Photo courtesy: http://www.ShotByMarc.com
The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station held their annual picnic on Sat., Aug. 8, at the Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut. The event celebrates local Deputies, and provides some much-deserved down time to socialize with their families, friends and local dignitaries in a relaxed setting with lots of good food, games, and fun for little and big kids alike.
By Natalie H. Kim
Diamond Bar – Mayor Steve Tye began the Aug. 4 City Council meeting with a presentation for Diamond Bar’s own Alex Morgan, a Diamond Bar High School graduate, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, and a member of the 2015 US Women’s World Cup Championship team.
Morgan’s “talent and determination took her from Diamond Bar’s park fields to the Olympic soccer fields,” Tye said, and announced that the Council has been in touch with Morgan and are currently planning a celebration with her in person. In the meantime, over 60 banners will be placed around the City in her honor, with special photo opportunity places for citizens to take pictures of themselves next to the banners and spread the hashtag, #DBLovesAlexMorgan over social media.
James DeStefano, the Diamond Bar City Manager announced that in the month of June, the Walnut Valley Water District reduced water use by 29%, exceeding the governor’s mandate that water use be reduced by 25% from 2015 through February 2016. Although specific numbers have not yet been released for Diamond Bar, DeStefano was able to determine through the City’s water bill that water reduction is at 55%.
Pui-Ching Ho, manager of the Diamond Bar Public Library, then addressed the Council to announce several educational events, including a workshop on using the library’s online learning programs on Aug. 19, and a workshop on new ways to store and file pictures on their phones or other devices on Aug. 29.
Afterward, the schedule of future events was read, announcing the last two Concerts in the Park/Movies Under the Stars. Aug. 5 will feature Cold Duck (70s Top 40) and Alice in Wonderland from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 12 will feature Surfin’ (Tribute to the Beach Boys) and Finding Nemo, also from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Both events will be held at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive.
The Planning Commission Meeting on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. is facing cancellation due to lack of quorum. The Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting will occur on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, and the next City Council meeting will occur on Aug. 18.
The Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on July 21, the Planning Commission meetings of May 26 and June 23, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of June 25; ratification of check register totaling $954,300.44; and Treasurer’s Statement for the month of June 2015. The Council also adopted a resolution to support the Inland Valley Humane Society’s goal to eliminate euthanasia of healthy and adoptable dogs and an ordinance to expedite the permit process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
The Council concluded the meeting with reports and comments, and adjourned with plans to meet again on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.
Recent grads and career-changers commit to teach in high-need communities for educational equity
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – Teach For America announced recently that two Diamond Bar locals have been accepted into the organization’s 2015 teaching corps.
Teach For America is a national nonprofit working to expand educational opportunity for students in low-income communities. Corps members commit to teach in high-need urban or rural public schools and become lifelong advocates for educational equity.
The Organization’s newest members are Jenifer Ford and Megan Fu. Ford is a 2004 graduate of Diamond Bar High School and a 2008 graduate of Whitworth University. Fu is a 2011 graduate of The Webb School and a 2015 graduate of UC Berkeley.
In our country’s lowest-income communities, just six percent of students will graduate college by the time they’re 25. Ford and Fu join a network of 50,000 corps members and alumni working alongside parents, principals, and communities for positive change.
“It is with incredible excitement we welcome this group of remarkable and diverse corps members,” said Elisa Villanueva Beard, co-CEO of Teach For America. “They join a group of 50,000 leaders who have raised their hand to be part of ensuring every child has access to an excellent and equitable education.”
Over the past 25 years, thousands of talented individuals have launched or continued careers in social justice through Teach For America. Hundreds of corps members and alumni have been honored as teachers of the year by their school, district, county, or state. More founders and leaders of entrepreneurial education organizations started careers with TFA than from any other organization or company. Alumni have gone on to become leaders in politics, school systems, nonprofit work, advocacy, and more. Together, they form a nationwide network helping to expand and strengthen the movement to give all kids access to a great education.
