Tag Archives: Diamond Bar

Evergreen 5th Graders Vie in Robot Rally

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—Top fifth grade teams took over the multipurpose room during Evergreen Elementary School’s 1st annual robotics competition on Wednesday.

About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

Students have been working all year learning to build and program Xbot robots using Lego Mindstorm kits, according to teacher Laura Mowrey who introduced the STEM program five years ago before joining the staff.

“Our team offers robotics lessons twice a week as part of our science education,” she said.

Teacher Dr. Cathy Patterson explained in one of the challenges, the Xbot, teams used precise measurements to make their robots follow a track.“They are programmed to go distances and make turns according to angular measurements using the wheel circumference and rotations as calculated through the year and logged into their robotics journals,” she said.

The robot closest to the finish line took the win during each heat.

“All of them were within 10 millimeters – it was really close!” Patterson said.

“Our robotics program is not just a great way for the kids to use their math and science skills, but it is also a chance for them to practice working as team through cooperation and collaboration,” said teacher Lynn Otsu.

Throughout the three-hour competition, students used their CAD skills and calculators making final programming adjustments to edge out competitors.

“We’re telling our robot what to do,” said Team Pi member Adam Loch moments before the finals.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

“Right now, we’re programming it to go slower.”

“It’s a good robot. This lift helps it bump people off during the sumo match!” added teammate Caleb Sohn.

On stage, an eager group of students watched robots roll through the gate crashing bridge as teacher Kristine Kobzeff recorded each attempt.

The Xbots were programmed to go five feet in seven seconds before the gate opened, then stay up for three seconds before going down.

“The robots had to make it through before the gate crashed down on them!” Mowrey said.

Students Anthony Chang and Jack Liu designed the impressive engineering project.

On black round mats, sumo wrestling robots were programmed to fight to the end.

“We made the final sumo round!” exclaimed Sienna Simmons, a member of an all-girl team before the match.

“Our robot’s kind of small which makes it go fast! We had a good feeling about it,” added teammate Hana Bouindani, 11.

“It’s a long process, but by the end of the year they really know how it all works,” Patterson added.

 

 

Sheriff’s Golf Tourney A Success

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Walnut and Diamond Bar Sheriffs stations recently held their annual Booster Club Golf Tournament. The tournament was a huge success and another testament to the support, both monetary and action-based, behind the station. Not only do the funds help generally, but the funds aid specifically the volunteer and auxiliary programs within the communities of service.

This support is vital to maintaining the safety of the public and continuing to sustain the communities as safe and enjoyable.

Thanks were made specifically to Booster Club President Gil Rivera, the Board of Directors, and the sponsors who donated generously. Thanks have also been given to all participants for the tournament’s great success.

 

We want to recognize and thank all of the generous sponsors of this event:

Sponsors that donated over $1000:

Walmart Community Grant

Waste Management

Jack & Wanda Tanaka

 

We would also like to thank our other sponsors, who donated money and/or goods and services:

Walnut Valley Water District, James And Emma Farmer, City of Diamond Bar, Popa FCU, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Steve Chi, Eileen Ansari, 1st City Credit Union, Los Serranos Golf, Miller Coors, Pacific Palms Hotel, Roger Dunn Golf, Les Mayeda, American Pacific Mortgage, Dong Bu Sign & Trophy, Mr. G’s Pizza, Medieval Times, Candlelight Pavilion, Dean LeCesne, Sgt Saldecke, Royal Vista Golf, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Vince Spaghetti Restaurants, Dr Kurt Bryant, DC, Ford, Santa Anita Race Track and Laser Island.

A special thanks to all that were involved.

 

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Schools America’s Best!

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Hats off to teachers at Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools for grabbing medals in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School rankings for 2018.

The annual list looks at nearly all public high schools in the country – more than 20,500 in all – to sift out the best with an eye on college readiness.

Diamond Bar High earned a gold medal, ranking 59th in California and 376th in the United States.  Additionally, Diamond Bar placed 146th in STEM high schools.

Walnut High earned a silver medal, ranking 111th in California and 639th in the United States.

Both standout schools have been included in the report every year since the publication began its ‘Best High Schools’ search in 2009.

U.S. News looked at overall student performance on state-required tests, high school graduation rates, and evaluated on how they prepare students for college using participation and performance data from AP and IB exams.

Diamond Bar and Walnut offer an extensive roster of IB and AP courses to provide teens with an opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level course work during high school.

This year, 85 California schools received gold medals, 439 received silver medals and 82 received bronze medals.

“I’m so proud that our premier high schools continue to be recognized on a state and national level for preparing students for college and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

Engineering Futures For Students

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR–Times are definitely changing. Classroom #201 at Diamond Bar High, where auto shop students once tinkered on old car engines in the 90s, has been transformed into a 21st century learning space with 3D printers, Chromebooks loaded with CAD and coding software programs, and bins of robotics parts.

