Tag Archives: City of Diamond Bar

Exchange Zone Created At Sheriff’s Station

Photo courtesy: Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Caption: The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents who are selling or buying an item from someone they met online.

Photo courtesy: Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department
Caption:
The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents who are selling or buying an item from someone they met online.

Staff Reports

Walnut/Diamond Bar- Buying and selling online has become a new trend within social media sites, internet sites, and new apps that have been created. However, reports of thefts have raised an issue with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department.  Therefore, the Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents to meet safely while selling or buying an item from someone they met online. The “exchange zone” is clearly marked for either party involved.

Walnut/Diamond Sheriff’s department would like to also note that they “cannot act as official witnesses to any transactions, will not give legal advice, and will not settle civil disputes related to any transaction,” according to a Sheriff’s Department News Release.

If you have any additional concerns or questions, you may contact Captain Jeffrey Scroggin at (909) 595-2264.

 

Community Helps Woman in DB

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar –A resident reported on a social media website that her car was broken into while parked by the Steep Canyon Trail in Diamond Bar.

On May 20, the resident said that her window was shattered and her purse and bag were stolen, even though they were covered in the back seat. The theft occurred within 45 minutes, according to the resident.

She explained that she was more devastated that her kids’ birthday gift cards were in her purse and money for her husband’s birthday was saved in there as well. However, the Diamond Bar community stepped up and offered to help the woman.

A Diamond Bar resident, Raviya Tej, said that her husband owned the Dilliwala Indian Restaurant in Diamond Bar. Tej offered to have the family come to the restaurant so they can celebrate the victim’s husband’s birthday at no charge.

Another Diamond Bar resident, Wes Fuller, went out of his way to drop off a card and a special donation to the woman and her family. Many community members offered support, good thoughts, and prayers to the woman, as well.

To avoid vehicle thefts, view the following tips provided by the Buffalo Police Department:

  • Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle: You’d be surprised how often this happens, but individuals leave valuable items in plain sight all the time. If you leave items in your vehicle and they’re visible, the chances your vehicle will get broken into, increase greatly.
  • Place items out of sight BEFORE reaching your destination: Someone may be watching when you put your valuables under a seat or in the trunk and the moment you’re gone, a thief could break into your car. So place those items in a safe place before you get to the park, beach, baseball game, etc. Valuable items that thieves target are GPS units, MP3 players, credit cards, money, packages and so forth. If you can’t take the items with you, secure them in a safe place in your vehicle, like a locked glove compartment or your trunk.
  • Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags out in the open: Lock them into your trunk, if you have to leave the vehicle unattended. Never open a trunk, fill it full of valuables, close it, and then just walk away.
  • Lock ALL of your vehicle’s doors: This is true even if you plan on only being gone for “just a second”. Remember, it only takes seconds to steal items from your car. It’s not uncommon, for thieves to walk down a row of parked vehicles, looking for unlocked doors. Also, make sure car windows aren’t left open.
  • Park in busy, well lit areas: Pick a parking spot where there is a lot of activity. Auto thieves prefer breaking into cars in isolated areas.
  • Don’t leave a trace: Don’t leave any sign that there might be valuables “out of sight” in your vehicle. For example: the suction cup on your dashboard, might tell thieves, that you have a GPS system in your vehicle. Leave nothing in plain view. Very few auto break-ins are “random”. The thieves usually see something out in the open or hints of possible hidden valuables.
  • Alarms or anti-theft devices work: Thieves are usually looking for the “easiest” target. If your car has an alarm, it could act as a deterrent. But don’t make this common mistake: Just because you have an alarm, doesn’t mean thieves won’t break-in, IF you leave valuable items in plain sight.
  • Don’t leave spare keys in your vehicle: An experienced thief knows all the hiding places. Store spare keys elsewhere, possibly your wallet or purse.