Teach For America works in partnership with communities to expand educational opportunity for children facing the challenges of poverty. Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding college graduates and professionals to make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the movement to end educational inequity. In 2014-15, 10,600 corps members taught in 50 urban and rural regions across the country, while more than 37,000 alumni worked across sectors to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – L.A. County Fair season is just around the corner, and Thurs., Sept. 24 has been officially designated as Diamond Bar Day at the Fair. Diamond Bar residents who visit on this day pay only $5 for admission, and get to take part in a bevy of festivities to honor the City, including a Community and Business Expo, parade, high school marching band competition, Community Hero awards ceremony, and evening entertainment.
If you have a knack for drawing, gardening or creating, the Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) has a special contest as part of the Community Showcase program. The “Design Your Own Crate Label Contest” is open to Diamond Bar students, pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade. To enter, design a fruit crate label that creatively depicts a part of Diamond Bar history. There is no cost to enter, and winners will have their artwork prominently displayed for public viewing, receive four free LACF tickets for Sept. 24, and get to ride in a festive parade through the fairgrounds. The deadline to enter is Sept. 4.
Goods purchased under the Diamond Bar Day promotion, benefit the Big Yellow Bus Program, which subsidizes the cost of bus services for local students to participate in FairKids Field Trips and take part in fun and educational activities related to agriculture, art, science and literature, California heritage, and life on a farm.
For more information or to download a coupon for $5 Fair admission, good for Diamond Bar Day only, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/fair.
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – Tues., Nov. 3, 2015 is the date of the next General Municipal Election, with two seats opening on the Diamond Bar City Council. The nomination period started on Mon., July 13 and will end at 4:30 pm on Fri., Aug. 7.
If an incumbent does not file by the deadline, the close of the nomination period will be extended to 5:30 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 12.
To qualify to run for City Council, potential candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter and resident of Diamond Bar.
For more information, to request a nomination form, or to schedule a sit-down appointment with the City Clerk to discuss the filing process and campaigning guidelines, call (909) 839.7010.
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – One class of Pantera Elementary kindergarteners will learn how to read, write and communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin through the introduction of the Pomona Unified School District’s latest dual-language immersion program.
Launching this fall, the program will provide Mandarin and English language instruction to 25 kindergarten students, ensuring they receive an exciting and challenging educational opportunity while gaining the bilingual skills needed to succeed in a 21st century world.
The inaugural class at Pantera – located at 801 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar – is already full, but Pomona Unified is accepting sign-ups for the 2016-17 academic year.
By Raymond Mendoza
Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for the first time in July following its Fourth of July holiday cancellation, for a short meeting of regular events.
To start, the Council presented a City tile to former Planning Commissioner, Peter Pirritano, for his three years of service to the City. Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Pirritano and thanked him for all of his hard work on the City’s commission.
Tye was accompanied on stage with Senator Bob Huff’s Senior Field Representative, Jody Roberto, and Assemblywoman (and former Diamond Bar City Council member) Ling Ling Chang, who also gave their thanks to Pirritano for his time serving the City.
“This is kind of a sad moment for me,” Pirritano said. “I’ve been involved in so many things in Diamond Bar and I’m hoping to keep doing some of the things I’ve been involved in. I’m just so thankful and grateful and thank all of you for allowing me to serve the City.”
The Council then gave a proclamation that July 2015 be recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and also presented a certificate to 123 Rakuya, located at 21076 Gold Springs Dr., as the July 2015 New Business of the Month.
Next, the Council read its schedule of future events for a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 23 at 7 p.m.; a Planning Commission meeting on July 28 at 7 p.m.; a Concert in the Park event on July 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Last Chance at Sycamore Canyon Park; a Movies Under the Stars event on July 29, following the concert at Sycamore Canyon Park; and the next City Council meeting on August 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar, which included the minutes for the June 16 City Council meeting; the March , April and May 24 minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission; the minutes for the May 14 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting; the ratification of a check register dated June 11 through July 15 totaling $3,599,235.67; the Treasurer’s May 2015 statement; the award of contract to Doctor Playground, Inc. for the removal of playground surfacing at Heritage and Peterson Parks in an amount not to exceed $79,925.42, plus a contingency of $7,993 for unexpected conditions from the Park Development Fund; an approval of contract with Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley for the fiscal year 2015-16 in an amount not to exceed $12,000; an adoption of a resolution approving the design and plans for the construction of the Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation project; an award of contract to E.C. Construction Co. for a total authorization of $497,131.30; an approval of expenditures with Diversified Printers, Inc. for printing services in an amount not to exceed $69,304.40 for fiscal year 2015-16; an approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 with Onward Engineering in the amount of $15,970 for professional engineering services to provide plans, specifications and engineer estimates for the Morning Canyon Roadway rehabilitation project; and the approval of expenditures with Simpson Advertising, Inc. for specialty graphic design services in an amount not to exceed $71,762 for fiscal year 2015-16.
