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.
Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut
By Bob Pacheco
Walnut – This last Tuesday was Walnut’s 30th Annual National Night Out. This event is held each year to remind the Walnut community how we can prevent crime through neighborhood involvement. It is also an opportunity to get to know local elected officials, City staff, fellow neighbors, as well as representatives from the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Everyone enjoyed an evening of dancing and listening to Top 40 band, Cold Duck. A screening of Big Hero 6 followed the concert. Thanks to our City staff, volunteers, and Sheriff/Fire Department personnel for a great evening!
In the coming days, we will hold a Town Hall meeting to inform and communicate with all members of our community – especially our seniors and those with special needs – regarding the City’s safety, emergency preparedness and evacuation plan implementation in case of a disaster. Your input and participation is welcome.
As an update, we continue to work on plans to develop the new Aquatic Center, as well as assisting our
local businesses by promoting Shop in Walnut days.
Please feel free to contact me or the City staff with any other questions or concerns by calling (909) 595-7543, and be sure to follow the City of Walnut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest community news.
Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco
National Night Out in Walnut
Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.
By K.P. Sander
Walnut – If you are looking for a local automotive repair center that performs quality work at reasonable prices – and delivers it all with excellent service – look no further than Peterson Auto Repair Center.
Peterson now houses a full mechanic shop to serve all your automotive needs. They not only specialize in lube and oil changes, but also repair and maintain radiators, alternators, starters, brakes, clutches, shocks and struts, axles, air conditioning, belts and hoses, and much, much more.
In business for over 15 years, owner Eric Peterson says, “For me, it’s all about providing quality automotive repair for the neighborhood. I grew up in La Puente and Walnut, and we have so many good customers in this area. We really appreciate the business and word of mouth referrals.”
Carhelp.com customers agree, consisting giving Peterson high marks for quality workmanship and fair pricing.
Look for Peterson to add quality auto-body services to the business in the future.
Peterson Auto Repair is located in the Big Valley Industrial Park, at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in the City of Walnut. They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (909) 598-3881. Mention their ad in the Weekly News and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).
By Raymond Mendoza
Walnut – The Walnut City Council met on Wed., July 22, with recently appointed Mayor, Bob Pacheco, fitting into his old position and taking on a long agenda for the last meeting of the month.
To start, Pacheco and the other Council members met with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain Jeff Scroggin, proclaiming Aug. 4 as National Night Out – a day for residents to get out and meet their local law enforcement officers and combat drug use and crime. Pacheco thanked Scroggin for the safety that the Sheriff’s Department provides to the City, and that it’s up to all Walnut residents to keep the City safe.
After the proclamation, Pacheco gave a speech about his hope for the City Council to work together in order to maintain the City’s reputation as one of the best in the country.
“We might not always agree, but if we disagree, we should do so in a civilized manner,” Pacheco said.
He spoke about getting a citizen committee together to talk about the way the Council has conducted themselves in recent months, as well as pledging to continue to serve with the citizens’ best interest in mind during his term as Mayor.
There were alternative viewpoints from some residents attending the meeting.
The Council then moved to approve the July 8 City Council meeting minutes and all items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $1,298,381.17; a resolution designating Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su as the official voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; an amendment to the agreement for WRA Environmental Consultants; an amendment to the agreement for Leibold, McClendon & Mann; the award of bid for the Suzanne Park Parking Lot Project; an alcoholic beverage license application for 7-Eleven store #27324; the Mayor’s agency representatives; and the rescheduling/cancellation of City/WHA Council meetings for November and December holidays.
The Council also approved a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $125,000.
For the discussion/transaction items, the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force decided to revise their City-wide notification mailer for August, and to meet in closed session to discuss the Notice of Nuisance Abatement hearing (a rear property block wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive).
After the Council’s final discussion item, the meeting was adjourned with plans to meet on Aug.12 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.
For more information on this City Council Recap, visit http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/general.asp?id=372.
Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC
New Mt. SAC Student Trustee, Elizabeth Santos
By Mike Taylor
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Elizabeth Santos, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2015-16 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July meeting.
As student trustee, Santos, 18, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.
