Tag Archives: Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar Senior Health Fair

Courtesy of City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR – The City of Diamond Bar is hosting its annual Health Fair & Flu Shot Clinic for adults age 55 and older on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Diamond Bar Center.
Attendees will have a chance to visit with various health vendors and service providers with information and answers to questions regarding a variety of topics ranging from healthcare plans to senior living options. There will also be health screenings, demonstrations and giveaways, as well as free flu shots administered on a first-come, first-served basis by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Admission is free and open to the public; however, those wishing to receive a flu shot must pre-register by calling 909-839-7068 before the event date.  Diamond Bar Center is located at1600 Grand Avenue.

Diamond Bar: The Skin Of Our Teeth

Thorton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play Makes Its Way to DBHS Stage

 

Courtesy of Diamond Bar High School Drama Department
DIAMOND BAR –The Diamond Bar High School Theatre Company begins its fall season with a performance of Thornton Wilder’s play The Skin of Our Teeth in the DBHS Theatre, with show times at November 6, 7, 13 & 14 at 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for students; at the door adult tickets are $14 and students are $12. Tickets are available online at seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.

Written immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Skin of Our Teeth is an allegory dealing with themes of human nature, human struggle, and humanity’s search for higher purpose and meaning in times of turbulence. The story follows the trials and tribulations faced by the Antrobuses, a sort of “Everyman Family,” whose members are archetypes found throughout human societies. Though the story is imbued with the concerns of America at the inception of its involvement in WWII and allusions to biblical characters, its themes of recurring violence and the effects of hedonistic lack of concern with the consequences of humanity’s actions speak to the current concerns of modern audiences in the turbulent beginnings of the 21st century.   The audience’s glimpse into the lives of the Antrobus family and their struggle for survival in a world on the precipice of ending, gives insight into the boldness and resilience of the human spirit.  Wilder’s play sees humanity as Phoenix-like ever rising from the ashes and never giving up hope for a better future.  Though the play deals with heavy themes, its anachronistic self-referential, theatrical approach is still fresh and packed with very funny moments.

Advanced Theatre Arts students at Diamond Bar High School work in a company structure to create and produce all aspects of their shows from design, to set construction, to publicity and performance.  Students are working hard to achieve high production values since this is the first time that a DBHS production has been submitted for adjudication by the California Educational Theatre Association.  The production will highlight the play’s theatricality by featuring several elements of audience participation that seek to immerse the audience into the drama and make them part of the creative process.

Celebrated playwright, Paula Vogel, has written, “For an American dramatist, all roads lead back to Thornton Wilder…The Skin of Our Teeth was a remarkable gift to an America entrenched in catastrophe, a tribute to the trait of human endurance.”

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.

Walnut Valley Students Join Global Shakeout Earthquake Drill

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Diamond Bar High drama students took part in today’s Great Shakeout earthquake drill, playing victims in triage units around the campus.

 

Diamond Bar – On Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m., the alarm sounded at Diamond Bar High School.

It was time for the annual Great California Shakeout earthquake drill and students and staff prepared to take action.

On cue, they immediately dropped and took cover under their desks and tables, and held on to something sturdy for one-minute.

Then the classes went to three designated areas around the campus to take roll call.

The school also practiced their emergency response plans with search and rescue and medical evaluation drills.

Beginning drama students were on hand in staged triage areas to help act out roles as earthquake victims. They took their parts seriously, researching and practicing prior to the earthquake drill.

Photo: Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo: Courtesy of WVUSD
Coleen Gee’s art history class students dropped under their desks and took cover during the minute-long drill on October 15.

“It’s always necessary to have these types of drills because it helps the site prepare for disasters – especially here in earthquake-prone California,” said Assistant Principal John Terry. “So the more we can practice, the safer and more prepared we’ll be.”

A special thanks to Chase Paulson, Terry Guest, Lorraine Gomes, Doug Medford, Beatrice Casagran, USB and Drama students, and all the staff and volunteers who made the school-wide event a success.

“Practicing these drills supports and reinforces the importance of emergency care in a disaster until medical assistance is available,” said school nurse Terry Guest, who led one of the triage units.

The drill began as the Great California ShakeOut in 2008, but now the annual earthquake drill has gone global.

More than 22 million people worldwide, including 10.5 million Californians signed up to simultaneously practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” this year, the safety protocol recommended by experts during an earthquake.

All 15 Walnut Valley Unified School District campuses and the District Office took part in the Great Shakeout.