The Council also performed the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 1504 to Title 15 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The Council approved the first reading and would hold the item’s second reading during the next meeting in two weeks.
After the Council was finished with all of its items and discussions, they adjourned with plans to meet on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Dr.
Neighborhood market offers affordable groceries and new jobs to area
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – On Wed., July 8, Diamond Bar’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened its doors amid fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are excited to be part of the Diamond Bar community, providing residents a variety of merchandise at a convenient location,” said store manager, Jorge Orozco.
The new store employs up to 95 full- and part-time associates. Orozco began his Walmart career in 2003 as an hourly unloader associate.
The store will provide local residents with low prices on a broad assortment of merchandise, including groceries and a drive-through pharmacy.
Fresh produce and a full line of groceries from leading brand names, including organic selections, are available. By working directly with growers, Walmart is able to provide farm-grown, quality produce at added convenience and low prices. There is also a wide variety of meat and bakery selections, including fresh baked breads and tortillas.
The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services, and pharmacy team members are ready to assist customers with product and prescription questions. Diamond Bar residents can easily transfer prescriptions and order refills on the go with the Walmart mobile app for iPhone and Android.
The 41,000 square foot store is dedicated to meeting the needs of local shoppers. In addition to groceries, the store features health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. Customers can also shop an additional 7 million items online, including toys, electronics and home decor on Walmart.com through Walmart Pickup, which will offer free shipping to the Diamond Bar Walmart Neighborhood Market.
In addition to grants given as part of the grand opening, the new store will further Walmart’s pledge to fight hunger in America. As part of Walmart’s and the Walmart Foundation’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in California donated approximately 23.1 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2014, or the equivalent of 19.3 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $47.1 million in fiscal year 2014 in California alone. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger
The new Walmart is located at 1180 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/walmart4762.
Pastor Mark Hopper
By Pastor Mark Hopper
One of my favorite TV series in recent years was called, “24”. The lead character was Jack Bauer – played by Kiefer Sutherland – who tried to prevent terrorists from blowing up buildings or injuring innocent people.
In one episode, I remember Jack Bauer tried to rescue a hostage, but gets trapped in a building by some bad guys. When the hostage asked Jack what he was going to do, he replied, “I’m going to call the only person I know I can trust.”
In the famous game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants were given three options to help them answer a difficult question. One of those options was, “Phone a Friend.”
Many years ago, I was driving a group of high school students on a back pack trip to the Grand Canyon, when my van blew an engine. We struggled to get back to a service station on the northern edge of Phoenix, but who could I call for help at one o’clock in the morning?
Thankfully, my former youth leader lived in north Phoenix. When I called him in the middle of the night, he gladly got out of bed, helped me get to a car rental office, and back on the road. I knew if I called him, he would help.
I think it is helpful for each of us to think about who we would call when we need help. Who is a trusted family member or reliable friend that you know you can call on a moment’s notice? Who can you call in the middle of the night or in an emergency?
It is good to know that we have friends we can call on for help at any time. It is also important to know that we can call on God for help at any time, too! The Bible says, “Let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).
When we call out to God in prayer, He is ready to help us in our time of need. Maybe it is time for you to bow your head, open your heart and ask God for His help today. He is waiting to hear from you!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org.
Photo Courtesy: DBCF
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC U17B Team recently won the President’s Cup Title for California. From there, they went on to Snohomish, Washington, to play in the President’s Cup Region IV – which they also won!
