Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

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.

Chino Hills: Stage II Water Alert

STAFF REPORTS

Water Conservation

Photo Courtesy: Google

Chino Hills – While the east coast is experiencing one of the coldest winters on record, Southern California is wishing it had a little weather; rain, to be precise.

With Governor Brown declaring a Drought State of Emergency on Jan. 17, the City of Chino Hills has confirmed a Stage II Moderate Water Conservation Alert in accordance with its Water Conservation Ordinance, effective immediately.

Nadeem Majaj, the City’s Director of Public Works, said, “Last year was the driest year on record in the State of California and Chino Hills is redoubling our efforts to use water carefully and to remind our residents that water conservation should be a way of life.”

According to the City, Stage II is declared when it is anticipated that the water supply may be reduced by up to 10%.  The California Department of Water Resources has indicated that the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), one of the providers of water imported to Chino Hills, will not receive any water from the State Water Project which originates from the Sacramento Delta.  However, because of improvements in water storage, water deliveries from MWD are not anticipated to be reduced.

“Chino Hills and our residents have been at the forefront of conservation,” Majaj continued.  “We are required as a community to reduce water use by 20 percent by the year 2020, and we are well on the way to achieving the state-mandated goal.”

Residents and readers in all cities can continue to conserve our precious resource by adhering to the following prohibitions and restrictions:

  • Do not hose-wash sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, etc.
  • Repair all residential and business water leaks.
  • Do not water any outdoor landscaping between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Do not overwater landscaping, or allow water to run off into streets, sidewalks or other paved areas.  Keep sprinklers well maintained to prevent leaking.
  • Wash vehicles, trailers, boats (and livestock) from a bucket, and quickly rinse with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.  Look for Car Wash businesses that use recycled water.

There are simple things you can do every day such as using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleanup, having fun contests to see who can take the shortest shower in the house, and not ordering water in restaurants unless you really plan on drinking it.  Did you know that you can save four gallons of water per minute just by turning the water off while brushing your teeth?  That is 200 gallons per week for a family of four!  You can also keep your eyes open and report concerns that you observe by calling the City’s Water Wise Hotline, at (909) 364-2850.

Water Conservation…every little drop helps.

Walnut/West Covina: Suspect Shot After Walnut Robbery

STAFF REPORTS

LA SheriffWalnut/West Covina – A suspect was fatally shot in West Covina after a car chase and a home invasion robbery occurred in Walnut.

On Friday, Feb. 13 at around 4:57 p.m., a male called the Walnut Sheriff’s Station and stated that a man was in his home with a gun demanding money from his mother, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. The caller also stated that a black car was parked in front of his residence, which was located near Lemon Avenue and Amar Road.

When Sheriff’s deputies arrived to the Walnut residence, a black vehicle was reported to be driving towards them at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated and police followed the suspect to the parking lot off Nogales Street and La Puente Road in unincorporated West Covina.

The male suspect then ran from the vehicle and into a Bestway Market, where he ran through the back door and into the neighborhood behind the market. The suspect ran through several backyards in the neighborhood in an attempt to evade Sheriff’s deputies, according the Sheriff’s Department.

At around 5:20 p.m., the suspect was located in the 19100 block of Elberland Street, in unincorporated West Covina. A deputy-involved shooting occurred and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. However, no weapon has been found at or near the scene, according to sheriff officials.

The suspect was later identified as Javier Mendez, 35.

A female adult passenger of the suspect’s vehicle was taken into custody and a young child who was in the vehicle was taken into protective custody.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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

Inland Empire: Straight Talk With Danice-January

DEAR DANICE AKIYOSHI:

My daughter has started hanging out with a group of kids at school who are dyeing their hair unusual colors. When I say unusual, I mean green and purple and blue. So far she has only put a small streak of color on her bangs. I have not said anything, but my husband has asked me to deal with it. These kids are all seniors in high school, and aside from this weird thing they’re doing with their hair, they seem like a nice group. Can you give me any pointers on how to handle it?
Janie

Hi, Janie:

If the kids seem to be in good order with their grades and other behaviors, then I would be careful about being excessively critical. Your daughter is a senior, so I’m assuming that she is close to age 18. This is a very tricky time for parents. Sometimes teens want to exert the power they think goes with the magical adult age of 18, yet they are far from being an adult in most cases.
If I were in your shoes, I would watch and wait. Allow your daughter a little elbow room and observe how far she pushes her desire for personal expression. Sometimes when parents are too rigid, a youngster in this age group will rebel or bolt, and then you have a new set of potentially dangerous problems. I’m hoping your daughter knows your ‘firm’ boundaries and won’t cross them. If she does, then it’s time for the serious sit down conversation. Many parents choose to tolerate bizarre hair styles and wardrobe fads, knowing that these things are not permanent. Whatever you do, please think your actions through. As I said, this is a tricky age group. They need a lot of support and positive feedback.

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 passion for 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.

A Better Place

BY SARAH ARMIJO

I went on a Missions trip to Haiti with a team last year, and lately we’ve been talking about going back. The team and I always talk about how much we miss Haiti, but I think it’s strange that we’re talking about how much we miss a Third World country, where people lived in poverty and barely had enough food to eat. So the other day, I really thought about what it was that I missed about Haiti and the first thing that popped into my head was: the people.

