Tag Archives: Diamond Bar

DB Restaurant Week Starts October 5th

Staff Reports

 

Diamond Bar – Local Diamond Bar restaurants will showcase some of their most delicious cuisine in hopes of attracting new patrons when the City holds it’s now popular third annual Diamond Bar Restaurant Week (DBRW). Now, easily one of the Cities’s most anticipated f the two weeks of the year. After 2 straight years of overwhelming response the City will continue the annual soirée. Beginning next week on October 5th and running through the 21st local restaurants will entice your taste buds into trying some of their most delightful dishes. The event attracts people from surrounding areas and gives restaurants from all over the city the chance to show off their new and most popular dishes.

Enjoy the special breakfast, lunch and dinner deals that the restaurants will be offering, the catch is that each place will be holding unique deals. So relax and enjoy “no dishes to do” or “no trash to dump for the day.” There will also be exclusive one time only deals, well at least until next year. Here’s how you can get in on this year’s deals:  There are no advance tickets or coupons to purchase.  Just walk into your favorite participating restaurant and order the “Diamond Bar Restaurant Week Special”. Or if you are the adventurous type, take advantage of the discounts and try out a new restaurant.

This is also a huge opportunity for restaurant owners to bring some new guests into your business. If you would like to participate, the signup fee is $100 that is used towards marketing and advertising efforts. This includes a dedicated website; streetlight pole banners, advertisements in local newspapers, magazines and bus shelters. Promotional materials include posters, window materials and giveaways. To sign up all you need to do is go to http://www.dbrestaurant week.com and click the “Register” button in the top right corner.  Upon signing up, restaurant names are added to the DBRW website and listed on all applicable promotional materials and advertisements.

Aimed at celebrating the diverse dining options that are available within the city limits, DBRW is co-sponsored by the City of Diamond Bar as well as the Regional Chamber of Commerce- San Gabriel Valley. The following restaurants are confirmed participants and will be offering exclusive deals during DBRW: B.R.B. “Bento Rolls Bowls”, Blue Sky Café, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Curry India Bistro, Cuisine of India, Dilliwalla Indian Kitchen, Encore Teppan, It’s a Grind Coffee House, King Bap, Mandarin Taste, Mr. G’s Pizzeria & Pasta, Old Chengdu, Paper Pot Shabu, Peacock Gardens Cuisine of India & Banquet Hall, Round Table Pizza, Snowy Village Korean Dessert Café, The Attic Restaurant and Playground and Paper Pot Shabu to name a few. If you have participated in the past make sure you don’t miss this year and bring a friend.

 

Diamond Bar Students Make Their Mark

Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Dot Day! Quail Summit Elementary third graders, shown with teacher Criss Sykes, create artwork inspired by Kandinsky’s Squares with Concentric Rings watercolor

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR – Quail Summit Elementary took a spot-on approach to promoting creativity, art, and collaboration during Dot Day held September 14.

“It’s a day where we celebrate making a mark in this word, believing in yourself, and others,” said elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.

The annual event was inspired by the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynoldsabout a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.”

What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper inspires people around the world to discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.

“Dot Day is about not fearing creativity, but rather embracing it,” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

In the past few years, Dot Day has become an international celebration with over 13 million students in 178 countries participating each September.

“Students were so excited to create art on this special day!” Legind said.

The children and staff members arrived at school decked out in polka dot clothing, hats, socks and headbands, with dotted t-shirts and jeans, and even a few spotted faces.

Teachers read The Dot to their students and classrooms created canvas dot art to be featured in a unique gallery.

The Quail Summit youngsters joined an outdoor collaborative art project throughout the day by painting designs on pink, purple, blue, green, green, yellow, orange, and red circles.

Each grade level also had the opportunity to learn about famous artists such as Wassily Kandinsky who created the Squares with Concentric Rings watercolor in 1913.

Third graders in Criss Sykes class painted their own Kandinsky-inspired masterpieces.

“Dot Day inspired me because anyone can draw anything if their heart wants to,” Macie Marquez shared.

