Staff Reports Diamond Bar – While in the second year of the residential program and the seventh year of the arterial program, the City of Diamond Bar’s annual Road Maintenance Project will continue to treat and repair several miles of Diamond Bar residential and arterial roadways. The residential area where streets will be repaired this month is bounded by SR57/60 to the north, Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. to the south, and the neighborhood surrounding Quail Summit Elementary School, according to the City of Diamond Bar. The arterial roads are Golden Springs Dr. between Lavender Dr. and Brea Canyon Rd. and Diamond Bar Blvd. between Brea Canyon Rd. and Brea Canyon Cutoff. The City of Diamond Bar informs the community that the type of repair each street will received depends on the severity of its wear-and-tear, and will involve a treatment of, or combination of, asphalt patchwork, crack sealing, asphalt grind and overlay, and slurry and chip seal application. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of August. Depending on the type of road repair, it may be necessary to close streets for several hours during the day. However, all streets will be reopened the same day by 5 p.m., according to the City. The City’s Road Maintenance Project divides the city into seven areas and seven arterial zones, and treats and repairs sections of roadway on a rotating seven-year cycle. Questions regarding road maintenance projects in Diamond Bar may be directed to the City’s Public Works Department at (909) 839-7040.
Weekly News 8-3-2013
Weekly News 7-27-2013
Upcoming Local Elections
Staff Reports Los Angeles County – Following is a listing of upcoming elections taking place in Los Angeles County. Visit http://www.lavote.net for additional information on candidates, polling places and election events. July 30, 2013 – LACERA Elections: The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association is seeking election for Safety Members. All L.A. County permanent employees working ¾ time or more in firefighting, forestry, and law enforcement (including District Attorney Investigators) are eligible to vote. All ballots must be received by 5:00pm on July 30 at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, County Clerk’s office at 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 2013, in Norwalk, 90650 September 17, 2013 – Special Primary Elections (Senate District 26 and Assembly District 45) September 24, 2013 – Assembly District Special General Election November 5, 2013 – Local and Municipal Consolidated Elections CITIES • Baldwin Park • Diamond Bar – Nominations are now being accepted through August 9 for the Diamond Bar City Council. The three seats open for election are now held by Mayor Pro Tem, Ron Everett, and council members Ling-Ling Chang and Steve Tye. Nomination papers are available at the City Clerk’s office, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, 91765, during normal business hours. Call (909) 839-7010 or email cityclerk@diamondbarca.gov for additional information. • Irwindale • West Covina – Nominations are open for City Clerk, City Treasurer and three City Council seats. All nominations must be received by 5:00p.m., August 9 to be considered. If no incumbents file, the deadline will be extended to 5:00p.m., August 14. Terms for Mayor Shelley Sanderson and appointees Andrew McIntyre and Rob Sotelo will also expire this year. McIntyre and Sotelo will run again; Sanderson has not yet made a final decision SCHOOL DISTRICTS • Baldwin Park Unified • Bassett Unified • Mount San Antonio College: The Board of Trustees will expand from five to seven members because of redistricting. • Pomona Unified • Walnut Valley Unified • West Covina Unified WATER DISTRICTS • La Puente Valley Districts 3,4,5 • Walnut Valley Water Districts 2, 3 November 19, 2013 – Special General Elections (Senate District 26 and Assembly District 45)
City Recognizes Sheriff Volunteers
The City of Diamond Bar recognized volunteers who helped raise over $7,700 for the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. Left to right: Michael Armijo, Dickie Simmons from Supervisor Don Knabe’s office, Councilwoman Ling Chang, Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Everitt, Marcos Granada, Gil Rivera, Sarah Armijo, Mayor Jack Tanaka, Councilmembers Carol Herrera and Steve Tye.