If you would like to see additional tips from a former car thief, visit http://bluecollarworkman.com/tips-from-a-former-car-thief-on-how-to-protect-your-car/

ACI Institute: Unique Lesson Plans And Test Prep

By Racine Guajardo

Caption: ACI Institute is located at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. You can visit their website at www.studyforcollege.com or call them at (909) 860-9345. Also, see their ad in the Weekly News.

Caption: ACI Institute is located at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. You can visit their website at http://www.studyforcollege.com or call them at (909) 860-9345. Also, see their ad in the Weekly News.

Diamond Bar– ACI Institute is a learning center that provides after-school enrichment in English and Math for students in grade levels 2nd– 12th. They offer weekend classes for SAT, PSAT, ACT, and Writing.

The in-house team of ACI has created challenging, original materials to ensure that each child is learning what he/she needs to succeed on their road to higher education. Each classroom is equipped with smart board technology to bring lessons to life and increase interactivity within the class.

Teachers on staff are college educated, experienced professionals with a passion for teaching. Director of ACI, Diane Sartor, has served as director and curriculum coordinator since 1993. She has been teaching since 1989, majored in English and French, fluent in mandarin Chinese and, also involved in Motivational speaking for Educational Seminars. Sartor has stated, “my personal goal is to inspire students to embrace challenge and find joy and self-worth through achievement.”

“An education should foster students’ intellectual growth along with their social and emotional development. Our classroom environment is educational, yet fun and motivates student to excel in school.” Discounts are available for school-year programs and for returning students. All students in grades 2-12 are encouraged to walk-in for a free test evaluation and consultation. Currently, a full 10-week summer school program that begins June 6th is available.

ACI is serving the communities of Diamond, Bar, Walnut, Pomona, and surrounding communities with their Weekend Programs at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. This new location is equipped with a rest area for student snack time and security cameras throughout the facility to ensure that your children are learning in a safe and comfortable environment. Major cross streets are Diamond Bar Blvd., just north of Sunset Crossing; entrance is at the back of the building on the first floor.

You can visit their website at www.studyforcollege.com or email office@aciprep.org . You may also call them at (909) 860-9345.

Let’s Talk STEM!

Maple Hill PLTW classes enjoy engineering day with Cal Poly students

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Diamond Bar – Cal Poly Pomona Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Women in Engineering (WE) students recently spent a day with 200 Maple Hill Elementary students to talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and how it relates to everyday life.

The college students visited 4th and 5th grade classes for 10-minute presentations about engineering and a spaghetti tower challenge.

The youngsters raced to build the “strong and tall” structures using dried pasta, with tiny white marshmallows as the “glue.” They quickly demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and creativity skills to successfully work with the fragile materials.

“We worked together to find lots of ways to solve the problem,” said 4th grader Joshua Chan.

“Engineering is hard, but fun too!” added classmate Leah Owens.

The Cal Poly visitors worked alongside the elementary students during the activity.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.


Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.

“It was very inspiring to see the frustration during the building turn into excitement when a free-standing structure was achieved,” Cal Poly student, Teresa Rodriquez, commented.

“We went to the school to help the students understand how engineers play a role in society, and to help them experience the process through a hands-on learning experience,” added another visitor, Jonathon Roberts.

Maple Hill launched the innovative PLTW program at the beginning of the school year, with kindergarten through fifth grade students immersed in robotics and engineering projects.

“It was a great day and our students enjoyed it a lot,” said kindergarten teacher Lisa Esse.
“We are hoping to continue and build our partnership with Cal Poly so that next year the engineering students will be coming on a regular basis.”

“I am glad to see both girls and boys so interested in STEM, and can’t wait to see the big creations their little minds develop in the future,” said Rodrigue

DB City Council Recap

City Council Approves Large Lists of Items

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – The May 3 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a special presentation to Team Evergreen for winning the Odyssey of the Mind at the state level. During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar public library announced several upcoming events that will be hosted by the library and are free to attend.

The schedule of future events was read, including the traffic and transportation commission meeting on May 12 at 7 p.m. and the next City Council meeting on May 12. The Planning Commission meeting on May 10 was cancelled.