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Freshman Zoe Marquez gets in character with an arm injury. School nurse Terri Guest, teachers Stephanie Green, and Beatrice Casagran access the situation.

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: Teaching Kindness

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Chaparral Middle School teacher, Sherry Robertson, with students Noah Macalino and Ashley Jong, completed 40 random acts of kindness.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Chaparral Middle School teacher, Sherry Robertson, with students Noah Macalino and Ashley Jong, completed 40 random acts of kindness.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – When Chaparral Middle School teacher Sherry Robertson turned 40 this year, she didn’t want gifts or a party. Instead, she decided to complete 40 random acts of kindness to mark the day.

“I wanted to do something original and when I mentioned it to my students they thought it was a great idea and wanted to join in.”

The educator made a spreadsheet to share her ideas with the 6th Graders. Her goal was for volunteers to complete acts individually and then meet at a local shopping mall for the remaining gifts of kindness.

Three students joined the compassion day in honor of Robertson’s 40th birthday on Aug. 8.

7th Grader Ashley Jong, 12, baked chocolate chip cookies and delivered to staff members at the Diamond Bar Library and Kaiser Emergency Room.

“I’ve watched my mom bake cookies, but this was my first time. They were good!” she recalled.

Classmate Noah Macalino, 12, chose to open doors for strangers.

“I really like helping people and it’s fun to do!“ he said.

Student Ethan Yee was on vacation with his family in Las Vegas and also completed two acts of kindness.  He presented a surprise gift card to a hard-working waitress and made a charity donation.

Jong also left a shovel and pail and bottles of bubbles at a local park with a note that read, “Please enjoy this random act of kindness and pass it on!”

The do-gooders took photos of their kindness acts to document the day.

“Every act included a note with the social media hashtag, “RAKbirthday2015, so people could check out the pictures,” Robertson said.

In total, completing 40 Random Acts of Kindness birthday took over eight hours. Robertson and her family covered the community with kindness.  She had the help of her husband, Mario, and son Riley, a Quail Summit kindergartner.

“It has always been a priority for me to help my son grow up in an environment where he learns helping others is the norm,” Robertson said.

They handed out crayons and coloring books to children in a hospital emergency waiting room.  The family brought thank you photos to a caring fire chief, and left laundry soap, fabric softener and quarters at a local Laundromat.

“Enough for a few loads,” she said.

At Toys R Us, the Robertson’s put quarters in all the toy vending machines at the front of the store.

“I wanted to wait to see all the kids come!” the bubbly teacher said.

The educator purposely asked her students to choose acts that were low in cost or free.

One approved random act was sending a thank you letter.

“The note had to be handwritten – no emails or text messages,” Robertson said. “It takes effort and it’s the effort that makes people feel special.”

One of her favorite acts was leaving sticky notes with affirmations in women’s dressing rooms at Kohl’s.

“As I was leaving I heard one lady say, ‘Yes, I do look fabulous today!’ when she saw the note.”

“The cool thing is if you get to see or hear someone receive it,” she commented.

In the afternoon, the group met up at the Shoppes in Chino Hills.

“We taped little bags of quarters to parking meters,” Jung proudly reported.

The trio randomly passed out gift cards to customers in Barnes and Noble bookstore. They even hid a few inside books.

Recipients were surprised at the caring gifts throughout the day.

“At first they thought we were joking,” Jong recalled.

“Some were suspicious, but most were appreciative and excited when we explained it.” Robertson shared.

“I had to tell one lady that there were no strings attached. These are my students and it’s my birthday. I just wanted to include them on what it feels like to do nice things for other people,” she added.

Robertson is happy that she offered a lesson in kindness to mark her milestone birthday.

“I’ll always remember that these kids went out of their comfort zone to help spread kindness. I’m so proud of them.”

“It was an awesome day!” Macalino said.

Diamond Bar Princess Party

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – On Sat., Sept. 19, Miss Diamond Bar – Queen Alexandra Ornelas – and her court of princesses (Rebecca Wang, Megan Quon, Katherine Hermosillo and Cynthia Preciado) hosted a very special Princess Tea Party at the Diamond Bar Library.

The Court enjoyed meeting, dancing, singing and story time with all the little princesses, who were dressed in their very best princess attire.

Linda Headlee, Director at the Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. – who is the event sponsor – said over 90 little princesses attended the annual Tea Party, and as you can see in the photo, they had a very delightful experience.