The team has now journeyed to Kansas, July 8 – 12, to play in the U.S. Youth Soccer President’s National Cup, where the best teams from all over the US will play for the National Title.
This excursion – including 22 players and three coaches – costs approximately $20,000. To help the kids reach their goal of a national title, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation has donated $1,000 to offset costs. The DBCF is pleased to be a part of their Legacy and help give these athletes a chance to play for the National Title.
The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar by establishing programs and facilities to address the cultural, recreational and social needs of the community. A renewed emphasis is to raise funds to eliminate the shortage of sports fields for the thousands of kids playing youth sports in Diamond Bar. For more information, visit thedbcf.org.
The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC is a nonprofit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.
Media websites help identify the suspect
Staff Reports
SGV – Over the course of the year, a male Hispanic suspect burglarized several churches in the Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station’s areas. The churches had fixed post surveillance cameras which recorded the suspect at the locations, and he was described as having “tribal band” tattoos on both legs and large tattoos on both arms.
According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered churches, stealing large amounts of cash from locked donation boxes. The burglaries occurred during the day when the churches were open to the public.
Detectives from two stations worked diligently to identify the suspect – who appeared responsible for all of the burglaries – but were unsuccessful. Special Bulletin flyers were distributed to local police agencies seeking additional information and assistance in identifying the suspect, but he remained unidentified.
Industry Station Detective, Charell Heard, who was the lead detective, created a Special Bulletin flyer with the suspect’s photograph from the surveillance videos. Industry Station personnel contacted Sheriff’s Information Bureau personnel seeking media coverage and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.
On July 2, Heard conducted an interview with television and radio media personnel at the Industry Station. Shortly after the interview, and after the suspect’s photograph was televised and posted on media websites, anonymous community members identified the suspect as Hacienda Heights resident, Carlos Montiel, 36.
Heard immediately queried Department resources and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Industry Deputies conducted surveillance on the suspect’s location, positively identified him, and arrested him without incident.
Detectives authored a search warrant for Montiel’s residence and his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.
The collaboration of the Detectives from Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, Sheriff’s Information Bureau, media personnel and the community, led to the successful arrest of Montiel.
Photo Courtesy: DBCG
By Claire Lewis
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Community Garden (DBCG) has opened for community members to come and enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.
“There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing something you’ve grown with your own hands on your dinner table,” states their website.
While the Grand Opening was earlier this year in May, the community of gardeners is growing. Sponsored by the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, the DBCG serves the residents of Diamond Bar and the surrounding cities by maintaining a garden that fosters community enrichment, education and economic empowerment.
According to the DBCG, this garden provides a local opportunity for community members of all ages, religious affiliations, cultural backgrounds, community standings, and socioeconomic classes to come together with a common activity of producing locally grown, organic food.
Community members can also look forward to educational classes and lectures, as well as special events like the upcoming work party to develop the Stella Hatzfeld’s memorial lemon tree orchard – to be held July 18, from 9 am to noon.
This beautiful garden will also supply fresh produce for involved residents and organizations that are associated with its philanthropy, as well as benefit low-income families within the community by providing them with fresh, healthy produce.
The goal of the DBCG is to provide a safe and attractive environment for those individuals desiring a place to grow edible produce. A 4 x 8-foot, raised bed plot is available for just $50 annually.
The DBCG invites you to come and see their garden and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, located near the corner of Morning Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Blvd. You can also visit www.diamondbarcommunitygarden.com, or call (909) 861-4735 for more information.
The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is located at 2335 Diamond Bar Blvd. They can be reached at (909) 861-4735.
Best schools for your buck
Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Walnut Valley’s high performing schools have been named #1 in the Best School Districts for Your Buck in Southern California report. Shown: Walnut High School Class of 2015 super star seniors, Jefferey Huang, Louisa Lee, Samantha Wu, and Ted Zhu.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut – Walnut Valley schools are the most impressive in Southern California according to the Best School Districts for Your Buck report issued on June 29.
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is ranked #1 by the financial advisory organization, NerdWallet. The report studied 153 unified and secondary school districts by affordability to live there, standardized test scores, college readiness, and student-to-teacher ratio. All information was provided by the California Department of Education.