The Council then approved the following items: City Council minutes of April 19; ratification of check register amounting to $944,587.43; the Treasurer’s statement for the month of March 2016; awarding a contract to Architerra Design Group, Inc. for the design of construction documents for Peterson Park Tot Lot for $21,020, appropriation of $21,020 of a Park Development fund for this work, plus the design of fourteen information panels for the City’s trails for $8,000; award of contract to Western Audio Visual, Inc. for a new projector and screen at the Diamond Bar Center; a resolution declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect assessments for landscape district no. 38 and direct the City Clerk to advertise the public hearing to be set for the regular meeting on June 21; approval of a contract amendment with Hardy & Harper Inc. for three fiscal years for on call public works maintenance services specific to asphalt pavement, sidewalk, curb & gutter and striping maintenance; and a resolution accepting a quitclaim deed and irrevocable offer of dedication from the Walnut Valley United School District for Public Uses Specific to Larkstone Park and Larkstone Drive.

Many residents protested the final item on the consent calendar, approval of the final tract map for the subdivision of an 80 acre site into 48 residential lots, located directly south of Rocky Trail road and Alamo Heights Drive, and West of Horizon Lane within the gated community of the Country Estates in the City of Diamond Bar. However, the Council also approved this item, to follow accordance of state law.

Following individual Council member reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on May 12, at 6:30 p.m., at 21865 Copley Dr.

Politics Over Dinner In Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Republican Women Federated (DBRWF) is hosting a dinner and social gathering on Thursday, May 26. The event will take place at the Diamond Bar Golf Course/Country Club, located at 22751 E. Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar.

The cost to attend is $25 and it includes dinner. The social gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner will begin at 7 p.m.

The dinner will be combined with the Puente Hills Republican Women, Federated. The guest speaker will be the Chairman of the California Republican Party, Jim Brulte.

“Jim will no doubt have some great insights for us, having just held the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame last weekend,” said a DBRWF newsletter.

This event is open to the public and open to any political party. “Come join us and get up to date on California politics!” said the newsletter.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Trisha at BrahmaMama1@aol.com.  If you make a reservation and find that you won’t be able to attend, you may also email Trisha to let her know.

DBHS Announces New Volleyball Coach

Staff Reports

Photo courtesy: DBHS Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Photo courtesy: DBHS
Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Diamond Bar– Diamond Bar High School recently announced their new Head Volleyball Coach, Katie Swetnam.

“We are excited to welcome Katie Swetnam back to Diamond Bar High School,” said Athletic Director, Kevin Ferguson in a news release. “Coach Swetnam is a young, enthusiastic coach who has instant rapport with our student-athletes based on her collegiate playing experience. We expect she will provide stability to our volleyball program and begin the process of building the kind of success we expect to see at Diamond Bar.”

Swetnam is a first-year Spanish teacher at DBHS. But she is also a Diamond Bar graduate. She graduated in 2009, after she led the Brahmas to a league championship in 2008 and was named 1st Team All-League and Offensive MVP in volleyball.

“Swetnam continued on to play Division 1 collegiate volleyball as a full athletic scholarship recipient at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she lead her conference in blocks in the 2011 season,” according to DBHS.

Swetnam was also named the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year after she had two shoulder surgeries; she came back strong and became team captain in 2012. After earning her degree, she started coaching club volleyball. She also became the DBHS Varsity Assistant last season, under Becky Bevans.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Diamond Bar volleyball program,” said Swetnam. “I’m looking forward to getting in the gym right away in preparation for the upcoming season.”

 

Backyard Pool Safety

pool-safety-for-kidsCity of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – A backyard swimming pool can provide hours of summer fun for families, but without proper safety measures in place, it can also pose a danger to young children.

According to statistics kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and approximately one in five people who die from drowning are age 14 and younger.

Also, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal injuries that result in severe brain damage and long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent vegetative state.