Be Thankful

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, I passed the baton of the leadership of our church to a younger pastor on our staff.  It was a morning filled with excitement and emotion as I stepped down from serving as the senior pastor and Pastor Tim Park accepted this new assignment.

Later that day, over 400 people gathered at the Diamond Bar Community Center to celebrate the 27 years that my wife and I have served at our church.  It was both humbling and amazing to see pictures and hear stories highlighting some of the things that happened during those many years.

A team at our church put together a wonderful evening.  The food was delicious and the decorations were gorgeous.  The room looked amazing! The program was filled with humor and memories.  It was an evening to remember.

One of the things I noticed was that I looked a lot younger 27 years ago when our family moved to Diamond Bar in 1988.  My hair was darker and there was a lot more of it!  Our kids were a lot younger back then, too.

A number of people shared stories about my years at the church.  Our own adult children shared some humorous accounts about their dad.  The Mayor of Diamond Bar presented me with a plaque recognizing our service to the community.

The pictures and videos brought back memories of building programs and special events that we will always remember.  In addition, many people wrote cards and notes thanking my wife and me for our ministry in their lives.

Through all of this, I was reminded that each person at that celebration had been touched in some way by my wife and me.  Their cards and words reminded us that the greatest impact we had at our church was not the new buildings and the special programs, but the times that we helped families and individuals at critical times in their lives.

God gave us the privilege to be part of their lives over the years.  We celebrated the births of their children and the weddings in their families.  We wept with others at the death of their loved ones and through the heartbreak of divorce.  It was both humbling and gratifying to hear how we were able to help and serve others.

Let me encourage you to look around you this week.  Who are the people that you work with and see every day?  Take time to thank them for the impact they have had in your life.  And, give thanks to God that he is using you to make a difference in their lives, too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steve Tye began the Sept. 15 Diamond Bar City Council meeting by presenting certificates of recognition to the Diamond Bar Girls Softball 12 and Under Gold All-Star Team for an outstanding season. The Council congratulated the team for its successful, and hopes that Diamond Bar will continue to nurture and support successful athletes. A City Tile was also presented to a representative of the Albertson’s market, located on 1235 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., recognizing them as the Business of the Month for September 2015.

Following these presentations, Captain Jeffrey Scroggin of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department announced the appointment of Chad Holland to the Special Problems Team. Holland had been transferred to the Department approximately a year ago, and the Captain is optimistic that his appointment to the team will lead to a more effective task force.

During the public comments, representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library and the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library announced several upcoming events. On Sept. 23 at 4 p.m., a personal safety workshop will be available for parents of infants and toddlers to increase awareness of safety hazards. The ongoing essay contest themed, “How a Book Changed My Life,” will end on Oct 3. The top three essay winners will each receive a $200 Amazon gift card. On Sept. 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., swing dance lessons will be available, no partner or experience required. The Read Together novel for the month of October will be “China Dolls,” by Lisa See, and residents of Diamond Bar are encouraged to read the book together as a community.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read. The Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 22 is cancelled, as is the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Sept. 24. Diamond Bar Day at the Los Angeles County Fair will be on Sept. 24, at the Fair Grounds in Pomona, and the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the City Council minutes from Aug. 18; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from June 11; the Planning Commission minutes from July 28; the ratification of a check register totaling $2,134,115.63; the treasurer’s statement for the month of July 2015; a contract with Nexus-IS to expand the City’s security camera system; an application for $267,500 from the Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Funds, which requires a $267,500 match from the City for the development of the Canyon Loop Trail; authorization to spend $58,378.22 on five decorative light poles for the Diamond Bar Blvd. and Brea Canyon Rd. Intersection Enhancement Project; Appropriation Adjustments for the fiscal year of 2015-16 for Carry Forward expenditures, Special Revenue fund carryovers, Capital Project carryovers and Fiscal Year 2014-15 final adjustments; and authorization for the City Manager to approve an agreement between the City and the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical Center for video productions services. The Council also adopted a resolution approving the removal of the crosswalk at Grand Ave. and the State Route Eastbound on-ramp.

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

Diamond Bar Burglary Suspect At Large

The investigation continues after an extensive search went cold

 

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The incident began around noon on Wed., Sept. 2 in Diamond Bar when Deputies from Walnut/Diamond Bar Station responded to a Burglary Just Occurred call in the 800 block of Pantera Drive.