Santos, a resident of Rowland Heights, is a political science major. She has served as a co-chair for the Mt. SAC chapter of MeCha. In the community, she serves as a volunteer with the Rowland Unified School District and for her church, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Angeles. After she graduates from Mt. SAC, she plans to transfer to UCLA as a political science major.
Image Courtesy: City of Walnut
Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park
By Claudine Stines
Walnut – As you may recall, in October of last year, Standard Pacific filed a Writ of Mandate against the City of Walnut stating, in short, the Three Oaks property could not be sold, but would revert back to the original developer if not used for the purpose intended (swimming pool and recreational facility). While the Writ was filed, they did not act upon it, preferring to negotiate; negotiations have been going on since that time.
On Wed., July 22, the Walnut City Council was scheduled to review negotiations for the sale of the property in a closed session. After their review of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Council was to reconvene at their Meeting and announce the closed session actions, according to page 6 of the Council agenda.
Other developers did bid on the sale of the property for approximately $15 to $16 million, thus causing Standard Pacific to enter the picture. The Three Oaks property appraised at approximately $5 to $6 million – considerably short of the $20 million the City would need to build the aquatic park, per the conceptual drawing previously submitted on Oct. 8, 2014.
Depending on the financial outcome, the City may have to scale back to accommodate the shortfall, building only the recreation facility, one pool and parking – and develop a strategy to add the additional pool, amphitheater, etc., as additional funds are budgeted in the coming year(s).
As of this month, the renovation of the Walnut High pool has finally started; the estimated time of completion is not known at this time. You may not be aware that the renovation will cause the City to modify their summer aquatic program due to the configuration of the pool. They will no longer be able to support instruction for the smaller swimmers and some adult programs due to the new depth of the pool.
While Council members are in favor of the aquatic center, it appears even at this level of government the wheels of progress have been moving slowly. Council members need to hear from citizens; otherwise the momentum of this vision for the community will continue to move at an even slower pace.
Council members may be contacted, as follows: Robert Pacheco, Mayor (bpacheco@ci.walnut.ca.us); Mary Su, Mayor Pro Tem (msu@ci.walnut.ca.us); Nancy Tragarz, Council Member (ntragarz@ci.walnut.ca.us); Eric Ching, Council Member (eching@ci.walnut.ca.us); Antonio Cartagena, Council Member (tcartagena@ci.walnut.ca.us).
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.
By Mike Taylor
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College vocational education student, Troy Majeska, won a silver medal at the SkillsUSA 51st Annual National Leadership Conference competition, June 22-27, in Louisville, KY.
Majeska, of La Habra, won the silver medal in the Residential Systems Installation competition, facing five competitors from other colleges across the nation.
The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 6,000 students competed at this year’s national event.
SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.
At another event, Mt. SAC’s health career students recently won eight medals – four silver and four bronze – at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition held at the Anaheim Hilton. More than 8,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 56 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 24-28.
Amy Barraza (Cudahy),Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park), and Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana) all won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.
Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) all won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.
Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) were finalists in the creative problem solving event.
“We had 11 competitors this year, and all 11 ranked nationally as finalists. That is quite an achievement,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor, Mary Ellen Reyes. “Being involved in and competing in HOSA is a life-changing experience for students.”
HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.
Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut
Staff Reports
Walnut – At the City Council meeting for the City of Walnut held on Wed., July 8, rather than swear in Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, as the new mayor, the Council decided to reorganize and place Bob Pacheco in the position. In addition, Councilwoman Mary Su will now serve as Mayor Pro Tem, and Antonio Cartagena, former Mayor Nancy Tragarz and Ching will now serve as council members.
“I’m very pleased to have been selected to be mayor; I look forward to it,” said Pacheco. “This year is going to be challenging. I’m looking forward to uniting Walnut, instead of dividing it.”
Robert Pacheco has served the City of Walnut since 1994. He was first appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Committee and then to the Walnut Planning Commission, according to the City’s website.
In 1996, Pacheco was elected to the Walnut City Council where he served for two years. In 1998, he was elected to the California State Assembly; making him the only City of Walnut resident to serve in the California Legislature. Pacheco was elected to three terms in the State Assembly until he termed-out in 2004. In July 2013, he was again appointed to the Walnut City Council.