To help prevent a pool-related death or injury, backyard pool owners are urged to ensure that they have in place the following layers of protection:

  • A self-closing and locking fence enclosing the pool area, clear of ladders or other furniture that can be used by children to climb over.
  • A responsible adult with swimming experience and trained in CPR and other lifesaving techniques always supervising children in or near the pool.
  • Visible and quickly accessible water rescue equipment, such as a rescue hook pole and life buoy, as well as a list of emergency phone numbers, a wireless phone and CPR instructions.

A three-minute video on pool safety produced by the City in collaboration with the Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Team is available for on demand viewing on the City’s website at www.diamondbarca.gov/videos , and on the City’s official YouTube Page www.youtube.com/diamondbarca by entering “pool safety” into the search channel bar.

To obtain a copy of the City’s fencing standards for installing a new pool or spa, visitwww.diamondbarca.gov/poolstandards or call the Building & Safety Division at 909.839.7020.

 

DB Community Hero Award

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar- The City of Diamond Bar is looking for nominees for their Community Hero Award. This award is given to a community member who has “dedicated his or her spare time volunteering for an organization or who has performed other acts of kindness to improve the lives of others within the community,” according to the City of Diamond Bar. The award can be given to a senior, adult or a youth in the community.

The winner will be recognized for their volunteer service at this year’s Diamond Bar Day at the Fair on September 15. The winner will receive free admission to the fair and be “honored with a special reception, parade, and awards presentation,” according to the City of Diamond Bar.

To nominate someone, you can download the form by visitingwww.diamondbarca.gov/fair. Hard-copy forms are also available at Diamond Bar City Hall (21810 Copley Drive), Diamond Bar Library (21800 Copley Drive), and the Diamond Bar Center (1600 Grand Avenue). The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 1.

Questions regarding this Community Hero award recognition program may be directed to Fairplex Community Relations Coordinator, Shanell Fuquay, by email at fuquay@fairplex.com or phone at 909.865.4075.

7 DBHS Seniors Receive National Merit Scholarships

By Kelli Gile

 

Diamond Bar—Seven Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) seniors have won prestigious $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Congratulations to the following DBHS students: Eric T. Chen, Charlene L. Hsu, Jung Hyun Kim, Hsuan-Te Sun, Jonathan Sun, Crystal Tin-Tin Chang, and Margaret Wang.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees around the country were chosen from a talented pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to a May 11 release from the non-profit corporation.

National Merit Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

They were judged on their academic record, scores from two standardized tests, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay, and a recommendation written by a high school official.

The competition for the 2016 scholarships started in October 2014, when more than 1.5 million juniors applied for the 7,500 scholarships, which will have a total value of more than $33 million.

DB Wine Soirée A Success

By Kathleen Newe

Diamond Bar- Chairs Nancy, Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng sincerely thank everyone who helped make the 23rd annual Wine Soirée such a resounding success.    Special thanks to Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and Julie Knabe for leading us this year as Honorary Chairs.  The Diamond Bar Center was buzzing with activity that Sunday afternoon, April 24, as hundreds of people gathered for an exciting afternoon of festivities all focused on our Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  The food tasting was exceptional with generous servings of delicious food offered by Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Del Taco, Diamond Palace, Encore Teppan, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Jasmine Mediterranean, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mr. G’s Pizza, NiNi Bakery, The Noodle, and The Whole Enchilada.  Thanks to Total Wine and More for hosting our first French Wine Tasting Table.  Cal Poly Innovation Brew-Works generously hosted a table of their delicious micro brews.  Visit them is person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

By participating in the annual Wine Soirée, you know you will have great afternoon with old and new friends and know that all of the proceeds go directly to your local Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  Those attending this great event can feel good that all the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction and raffle items they win, the music they enjoy – all the proceeds from this will go to improve our quality of life and learning.  The annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors.  If you are interested in participating in next year’s Soirée, contact Rick Rogers at www.dblibraryfriends.org.