“Even simple things can be art and art doesn’t have to be perfect. It teaches us to persevere and never quit,” added classmate Ian Xia.

“We connected the dots at Quail Summit to inspire creative teaching and learning!” Legind said.

 

33 WVUSD Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut – Thirty-three Walnut Valley USD seniors from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools have been distinguished as 2019 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

Congratulations to the following teens who have been recognized for demonstrating exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies:

Diamond Bar High: Grace Ge, Samantha Hong, Wesley Ip, Christine Lee, Ryan Li, Amy Miyahara, Isaac No, Ashley Pang, Phoebe Scaccia, Andrew Seo, Alice Wang, Yuwen Wang, Keith Wong, Ted Yarmoski, Timothy Yeh, Angela Zhang, Catherine Zhang, and Christine Zhou. 

Walnut High: Angela Cao, Jeremy Chang, Ashley Chen, Flora Jin, Karen Liu, Amy Lo, Dylan Song, Jordin Wang, Justin Wang, Christopher Yang, Michelle Yee, Tiffany Yeh, Brandon Young, Alice Zhang, and Angela Zhu.

 “We are extremely proud of these 33 seniors for receiving this nationwide honor!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 “This level of success is a testament to the caliber of educational experience they are receiving at our high schools each and every day.”
More than 1.6 million students entered the Merit Program as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

High scorers were designated semifinalists, representing less than 1% of the state’s graduating class.

In total, just over 16,000 talented seniors qualified nationwide.

These students will continue to compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.

The WVUSD senior scholars will advance to the finalist level upon completion of additional requirements.

They must maintain an outstanding academic record throughout their senior year, be endorsed and recommended by their principal, submit SAT scores that confirm their earlier qualifying test, and complete an essay and scholarship application detailing their leadership and community activities.

The 2019 National Merit Scholarships will be awarded beginning in April and concluding in July.

 

Diamond Bar Students Make Their Mark

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR – Quail Summit Elementary took a spot-on approach to promoting creativity, art, and collaboration during Dot Day held September 14.

“It’s a day where we celebrate making a mark in this word, believing in yourself, and others,” said elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.

The annual event was inspired by the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynoldsabout a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.”

What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper inspires people around the world to discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.

“Dot Day is about not fearing creativity, but rather embracing it,” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

In the past few years, Dot Day has become an international celebration with over 13 million students in 178 countries participating each September.

“Students were so excited to create art on this special day!” Legind said.

The children and staff members arrived at school decked out in polka dot clothing, hats, socks and headbands, with dotted t-shirts and jeans, and even a few spotted faces.

Teachers read The Dot to their students and classrooms created canvas dot art to be featured in a unique gallery.

The Quail Summit youngsters joined an outdoor collaborative art project throughout the day by painting designs on pink, purple, blue, green, green, yellow, orange, and red circles.

Each grade level also had the opportunity to learn about famous artists such as Wassily Kandinsky who created the Squares with Concentric Rings watercolor in 1913.

Third graders in Criss Sykes class painted their own Kandinsky-inspired masterpieces.

“Dot Day inspired me because anyone can draw anything if their heart wants to,” Macie Marquez shared.

“Even simple things can be art and art doesn’t have to be perfect. It teaches us to persevere and never quit,” added classmate Ian Xia.

“We connected the dots at Quail Summit to inspire creative teaching and learning!” Legind said.

 

Full STEAM Ahead!

South Pointe students learn coding from ‘Scratch’

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar–South Pointe Middle School 7th graders are immersed in learning coding concepts in a STEAM 2 course.

This week, students have been busy designing interactive stories and games with Scratch, an online programming community.

“All students, some having no experience with coding, are given an opportunity to be creative with the smallest of details about their game or story and it is amazing to see what they can do,” said technology teacher Crystal Dira.

Students have been experimenting with ideas as they drag and drop programming blocks to create movement and animation effects.

“Our project is like a Flappy Bird game,” Trey Rosales and Jas Singh explained on Wednesday.