Pacheco’s professional career spans 60 years in business and the legal profession. For over 40 years, he was the Senior Partner of the law firm, Pacheco & Pacheco, located in the City of Walnut. He received a Presidential appointment to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and was also appointed as California Senior Advisor for Jobs and Workforce Development under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure – as well as an Appellate Member of the Cal-OSHA Board of Appeals.
Pacheco, and his wife, Gayle, currently own and operate a multi-million dollar manufacturing company located in Walnut.
Pacheco is involved in numerous community organizations. He is the founder of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, co-founder of the Walnut Humanitarian Medical Mission, and The Gabriel Foundation, which sponsors the annual Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo. Most recently, he co-founded the newly formed Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. He is also a member of the Industry Manufacturer’s Council and also represents the City of Walnut with the Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to Bob Pacheco on his new appointment as Mayor for the City of Walnut!
Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC
Walnut – Online registration for Mt. San Antonio College’s fall semester credit classes begins July 15. Classes begin on Mon., Aug. 24.
All credit students must register for classes online at my.mtsac.edu. New students must submit an admission application online. For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance are available in the Student Services Center during business hours. The Admissions Office is open now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prior to registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal account through the college website, myportal.mtsac.edu. Instructions on how to do this, along with your username, are sent to the new student’s email address the student used when applying to the college.
Through myportal.mtsac.edu, students will be able to view their registration date and time but will not be allowed to register before their assigned time.
New students must also sign up for their assessment tests at the Assessment Center. Appointments can be made at www.mtsac.edu/assessment, by calling (909) 274-4265, or in person at the Assessment Center. Students are urged to prepare for assessment testing by reviewing the information available on the Assessment Center webpage.
In addition, new students must also sign up for the required new student orientation session before registering for classes. For more information about required orientation sessions, call the Mt. SAC Counseling Department at (909) 274-4380.
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents, and all fees are due upon registration.
For more registration information, call the Mt. SAC Admissions and Records Office at (909) 274-4415, or visit www.mtsac.edu.
By Raymond Mendoza
Walnut – The City Council started its June 24 meeting by honoring Mt. SAC softball player of the year, Celina Felix, who plays catcher for the local community college. Mayor Nancy Tragarz said she and the other council members were proud to have Felix play for Mt. SAC and represent the City of Walnut. Tragarz congratulated her on her accomplishments and also encouraged other young adults in the City to remain active in sports.
The Council then approved the minutes for the May 12 Budget Workshop, and the May 27 and June 10 City Council meetings, before moving onto the Public Hearing section.
Both Public Hearing items were approved by the Council, the first being an ordinance for small residential rooftop solar energy systems and inspections, while the second was for an adoption of the 2015 Congestion Management Program local development report.
The Council approved several of the items on its Consent Calendar, including Resolution No. 15-34 for claims and demands in the amount of $644,478.84; the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) unfunded pension liability lump sum repayment; the appropriation for post-employment benefits (OPEB) fund; the approval of agreement between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority and the City of Walnut for cost sharing for the NPDES permit requiring monitoring of harbor toxic pollutants; and the approval of a one-year contract with Continental Building Maintenance, Inc. for City-wide janitorial services with no rate increases.
The Council also spoke about a license agreement between the City of Walnut and Verizon Wireless, over the establishment of a new telecommunications facility. The topic had been brought to the attention of the Council before, and was met with extreme opposition from Walnut residents.
Many residents attended the City Council meeting just to speak out against the placement of the telecommunications facility, which was planned at Snow Creek Drive (in Snow Creek Park), with concerns about health, safety and lack of need for the facility. After much discussion, the Council decided to continue its discussion on the item, with the possibility of a different location. The Council approved to discuss the item during its July 22 meeting.
The Council also denied the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society use of the Walnut Senior Center, which was its final Consent Calendar item.