With your help the Friends will give over $40,000 this year for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our two non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also will be sponsoring Read Together Diamond Bar 2016 with many exciting events planned around our 2016 RTDB selection:  Robert Crais’ Suspect.  Look for information on Read Together Diamond Bar 2016 in the coming months.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar– The Diamond Bar April 19 City Council meeting began by a proclamation, declaring April 2016 to be DMV Donate Life California month. The Council encouraged residents to register as donors on licenses and RD cards. On April 30, California State University, Fullerton will be hosting a Donate Life Run/Walk. The Council also recognized Encore Teppan as the business of the month for 2016.

During the public comments, the public liaison from the LA County Fire Department thanked the City for the opportunity to teach students at Diamond Bar High School how to properly perform hands on CPR. A representative for the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events, including a harp and violin duet that will be performed by members of the LA Philharmonic on April 30 at 2 p.m. The East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless also requested the assistance of the City in future events to provide transitional housing for the homeless.

The schedule of future events was read, including an Earth Day celebration on April 23; a Planning Commission meeting on April 26; a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 28; an Arbor Day celebration on April 29; and the next City Council meeting on May 3.

Finally, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including minutes from the City Council meeting of April 5; ratification of a check register totaling $1,176,416.83; a resolution adopting a restated 401 money purchase plan adoption agreement; authorization for the City Manager to purchase Hewlett Packard servers from CDWG; a maintenance services contract with DFS Flooring for the term of April 19, 2016 through June 30, 2019; and a contract to Control Air Conditioning Corporation for the City Hall server room HVAC replacement project.

Following the Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned to May 3, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Visit Basically BOOKS in Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar Friends of the Library

Diamond Bar – Are you looking for a great volunteer experience in Diamond Bar?  Basically BOOKS, the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library two non-profit bookstores, are friendly places serving the community as a resource for school, work and pleasure reading at exceptionally low prices.  Bookstore Manager Peggy Murphy is actively looking for new volunteers to staff both locations at 23447 Golden Springs Road (near the intersection of Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Boulevard) and the bookstore at the Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive (across from the AQMD Building).  All proceeds from both Basically BOOKS directly benefit the Diamond Bar Library.

There are many special sales throughout the month so stop by both of our beautiful locations.  Basically BOOKS gift certificates are available and make great birthday gifts.

The Diamond Bar Friends’ Book Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Basically BOOKS on Golden Springs.  The Tuesday, May 24 meeting will feature After Claire by Marjorie Eccles.  The June 28 selection will be Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon.  New members are always welcome.

For more information visit the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library website at http://www.dblibraryfriends.org or the Diamond Bar Library at http://www.colapublib.org/libs/diamondbar.

Treat Your Mom To The Whole Enchilada!

The Whole Enchilada's Grilled Chicken Tostada with Mango Salsa

The Whole Enchilada’s Grilled Chicken Tostada with Mango Salsa

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – Treat Mom to a wonderful Mother’s Day at The Whole Enchilada!  Moms deserve to have the day off and relax, and enjoy a delicious meal of their Mexican favorites – like sizzling Fajitas, Carnitas, or Chili Colorado!  And don’t forget to treat Mom to some Mexican Kaluha Flan or Rio Grande Mud Pie after the meal!

Having a Mother’s Day Fiesta at home?  Why not let the party come to you by having The Whole Enchilada cater your celebration? Delectable handmade tamales – available year round – as well as street tacos and taquitos with all the fixings can be the hit of your party.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.

From specialties and favorites of the house to healthy, lighter options, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland. They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for Moms and Grads!  And be sure to ask about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.

The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of tasty Mexican dishes and outstanding service.  The Whole Enchilada wants to become your local favorite, and they look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Mother’s Day, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.See their ad on the back page of this publication.

 

Diamond Bar: Striking A Chord

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
South Pointe Middle School choir performs during a National School to Watch awards ceremony.

Chaparral, South Pointe music programs receive national recognition

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR— Two Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) middle schools – Chaparral and South Pointe – have been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the nonprofit NAAM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education.

