Tag Archives: Diamond Bar City

New Diamond Bar Council Sworn In

Courtesy of City of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar introduces new Mayor Nancy Lyons, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and congratulates Council Members Carol Herrera and Ruth Low for taking the oath of office Dec. 1.

Courtesy of City of Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar introduces new Mayor Nancy Lyons, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and congratulates Council Members Carol Herrera and Ruth Low for taking the oath of office Dec. 1.

Ruth Low joins city’s governing body

Staff Reports

 

Diamond Bar – Ruth Low was sworn in as the new Diamond Bar City Council member Monday evening, Dec. 1 at the city council chambers.

Also sworn in were Mayor Nancy Lyons, who begins her first term as mayor in January, Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Lin and Councilmember Carol Herrera, entering her sixth term on the city’s governing body.
Former Congressman and Diamond Bar Mayor Gary Miller made it official and swore in Carol Herrera to her sixth four-year term. First elected to the council in 1995, Herrera said she looks forward to working with Low.
Low was next to be sworn in by her husband. She defeated retired police officer Robert Nishimura in the November municipal election. She takes over the seat vacated by 10-year councilmember Jack Tanaka, who retired this month. Low, a criminal prosecutor, has volunteered for the city in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. Most recently, she served the city’s planning commissioner.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the council presented Steve Tye with a gavel for serving as mayor. Lyons also presented Tye with his own personalized bobblehead doll to remember his year as mayor.
“It was an honor and privilege to serve as mayor and always a pleasure to serve this great city,” Tye said.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR – The Aug. 20 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update from the City staff, announcing plans for a City clock on a street median on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue.

The announcement was followed by a plethora of presentations, the first to Gary Miller upon his retirement from the US House of Representatives. Miller has resided in the same home since 1979. He was one of the first elected councilmembers for Diamond Bar, and even helped resident’s petition for cityhood.

Alex Lee was presented a Certificate of Recognition for being named Leo of the Year for his efforts in volunteer and humanitarian work with Diamond Bar High School’s Leo Club, which was also earned an Excellence Award for humanitarian efforts, fundraising, and volunteer efforts.

Next, October 2015 was proclaimed National Cyber Security Awareness Month, to spread awareness about the damaging effects of poor cyber security. Residents were encouraged to learn more about cyber security at www.stopthinkconnect.org, as poor cyber security can affect not only personal life, but also businesses.

Finally, there was a presentation on the importance of voting, and all eligible residents were encouraged to vote in the upcoming Nov. 3 election. People eligible to vote can register to vote and learn more about voting at www.lavote.net.

The City was then introduced to the new Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief, former Diamond Bar resident Jim Robinson. A report was then presented concerning the imminent El Niño season, and residents were warned of strong storms and the possibility for flooding. Residents were advised to clear out v-ditches, drains and rain gutters of debris; to check their roofs for leaks; and most importantly, have a Family Evacuation Plan in the case of flooding.

During the public comments, representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events, such as: on Oct 24. at 2 p.m., Lisa See will be at the Diamond Bar Public Library to discuss her book, “China Dolls,” followed by a book signing; a workshop for toddlers on Oct. 28 at 11 a.m., allowing a fun time for parents to play with their children; and finally a Halloween Spooktacular Party with the Wacko Show, on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.

Following the public comments, the schedules of future events was read as follows: the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.; the Halloween Haunted House is on Oct. 30 and 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park, 2900 S Brea Canyon Rd.; election day is on Nov. 3, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including the Council minutes from Oct. 6, and a check register for $1,924,665.07.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the APMD Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim
Diamond Bar – The Oct. 6 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The project, designed to exhibit and enhance the beauty of Diamond Bar, will not be completed until the end of November. Following the update on the project, the Council welcomed Crunch Gym, on 1132 South Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar’s new business of the month for October 2015. A presentation was then given, detailing the construction of Diamond Canyon Park, estimated to be complete by summer of 2016.

The City also welcomed its new Associate Planner May Nakajima. Nakajima previously worked for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, where she began as a planning aid while interning during her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and was promoted to Assistant Planner after graduating. She has worked a wide variety of different projects, and the city of Diamond Bar is excited to have her on their team.

During the public comments, the 2015 Miss Diamond Bar Alexandra Ornelas, announced that she will be representing Diamond Bar in the 2016 Miss Teen California. On Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Chili’s of Diamond Bar will be holding a fundraiser to help Ornelas in her endeavors, and she and her court will be present to greet and seat attendees.

Representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library also announced several events, such as the Read Together program, with the book China Dolls by Lisa See for adults, Farewell to Manzanar by Wakatsuki Houstin for teens, and Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee. On Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., children ages 6-10 can enjoy an origami class; on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., the library will be swinging with swing dance; on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. children ages 6-10 can meet and discuss Nim and the War Effort; on Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. teens can meet and discuss Farewell to Manzanar; and on Oct. 24 Lisa See will be discussing her book, China Dolls.