WVUSD tops the list with one of Southern California’s strongest graduation rates – 98.30% – as well as a high SAT average of 1722. The 2013 median home value in WVUSD is $597,800.
“I am so proud of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community. It takes a lot of commitment to get to this level. It’s truly a team effort!” said Board Member Cindy Ruiz.
Some of the best school districts in the nation are found in sunny Southern California. But it is one of the priciest places to live. For example, in Orange County, the median housing price is upward of $700,000, according to the California Association of Realtors.
NerdWallet researched So Cal schools to find great facilities for families and affordable homes. A total of ten counties in the region were compared from San Luis Obispo, Kern, and San Bernardino counties to San Diego and Imperial counties.
Nearly 14,600 students attend 15 WVUSD schools, where there is a student-to-teacher ratio of about 24:1. Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools offer International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. Castle Rock and Cyrus J. Morris elementary schools offer International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
Many schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools, and this year, Walnut Valley’s three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – were designated California Gold Ribbon Schools, the award given during the hiatus of the distinguished schools program. In addition to general academics, the District also features targeted learning in areas such as Chinese languages, STEM, health, design, performing arts, college prep and advanced placement.
In addition, WVUSD was ranked 6th in the entire state, out of over 1,000 school districts, in the 2015 Best Schools for Your Buck in California report in March.
See the full report at https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-school-districts-southern-california-2015/
Pastor Mark Hopper
By Pastor Mark Hopper
The City of Diamond Bar provides free movies at Sycamore Canyon Park every Wednesday night in the summer. They also have a free concert before the movie. It is a nice place for people to gather and enjoy.
We will also have Free Summer Movie nights once a month at our church again this summer. Each evening includes FREE pizza, popcorn, juice drinks and candy.
We will be showing “Tangled” on July 10, and “Planes: Fire & Rescue” on August 7 – beginning at 6:30 p.m.
It takes a lot of people to put these evenings together. We have parents of young children, empty nesters and college students leading these events. Many of these leaders come early to help with set up and serve the free food. Others stay late, long after the movie is over, to put our worship center back together. It really is a team effort.
My favorite part of the evening is getting to meet the parents and kids who come. We frequently have new guests who read about the Free Movie Nights in the local paper or who are invited by another family in our church.
Let me suggest that you clip out this article and put it on your refrigerator to help remind you about the Free Movie Nights at our church this summer. If you come, I hope you will allow me to meet you and introduce you to some other young families in our church.
Let’s go to the movies this summer!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.
By Claire Lewis
Diamond Bar – Add some fireworks to your Independence Day Celebration with spicy chili or sizzling fajitas at The Whole Enchilada! And help cool down the summer heat after your meal with some Mexican Kaluha Flan or Rio Grande Mud Pie!
Having a 4th of July celebration 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 to celebrate summer! 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 4th of July; 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.
By Raymond Mendoza
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met once again last week for its remaining June meeting, which included naming a new Business of the Month, extending the City’s landscaping services, and denying a hotly debated conditional use permit allowing T-Mobile to build a new wireless telecommunications facility at 1355 Maple Hill Road.
To begin, Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Haggen, located at 240 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., as the new business of the month. Tye and the City Council members were joined on stage with the new supermarket’s manager, thanking him and the organization for bringing its business to Diamond Bar.
A presentation was given about Haggen, outlining the corporation – which is from the northwest, and expanding into the west. In the last six months, the company has purchased 146 storefronts to bring specialty items, including organic and gluten-free products, into new areas.
After the Business of the Month award, the Council was given an update by Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief, Troy Flath, regarding the recent Tonner Canyon fire exercise, and an overview of the Department’s involvement in the Napal earthquake recovery.
The schedule of future events was then read to include the Planning Commission meeting on June 23; the next Concert/Movie in the Park on June 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring Southland Band/“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” both at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on June 25; Independence Day City offices holiday closures from July 3 through July 6; 4th of July Blast, 5 to 9 p.m., at Diamond Bar High School; cancellation of the next City Council meeting on July 7; the July 8 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring The Kings 88/”Maleficent” at Sycamore Canyon Park; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on July 9; the Planning Commission meeting on July 14; , the July 14 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring Stone Soul/”The Box Trolls” at Sycamore Canyon Park; and finally, the City Council meeting on July 21.