A total of 118 schools across the country recognized with the prestigious award in 2016.

“This award puts Chaparral and South Pointe on an exclusive list that receives national attention – and that is something to celebrate!” said Chaparral band director Leslie Schroerlucke.

The SupportMusic designation is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The award recognizes schools that are leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), that recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Congratulations to Chaparral music teachers Greg Rochford-orchestra, Leslie Schroerlucke-band, Rich Langham-choir, South Pointe music teachers Susan Willmering- band, and Robin Wadsworth-choir.

“It is such an honor to be recognized for the second consecutive year by NAMM. It is fantastic to know that Chaparral is seen in such high regard,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

“Our music programs are essential to our students and their families,” Schroerlucke added. “The NAMM award reaffirms once again that music programs in WVUSD are exemplary in terms of the number of students in our programs, the quality of the programs, and parent support.”

At South Pointe, over 500 students participate in music arts classes. Choir teacher Robin Wadsworth, who works with about 150 students in her classes, is passionate about the benefits of music education.

“There have been many scientific studies that show that music helps creativity, coordination, reasoning skills, and improving test scores,” she said.

Wadsworth also sites another benefit of being a part of music groups.

“Music performing groups give kids a place to belong. Playing, singing, or just listening to music relieves stress and gives groups of students that perform together a common purpose.”

Her students agreed. “Music makes me happy. When I’m sad, I sing!” said 6th grader Shannon Kelly.

“Music helps me express my feelings,” added 7th grader Maxine Magpayo.

“We are fortunate to have remarkable teachers and a district that understands the importance of the arts in education,” said South Pointe’s Principal, Susan Arzola.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

DB High Ranked Best School

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 19, the US News & World Report published their 2016 Best High Schools Report. Diamond Bar High School was once again ranked among the best schools in the state and the nation.

Diamond Bar High School was ranked 51st in California and 338th in the Nation. Their Magnet rank was 60th and their STEM rank was 98th. This means that they received Gold Medal Status out of 30,000 US high schools.

Diamond Bar High School’s student body makeup is 52 percent male and 48 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 89 percent, according to the US News website. In addition, the school’s data, district’s data, AP® participation rate, and test scores calculated on student performance were also listed.

Visit the following website to see the full list of Diamond Bar High’s results: http://www.usnews.com/…/walnut-valley…/diamond-bar-high-3634.

DB Setting New Record for their Largest E-Waste Collection to Date

Over 150 Tons of Carbon Emissions Eliminated Last Year 

City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar invites you to their annual Earth Day Celebration! The event will take place at the Air Quality Management District on April 23rd from 9 am to 1 pm. The Earth Day Celebration will provide the community with the opportunity to drop off unwanted electronic devices, textiles, and much more!

Last year, Diamond Bar set their new record of eliminating over 150 tons of carbon emissions at their Eco Expo. The Eco Expo took place on America Recycles Day, November 14th. Now, the City of Diamond Bar is looking to reach their goal of eliminating 200 tons of carbon emission on their Earth Day Celebration! In order to meet this new projected goal, “We decided to partner with All Green Electronics Recycling once again!” exclaimed Alfa Lopez, City of Diamond Bar Management Analyst. Last year, we chose to partner with All Green because “they made us feel that our event was in good hands during all communications and they have all of the required certifications within the E-Waste recycling industry.” Because All Green is an e-Stewards and R2 certified E-Waste recycler, the community could rest assured that no material collected would be sent overseas to developing nations or dumped into landfills.

This year’s Earth Day Celebration will include a garden mulch giveaway, e-waste recycling, and earth-friendly activities for children. Additionally, “this year, we are also super excited about our electric vehicle display and smart gardening workshop,” stated Lopez. Like always, the City takes extra measures to take care of its environment and provide essential resources to residents. Out of all the services provided at last year’s Eco Expo, electronic waste recycling was “the busiest service of that day!” said Ms. Alfa Lopez “and we hope to see more people attend.”