The victim of the burglary gave Deputies a description of the suspect and the car he was driving.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, while the Deputies were responding to the call, they saw the suspect driving the vehicle, as described by the victim, away from the residence.  At that time Deputies attempted to stop the suspect and when he did not yield, a pursuit ensued.  After approximately five minutes, the ground units terminated their part and a Sheriff’s Air Unit arrived overhead and monitored the pursuit from the air.

The suspect drove eastbound on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway, and continued to the northbound Orange (57) Freeway, west on the Foothill (210) Freeway, and south on the San Gabriel (605) Freeway, where he exited at Washington Boulevard in Pico Rivera.  The Air Unit had been surveilling the suspect the entire time.

Once the suspect left the freeway, he abandoned his vehicle and ran into the San Gabriel River wash. Deputies set up a containment perimeter and a Sheriff’s K-9 was brought to the scene to search for the suspect.  The wash is chock full of dense brush and covers an extensive area. Assisting with the search operation are Deputies from Pico Rivera and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, and California Highway Patrol personnel.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the search operation for the burglary suspect concluded.  The suspect was not located; however Detectives are actively investigating his whereabouts.

Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station at  (909) 595-2264.

 

Diamond Bar Princess Party

Diamond Bar Queen and her court.

Diamond Bar Queen and her court.

Calling all Diamond Bar Princesses!

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. is hosting the 2015 Princess Tea Party for all little princesses age 10 and under.  Diamond Bar’s Queen Alexandra and her court of Princesses – Cynthia, Katherine, Megan and Rebecca – are hosting this year’s popular event, with reading, games, gifts and lots of fun!

This year’s party will be held at the Diamond Bar Library, and you can reserve a place for your little princess by calling (909) 861-4978.  More information is also available at http://www.MissDiamondBarPageant.org.   This is an event not to be missed!

DB-Princess-Invite-WEB

Walnut Valley Makes Newsweek’s Top HS List

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Diamond Bar High School has been named No. 77 in Newsweek's “America’s Top High Schools 2015” list.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Diamond Bar High School has been named No. 77 in Newsweek’s “America’s Top High Schools 2015” list.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Two Walnut Valley schools made the list of “America’s Top High Schools 2015,” released by Newsweek on Aug. 19.

The newsmagazine ranked Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools in its list of the top 500 public high schools nationwide.  The rankings are intended to identify high schools that have the highest performance on state tests and best prepare students for college, according to Newsweek.

Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) scored in the top 100, ranking the 77th best high school in the nation and 8th in California.

Walnut High School (WHS) also ranked an impressive 148th in America and 20th in California.

In addition, both schools received gold stars in an equity analysis that indicates economically disadvantaged students performed at or above average on state assessments.

“We are always proud of our high schools and the work that is done to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “Our success is a team effort that includes exceptional teachers and staff, strong commitments from our students, and outstanding parent support.”

The Newsweek list identifies the top 500 schools by measuring several factors, including graduation rate, college enrollment rate, SAT and ACT scores, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, ratio of counselors to students, and state test scores.

DBHS received a college readiness score of 85.4 on Newsweek’s ranking criteria. The school has a graduation rate of 100% and a college enrollment rate of 97.2%. The average SAT exam score at the school is 1742 and the average AP exam score is 3.7.

WHS has a college readiness score of 82.6, a graduation rate of 100%, and a college enrollment rate of 94.0%. The average SAT exam score at the school is 1696.  Additionally, the average AP exam score is 3.8.

“Our college readiness index reflects our philosophy of providing access to rigorous academic courses to more and more students, whether that’s in the form of AP and IB courses or access to career tech ed courses, for which students receive college credit while still in high school,” states DBHS Principal, Catherine Real.

See the full report at: http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015.

 

Walnut Valley: Back To Class!

Walnut Valley begins 2015-16 School Year

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD School spirit showed during opening pep rallies held at Diamond Bar High on Aug. 17.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
School spirit showed during opening pep rallies held at Diamond Bar High on Aug. 17.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Over 14,600 students headed back to school in the Walnut Valley Unified School District on Mon., Aug. 17.

At Diamond Bar High, over 3,000 students cheered with classmates during two superhero-themed pep rallies held in the gymnasium.

“We’re welcoming everyone back today!” exclaimed Janna Van Horn, United Student Body (USB) advisor.

The extravaganza featured Drumline, Dance Company, Pep, and Song performances, and highlighted fall sports programs.