About 150 students are now designing and creating projects in DB Engineering, one of the pathways offered through the Brahma Tech Academy.

The four-year diploma program has an emphasis on the relevance of STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in today’s workplace.

Teacher Johnny Hwang has been giving teens hands-on engineering experience using Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum for the past five years.

The successful four-course program has earned Diamond Bar High the 2017-18 PLTW Distinguished High School Award.

Only 133 high schools across the United States received the prestigious honor announced last month.

“This class gives the kids a sample of different types of engineering – electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and civil,” he said.

In his second-year Principals of Engineering course, students were putting finishing touches on their latest project – a materials sorting machine on May 2.

Groups spent the past three weeks building the metallic machines that could automatically sort glass, wooden, and metal spheres.

Each design was required to sort 15 marble-sized balls, use at least one sensor, include an emergency stop switch, sort the balls into paper cups, and have one 3D printed part.

The only human-assisted action was loading the marbles into the hopper in the creative inventions that slightly resemble a Mousetrap game.

“We wrote the code for the circuit sensor to tell the difference between the balls by colors and then separate them onto the different rails,” explained sophomore Timothy Noritake.

“After we pour them in, the gear spins one ball at a time in the sorter,” said senior Radek Grammes.

“We set it up so the color sensor can detect between 1-2,400 color value for the wood spheres,” he added.

The design was programmed to wait two seconds until the gate opens, and depending on the value the arm would swing and the gate release and drop a ball into the cup.

“Our group got 13 out of 15 balls correct,” reported junior Melvin Houston, who shared that 100% of the balls went into the right cups just one day earlier.

The engineering students are getting real life lessons and skills while in high school.

“This class is about design, problem solving, and working together,” Noritake added.

“I feel like I’m getting a head start for college,” said teammate Eric Susetyo, 16, who plans to pursue a career in engineering.

And that is Hwang’s goal for his students.

“They’re going to be so prepared for college and the learning curve won’t be so steep,” he said.

“All the programs they’re using are things used in this industry.”

Additionally, students are honing professional skills that are applicable to any field – critical thinking, working in groups, making presentations, Hwang added.

The fledgling engineers must come up with their own designs on each assignment.

“All you’re really provided with are the materials and the problem,” said sophomore Calvin Ung who is also a member of the school’s robotics team.

“We brainstorm and gather ideas, then put them into graded categories to decide which one will perform the best,” said junior Bryan Chung.

One group created an extension piece on the 3D printer to correct a slipping gear on their project.

“You feel successful in this class when you solve a problem!” said sophomore Jonathan Tan while recording the CAD design information in his reflective journal.

“I really like 3D modeling – it’s fun!”

“Honestly, I had no coding experience before this class,” said Grammes who has now decided to major in engineering next year in college.

“I had never typed a code before. Mr. Hwang did such a good job explaining the details on how to do it and the step-by-step process on how to remember it.”

“We’re very lucky here – I wish more people could experience this engineering program!”

 

Volunteer Recognition and Pinning Ceremony

By Anthony Saude
Diamond Bar – On April 26, the Sheriff’s Department held their annual Volunteer Recognition award and Pinning Ceremony at the STARS Center in Whittier. STARS is the primary training site for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Explorer program and is a learning for life certified law enforcement explorer academy.

This event recognizes Civilian Volunteers who have donated in excess of 5,000 hours of their time. The Sheriff’s Department is forever grateful to the dedicated volunteers that make so many things possible that otherwise just wouldn’t happen.

The volunteers that were recognized on this night and presented with the awards are as follows;

Walnut Volunteer of the Year – Floyd Simmons

Diamond Bar Volunteer of the Year – Loretta

Rowland Heights Volunteer of the Year – Richard Kobly

Station Volunteer of the Year – Lynda Woodstra

Reserve of the Year – John Nguyen

Explorer of the Year – Alexis DeLuna

Disaster Communications Service Volunteer of the Year – Omar Acos

Due to the tireless efforts of these volunteers and the many other that help out the Sheriff’s Department is able to be offer many community improvement and safety programs to the public.

Walnut Valley Rotary Club’s Deputy of The Year

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 24th, Deputy Mark Dean from the Walnut / Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station, was honored by the Walnut Valley Rotary Club for Deputy of The Year. Deputy Dean was presented the award by the Rotary Club during a breakfast at the Diamond Bar Golf Course in front of County Council representatives, City Council members, partners and his friends and family.