“There’s a bat that’s traveling across these trees while trying to get to the end of the level,” Rosales said.

Another design team, Helena Tran and Aayati Sangal, collaborated to create a catching game with balls and meow sound-effects.

“You can’t catch the orange ball!” Sangal exclaimed.

Throughout the year, students will participate in numerous hands-on activities and projects that integrate the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

STEAM 2 students will also be coding robots along with stop-motion animation, music, and short story videos.

The class has been designed to expose students to both to Engineering/Computer Science and Video Production which are two different paths in Technology available for 8th grade students.

“They really are using technology to create their future,” Dira said.

 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy Program

Staff Reports

Walnut/Diamond Bar -Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over a 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

Chaparral DBL Students Team Up For Hands-On Learning

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR, CA—Chaparral Middle School students were given a design challenge that took some imagination during the second week of school. Seventh graders in the Design-Based Learning (DBL) core were tasked with building a wall perch for a two-inch pompom named Harry. The innovative designs needed to have good visibility (so the tiny ball of fluff could see every face in the class), be safe so he wouldn’t fall off, and feature creative architecture. After learning about the engineering process, scientific method, and DBL process, students compared and contrasted the systems using Venn diagram circles. “They realized there are a lot of similarities,” said science teacher Jennifer Najera. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) integrates the engineering design process as an important element in science. “I think the engineering process helps people think creatively about problems and is a great way to tackle just about any project!” she said. With just two class periods to complete the assignment, the small groups quickly got busy planning, building, testing, and improving their designs. Teams needed to make creations come alive using limited resources of cardstock, construction paper, tape, glue, plastic cup, rubber band, plastic spoon, and paper clip.

On Monday, groups presented the crafty projects in front of classmates who would later be voting for the design that best met the criteria. One group created a hot air balloon that gave Harry a 360-degree view of the class. Another showed off a three-tier hideaway featuring a rubber band swing, windows, and throne. “We kept him safe by adding walls and made sure he could see, but not fall off,” said Nathan Chang. Another team added a hammock to Harry’s cozy home. “We really liked the idea of having a hammock for Harry,” said Clarissa Lee Baladejo. “We thought it would be cool and didn’t think anyone else would make one out of a spoon, rubber band, and paper!” “And there’s a slide on the back so Harry can roll down from his throne into his home!” added Mikaya Griego. She shared that the final project had noticeably changed from the original plan. “It had a cage on top to hang the swing from – but that didn’t work!” “It wasn’t easy, but in the end, it came together!” Lee Baladejo added. “The winner of the Good Design Award will be on display all year so that Harry can watch over my students!” Najera said. The innovative DBL program launched at the Diamond Bar school nearly 20 years ago has been recognized with a prestigious Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association.“A lot of times people think all we do is build in DBL,” said Najera who emphasized that students make connections to their designs using standards across multiple curricular areas.“Attaching content to each project allows students to create deeper meaning and retain information longer,” she added. The inaugural class assignment this year, called Never Before Seen, in which students created pintsize art objects to subtly illustrate their unique personality and interests. The 35 projects ranged from colorful designs with spiral shapes to dark geometric models. “This is the core of DBL,” Najera said standing at the display. “If you were just to look at it, you wouldn’t know the meaning.”The Chaparral students said they prefer the collaborative style of learning.“It’s really cool how we have a lot of hands-on projects and it’s really good for different types of learners,” said Aslin Choi. “I’m a picture-smart person and I love working with people!” “We have a lot of group projects in DBL,” said Ryan Wallace, a second-year student in the specialized core. “Last year we used green screens, made films, and did a news broadcast,” he added. “It’s better than doing it by the book. It makes the learning fun and not boring!”

 

Man Found Dead on Brea Canyon Road

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The body of a 24-year-old Rowland Heights man, Javier Jose Velasquez Grimaldo, was found at approximately 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, August 27 on Brea Canyon Road near the southbound Orange (57) Freeway in Diamond Bar. The CHP reported that the man had sustained serious head injuries.