Staff Reports Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council recognized several volunteers who gave their time and money to help the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Station raise money earlier this year. “We are honored to be part of such a successful event and hope to continue our efforts to raise money for needs that are not on the LA County Sheriff budget,” said Gil Rivera, who co-emceed the event. “All proceeds go toward helping the Sheriff Department Reserves, the volunteers, the Explorer program, and other necessities.” Those who were honored are: Michael Armijo from ABC Public Relations/Armijo News, Dickie Simmons from Supervisor Don Knabe’s office, Marcos Granada from American Pacific Mortgage, Gil Rivera from SellYourCasa.com, Sarah Armijo from SarahMariesCreations.com, and Alex Nigian from Walnut High School Performing Arts Center. The first and second Annual Sheriff Variety Shows were huge successes as community members, businesses, and local agencies raised a total of $7,700 for our local Sheriff’s station. This years show was held in May at Walnut High School, with the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Booster Club managing the event. The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) also sponsored the event that benefits the entire community. The three major donators to the event were: Supervisor Don Knabe’s office, the City of Diamond Bar, and Marcos Granda from American Pacific Mortgage. “We appreciate the Volunteer program, the Reserves, and the Sheriff Booster Club for their hard work and dedication,” said Walnut Sheriff Captain Jeff Scroggin in an interview earlier this year. Michael Armijo and Gil Rivera.com donated their time as the MCs for the Variety Show. Both are current board members for the Sheriff station. Sarah Armijo of SarahMariesCreations.com donated her time as event coordinator. All three have volunteered for both shows held in November 2012 and May 2013. In the lobby, a local artist Mat Sanchez of MatSanchez.com and a Z-Ultimate representative had tables displaying information about their businesses. For more information on Mt. SAC student and Pomona’s Visual Artist of the Year, Mathew Sanchez, check out Mathew’s ad on page 11. For more information on the Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio in Walnut, go to zultimatewalnut.com. A variety of acts performed at this year’s Variety Show. A list of all the participants include: Dance Corner in Rowland Heights, local band Penny and the Jets, amazing singer Adanna Duru, WHS drama students Emma Aragon and Emi Tsukada, singer sensation Terrah Xtreme, duet singers Lisa Martinez and Natalie Martinez, members of the Baldwin Park Roadrunner’s Mascot Cheer Team, the MTM Band, and dancing sensation Luke Rivera. For more information about any of these acts, call (909) 464-1200. If you missed the show, JDC Cine Photos of jdcinephotos.com videotaped the entire show, which is available for purchase. DVDs are available for $30 and Blu-Rays for $35. Orders can be placed by email at jdcinephotos@jdcinephotos.com or through facebook message at http://www.facebook.com/jdcinephotos. The next variety show is scheduled for late October or early November. A venue is being secured and announcements will be out within a few weeks. If you are interested in donating or participating please contact Sarah Armijo at SarahAnapr@hotmail.com, Michael at WalnutValleyMike@msn.com, or Gil Rivera at Gil.rivera@verizon.net. You may also call 909.464.1200.
Weekly News 7-20-2013
Weekly News 7-13-2013
DUI Crackdown Results In 685 Arrests
By Kimberley Sander Los Angeles County – Summer time provides much cause for celebration. From the excitement of being out of school and family vacations to the 4th of July and Labor Day holidays, summer can also be one of the deadliest times of year because of too much “celebrating”. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that 30 people die every day in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers, and that’s just in the United States. This past Independence Day weekend, law enforcement banded together to remove dangerous drivers from the highways before lives were lost. From 12:01 a.m. on Thurs., July 4 through midnight on Sun., July 7, Anti-DUI deployments and routine traffic stops helped to make our communities safer. According to a LA County Sheriff news release, officers representing 100 county law enforcement agencies arrested 685 individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is up nearly 27% from last year. The report also stated that more Anti-DUI deployments will be in effect in Los Angeles County during the 18-day Summer Campaign, from mid August through Labor Day Weekend. You can help law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 to report a drunk or dangerous driver, and remember safety limits and other considerations like designated drivers when you are celebrating. Ultimately, a taxi is substantially less expensive, in many ways, than a DUI conviction. The CDC also states that “the average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour”. Only time will sober you up. Drinking strong coffee or taking a cold shower is just a myth. If you are serving alcohol, serve your friends and family well by never serving an underage drinker. Providing plenty of food and cutting off alcoholic beverages at least two hours before your party is over can make the difference in someone’s life. Don’t become a DUI statistic. Be safe, and enjoy a wonderful summer. For more information, visit http://www.Nixle.com or http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety.
The Plaza Opening In Diamond Bar
By Andrew Hoover Diamond Bar – The Petsmart that used to reside off Golden Springs Dr. in Diamond Bar has had an overhaul and is now the home of an indoor shopping plaza. The Plaza at Diamond Creek is the name of the new indoor mall consisting of 19 different indoor suites. The plaza is still undergoing the leasing process with vendors, but so far, residents and customers can look forward to two new Women’s Fashion stores, four Japanese Sushi restaurants, a crepe and frozen yogurt store, and a sports store with a large focus on golf and golf accessories. The whole project costs an estimated 2.5 million dollars to complete and includes a beautiful mosaic medallion in the floor, tile flooring, an inside dining area, fully tiled men’s and women’s bathrooms, fulltime janitorial and maintenance staff, as well as a patio area. The building is also a green building with an Energy Star certification. The Plaza is currently not open for business; however, an on-site manager is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer any customer’s questions and give general information on the project. The Plaza’s grand opening will be held on July 20 and will include a DJ, balloons, and a food truck.