“I love the spirit here and how everyone is involved in the 4 A’s – Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics,” senior April Song commented.

Forty USB members organized the event during the summer.

“We put in a lot of hours to help our students have a better time on campus – especially the rallies,” added Song, the USB finance director.

At Westhoff Elementary, over 600 students and families waited for the first bell of the new school year. Many took photos to mark the first day near welcome banners and helium balloons.

For the opening class activity, kindergarten teacher, Roxanne Dennen, read the “Kissing Hand,” a sweet account of a young raccoon who was nervous on the first day of school.  The children’s book details a mother raccoon comforting her little one by kissing its paw.  After the story, Dennen asked parents to kiss their youngsters’ hands, before saying goodbye.

“You’re ready for kindergarten now!” she exclaimed.

“You’re going to learn so much this year,” Dennen said as they sat criss-cross-applesauce on lettered carpet squares.

At C.J. Morris Elementary, Carol Martindale’s 3rd Grade students loved the “First Day Jitters” story, because the teacher was also nervous about coming to school on the first day.

“It demonstrated that we all get excited and nervous about the first day of school and then we realize it is not so bad after all,” she said.

Collegewood Elementary 5th Grade teacher, Laura O’Donnell, also had memorable first day.  At the end of last year, a 4th Grader called to her and said, “Pick me for your class next year!” she recalled.  O’Donnell explained that she didn’t get to pick her students, but if she did, she certainly would.

“As luck would have it, he was on my class list,” O’Donnell shared. “When I walked down the line today to greet my students, he looked up at me, smiled, and whispered, ‘You picked me!’”

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Kindergartners heard the “Kissing Hand” during the opening activity of the 2015-2016 school year at Westhoff Elementary (shown with teacher Roxanne Dennen).

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Kindergartners heard the “Kissing Hand” during the opening activity of the 2015-2016 school year at Westhoff Elementary (shown with teacher Roxanne Dennen).

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steven Tye began the Aug. 18 City Council meeting with several special presentations.

First, county librarian, Margaret Donnellan Todd, was presented with a City tile upon her retirement, ending a 37-year career and following 22 years of commendable service to Diamond Bar. Although the Council was saddened at the thought of her leaving, they praised her for her hard work and dedication.

Next, a City tile was presented to Graybar Electric of Diamond Bar, a Fortune 500 company, as the Business of the Month for August 2015.

Finally, Carlos Gonzalez was recognized as an exemplary citizen for his actions in December 2014, when he assisted a fellow Diamond Bar resident in need of emergency medical attention. Although the resident passed away, Gonzalez’s actions allowed her to live out the last few months of her life comfortably, and it was in her last wishes for Gonzalez to be recognized by the City.

There was an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, which began on May 20, and when completed will improve the intersections of Grand Avenue running through Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen delays, the project will be delayed for an estimated six weeks, pushing the end date of the project from Aug. 12 to October 2015. Construction will continue Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Following the public comments, the Council then read the schedule of future events, which included a Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.; a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.; a tentative City Council meeting on Sept. 1 at  6:30 p.m.; Labor Day Holiday on Sept. 7, during which City Hall offices will be closed; a Planning Commission meeting, on Sept 8 at 7 p.m.; a Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.; and another City Council meeting on Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the Council minutes from Aug. 4; Planning Commission minutes from July 14; ratification of a check register dated July 30 through Aug 12, 2015 totaling $2.418,821.26; a resolution to join a national intergovernmental alliance to purchase janitorial supplies from Waxie Sanitary Supply; the next City Council meeting on Sept. 15; and an application for grant funds from the Recreational Trails Program Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act Fund for the Ridge Route Trail connecting to the Grand View Trail. The Council also agreed to appropriate $110,165 from traffic mitigation funds from the special funds budget to the Public Works Operating Budget; to approve a contract amendment between David Evans and Associates, Inc. for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute a Use Agreement with Los Angeles County Flood Control to build a pedestrian bridge.

After a public hearing on Diamond Bar’s state of compliance with the 2015 Los Angeles County Congestion Management Program, the Council adopted a resolution that stated Diamond Bar’s conformance to the program.

Finally, Council appointed Raymond Wolf as the next Planning Commissioner, to fill a vacancy filled by Peter Pirritano, who relocated from Diamond Bar to Chino Hills. After the Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie H. Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steve Tye began the Aug. 4 City Council meeting with a presentation for Diamond Bar’s own Alex Morgan, a Diamond Bar High School graduate, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, and a member of the 2015 US Women’s World Cup Championship team.