The California Highway Patrol’s investigation into the accident concluded that he had been involved in a rollover crash.  Grimaldo then tried to gain entry to an occupied Freightliner big rig truck but the truck driver didn’t let him in and drove off but said he heard banging on the truck according to CHP reports.

The CHP’s initial investigation stated that Javier Jose Velasquez Grimaldo was driving his 2004 Mazda 3 on the southbound 57 Freeway at about 4 a.m The Mazda veered left, for unknown reasons,  just south of Brea Canyon Road, then hit the center divider and flipped over several times before finally coming to a rest on the right shoulder.

California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told reporters that Grimaldo took off running down Brea Canyon Road. Other reports say that Grimaldo also tried to force his way onto the Freightliner truck that was parked with the engine running.

Whether the man’s death was related to the crash or discovered as a result of it was part of the investigation is still unknown according to CHP reports.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of the 57 freeway were closed temporarily, and Brea Canyon Road to Tonner Canyon was shut down south of Diamond Bar Boulevard Monday morning during the investigation.

All lanes had been reopened before 8 a.m.

 

Sobriety Checkpoint In Diamond Bar Nets Two Arrests

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock
Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers.

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR – During this past weekend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted an overnight driver’s license/sobriety checkpoint in the city of Diamond Bar. The 32 hour checkpoint produced two arrests, the Sheriff’s department reported on Saturday. One of the people that were arrested was booked on suspicion of drunk driving. The 2nd motorist was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, the Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported. Deputies also issued one citation.

The checkpoint at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that 838 vehicles were stopped and diligently screened at the checkpoint.

Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers. These are usually set up during times when impaired driving is known to happen, such as holiday weekends.

Due to legal issues surrounding their use, not all states conduct sobriety checkpoints. Some states have laws authorizing their use. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found sobriety checkpoints to be constitutionally permissible, ten states, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have found that sobriety roadblocks violate their own state constitutions or have outlawed them.

Deputy for a Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Five year old David Corrales was honored to be “Deputy for a Day” at the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. “It was sort of an impromptu situation, I got a call from a friend of mine who was a former commander on the force that a teachers grandson wants to be a police officer,” said Captain Reyes. David showed up dressed in his own law enforcement uniform so Captain Reyes pulled out the red Carpet for the young man. Captain Reyes with the help of a couple of deputies gave David a tour of the station, let him visit dispatch and he was given a ride in a radio car. Captain Reyes said he had an experience when he was in the 6th grade that cemented he desire to go into law enforcement. The school had a safety assembly about looking both ways before crossing the street, a highway patrol officer gave a riveting presentation. “The officer picked me out to take a ride in the patrol car to show us that a car isn’t able to stop on a dime. We got in the car, sped down the street, slammed on the brakes and came to a skidding stop about 50 feet later.  “That childhood memory has stuck with me all these years, so I took the opportunity to give another young man a childhood memory of his own in hopes that it may make an impression enough for him to take the same path,” said Reyes. David was sworn in by Capt. Reyes as an honorary deputy for a day while he was at the station. Everybody at the station would like to extend our gratitude to David Corrales for visiting our station and wanting to follow in the footsteps of our deputies.

Diamond Bar Boulevard Streetscape Project

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is planning a city wide beautification process, the newest streetscape improvements will be on Diamond Bar Boulevard. The goal is to to enhance the look and function of the medians, crosswalks, and sidewalks that are between the 60 Freeway and Golden Springs Drive.

Proposed Improvements will include but aren’t limited to new plantings, furnishings, colored concrete paving, lighting, monument signs and other decorative accents that will enhance visual interest while continuing to pay tribute to the area’s ranching heritage.

Diamond Bar Boulevard, between the Pomona (SR-60) Freeway and Golden Springs Drive is the area that will be the main focus for this project. Currently the project is in the early design phase. The ground breaking ceremony is anticipated to begin in 2018 and continue into 2019.