 

Car Blazes On Grand Ave

Photo by Michael Armijo

By Michael Armijo

 

Diamond Bar – Anyone who drove past Summit ridge Park last week couldn’t help but notice the formerly white but now burnt out BMW X5 on fire in the parking lot at 1600 Grand Ave in the early morning hours. LA County Sheriff deputies were on hand to oversee what happened to the car.

“This may be a crime scene,” said one LA County Deputy. “We haven’t determined the cause yet.”

“The deputy was investigating if it was arson, insurance fraud, or vandalism, but none of those were evident,” said Walnut-Diamond Bar station captain Al Reyes. “It stemmed from a call of non-criminal auto fire we received.”

Captain Reyes told OurWeeklyNews.com that the owner of the vehicle noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment while she was driving. She pulled into Summit Ridge Park and called 911 to report her car was on fire.

“The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The cause is still unknown. The vehicle was identified as a 2008 BMW,” the Captain said.

If anyone has any information on the incident please contact the Walnut Sheriff Station at 909.595.2264.

 

Volunteer Recognition and Pinning Ceremony

By Anthony Saude
Diamond Bar – On April 26, the Sheriff’s Department held their annual Volunteer Recognition award and Pinning Ceremony at the STARS Center in Whittier. STARS is the primary training site for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Explorer program and is a learning for life certified law enforcement explorer academy.

This event recognizes Civilian Volunteers who have donated in excess of 5,000 hours of their time. The Helen Reardon award is presented annually in recognition of the Volunteer of the Year. All those who were nominated for the Helen Reardon Volunteer of the Year Award were recognized and honored.

The Walnut Station Booster Club President Gil Rivera was presented with the Helen Reardon Award this year. “Gil was nominated due to his countless hours of working to keep the Booster Club financially secure and successful,” said Sgt. Saldecke. “I was surprised and honored to win the award,” said Gil. “It represents the hundreds of hours that are put in by all of the board members to ensure that we have the funds needed to support the efforts of the volunteers at the station.”

Gil, along with the Booster Club Board of Directors, work tirelessly to ensure funding for our Disaster Communications Service, Explorer, Reserve Deputy, and all the Volunteer Programs training and equipment needs.

 

 

 

New On-Ramps, Off-Ramps in Diamond Bar Now Open

Photo: diamondbarca.gov

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Two of the three legs of the new Lemon Avenue interchange of the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar opened on Tuesday, May 1 in time for the busy morning commute.

Caltrans will clear away the orange cones at 6 a.m. and officially allowed commuters to enter the westbound 60 Freeway via the brand new Lemon Avenue on-ramp. When they return home eastbound they will be exiting on the brand new newly constructed off – ramp for Lemon Avenue.

An eastbound freeway on-ramp, also at Lemon Avenue is scheduled to open sometime in June. When that is open it will complete the three-legged interchange that has been in the works for 14 years in the eastern section of Los Angeles County, at the corner of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties.

ACE the lead agency, Caltrans, Los Angeles County and the cities of Diamond Bar and City of Industry have been working together on this idea of adding the new exit/entrance to this busy section of freeway since 2004.

After the contract was finally signed in 2011 the vision began to take shape. The construction on this project has led to weekend lane closures, detours and delays for the past year and a half. The increase in truck traffic from the ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach has long clogged the 60 Freeway in the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire along the so called “truck route.” Hundreds of 18-wheeler trucks carry goods from the ports to warehouses in City of Industry as well as Ontario, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and Riverside every day.

The eastbound off-ramp at Brea Canyon Road in Diamond Bar will be permanently closed. Motorists will no longer be able to exit the freeway there.

The eastbound on-ramp to the freeway at Brea Canyon will remain open until construction is complete on the Lemon Avenue on-ramp sometime in June.

Once the work is finished, the $22.5 million project will swap the Brea Canyon Road entrance and exit with a new Lemon Avenue entrance and exit a few miles to the west.

This project, it is said, will reduce existing traffic congestion, delays and  improve mobility and access to and from the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar and Industry. According to ACE this will eliminate the weaving and confusion many drivers experience when approaching the busy 57 /60 Freeway interchange.

The hopes of the county and the nearby communities is that the truck traffic will be diverted away from the Diamond Bar, Brea Canyon Road area and the nearby streets going toward City of Industry. “For decades, drivers have got lost and end up driving the back streets of Diamond Bar looking for their destinations”, said Diamond Bar Councilwoman Carol Herrera in February.

Closing the Brea Canyon Road ramps and diverting cars and trucks to Lemon Avenue is just a precursor to a full-fledged reconfiguration of the larger 57/60 freeways where they join together for a two-mile stretch in Diamond Bar, known as the SR 57/60 Freeway Confluence.

The larger, $260-million project has been billed as a fix to the No. 1 freeway interchange in the state for truck accidents and delays as ranked by the American Transportation Research Institute.