Next, the Council approved the 2015-16 Walnut Successor Agency Budget totaling $3,969,290, before hearing from the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force. Community Development Director, Tom Weiner, outlined the proceedings of the task force, which has 15 Walnut residents meeting two times each month to speak about issues concerning Mt. SAC. The task force asked for $6,000 from the City’s general fund reserves for a City-wide mail notification about the college’s proposed parking structure, and for the Council to continue to fight Mt. SAC from taking legislative steps in Sacramento allowing the College to make construction efforts a reality with less residential involvement. However, the Council baulked at the $6,000 price tag and instead agreed to have the City’s staff look into alternate cost saving measures that would inform the public about Mt. SAC and its construction plans.
The Council then adjourned with plans to meet on July 8, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.
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/
Staff Reports
Walnut – Come and join the City of Walnut’s Fourth of July celebration at Suzanne Park on Sat., July 4, from 5:30 pm to approximately 9:30 pm.
This free event will be kicked off with a Patriotic Pooch Parade scheduled for 5:30 pm. There will also be live music from Young Guns, playing the best of the 80s; face painting; Food Trucks; and our famous Pie-Eating Contest. The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately at 9:00 pm.
Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs/blankets and celebrate America with us!
Suzanne Park is located at 325 Suzanne Road. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. For more information, please call (909) 598-5605.
Sorry, no alcohol, smoking, BBQs, grills or other cooking appliances allowed in the Park. Due to the loud and crowded nature of the event, people are discouraged from brining their pets (assistance dogs are an exception).
If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.
Staff Reports
Walnut – You’re a busy person with a lot to do. You need a car wash, an oil change, a haircut, and you haven’t even had lunch yet. You could run all over town trying to get all of this done, or you could get it all done at one stop: Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center.
Dan Gerstner and his wife, Sylvia, opened Alamo more than 18 years ago, and they have run the business with a simple philosophy ever since.
“Our philosophy is to always have satisfied customers. We want them to be satisfied with what we do here, and 99.9 percent of the time, they are,” Gerstner said.
Situated in a four-acre complex at the corner of Nogales and Francesca Drive in Walnut, Alamo features a hand car wash, a Mobil gas station and an Xpress Lube oil change center, as well as restaurants, a beauty salon, dentist’s office, locksmith and a bookkeeping service.
“We even have a shoeshine guy. It’s really a one-stop shop,” Gerstner said.
Alamo offers full-service hand car washes and detailing, which includes waxing, buffing and interior cleaning; as well as an express wash – just $6.95 – for people on the go. And now is the perfect time to get your vehicle vacation-ready for summer with an oil change and detailing to help protect against the high temperatures.
Asked why people should visit Alamo instead of other area car washes, Gerstner said, “I don’t know what other car washes do, but I know what we do. We’re very picky about service and the little details. And usually, when the car comes out, it’s cleaner than it’s ever been.”
Package washes are popular, Gerstner said, especially the Silver Package Wash. It includes an air freshener, sealer wax, polish wax, rainbow wax, clear coat sealant and Armor-All on the tires.
“If people need something at the last minute, like greeting cards, we have a wide selection they can choose from while they’re waiting for their car. We also carry just about any kind of auto accessory you might need,” Gerstner said. And, a multi-wash book is a great gift for anyone with a car.
Alamo’s oil change service is also extremely popular, and runs just $30.99.
“Our quick lube service is very complete and includes transmission, power steering, brake fluid, cooling system and fuel emissions services. Plus, oil change customers receive a free car wash.
Gerstner admits that Alamo is not the cheapest place to have your car washed or serviced, but maintains that the services they offer make them competitive with just about anybody else.
“We offer a higher level of service than many other places, and that’s why we’ve been so successful. People love their cars – their car is like their baby. We see customers who come in twice a week, and their cars look clean, but they still want them washed here,” Gerstner explained.
If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.
Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
The Walnut City Council stands with members of Filipino American Cultural and Educational Affairs as they proclaim this week to be Filipino American Heritage Week.
By Raymond Mendoza
Walnut – The Walnut City Council chambers was packed on Wednesday for its June 6 meeting, notably with a large Filipino crowd due to the City proclamation of Filipino American Heritage Week.
The Council thanked members of Filipino American Cultural and Educational Affairs, drawing on the unique history of Filipino Americans starting in WWII and ending with their influence on the City of Walnut – which has a large Filipino community.