This project is part of the Diamond Bar City Council’s larger Citywide Streetscape Enhancement Plan. The goal of this long-term plan is to invest in streetscape enhancement projects – as funds and/or opportunities arise beginning with prominent locations around town that will include key entry points and areas along major the city’s main thoroughfares.  The ultimate goal will be to create a distinctive, cohesive and attractive identity for the city that instills a sense of pride and belonging in community members and provides a sense of arrival for place for visitors.

The new design brings a Sustainable Element for long term maintenance ease and longevity. Improvements to the median strip will include swales – partly rock lined, partly vegetated are designed to capture, convey, filter and infiltrate storm water runoff.

Questions

Contact the City’s Public Works Department at 909-839-7040 or email Public Works.

 

DB City Council Seeks Candidates to Fill Open Seats

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, November 6, the City of Diamond Bar will hold a general municipal election to fill three Diamond Bar City Council seats. The nomination period for this election opened Monday, July 16 and closes Friday, August 10. If an incumbent does not file nomination papers by the closing date, this period will be extended to Wednesday, August 15.

Anyone interested in running for one of the three available seats on the City Council, needs to contact the Diamond Bar City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment to take out nomination papers and receive a candidates’ handbook full of important information. You can reach the City Clerk’s office by calling 909-839-7010, Their office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Appointments will be available beginning July 16 and should take approximately 30 minutes. There is a $25 processing fee for the nomination papers and all of the other election-related materials you will be given.

The following requirements must be met in order to become a candidate for one of the City Council seats: candidates must be a U.S. citizen of at least 18 years of age, a resident of Diamond Bar, and be a registered voter in the City of Diamond Bar. For any additional information, you can log on to the City’s website at: https://www.diamondbarca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=131.

Diamond Bar DUI Checkpoint Nets 6 Arrests

Photo: wklaw.com
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road.

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road. The Checkpoint was operational between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Checkpoint locations are well thought out and placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Making sure the location has the greatest safety possible for officers and the public is also a large part of the equation.

California has seen a disturbing increase in the number of drug-impaired driving accidents in recent years. The LASD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Taking prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label may cause impairment enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers show that 30 percent of drivers in fatal accidents had one or more drugs in their system. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, only slightly more than alcohol.

One driver wanted for an injury Hit and Run on Interstate 5 was detained at the Checkpoint. He was turned over to the California Highway Patrol and arrested for felony DUI and Hit and Run charges.

415 Vehicles Screened
1 DUI Alcohol impaired suspect arrested
1 DUI Drugs (Marijuana) impaired suspect arrested
4 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked

With all the technology today and the promotions for designated driver there isn’t any reason to be driving drunk. Before your next night out on the town check out the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app give information on nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver. Anything from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more are made available. Who doesn’t want free food and refreshments?  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving under the influence can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting other DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrol in the future in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

AS A DRIVER TAKE SOME TIME TO PLAN AHEAD USING THESE TIPS:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins

Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver

Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Reserve deputy program

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

Diamond Bar Restaurant Closed By Health Board

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Cockroach, dirt and debris found near hanging ducks at Diamond Bar restaurant, and other health inspections in the San Gabriel Valley

Not only did a health inspector find numerous live and dead cockroaches during a visit to a Chinese restaurant in Diamond Bar, she also discovered filthy conditions and shut it down.

Facilities are graded with a number and letter score much like school report cards.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection score. Results like those will usually result in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Health department, the Pasadena health agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The inspector, employed at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department paid a visit to Jade House Seafood & BBQ on June 18. She noted on a report filed with the agency that there was cockroach infestation as well as several other health code violations. The duck roasting station itself was noted for having:

One adult cockroach (living)

A heavy build up of dirt and debris on the shelf and cooking equipment

An employee’s hot beverage

There was also a lot of dust, debris and dirt on the fan being used to cool the hanging ducks. The restaurant received a score of 76 and was shut down. As of publication, it had not been allowed to reopen.