“Sell Your Casa” With Gil Rivera
By Sarah Armijo 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 7 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 6 weeks at highest value! We only request a listing period of 6 weeks, while most other Realtors ask for 6 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 Buyers 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 the toll free number at 1-877-888-SOLD (7653) or cell phone numbers 909-967-4525 and 626-340-9950. Call today for a free market evaluation! Also, check out his ad on page 12 of the Weekly News. Call today for a free market evaluation.
Vision Arts: Local Artist Creates Valuable Art
By Sarah Armijo San Gabriel Valley –Vision Arts believes that the most valuable and priceless art are the ones that are original, one-of-a-kind, and created from the heart. Mathew Sanchez, creator of Vision Arts, expresses his creativity through every art piece, even if it’s as simple as a portrait of relatives, friends, or a family pet. For five years, Sanchez has been painting his thoughts, feelings and emotions on canvas. He decided to start Vision Arts to share his love of painting with others. Mathew Sanchez recently won Pomona’s Visual Artist of the Year at RAW Artists’ RAWards last year. At the show, his artistic work was highlighted and he was awarded with the prestigious honor. There were six categories involved in the RAWards, including visual art, fashion, photography, make-up, hair and music. Each nominee had their work set up for an audience in-person vote and to be evaluated by a panel of qualified judges. The winners were picked for each category based off both the in-person vote and the judges’ evaluations. After winning in the Visual Arts category, Sanchez said, “I’m very thankful to have been voted Pomona’s Visual Artist of the Year. From this accomplishment, I’m inspired to continue my dream to becoming a well-known and respected artist throughout the world.” Vision Arts provides a variety of different art created by Sanchez himself. “Whether it’s a special request or simply just a piece of art my client is interested in buying, my art drifts to many different items and types of art,” says Sanchez. Sanchez specializes in custom clocks, hand-painted vinyl figures, abstract paintings, scenery paintings, graphic design, and black and white portraits. The portraits he paints aren’t just pictures of people, they are black and white painted portraits with a few highlighting colors that convey an artistic spin. Sanchez has also done spray-painted art, pen and pencil sketches, pop art, hand-painted skateboards and custom animation characters. Sanchez said he can paint on almost anything, if given the opportunity. Painting is not only Sanchez’s hobby, but it’s his passion. “I love seeing my art put a smile on a customer’s face. I take every painting or project to its fullest potential. So when my customers are happy, it’s a very rewarding feeling,” says Sanchez. What separates Sanchez from other artists is his diversity of art and his ability to take special requests. “Most artists don’t take requests, but I’m open to any project and am willing to work with my customers to achieve their satisfaction.” Something really interesting about Sanchez is that he has never taken one art class in his life. All of his artwork is self-taught through observations and experimentation. “God blessed me with this gift and all I want to do is to show the world my thoughts and feelings as I splatter them on a fresh white canvas.” To introduce his vision of art, Vision Arts is selling black and white clocks for $40 (originally $60). Pick your favorite celebrity, character, or picture and have a one-of-a-kind custom clock painted for only $40. Visit Sanchez’s website at http://www.matsanchez.com, his Instagram: @visionarts, or his ad on page 11 to see more samples of his work. For more information or for a custom work, you can email Sanchez at Matartistic7@yahoo.com.
Eastvale 7-2013
Speed Limits Change In City Of Eastvale
Photo By: Kimberley Sander
By Kimberley Sander Eastvale – At the Eastvale Town Hall Meeting in May, Mayor Ike Bootsma reported that a speed limit study was being conducted on all the main nonresidential roads in the city, and new speed limit signs may be posted in the future. As a result, you may have seen Speed Awareness Monitors around town over the last month or so. In order to uphold court rulings in regard to traffic violations, the California Vehicle Code requires cities to conduct new speed surveys every five years to enforce speed limits on city streets that use radar. As construction of streets and buildings continues in Eastvale, it is imperative to regulate the traffic as appropriate to the safety and welfare of all. According to the City Council Meeting held on June 12, in accordance with Eastvale Municipal Ordinance 2013-10, Eastvale’s Public Works department completed a study on 29 segments where the speed limit was established five years ago, or where a street segment was recently opened to traffic. Limits are based upon four major categories of data collection, including street surveillance, speed surveys, any conditions not obvious to motorists, and accident analysis. The information is also reviewed by the Eastvale Police department. Of the 29 segments, 17 were determined to be appropriate, five segments will have speeds reduced, and new speeds will be established at the remaining seven locations. Of note, are Hamner Avenue, between Schleisman and Limonite, which will decrease in speed from 50mph to 40mph due to accident history and to maintain speed consistency between street segments; and Archibald Avenue, between Wind River/Grapewin and Schleisman, and Schleisman and Bellegrave, which will both decrease from 55 to 50mph due to accident history. Once the ordinance is amended, the new speed limit signs will be installed.