The Council also recognized the winners of the Walnut PONY League (7 and under) all-star championship team; and Panera Bread as the Spring 2015 Business of the Quarter.
After the recognitions, there was a presentation by independent auditors from Lance, Soll and Lunghard, reviewing the 2014 financial audit for the benefit of the residents in concern to infrastructure.
Rich Kikuchi, partner for Lance, Soll and Lunghard, stated that Walnut’s audit took several hundred hours, coming to the conclusion that the City’s finances were correct, had no financial weaknesses and were deemed “materially correct.” Kikuchi said they are currently in preparation for their next audit of the City in August. He also mentioned that the 2015 audit will be ready sometime in November.
Mayor Nancy Tragarz then launched into several questions, bringing up her long standing questions regarding suspicious expenses and a lack of malpractice insurance for City Attorney, Michael Montgomery. Tragarz stated that she was questioning certain contracts under the need for transparency, while City Manager, Robert Wishner, stated that Walnut has always managed its finances correctly and that Lance, Soll and Lunghard have done an exemplary job auditing the City for years.
After the presentation was over, Tragarz was still blocked from setting a meeting with Kikuchi and his firm, but planned on creating a future meeting to look deeper into the policies and finances that she believes are worth taking a second look at.
The Council then moved on to its public hearing items, starting with an ordinance to modify the definition for boardinghouses or rooming houses, which are currently illegal in the City. The Council approved the ordinance after no one stepped forward to speak during public comment.
The Council also read an ordinance prohibiting parking on various City streets in the vicinity of Mount San Antonio College. Traffic Engineer, Tom Gilberton, said the new ordinance would affect Varsity Drive near Mt. SAC. He mentioned that the ordinance had been brought to the Council since residents have claimed that Mt. SAC students constantly litter in the area.
The Council approved the ordinance, banning parking on Varsity Drive.
The Council also approved an ordinance regarding permit processes for small residential rooftop solar energy systems and inspections, as well as setting a public hearing for the matter on June 24.
The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $454,469.11; a resolution to establish the 2015-16 appropriation limit; a resolution for management, general, and part-time salary schedule changes; a resolution for sewer system management plan recertification; the approval of a two-year contract with Nieves Landscape, Inc., as the City contractor for landscape maintenance in lighting and open space maintenance Zone 9 with no increase; an award of bid to Triton Communications Inc., for City-wide telephone systems; sports group requests for biannual field use for fall 2015; a bingo permit application submitted by the Walnut Senior Club and request for waiver; a request to proceed with formal bids for school crossing guard services; an approval of a one-year contract with Athletic Field Specialists for sports field maintenance at Creekside, Snow Creek and Suanne Parks; the final acceptance of the Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance, Inc. notice of completion for the CalSense Irrigation Controller Installation Project; and an award of bid to Sports Field Services for trail improvements.
The final item of the night was a Council discussion item concerning the continuance of a nuisance abatement hearing, appealing the City Manager regarding the abatement and removal of a wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive. However, the Council moved to bring the item back at a later time to discuss the item in detail.
After announcements, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 24 at 7 p.m. in chambers located at 21201 La Puente Road.
This summer, Suzanne Middle School math teacher Amy Erickson will receive a 21st century classroom makeover courtesy of OnPoint Innovative Learning Environments. Shown with Kevin Mulligan and Tiffany Chan.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut – Suzanne Middle School math teacher, Amy Erickson, has been selected for a 21st century classroom makeover, valued at $25,000. She was among hundreds of attendees at the CUE educational technology conference in March. Like most teachers, Erickson visited the vendor showcase in-between sessions.
At one particular display – OnPoint Innovative Learning Environments – Erickson struck up a conversation.
“I sat down at the booth and said ‘show me what you have’,” she explained. “We talked a lot about math and what I’d like to do in my class. Then, the owner handed me a piece of paper and said write down your dream list.”
She jotted down that she wanted a new LCD projector.
“Mine’s not very good, but we don’t have the money for a new one,” Erickson said.
OnPoint suggested that she think bigger and create a list for an ideal classroom, and to follow up after the conference. She did.
Erickson soon visited the Ontario office, and OnPoint personnel came out and visited her classroom.