Lemon Avenue Interchange is Nearing Completion

Photo: City of Diamond Bar
The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in June. The multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in July. This will bring the project to a close the key multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

The planning and design of the major three-legged Lemon Avenue Interchange project began more than 15 years ago with meetings and discussions. The groundbreaking ceremony was way back in September 2016, however the project’s history extends back more than 50 years. In March 1968, plans for the construction of an interchange at Lemon Avenue were included in a Freeway Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the State. Those plans never came to fruition because in the end there was just a lack of funding.

The Cities of Diamond Bar and Industry in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration should all be applauded for the gargantuan efforts made to move the project forward. Last month the westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp from Lemon Avenue to SR-60 was opened to the public. It is anticipated that the eastbound on-ramp and an auxiliary lane to SB SR-57 will open sometime in June. Part of the project plans called for the existing freeway ramps near Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive to be permanently closed.

The opening of the new interchange at Lemon Avenue and elimination of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive will help address congestion and safety issues both on the freeway and on nearby surface streets. It will provide a more direct freeway access for delivery trucks heading into and leaving local industrial areas. It will also make it easier and safer for drivers traveling east on the SR-60 to merge onto the southbound SR-57.

For additional information and construction updates on this project, visit www.theaceproject.org or call 888.223.1426.

 

Sheriff Explorer Graduation

Photo:LASD
(from left to Right) The Grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. Also pictured Sgt. Saldecke and Capt. Reyes

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar-It is that time of year and graduation is in the air, on June 16, Explorer Academy Class 100 had it’s graduating ceremonies. The grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. The Academy is an 18 week long physically and mentally challenging course that requires dedication, motivation and discipline. To complete it the young explorers must complete 184 hours of lectures, demonstrations, presentations, defensive tactics, and leadership development.

 

The Sheriff’s Department Explorer Program is for young men and women interested in a career in law enforcement or community service. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21 to qualify. Explorers will get assigned to work at numerous community events during the course of the year. They will perform non-hazardous duties, such as foot patrols and KidPrint. KidPrint is a program that provides parents a confidential way of recording their child’s vital identification information and a physical description card of their children, for their records. The Explorers will be invited to events throughout the year to perform Color Guard ceremonies for the Cities of Walnut, Diamond Bar, and Relay for Life events. They also will have the privilege to experience ride-a-longs with deputies in the communities we provide services to.

For additional information regarding the Explorer Program, please contact the Explorer Coordinator at 909-595-2264.

 

 

LASD Now Has An App to Connect with the Community

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce its new and innovative mobile application. The Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the nation to use a mobile application to connect to the community with information and resources.

The app is available in the Apple and Android app stores, is free to the public and provides access to the latest news, photos, videos, events, alerts, and crime information wherever you are. The application also allows two-way communications using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. It also includes a special feature for submitting anonymous tips to the Department; you will even be able to file a crime report from the convenience of your Smartphone.

The Sheriff’s department knows it needs to stay current with technology if they want to live up to their motto of providing a tradition of service. This new technology will help provide information that could help the community find answers and work with in tandem with LASD to fight crime. The mobile app empowers everyone who lives, works, or visits the County of Los Angeles to have access to the Sheriff’s Department on their right on their smartphones.

Some of the Features Included in the Application Include:

• NOW HIRING: Check out one of the many career opportunities with the LASD and start the process of joining our team, right from your Smartphone.
• ALERTS: You can sign up for alerts that will be delivered directly to your cell phone.
• SUBMIT A TIP: Be the eyes and ears of the LASD by submitting anonymous tips to help fight crime or report suspicious activity in your neighborhoods.
• CONTACT US: Send a non-emergency question directly to LASD 24/7.
• INMATE INFORMATION: Locate information on someone in custody or schedule a visit.
• EVENT CALENDAR: Find out what events are occurring across the county with LASD and schedule them right to your calendar.
• CRIME MAPS: View maps of criminal activity in your neighborhoods or across the county.
• PRESS RELEASES: You can view all official press releases sent out by LASD through the Newsroom.
• DIRECTORY: Our directory provides you with a list of contact numbers within our Department and allows you to quickly connect through your phone.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: You will have access to all LASD’s social media platforms through our app.
• FILE A REPORT: You will be able to make certain types of crime reports directly from your mobile device.
• LINKS: Click on “Links” to find information about other County departments and area agencies.