Morgan’s “talent and determination took her from Diamond Bar’s park fields to the Olympic soccer fields,” Tye said, and announced that the Council has been in touch with Morgan and are currently planning a celebration with her in person. In the meantime, over 60 banners will be placed around the City in her honor, with special photo opportunity places for citizens to take pictures of themselves next to the banners and spread the hashtag, #DBLovesAlexMorgan over social media.

James DeStefano, the Diamond Bar City Manager announced that in the month of June, the Walnut Valley Water District reduced water use by 29%, exceeding the governor’s mandate that water use be reduced by 25% from 2015 through February 2016. Although specific numbers have not yet been released for Diamond Bar, DeStefano was able to determine through the City’s water bill that water reduction is at 55%.

Pui-Ching Ho, manager of the Diamond Bar Public Library, then addressed the Council to announce several educational events, including a workshop on using the library’s online learning programs on Aug. 19, and a workshop on new ways to store and file pictures on their phones or other devices on Aug. 29.

Afterward, the schedule of future events was read, announcing the last two Concerts in the Park/Movies Under the Stars. Aug. 5 will feature Cold Duck (70s Top 40) and Alice in Wonderland from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 12 will feature Surfin’ (Tribute to the Beach Boys) and Finding Nemo, also from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  Both events will be held at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive.

The Planning Commission Meeting on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. is facing cancellation due to lack of quorum. The Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting will occur on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, and the next City Council meeting will occur on Aug. 18.

The Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on July 21, the Planning Commission meetings of May 26 and June 23, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of June 25; ratification of check register totaling $954,300.44; and Treasurer’s Statement for the month of June 2015. The Council also adopted a resolution to support the Inland Valley Humane Society’s goal to eliminate euthanasia of healthy and adoptable dogs and an ordinance to expedite the permit process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

The Council concluded the meeting with reports and comments, and adjourned with plans to meet again on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Diamond Bar: Locals Join Teach For America

Recent grads and career-changers commit to teach in high-need communities for educational equity

 

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Teach For America announced recently that two Diamond Bar locals have been accepted into the organization’s 2015 teaching corps.

Teach For America is a national nonprofit working to expand educational opportunity for students in low-income communities. Corps members commit to teach in high-need urban or rural public schools and become lifelong advocates for educational equity.

The Organization’s newest members are Jenifer Ford and Megan Fu. Ford is a 2004 graduate of Diamond Bar High School and a 2008 graduate of Whitworth University. Fu is a 2011 graduate of The Webb School and a 2015 graduate of UC Berkeley.

In our country’s lowest-income communities, just six percent of students will graduate college by the time they’re 25. Ford and Fu join a network of 50,000 corps members and alumni working alongside parents, principals, and communities for positive change.

“It is with incredible excitement we welcome this group of remarkable and diverse corps members,” said Elisa Villanueva Beard, co-CEO of Teach For America. “They join a group of 50,000 leaders who have raised their hand to be part of ensuring every child has access to an excellent and equitable education.”

Over the past 25 years, thousands of talented individuals have launched or continued careers in social justice through Teach For America. Hundreds of corps members and alumni have been honored as teachers of the year by their school, district, county, or state. More founders and leaders of entrepreneurial education organizations started careers with TFA than from any other organization or company. Alumni have gone on to become leaders in politics, school systems, nonprofit work, advocacy, and more. Together, they form a nationwide network helping to expand and strengthen the movement to give all kids access to a great education.

 

Teach For America works in partnership with communities to expand educational opportunity for children facing the challenges of poverty. Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding college graduates and professionals to make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the movement to end educational inequity. In 2014-15, 10,600 corps members taught in 50 urban and rural regions across the country, while more than 37,000 alumni worked across sectors to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Diamond Bar Day At The Fair

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – L.A. County Fair season is just around the corner, and Thurs., Sept. 24 has been officially designated as Diamond Bar Day at the Fair.  Diamond Bar residents who visit on this day pay only $5 for admission, and get to take part in a bevy of festivities to honor the City, including a Community and Business Expo, parade, high school marching band competition, Community Hero awards ceremony, and evening entertainment.