The Haitian people who lived in the villages were always so friendly to us. They would wave at us as we walked by, have us hold their children, or ask us to pray with them. They were so welcoming everywhere we went. They treated us as we were family, even though we were strangers who didn’t even speak their language.
And the Haitian children were a whole new level of welcoming. Whenever we had an opportunity to play with the children, my arm would end of being tired from holding so many of them and my legs would be tired from running around with them the entire day. At one point, I had a little over ten children surrounding me, each fighting to hold my hand, trying to play with my hair, try on my sunglasses, ask me questions in Creole or do anything to get my attention. The funny part was that as soon as I turned around to look at them, all they would do was give me the biggest smile. The love they showed us was truly remarkable.

It wasn’t until we were back in a United States airport that I realized how different Haiti was. The moment I realized we weren’t in Haiti anymore was the moment I turned to say “Bonswa” (meaning hello in Creole) to someone, and I didn’t see a smiling face like I was used to in Haiti.

It’s amazing to think that I miss a country where we didn’t have any electricity, where we didn’t have clean water, where we barely had enough food, and where I’ve sweated more than I’ve sweated my entire life. But still, I have the urge to go back just so I can see those friendly faces and feel that special love all around me.

The question I found myself asking is, why do I have to go back to feel this way? Why can’t I have that same feeling when I’m in my own hometown? Why can’t we be friendly to one another here? So I ask you to please help me spread love around the community. Say hi to one another, smile at each other, open doors, help with grocery bags, or do a simple act of kindness to show a stranger this love. As the years progress, I find the world becoming less civil. But who says we can’t change it? Let’s work together to make this world we live in a better place.

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.

Inland Empire: Don’t Put Off Your Healing Anymore

BY NANCY STOOPS

The New Year is here and it’s time to start healing from the past. How many years have you put off your healing? How many thousands of excuses have you come up with over the years to not do the work to heal? Having healed from the pain of a brother committing suicide, another brother being murdered and a father dying from pancreatic cancer, I can certainly understand your fear and hesitance. It takes an incredible amount of courage to confront our demons that cause us to stay stuck in the past. It also takes the perfect fit between the client and the therapist.
The truth is that there is no time like the present to start your healing work. Don’t allow yourself to stay in that debilitating pain for another day. Ask people for referrals of good and effective therapists. Take the time to find that special therapist that you can totally trust and open your heart to. Isn’t it time that you or your loved ones were able to be set free and allowed to soar once again? I think we all deserve this, but many hard and horrific things keep us down, fearful and stuck.
Keep in mind that we all only have one life and deserve all the greatness life has to offer. Give yourself and your loved ones a chance to heal and be set free. I promise it’s much harder to stay in the pain than to do the work needed to heal from the pain. I have faith in all of you and know that you can do this. I see so many in pain and it breaks my heart. All I want is for all of you to be healed and to finally have the life that all of you so deserve. So go make that phone call you have been putting off and make today the day that you start your healing and/or the healing of your loved ones!
This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. She can handle many court mandated needs. Nancy is now accepting new clients. She also works as a motivational speaker.
For more information about any of these services, feel free to page Nancy at (626) 935-3818. You may email her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Her new book, “Live, Heal and Grow”, is available for purchase http://www.RoseDogBookstore.com or at Amazon.com.

Straight Talk With Danice

DEAR DR. AKIYOSHI,

I have been suffering with terrible menopausal symptoms. I do not want to take synthetic hormones because I heard there is an increased risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer and thyroid cancer run in my family. My quality of life is terrible and all of my relationships are suffering. You once recommended some natural remedy for hot flashes and I lost that paper. Will you please mention it again?
Thank you
Sandra. H.

Dear Sandra,
The herbal remedy I recommend for hot flashes is called ‘Fem Drops.’ Or ‘Fem Drops plus’ if you are irritable or struggle with fluid retention. Female ‘Plus’ will help you relax, so take it at night. You can order it from Dr. Richard Schulze’s website at http://www.herbdoc.com.

I would also recommend that you gather information about bio identical hormone replacement. This is quite different from synthetic hormone replacement. Maybe you would consider reading the book by Suzanne Somers called “Ageless.” It is full of valuable information that will help you realize that you are not alone in your suffering. Doing an online search will direct you to many great sources of information as well. Another doctor I’m impressed with is Christiane Northrup. Her books have been helpful to many of my patients.
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you will be feeling better soon.
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 passion for 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.

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.

First Light

By Mark Hopper

We have a tradition at our house that we pull out all the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. The next Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bartwo days are busy setting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house for the holidays.
My wife does most of the work. She loves this time of year. She loves putting out all of her decorations that have been stored away for the past 12 months.
In addition to all the work inside the house, it is my job to put the Christmas lights up on the outside of the house.
I am pleased to report that we were the first house on our block to have our outdoor Christmas lights up this year. However, I am not pleased to report that so far, we are the only house with Christmas lights on our house.
It seems to me that there are fewer and fewer houses with outdoor Christmas decorations these days. Maybe it is due to the economy. Maybe people are just trying to save electricity. Maybe it is just an old fashioned idea that people don’t care about any more.
Some people complain that they have to decorate their house. It is a lot of work and take a lot of time. But, don’t grumble that you have to decorate your house, be thankful you have a house to decorate!
Personally, I love the Christmas season. After all, we are celebrating the birth of Christ. In addition, Christmas gives us the opportunity to share gifts with loved one and friends.
Don’t wait any longer. Pull down those boxes in the garage and get out those Christmas decorations. Help brighten your neighborhood with some Christmas decorations this year.
You will be glad you did and your neighbors will be glad too!
Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM Christmas Eve Services: 4:00 & 6:00 PM website: http://www.efreedb.org.

Mark Hopper