More helpful features will be added in the near future, please select automatic updating when you download the application. You will find the app in the Apple and Android app stores by searching “Los Angeles County Sheriff’ “or “LASD”.  Or visit www.LASDapp.com

If you have any questions regarding the use of this new application, please visit http://www.lasd.org/contact_info.html The application is powered by, and developed in collaboration with, ApexMobile, Inc. www.ApexMobile.net

Household Hazardous, E-Waste Recycle Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar –  The City of Diamond Bar wants all Los Angeles County residents to know that a free Household Hazardous(HHW) and E- waste Recycling Roundup event will be provided by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County on Saturday June 23. Residents will have the opportunity to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste.

This free event will be held at Pomona Fairplex L.A. County Fair Hotel & Exposition Complex at 2118 N. White Avenue, Gate 9, Pomona from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Example items will be accepted for disposal at this one day event include; TV’s, Microwaves, Air Conditioners, Computers, motor oil, oil filters, pesticides, expired pharmaceuticals, anti-freeze, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.

Items that will not be accepted: Business Waste, Tires, Ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, trash, Empty Drums, refrigerators, stoves and washing machines or controlled substances.

Los Angeles County residents may utilize the mobile, one-day collection event to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste free of charge.

Make sure to bring proof that you are a resident of Los Angeles County. Please make sure to bring all items in a sturdy box, preferable in their original labeled containers.

There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous wasted accepted per trip.

Residents are responsible for unloading their own items.

For additional information please visit: http://ladpw.org/general/enotifyCalendar/Calendar.aspx

Woman Convicted of Murdering 6 in Wrong-Way Crash on 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The driver in a tragic high-speed, wrong-way accident that left six people dead — among them the driver’s sister — along the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar four years ago, plead no contest to several counts of murder, according to court records.

Olivia Carolee Culbreath, who was only 21 when she drove her 2013 Chevrolet Camaro east down the freeway’s westbound lanes and slammed head-on into a Ford Explorer. Culbreath now 25 killed four people from three generations of one Huntington Park family and the two passengers in her own vehicle.

The gruesome accident, which had bodies ejected from the vehicles and strewn all about the roadway, gained national attention.

There weren’t any DUI charges filed against Culbreath even though evidence showed her blood alcohol concentration stood at .15 percent three hours after the collision, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said Culbreath had been driving the wrong way on the 57 Freeway even before getting onto the 60 Freeway early that fateful Sunday morning in February of 2014.

The force her vehicle created when it slammed into the family’s 1998 Explorer ejected all four of its passengers: Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; their daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado. Mejia-Martinez and Delgado died at the scene, while Ibarra and Mejia died some time later at the hospital.

Culbreath’s two passengers, her older sister Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, and their friend Kristin Melissa Young, 21, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Culbreath and a 57-year-old man in a third vehicle that became swept up in the wreck survived the accident. Both sustained minor injuries; Culbreath was in the hospital for nearly a month with a broken femur and ruptured bladder.

Witnesses told investigators the Camaro had been racing down the freeway at speeds in excess of 100 mph shortly before the accident occurred. Evidence that alcohol may have played a part in this tragedy was also found at the scene.

Culbreath had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in 2010, when she was a 17 year old minor, in San Bernardino juvenile court, according to reports.

Prosecutors stated she had previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when she was involved in another accident. At that time she was warned by the court about the dangers of her behavior. She was informed that further offenses could result in murder charges and prison time.

Restrictions that had been placed on her license in relation to a different intoxicated driving case, were lifted the week before the fatal accident took place, the DMV confirmed.

Her older sister’s license was suspended at the time of the fatal collision following multiple DUI convictions of her own, the Times reported.

Culbreath entered her no contest plea to six counts of second-degree murder Tuesday after previously pleading not guilty to murder charges on two occasions.

She is expected to return to court for sentencing Sept. 7 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.