Another resident announced the Inland Valley Partners’ Walk for the Hungry on Oct 11. Registration begins at noon, and various fun and games, such as face painting, as well as an In-n-Out truck will be available.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read: the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including: the Planning Commission minutes from Aug. 25; a check register totalling $1,050,048.64; the Treasurer’s Statement for August 2015; a contract for annual property tax consult and audit services with HDL Coren & Cone for the 2015/16 through 2020/21 for $12,240; a contract amendment with Fehrs & Peers for citywide traffic data collection; and a contract amendment with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to replace turf with drought tolerant planting materials and mulch in medians along Diamond Bar Blvd and retrofit irrigation systems to meet state Water Board requirements for $539,465.46.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Diamond Bar: Council Corner-Dangerous Parking Area

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Diamond Bar – At the latest Diamond Bar City Council meeting on Feb. 4, the council heard and adopted a second reading of an ordinance establishing a hotel zoning district on the parcels bounded by Grand Avenue and the 57/60 freeways to allow for future hotel constructions, among other items in a packed agenda. They also heard concerns from a resident regarding a dangerous parking area at Evergreen Elementary School.
The meeting started with the City recognizing the new business of the month, Chase Bank. Representatives from the bank, which is the third branch to open in the city, received a certificate plaque for their contributions. Amidst the features unique to the bank are its drive-up tellers. According to representatives, the bank also ranks as the number one Small Business Administration (SBA) loan lender.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Council was made aware of a recent change to the school traffic plan where parents are no longer allowed to follow the plan in regard to dropping off children on the red zone in front of Evergreen Elementary School at the load and unload zone for buses. Several vehicles have been issued traffic violation tickets in the area.
A narrow area close to kindergarten classrooms and a play yard presents a danger zone around a 10-foot perimeter of the school busses, according to parents who asked the City to fix and expedite the problem. Since the busses are elevated, it would be dangerous for a driver to go into the driveway because he would not see the kids playing in the area. Parents asked for the curb to be painted red for loading and unloading.
City staff representatives called the high traffic area “chaotic,” especially during congested peak drop off and pick up times. They indicated the school district is working to resolve some of the issues and warned that utilizing the red curb zone in front of the school is not legal, but parents have been known to do so. The City has hired a traffic consultant and is working with the school district on the issue.
In other actions, the Council approved the consent calendar by a 5-0 vote, including a ratification of a check register dated Jan. 16 through Jan. 29, totaling more than $831,000, and approving the treasurer’s statement for the month of December 2013. The council also awarded a contract to Onward Engineering for the Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Stonepine Drive.
The council heard a second reading of an ordinance establishing a hotel zoning district on the parcels bounded by Grand Avenue and the 57/60 freeways. Ordinance No. 01 (2014) establishing the hotel overlay zoning district and amending the City’s official zoning map to designate the zone as a hotel overlay was unanimously approved.
At their previous meeting, the Council discussed the merits of possible construction of a hotel at the former Honda Automotive site near the on-ramp of the 56 and 60 freeways. It was deemed then as the best possible use of the land to benefit the City’s goals and objectives.
The Council also adopted a resolution by a 3-2 vote to subdivide air space for a 19-unit office condominium located at 660 N. Diamond Bar. The 2,666 square foot project includes 78 parking spaces, medical offices and common spaces.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is on Feb. 18 at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

Diamond Bar: Four Rewarded For Reporting Crime

ANAPR STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar Report for Reward Program

“Report For Reward” Program rewards local Diamond Bar residents.

Diamond Bar – Four Diamond Bar residents were recently rewarded $500 each for reporting suspicious activity that lead to the arrest of three suspected burglars.

The financial awards were approved by a committee consisted of a sworn member of the Sheriff’s Department and Diamond Bar City staff under the Report for Reward program that went into effect Nov. 15, 2013.

The Report for Reward program aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary, according to the City newsletter. The program is open to everyone, but City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

Citizen Barbara DeCarbo was recognized as the first recipient of the Report for Reward program and was thanked for her services to the city at the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.

At the meeting, DeCarbo described the incident she reported to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. She said she was home one September afternoon when saw a man walking on the sidewalk in front of her neighbor’s home and then walk to the side of the house to the backyard. Knowing that her neighbors weren’t home, she called the Police to give them information about the suspicious man and the suspicious vehicle that had been driving back and forth on her street. Sheriff Deputies responded quickly, which resulted in three male suspects being arrested that day.

DeCarbo then asked the community to please get to know their neighbors and get involved. The City Council agreed and Mayor Carol Herrera added that with 16,000 residential units in the city, it is impossible to have a deputy patrol each one.

The City website also states that one of the best ways to safeguard your neighborhood against burglaries is to get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other’s property. “The more eyes you have looking for suspicious or criminal activity, the better protected you and your neighbors will be against burglaries.” It also says to make sure to also trust your instincts, and immediately call the Sheriff’s Station if something does not look or feel right.

Suspicious activity that should always be reported includes unfamiliar persons on foot, bicycle, or vehicle driving through residential streets below the speed limit or lingering in an area, seemingly without a purpose. City officials say that when calling the Sheriff’s Station (909) 595-2264 (9-1-1 if the burglary is in progress or it is an emergency), try to provide as much as information as you can about what you are observing, such as description of the individuals, and the car color, make, model and, if possible, a license plate number.

The City also asks to consider joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group in your area by calling Community Relations Deputy Aaron Scheller at (909) 839-7079.

The Report for Reward program was established after being approved by the Diamond Bar City Council – by way of Ordinance No. 08(2013) – during its regular meeting of October 1, 2013.

To encourage wider participation in the Report for Reward program, City staff and Sheriff’s deputies in late November 2013 met with Diamond Bar employees the United States Postal Service and the City’s contract street sweeping company to inform them of the program and guide them on how to detect suspicious behavior while out in the field, according to the newsletter. Additional meetings are planned with other City vendors and area service providers in the coming weeks. Community groups who would like a presentation on the Report for Reward program may contact City Hall at 909.839.7000.

For more information about the program, including answers to frequently-asked questions, please visit the City website at diamondbarca.gov/RFR.