The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the June 2 City Council and May 12 Planning Commission meetings; ratification of check register dated May 28 through June 10, totaling $299,901.49; contract extensions for the Community Services Department; award of contract to AmeriComp Group Imaging, LLC, for printer service and toner in an amount not-to-exceed $90,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018; award of contract to Ameritech Business Systems, Inc., for copier service in an amount not-to-exceed $50,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 20, 2018; award of consulting services agreement to Comdyn Group, Inc., for as-needed information technology services in an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020; the approval of maintenance services agreement with Woods Maintenance Systems, Inc., DBA Graffiti Control System, to provide graffiti removal services for the fiscal year 2015/2016 with an option for four one-year extensions; approval of the execution of the first amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with Los Angeles Gateway Water Management Authority for the implementation of the watershed management program and coordinated integrated monitoring program for the lower San Gabriel River watershed group; approval to deny the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit to T-Mobile to install a new wireless telecommunications facility; and the adoption of a resolution approving a five year enterprise agreement with Microsoft Corporation through Compucom, for software licenses in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.
And finally, the Council adopted a resolution approving a tentative tract to subdivide air space for a 10-unit warehouse condominium located at 614-646 Brea Canyon Road.
After the Council member’s reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet on July 21, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.
Kaiser Permanente expands with green features to help reduce environmental impacts
Photo Courtesy: Maria Lengerke Herrington
Mayor Steve Tye and Council members Jack Tanaka and Carol Herrera from the City of Diamond Bar, present a proclamation to Maggie Pierce, Executive Director; John Bigley, MD, Area Medical Director; and Rick Rosoff, Chief Administrative Officer, all from Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, in honor of opening a new building and services at Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar Medical Offices.
By Maria Lengerke Herrington
Diamond Bar – Kaiser Permanente hosted a reception on June 4 to celebrate the expansion and new services offered at its Diamond Bar Medical Offices, located at 1336 Bridge Gate Drive. More than 120 representatives from local businesses, including city officials from Diamond Bar, attended the event that also featured tours of the facility.
Conveniently located in the Gateway Center at the 57 and 60 freeways, the two-story, 34,000 square-foot expansion houses physicians and ancillary staff that speak a variety of different languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese. Services include Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, Optometry/Optical Dispensing, and Vision Essentials. The building is attached to the existing medical offices that offer Family Medicine, Laboratory, Radiology, and Pharmacy.
“We’re delighted to be able to expand existing services and offer new services in the Diamond Bar community,” says John Bigley, MD, Area Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park Medical Center. “We serve approximately 20,000 members and average 26,000 visits per year. Members come to us from not only Diamond Bar, but also the surrounding communities of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, and Walnut. Our new facility enables us to meet the needs of our growing membership while also providing convenience.”
The eco-friendly design and construction of the expansion demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the environment and to the community.
The “green” roof on the second floor provides additional thermal insulation that helps to reduce energy use and cooling costs. Natural light is included throughout the building to reduce the need for artificial light. Recycled wood accents the center core of both the first and second floors. The irrigation system is designed to use 35 percent less water with the capability to tie in to future city potable reclaimed water systems.
“These new features help to preserve energy and other natural resources, and reduce our environmental impact,” adds Bigley.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. They are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, their mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of members and the communities they serve. They currently serve 3.9 million members in Southern California. Facilities are located in Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, Montebello, San Dimas, and West Covina. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and a team of caregivers. Expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technological advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit kp.org/baldwinpark.
Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
The Diamond Bar City Council congratulates members of the Diamond Bar High School Badminton Team for winning its fourth consecutive championship.
By Raymond Mendoza
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met on Tues., June 2, with a regular agenda of presentations, a reading of future events, numerous action items and a public hearing concerning a new wireless telecommunications facility.
The meeting was started off with a presentation to the members of the Diamond Bar High School badminton team for winning their fourth consecutive championship. Mayor Steve Tye congratulated the 14 team members in attendance for their hard work and continuing the proud lineage of the school’s team. Tye offered his congratulations to not only the members but also Head Coach Kemp Wells, who promised to bring a fifth championship next year.