JCSD Change In Sewer Rates
By Kimberley Sander Jurupa Valley – In 2009, the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) Board of Directors adopted a five-year rate plan scheduling an average annual increase of 16% over the period. In 2011 and 2012 the increases were reduced to 9% because an operating/capital budget was developed below the original estimates. In May of this year it was determined that the scheduled increase would again be reduced to 9% based on an analysis of revenues and expenses over the next year. A Residential Notice with this information was recently mailed to the JCSD local district. According to the JCSD website, the Sewer System Operations Group responsible for the collection and transportation of wastewater is focused on reliability and accountability. Their personnel operate a complex matrix of systems to protect the public health and maintain compliance with all regulations. Rates are currently determined each year by average water usage in the district over the winter months, with the average based on the two lowest usage months December through March. The more water you use, the higher the rates will be. JCSD has listed the sewer rate changes, as follows: *per one hundred cubic feet/unit) The new sewer rates took effect on July 1, 2013. For more information you can call JCSD Customer Service at (951) 685-7434, or visit http://www.jcsd.us.
It’s Cool To Walk To School Program
Photo By: Jennifer Madrigal
Local kids and a parent show how it’s cool to walk to school.
By: Jennifer Madrigal Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has proposed a program that will encourage parents and children to walk rather than drive to school. With the increasing traffic and congestion issues plaguing Eastvale, City Manager Carol Jacobs was inspired to create a program that would promote exercise as well as help ease some of the congestion around local schools. The Corona Norco School District will hear more about this program when it is presented to the school board on July 18 for approval. The City hopes to work closely with the School District as well as School principals to further develop this program and to address concerns from parents. In a presentation at the June 12th City Council meeting, the City explained some of the benefits associated with walking to school. Reduced car emission, reduced traffic around school sites, improved safety, and exercise for both children and parents are just a few. The City has also applied for sidewalk funds to assist with pedestrian connectivity to ensure that parents and children have a safe place to walk. According to their Power Point presentation, the City will also prepare maps, meet with principals and PTA organizations and work with the Sheriff’s Department to develop safety tips for pedestrians and bicyclists. Children that live further than “walking distance” to schools can have their parents’ park at parks and in residential areas closer to the schools, and walk from there. The main idea is to clear the areas around the schools and to get the kids walking and exercising. As always, children are encouraged to never walk alone and to instead walk with parents or small groups to ensure their safety. The City also wants to include the 100 Mile Club into the program and hopes they will be able to offer the incentive of earning 2 miles per week to students who participate. The 100 Mile Club, is a program that is in place at all the elementary and intermediate schools throughout Eastvale, offering incentives such as T-Shirts and awards for achieving certain benchmarks in walking or running during the school year. Most children in Eastvale participate in this program while walking or running laps during school hours and the added incentive of earning extra miles may just make it an even better program for students.
7-11 Is Always Open For You
By Sarah Armijo Eastvale – The 7-Eleven off Archibald Ave. and Schleisman Rd. has everything you need all at one stop. You can pick up your morning coffee, buy a sandwich that’s less than 400 calories for lunch, pick up an ITunes gift card for a friend’s birthday, rent a movie and get gas all at the same time! 7-Eleven offers a variety of foods, drinks and products. They also provide an audio-enabled ATM machine inside and a RedBox machine outside the store. 7-Eleven’s hot foods motto is Fast, Fresh, and Convenient. They offer a wide selection of hot foods from hot breakfast sandwiches and maple pancakes sausages to big bite hot dogs, crispy chicken tender sandwiches, boneless and regular wings, buffalo chicken rollers, and mouth-watering 14” pizzas. Fresh foods are also a popular item for 7-Eleven customers. You can get a variety of delicious sandwiches for under 400 calories! They also provide sub sandwiches, wraps, and fresh fruit. You also will never go thirsty at 7-Eleven. You can pick from a Super Big Gulp, an ice-cold Slurpee, fresh milk, a boosting energy drink, refreshing lemonade or even an iced coffee. If you prefer hot beverages, 7-Eleven offers coffee brewed 24 hours a day from 100% Arabica beans. Also offered are cappuccinos, lattes, cocoa, and hot tea. For dessert, grab something from 7-Eleven’s fresh bakery. From glazed donuts and fudge brownies to blueberry muffins and chocolate chunk cookies; your taste buds will be satisfied. 7-Eleven also sells a variety of gift cards, including Itunes cards, gaming cards and phone cards. Also available are electronics, healthy and beauty products, household products, and As Seen On TV products. Frozen foods, microwavable foods, ice cream, candy, chips and snacks can also be purchased. 7-Eleven’s newest promotion is their 7-Elevent Day Dance Party. On July 11th, you can get a free small slurpee from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and then you can dance it out! Make sure to create your own slurpee dance and tag @slurpee and #slurpeedance when you upload it online. For more information, visit their website at http://www.7-eleven.com. 7-Eleven is located at 7014 Archibald Avenue, Eastvale CA 92880. You can reach them at (951) 280-3032.