Be sure to check out City of Diamond Bar’s Earth Day Celebration! This will be a great way to remind everyone what we can do to help preserve the environment. “Help us be part of the solution!” says Lopez. While electronic devices such as computers, laptops and cell phones are always accepted, Diamond Bar’s E-Waste Recycling Event Page provides a full list of all accepted and prohibited items for this particular event. It is important to check if your device qualifies for free recycling before going to the next event.

 

For more information about Earth Day E-Waste Collection Drive and a list of acceptable items, please visit:

http://www.allgreenrecycling.com/events-city-of-diamond-bar/.

Arbor Day Celebration

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– In commemoration of Arbor Day and Diamond Bar’s 15 consecutive years of Tree City USA designation, the City is planning a special tree-themed celebration on Friday, April 29 at Pantera Elementary School.

The celebration will start at 9:30 a.m. and include tree-themed student performances, recognition of the winner of the school’s Arbor Day Poster Contest, and a tree planting ceremony on school grounds. Founded in 1872, Arbor Day is the nation’s oldest environmental holiday celebrating trees and their energy-producing and conserving role.

The Tree City USA program recognizes communities that invest and manage their urban and community forest resource.

Event attendance is free and open to the public; however guests must first stop by the school’s main office, 801 Pantera Drive, to obtain a visitor’s pass. For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

City Birthday Party

City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar– On Saturday, April 16, the City of Diamond Bar will be holding its annual Birthday Party at Pantera Park in recognition of Diamond Bar’s 27th anniversary of incorporation.

The festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with carnival attractions operating until 6 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides and punch cards for activities and games will be sold at the event – $10 for each wristband and $1 for each card (four activities per card).

A variety of beverages, snacks and food plates will be sold by local area nonprofits. There will also be numerous information booths offering giveaways and information related to emergency preparedness, crime prevention, recycling, recreation, pet adoptions, and more.

Additionally, at approximately 3:15 p.m., following the presentation of certificates to the honorees of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer awards, free slices of birthday cake will be distributed near the main stage.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Leave your pets at home – only registered service animals will be allowed.
  • Bring cash – all transactions and purchases made onsite will require cash as payment.
  • Free and frequent shuttle service to and from Pantera Park will be available from surrounding neighborhood streets, starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event.

Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive. For more information, call 909.839.7000 or visit www.diamondbarca.gov/bday.

Friends Of The DB Library Host Wine Soiree And Auction

Staff Reports

 

DIAMOND BAR-  The Friends of the Diamond Bar Library will be hosting a Wine Soiree and Benefit Auction on Sunday, April 24, at the Diamond Bar Center.  The annual soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors.

This festive and exciting event will feature delicious food from local restaurants, great wine, music, entertainment, raffles and exciting book, silent and live auctions.  Each year the Soirée is full of entertaining surprises:  this year look for the Total Wine and More table with interesting and delicious French wines being poured by Total Wine and More.  Tasty beer will be poured by Innovation Brew Works from Cal Poly.  Some of the great restaurant food hosts this year include Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Buca de Beppo, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Del Taco, Diamond Palace, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, NiNi Bakery, Round Table Pizza, The Noodle, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them in person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

The Diamond Bar Community Library manager announced recently that the Diamond Bar Library is second out of all 86 libraries within the Los Angeles County library system for circulation, with 460,000 volumes moving in and out of the library each year.  Additionally, the Diamond Bar Library ranks eighth in total monthly patronage with a gate count of over 22,000 visitors per month.  The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library dedicates its time and energy to supporting this invaluable community institution.

With the support of the community,  the Friends gave the Diamond Bar Library over $30,000 in 2015, for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person, and are available at the following Diamond Bar locations:  Midas Auto Service Experts, 796 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive; and Basically BOOKS, 23447 Golden Springs Drive.  Advertisements are also available in the annual program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.  Tickets and program information are also available at  www.dblibraryfriends.org.  For more information call Kathleen Newe at 909 629-2711.