“What could be harder than winning once?” asked Tye. “Winning twice. What could be harder than winning twice? Winning four times. You have a winning program, congratulations.”
The second presentation was to David Matsukiyo and Matthew Chen for being “Report for Reward” recipients, meaning that their information led to making Diamond Bar safer from crime.
Tye and the Council then presented a City tile to Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar offices and proclaimed the hospital as “Business of the Month” for June 2015. Tye thanked them for their years of service to the City and wished them well in their continued business.
“We are grateful that Kaiser Permanente has chosen Diamond Bar and we look forward to your future expansions,” Tye said.
The schedule of future events was then read off to include a pop-up City Hall on June 4 at the Diamond Hills Plaza, at 2825 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on June 9; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on June 11; and the next City Council meeting on June 16.
The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the study session and regular meeting of the May 19 City Council meetings; the April 9 Traffic and Transportation Commission; the April 14 Planning Commission; the ratification of check register dated May 14 through May 27 totaling $1,494,739.50; the Treasurer’ April statement; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with ECS Imaging, Inc., extending the contract term through June 20, 2016 in the approved not-to-exceed amount of $87,000; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with Sytech Solutions, Inc., extending the contract term through June 30, 2016 at a cost of $40,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $140,000; the approval of Amendment No. 4 to the contract with Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to extend the term of the contract from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 to provide landscape maintenance services at nine city parks, the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, the football field and slope at Lorbeer Middle School and the Mesa Trail/Trailhead at Sycamore Canyon Park in the amount of $368,995 each fiscal year and as-needed work in the amount of $25,000; an approval of adjourning the June 16 City Council meeting to July 21; a resolution calling for the holding of a general municipal election to be held on Tues., Nov. 3, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities; a resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the county of Los Angeles to consolidate a general municipal election to be held on Nov. 2, with the school elections to be held on the date pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; a resolution adopting regulation for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Nov. 2; the approval of supplemental appropriations of $559,591 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building fees revenue accounts, and $233,547 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building and safety contract services expenditure account to fund the payment of RKA Consulting Services invoices; approval of professional services agreement with David Evans and Associates, Inc., to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years (2015-16 through 2017-18) with an option for two one-year extensions; authorization for the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority to share the costs for installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants total maximum daily loads for a total amount not to exceed $30,000 for the term of agreement; and a resolution adopting the statement of investment requested by the finance department.
After the Consent Calendar, the Council approved two consideration items, including an appointment to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Advisory Committee, and the approval and adjustment of City Council appointments.
The Council then moved onto its only public hearing item, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit for a request to allow the installation of a new wireless telecommunications facility consisting of 12 panel antennas, three remote radio units and a 24-inch diameter microwave dish antenna on the 65-foot high artificial tree and associated above-ground equipment cabinets (from T-Mobile) within a 220 square foot enclosure at Maple Hill Park.
The reason for the denial, as stated by the Planning Commission, was that the antenna would obstruct the park’s views and take up too much space – and that a large number of residents agree with the decision.
Several representatives from T-Mobile spoke during the meeting, asking the Council to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision and allow the construction of the structure and antenna. The representatives claimed that without the new antenna, the City’s T-Mobile customers would have a significant lack of coverage. Furthermore, the representatives stated that the structure and antenna would not have any adverse effect on Maple Hill Park or the City’s residents.
Throughout the speeches, the council members disagreed with the T-Mobile representatives, stating that the addition of this extra antenna and structure should not be considered a “necessity” to the City and that mobile phone users are not facing coverage burdens as of yet.
Some 20 residents also spoke during the public hearing, listing dozens of reasons why the antenna and structure should be denied.
After the speeches were over, the City Council members voted to deny the conditional use permit, blocking the construction of the new structure and antenna.
Following the public hearing item, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.
By Raymond Mendoza
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council held its first official meeting of the month on Cinco de Mayo, with an agenda involving the city budget, sick leave regulations and the Multi-Year Capital Improvement Fund.
