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar which included the approval of minutes for Dec. 3 City Council meeting, the Oct. 24 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Planning Commission meetings for Oct. 22 and Nov. 12, a check register dated Nov. 28 through Dec. 11 totaling $455,518.75, approval the adjourning of City Council meetings from Jan 7, 2014 through Jan 21, 2014, adopting ordinance no. 14 (2013) concerning a Diamond Bar municipal code relating to urban storm water mitigation plan, and a reprogramming of $20,000 in contingency funds from the Diamond Bar Center remodel project to the Diamond Bar Center maintenance and operation budget.

With consideration from David Doyle, assistant City Manager, the City Council then approved the community development block grant program, which includes the total amount of $231,291 in funds.

The major topic for the night was item 8 for council consideration, concerning the Willow Heights development.

Community Development Director Greg Gubman then outlined the possible resolution options for the Willow Heights development concerns, dealing with the coverage of a flood control channel.

Applicant Lennar Homes, the company in charge of the construction of the Willow Heights houses, with cooperation with the City of Diamond Bar and city manager, came to an agreement that Lennar Homes would not cover the flood control channel and would contribute $700,000 to the City’s Parks and Facility Development Fund.

“Staff recommends approval of this proposed contribution in lieu of covering the channel in order to avoid the uncertainty related to seeking a channel covering permit through the LA county public works department flood control district,” Gubman said.

The City Council then approved the vesting tentative tract and development review and tree permit for Willow Heights, with the addendum of accepting the $700,000 toward the Parks and Facility Development Fund.

The final item for council consideration was confirming appointments of specific representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, which was approved unanimously.

After City Council member comments, the Diamond Bar City Council meeting was officially adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Walnut Council Nomination Period Open

Staff Reports
Walnut – The nomination period is now open for two seats for the Walnut City Council General Municipal Election set for Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
Two seats are up for reelection for a full term of four years. These two seats are currently held by Councilwoman Mary Su and Councilman Bob Pacheco. Pacheco was appointed this past July to fill former Mayor Tom King’s seat after he announced his retirement.
The City Clerk will issue nomination papers and candidate handbooks during this nomination period to potential candidates and will be available to guide candidates through the election process, according to City of Walnut officials. The nomination period closes on Monday, Jan. 14, 2014.
If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by § 10229, Elections Code of the State of California, according to the City of Walnut.
The election process can be explained in a few simple steps. A City of Walnut news release states that the first step is forming a volunteer based Voting Rights Act Group. The Group will advise the City on effectively providing election material, information, and assistance to limited English proficient voters. In addition, Group members and their organizations will help disseminate election information and encourage resident participation in City elections. The news release also states that the City of Walnut is required to provide election material and outreach in the following languages: Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tagalog. Residents with an interest in serving on this group should call the City Clerk’s office at (909) 595-7543, ext. 311.
The City Clerk’s office will then mail sample ballot pamphlets containing a facsimile ballot and polling place information to all registered City voters, and will also issue ballots to vote-by-mail ballot registered voters.
After election results are final, the City Clerk then administers the oath of office to each Council Member at the second Council meeting in April.
Voter registration is available from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at http://www.lavote.net or by calling 1-800-815-2666. Voter registration forms can also be picked up at City Hall, the Walnut Library, and local post office.

The WVUSD Chinese American Parents Association will Host Annual Christmas Party

The Walnut Valley Unified School District’s Chinese American Parents Association (WVUSD-CAPA) will host its annual Christmas Party celebration for Walnut Seniors this coming Tuesday, December 17.

Walnut Council Member and WVUSD-CAPA Chairperson Mary Su said, “It is my honor and privilege to host this important event for Walnut’s Seniors again this year.  Every year we invite 50 to 60 kindergarten students to perform Christmas songs, which of course our Seniors always love, and every Walnut Senior who attends also receives a bag of handsome Christmas gifts from WVUSD-CAPA.”

This year’s Christmas Party for Walnut’s Seniors will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17th at the Walnut Senior Citizens Center, 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut. This year Los Angeles County Fire Fighters will also be joining with Walnut’s Seniors for this wonderful holiday celebration.

Oswalt Academy Named Distinguished

RUSD

Walnut – For the fifth consecutive year, Stanley G. Oswalt Academy is pleased to announce that it has been named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2013-2014. Oswalt Academy was recognized for this achievement at the December 10th Rowland Unified School District Board of Education Meeting. Oswalt Academy, a K-8 International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School, joins a select class of institutions that Apple is recognizing as exemplary learning environments.
“The Oswalt family is proud to receive the honor of Apple Distinguished School once again. The 1:1 laptop program has completely changed the way students learn and through the hard work of our teachers and students and integration of technology we are proud to say we have helped students grow into successful 21st century learners,” said Oswalt Principal Kevin Despard.
Oswalt Academy has more than 500 one-to-one laptops in grades 5 – 8 that are parent funded and in use daily. The school has continued to expand its technology-infused learning in grades K-4 with the use of more than 200 iPod Touches in the classrooms. Academic achievement is evidenced by the school’s API score reaching 919 this year.
The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools like Oswalt that integrate Apple technology in education and showcase visionary leadership in creating successful 21st Century teaching and learning environments. Since initiating the Laptop for Learning program in 2008, Oswalt has transformed the school into a digital learning haven that has garnered remarkable results in closing the achievement gap in math and literacy. “We are also proud that our school has achieved a statewide rank of 10 out of 10. The statewide rank compares an individual school’s API to all of the schools in its grade level statewide. This achievement has resulted in part due to the dynamic learning that is taking place utilizing technology for students 24/7,” said Despard.
Oswalt Academy is for students in grades K – 8, and is located at 19501 Shadow Oak Drive in Walnut. For more information, visit http://www.oswaltacademy.org or contact Principal Kevin Despard at (626) 810-4109.