“The first thing they liked is a math teacher whose classroom is not set up in rows. We like to do group work for Common Core,” Erickson said.
On May 26, OnPoint CEO, Kevin Mulligan, and Director, Tiffany Chan, made the official announcement in Erickson’s class.
“We’ll be modernizing the classroom with new projection systems and technology for your teacher and you to enjoy,” Mulligan said.
The 7th grade Algebra students cheered after hearing the amazing news.
The Walnut Valley class will receive a new projection system, an additional screen on the opposite side of room, a document camera, surround sound, software, as well as in-class support and training. The goal is for the upgrades to be complete when school starts in the fall.
“She was selected by our team,” Mulligan explained. “We loved her personality and her enthusiasm. It became really clear that we wanted to do something for this lady. It all came together with the support of the District.”
“I just thought it would be so great for the kids,” Erickson said. “I’m really glad our school got picked!”
By J.D. Alberts
Walnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”
Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service. And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:
California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998. Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted. They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration. They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.
In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol. They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.
California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com. And see their ad in this week’s issue of the Weekly News.
Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
Members of Walnut City Council present local historian, June Wentworth, with a proclamation declaring the month of May as National Historic Preservation Month.
By Raymond Mendoza
Walnut – Walnut’s City Council gathered on May 27 with a full agenda, starting out with a proclamation and ending with a spirited discussion about the amount of cell phone towers present in the City.
The Council met with Walnut Historian, June Wentworth, to proclaim the month of May as National Historic Preservation Month. Mayor Nancy Tragarz thanked Wentworth for her years of service to the City, and voiced the importance of keeping one’s history- as it delivers richness to future generations.
Wentworth – in a true historian’s fashion – gave the City back its proclamation document, claiming that she believed the document to be important historical evidence which should be preserved.
The Council then moved on to approve its May 13 meeting minutes before beginning the public hearing concerning new standards for undeveloped land along Valley Boulevard between Pierre and Suzanne roads.
The specific plan was created to establish an overlay with development standards, design guidelines, the subdivision of the undeveloped land and the adoption of a mitigated negative declaration in order to develop ten acres of land. The land is currently planned to be developed with 37single-family, detached homes, 61 single-family townhomes, the designation of 30,492 square feet of commercial land and related site improvements for three undeveloped parcels.
After input from several nearby residents thanking Shea Homes for their consideration, the Council then approved the item.
The Council next approved items concerning Ordinance No. 15-04, making a definition for boardinghouses or rooming houses within the City; and Ordinance No. 15-05, prohibiting parking on various City streets in the vicinity of Mount San Antonio College; and approval of $1,500 from the general fund reserves for special maintenance.
For the Consent Calendar, the Council approved items 5 through 15 concerning certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,301,920.29; a resolution approving the application for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for 2015, and countywide competitive grant program for the Snow Creek Park Restoration Project; approval of the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan; a resolution adopting the annual budget in the amount of $17,191,260 and capital projects budget of $1,760,000 for the fiscal year 2015-16; authorization for the City Manager to enter into an agreement with VCS Environmental to prepare an addendum to the original EIR for Three Oaks; a request for installation of speed humps on Yale Avenue; the approval of a three year contract with West Coast Arborist for Citywide tree trimming and related services with no rate increases for fiscal year 2015-16; appointments to the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee; and filing and receiving alcoholic beverage license applications for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 12 Zodiacs, Inc., Starbucks #6803, and Yosemite Wine & Spirit International Trade Group.
Item 16 on the Consent Calendar was pulled with much discussion and opposition from council members Bob Pacheco, Mary Su, and Tony Cartagena, citing issue with Mayor Pro Tem Eric Ching resigning from the Audit Committee and Tragarz appointing herself to the committee.
Pacheco claimed that it would be a conflict of interest for Tragarz to “audit herself” and that she has “failed” to do her job by not signing warrants and claims in the past.
Tragarz answered back that looking into City finances is part of her job as Mayor, and that questioning financial decisions is paramount to keep the City free from making redundant or suspicious payments. Furthermore, she noted that there is no rule or precedent prohibiting a mayor from serving on a city audit committee.