The meeting started off with a reading of the City’s schedule of future events, with a Planning Commission meeting on May 12, the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on May 14, and the next City Council meeting on May 19.
The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, which included the minutes for the City Council study session on Apr. 21; the regular meeting on Apr. 21; the Planning Commission on Mar. 24; the ratification of the check register dated Apr. 16 -29, totaling $1,196,918.49; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of May; the acceptance of work performed by Tamang Electric for the construction of the generator enclosure project at Diamond Bar City Hall; and the approval of Amendment No. 3, to increase additional work authorization from $25,000 to $35,000 for fiscal year 2014-15 in contract with Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to extend the irrigation system at Pantera Park to irrigate trees at the dog park.
The Council also approved its consideration items, with Items 8.1a, b and c having a significant financial impact on the City’s upkeep, City official salaries and benefits.
Item 8.1 a was pertaining to the approval and adoption of a budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, to include maintenance and operations, special funds and capital improvements and appropriating funds for accounts, departments, divisions, objects and purposes. The cost of the estimates resources at $27.1 million with appropriations of $26 million for projects like Capital Improvements to rehabilitate roads and parks, increase economic development, and even electronically converting some of the City’s documents and records.
Item 8.1b established a compensation plan incorporating salary ranges and fringe benefits for all classifications of employment effective June 27, 2015; while Item 8.1c amended Resolution No. 2008-34 for the City’s personnel rules and regulation Rule VII for sick leave effective May 5, 2015.
And finally, Item 8.2 was to receive and file the fiscal year 2015-16 through 2019-20 Multi-Year Capital Improvement Program to ensure Diamond Bar’s public infrastructure improves in the coming years. The estimated cost for street maintenance, traffic management, transportation infrastructure projects, public works improvements and parks and recreation improvements total more than $44 million through the next five years, but was put in place to ensure that as California grows, Diamond Bar matches its growth by remaining safe and accessible to its residents.
Following the last item and the committee reports, the Diamond Bar City Council adjourned with plans to meet on May 19, at 6: 30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, at 21865 Copley Drive.
Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Evergreen Elementary is the recipient of the 2015 Civic Learning Award of Excellence.
By Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar – Evergreen Elementary is the recipient of the 2015 Civic Learning Award of Excellence.
A special presentation was held on Apr. 23 featuring Chief Justice and Chair of the Judicial Council, the Honorable Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. Only three schools in California earned the top prize from the Judicial Branch.
“This is a very special day for Evergreen!” said Principal Caroline Wills who gave credit for the award to the school’s hard-working students, dedicated teachers, and a supportive parent community.
Out of about 7,000 elementary schools in the state, only two received the Civic Learning Award of Excellence award.
“You worked so hard at being good and caring citizens in your classrooms, in our school, and you’re learning all those habits to be good citizens in the country and world,” Wills said to students. “You are the citizens of the future that will make our world a better place!”
The Civic Learning Award is co-sponsored by the Judicial Branch and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson.
“You may ask why we have partnered together for civics education. In a nutshell, it means leadership training – teaching you the skills and values that will help you play at the top of your game as you grow and get older and take our places,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye.
40 students gave first-hand accounts of activities from the school’s civic learning programs – Keys to Success Character Education, Conflict Mediators, and Student Council.
“I save the highest praise for you students who are learning great skills to help you in life to be a leader and to be a conflict mediator when you get older and all the professions that you choose,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye.
Winners were selected by a panel of experts based on the school’s depth and breadth of research-based best practices in civic education.
Student Council President, Amanda Flores, shared Words of Wisdom, part of the daily school-wide broadcast with notable quotes and lessons to develop character traits. Flores described important coping strategy techniques for students: walk away, count to ten, and talk about it.
“Or you can let go and ‘Shake It Off.’ Come on Evergreen, let’s shake it off!” she exclaimed.
With that, nearly 600 students jumped out of their chairs for a flash dance to the popular Taylor Swift song.
“I can’t say how delighted I was to see you dance to ‘Shake It Off,’ and remember that phrase whenever you feel down, you need to shake it off!” Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye said.
Evergreen’s program builds on recommendations from the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning.
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