South Coast Patio Has You
By Genesis Miranda Corona – What better way to get the help you need around your patio than from a great business with triple A rating and absolutely no issues? Jim McGeough, owner of South Coast Patio Inc., started working as a kid in a neighborhood business and started his own business in 1972. His philosophy is “to have satisfied customers so that we can have continued relationships with them.” McGeough is a general contractor who has been working for 35 years and has had experience in this field for 40 years. South Coast Patio has been working in the area for the past 20 years. McGeough said that his customers are not limited to certain products like with other competitors; South Coast Patio has factory-trained installers and has their products locally made in Corona. South Coast Patio. is a well-established company, and offers long-term service and warrants. McGeough said that his company will match any competitor’s price and although they do not have a retail store, their workers will go to customers’ houses to do the work. You can reach South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956 or visit them at 420 N. McKinley in Suite 418 in Corona.
Weekly News 7-6-2013
WCPD Chief Wills Retires
Frank Wills
Former WCPD Chief
By Sean C. Moore West Covina – June marked the end of an era in local law enforcement as one of the longest-serving police chiefs in Southern California retired. Frank Wills, who had helmed the West Covina Police Department for more than fourteen years, announced his retirement last month. A 1978 graduate of the Rio Hondo Police Academy, Wills spent fifteen years as a member of the Pasadena Police Department before being appointed Chief of Police for the City of San Marino. He was sworn in as the West Covina Police Department’s tenth chief in November, 1998. Wills implemented a number of successful programs during his tenure in West Covina, including Community Service Area Policing, the GREAT anti-gang youth program, and citywide anti-graffiti efforts. He also earned several honors, including the Badge of Courage Award in 2002, and served as the president of the San Gabriel Valley Police Chiefs. Meanwhile, former Assistant Chief Paul LaCommare, who retired from active duty with the police department in March of this year, has been appointed Interim Police Chief by City Manager Christopher Chung. LaCommare spent his entire 31-year career as a law enforcement officer with the West Covina Police Department, where he began as a cadet in 1981. Mayor Shelley Sanderson called Wills’ retirement “bittersweet,” saying, “He’ll truly be missed, but I’m happy that he’s reached a point in his life where he’ll be able to spend more time with his family. He’s an amazing man, and he did a fantastic job with the department for many, many years.”
Tree Vandalism Prevention In Walnut
By Kimberley Sander Walnut – You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to agree that trees are beautiful and have a very positive impact on the environment. Trees not only clean the air and provide oxygen, but they help to cool city streets, conserve energy and save water. Trees can also help nurture us by providing food and a habitat for wildlife. The City of Walnut obviously agrees with these sentiments and is doing everything it can to protect the trees in its public areas from vandalism by introducing Public Tree Ordinance No. 13-03 and a corresponding City Tree Policy Manual, which would be the official guidelines for the maintenance, preservation and protection of Walnut’s city-owned trees. The City Council Meeting, held on June 26, included the recommendation to adopt the ordinance on its agenda. According to the City Council Report of June 26, 2013 regarding Ordinance 13-03, Walnut Deputy Director of Community Services, Hector Kistemann, recommended that the City Council adopt the Public Tree Ordinance and approve the City Tree Policy Manual. At a City Council Study Session held on April 24, staff had reported that public trees had been vandalized by severe pruning, trimming or removal by residents or contractors not employed by the city. Trees have also been planted on public right of ways without city authorization. Already in place is Ordinance 03-05 intended to preserve Walnut’s heritage trees, the Oaks and Black Walnuts native to the area. The new ordinance would join No. 03-05 in helping to protect all trees, regardless of their species. The City Council Report also noted that Ordinance 13-03 would assist Walnut in applying to be recognized as “Tree City USA”, which would allow for future grant funding opportunities. Help the City of Walnut protect and maintain the beauty of its trees by obtaining a Tree Report and a Tree Permit prior to conducting any maintenance.
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