If you have a knack for drawing, gardening or creating, the Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) has a special contest as part of the Community Showcase program.  The “Design Your Own Crate Label Contest” is open to Diamond Bar students, pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade.  To enter, design a fruit crate label that creatively depicts a part of Diamond Bar history. There is no cost to enter, and winners will have their artwork prominently displayed for public viewing, receive four free LACF tickets for Sept. 24, and get to ride in a festive parade through the fairgrounds. The deadline to enter is Sept. 4.

Goods purchased under the Diamond Bar Day promotion, benefit the Big Yellow Bus Program, which subsidizes the cost of bus services for local students to participate in FairKids Field Trips and take part in fun and educational activities related to agriculture, art, science and literature, California heritage, and life on a farm.

For more information or to download a coupon for $5 Fair admission, good for Diamond Bar Day only, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/fair.

Diamond Bar: City Council Nomination Period

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Tues., Nov. 3, 2015 is the date of the next General Municipal Election, with two seats opening on the Diamond Bar City Council. The nomination period started on Mon., July 13 and will end at 4:30 pm on Fri., Aug. 7.

If an incumbent does not file by the deadline, the close of the nomination period will be extended to 5:30 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 12.

To qualify to run for City Council, potential candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter and resident of Diamond Bar.

For more information, to request a nomination form, or to schedule a sit-down appointment with the City Clerk to discuss the filing process and campaigning guidelines, call (909) 839.7010.

Diamond Bar: PUSD Launches English-Mandarin Program

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – One class of Pantera Elementary kindergarteners will learn how to read, write and communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin through the introduction of the Pomona Unified School District’s latest dual-language immersion program.

Launching this fall, the program will provide Mandarin and English language instruction to 25 kindergarten students, ensuring they receive an exciting and challenging educational opportunity while gaining the bilingual skills needed to succeed in a 21st century world.

The inaugural class at Pantera – located at 801 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar – is already full, but Pomona Unified is accepting sign-ups for the 2016-17 academic year.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for the first time in July following its Fourth of July holiday cancellation, for a short meeting of regular events.

To start, the Council presented a City tile to former Planning Commissioner, Peter Pirritano, for his three years of service to the City. Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Pirritano and thanked him for all of his hard work on the City’s commission.

Tye was accompanied on stage with Senator Bob Huff’s Senior Field Representative, Jody Roberto, and Assemblywoman (and former Diamond Bar City Council member) Ling Ling Chang, who also gave their thanks to Pirritano for his time serving the City.

“This is kind of a sad moment for me,” Pirritano said. “I’ve been involved in so many things in Diamond Bar and I’m hoping to keep doing some of the things I’ve been involved in. I’m just so thankful and grateful and thank all of you for allowing me to serve the City.”

The Council then gave a proclamation that July 2015 be recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and also presented a certificate to 123 Rakuya, located at 21076 Gold Springs Dr., as the July 2015 New Business of the Month.

Next, the Council read its schedule of future events for a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 23 at 7 p.m.; a Planning Commission meeting on July 28 at 7 p.m.; a Concert in the Park event on July 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Last Chance at Sycamore Canyon Park; a Movies Under the Stars event on July 29, following the concert at Sycamore Canyon Park; and the next City Council meeting on August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar, which included the minutes for the June 16 City Council meeting; the March , April  and May 24 minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission; the minutes for the May 14 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting; the ratification of a check register dated June 11 through July 15 totaling $3,599,235.67; the Treasurer’s May 2015 statement; the award of contract to Doctor Playground, Inc. for the removal of playground surfacing at Heritage and Peterson Parks in an amount not to exceed $79,925.42, plus a contingency of $7,993 for unexpected conditions from the Park Development Fund; an approval of contract with Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley for the fiscal year 2015-16 in an amount not to exceed $12,000; an adoption of a resolution approving the design and plans for the construction of the Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation project; an award of contract to E.C. Construction Co. for a total authorization of $497,131.30; an approval of expenditures with Diversified Printers, Inc. for printing services in an amount not to exceed $69,304.40 for fiscal year 2015-16; an approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 with Onward Engineering in the amount of $15,970 for professional engineering services to provide plans, specifications and engineer estimates for the Morning Canyon Roadway rehabilitation project; and the approval of expenditures with Simpson Advertising, Inc. for specialty graphic design services in an amount not to exceed $71,762 for fiscal year 2015-16.

The Council also performed the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 1504 to Title 15 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.  The Council approved the first reading and would hold the item’s second reading during the next meeting in two weeks.

After the Council was finished with all of its items and discussions, they adjourned with plans to meet on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Dr.