Tragarz even began raising her voice to her other Council members, stating that they are conspiring to keep her from speaking to an auditor and looking deeper into concerns about the City Attorney’s contracts.
Ching asked the Council what the harm would be in having Tragarz serve on the Auditing Committee, asking if the City had “something to hide.”
With opposition from Pacheco, Su and Cartagena, the item was denied with a 2:3 vote.
The Council then moved onto its discussion/transaction items, where Community Development Director, Tom Weiner, recommended that Item 17 – an appeal of Planning Commission conditions approval for Tentative Tract Map 49059 – go back to the Planning Commission for further analysis on July 15.
The second item was concerning initiation of a zoning code amendment to Article XXV for antennas and communication facilities. The Council approved both items.
After the announcements, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 10 at 7 p.m.in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.
Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Dressed for success! Walnut High FBLA students Cherie Chu, Amber Chen, Renee Hua, Uniss Tan, Nathan Wong, Farhan Baig, Samantha Wu, Fong Kuo, Tin Kuo, Cynthia Lu, Kevin Chen, Mindy Huang, Alvin Li, Tyler Wong, and Austin Zhou were acknowledged for their 3rd place award at the state competition. Shown with Principal Jeff Jordan and Board President Larry Redinger.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut– Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees honored outstanding students from Walnut High during the May 20 meeting.
Members of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were lauded for their outstanding 3rd place sweepstakes award in the state competition held during spring break.
“Every year they keep getting better!” said Principal Jeff Jordan. “There was a time when we wouldn’t finish in the top 10 in California.”
In the past few years, Walnut’s FBLA has emerged as a top contender in the state.
“It’s an incredible accomplishment,” Jordan added, noting the hard work and dedication by students in preparation for their events. Business teacher, Neil Jacoby, is the advisor.
“They want to win; they want to be the best!” Jordan added.
Several students will compete in the national competition this summer in Chicago.
Walnut High’s Science Olympiad brought home their best finish ever – a 4th place award – during the 2015 state finals held on Apr. 4. Physics teacher, Tony Goossens, is the advisor.
Parents Anne and David Sonner were acknowledged as the “driving force” of the program.
“Thank you for opening up your home and helping prepare our students for success!” Jordan said.
Students bring lunch to Habitat for Humanity volunteers
Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Together we can make a difference! C.J. Morris Elementary third graders delivered lunches to Habitat for Humanity volunteers on May 23. Shown with teacher Lisa Peterson.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut – C.J. Morris Elementary third graders did their part to help make a home for a U.S. veteran.
The youngsters served lunch to 20 volunteers at the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity construction site in Walnut on May 23.
Six students arrived at their school at 10 a.m. to begin making ham and cheese sandwiches and assemble the lunches during the Memorial weekend project. Then the group, with teachers and parents, walked over to the construction site at Camino De Rosa, just a few blocks away.
After they delivered the food, the children interviewed and took photos with the helpers from Southern California Gas Company during their break.
Students learned the project started last August and the house is 2,443 square feet.
“It is not a typical Habitat house,” said construction manager Louis Jimenez.
The energy-efficient home is being built for a U.S. veteran who was wounded in combat. The multi-family house will be completed sometime in the summer.
Student Eric Tapia said that he “wanted to do something special to help.”
The C.J. Morris group also toured the site wearing construction hats, of course.
“Thank you for bringing lunch!” said volunteer Carolyn Chang.
“I was exhausted until I saw these [lunches] and then I started to smile!” exclaimed volunteer Jim McInerney. “We really appreciate the support here with the food.”
Teacher Lisa Peterson organized the service project. Last week, the class collected grocery donations and decorated lunch sacks with special messages of encouragement for the volunteers.
“My main goal is that the students will go through life with a giving heart knowing that the world will be a better place because of it,” Peterson said.
One volunteer especially liked a lunch sack decorated with a blue monster truck and a “You are amazing, wonderful, and kind” message.
“I’m going to keep this on my desk at work!” Chang added.
The caring educator says she wants her students to “always have hope.”
“At some point in their life, they may be down on their luck or going through difficult times, but always to know there is someone willing to help. Who knows, it may even be a third grader!” Peterson said.
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