DB Community Photo Contest

City of Diamond Bar

 

From its people to its places, Diamond Bar is brimming with photo-taking opportunities. If you live in town, we invite you to find some of these opportunities, photograph them and enter them into this year’s Through My Lens photo contest.

Co-sponsored by the City and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, Through My Lens is now in its eight year and aims to raise community spirit while highlighting the best of Diamond Bar as captured through the camera lenses of residents.

The contest runs through Monday, October 15, with entries accepted in two age divisions (adult and youth) and five categories (people, pets, places, nature and digitally-altered).

Photo entries will be judged based on consistency with the “Diamond Bar living” theme, aesthetic appeal, originality, and creativity.

One entry will be selected as the winner in each of the divisions and categories, and those that come in a close second will receive an honorable mention. The overall top vote-getter will earn the grand prize title.

All winners will receive recognition by the Diamond Bar City Council and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, and cash prizes of $50 for honorable mentions, $100 for winners, and $150 for the grand prize.

Official contest rules and the entry form is available at Diamond Bar City Hall, located at 21810 Copley Drive, or may also be downloaded from the City website at www.diamondbarca.gov/photocontest. To speak to someone about the contest, contact the City’s Public Information Division at 909.839.7057 or photocontest@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Diamond Bar Man Dies In Fatal Accident

Photo: insidesocal.com
A man died after his vehicle rolled down an emabankment about 700 on Angeles Crest Highway in the forest just north of La Canada Flintridge

By Anthony Saude

DIAMOND BAR —A Diamond Bar man was killed in tragic automobile accident authorities said. The Los Angeles County Coroner identified the victim as George McCreary Jr., age 64 of Diamond Bar. He had been driving late on Tuesday night near the Mt. Wilson area in the Altadena area when he lost control of his vehicle and went tumbling down a steep embankment.

According to the California Highway Patrol, “The crash was reported at 8:15 p.m. on Mt. Wilson Red Box Road.” According reports, Coroner’s spokesman Ed winter said that the paramedics pronounced McCreary dead at the scene.

McCreary was driving his Ford southbound on Mt. Wilson Red Box Road when, for unknown reasons, it veered to the right up onto a raised curb and smashed into a metal guardrail, traveled down a steep embankment, and slammed into several large trees on the way down, CHP reports said.

The Ford eventually stopped its descent laying on its right side against a large tree.

The vehicle eventually came to a rest on its right side against a large tree.

 

Boy Hit By SUV in Diamond Bar

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar -A nine-year-old boy was riding his scooter was struck by a sport-utility vehicle in Diamond Bar on Wednesday night, April 25. He suffered a broken jaw and minor internal injuries after he hit Wednesday night, deputies said.

As a precaution, a helicopter flew the child to the hospital.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s Detective David Timberlake said the Diamond Bar boy was in stable condition at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. The crash occurred just before 6 p.m. in a gated community in the 21100 block of Willow Heights Drive.

Timberlake said a Diamond Bar man was driving along the street between 8 to 10 mph. The boy was riding his scooter in his drive way when he went down the driveway and into the street right into the path of the SUV, the detective said.

The injured boy was taken to Diamond Bar High School where he waited for the helicopter to arrive to take him to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle was not arrested but the investigation is ongoing.

 

Diamond Bar Invites You To Connectwithrec! Free Event

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – This year Diamond Bar is proud to introduce what’s new in the Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation by hosting the inaugural Connectwith Rec! event. This free event is designed for the residents to be able to experience what’s new in the department with hands on experience.

The New Recreation Event being held on May 2 will allow residents to get a preview into Free Classes that will be available for residents with the Parks and Recreation revamp.

The classes will include mommy and me classes for toddlers, organized sport programs for the youth as well as early morning workouts for adults. Diamond Bar’s year-round recreation opportunities will range from the fiercely fun to the cerebrally meditative.  Also on the Wednesday of May 2, residents are also invited to a sample the City’s recreation classes and programs during this inaugural Connect with Rec event!

This family-friendly event will be held at the Diamond Bar Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be special performances and residents will be able to drop-in and for class demonstrations that include yoga, tai chi, summer day camp, and a docent-led hike.

Wait there is more fun on this day, there will be activities for the for the children, giveaways and of course information on all of the programs, classes, excursions and special events in the future sponsored by the city of Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar Center is located at 1600 Grand Avenue. For more information, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/specialevents or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 909.839.7070

City of Diamond Bar’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

Staff Reports

 

It will be all things environmental at the City of Diamond Bar’s annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration, which will be held Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District located at 21865 Copley Drive in Diamond Bar.

There will be plenty to see and do at this outdoor event, including:

Free Smart Gardening and Composting Workshop – 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Pre-registration is required

Learn how to spruce up your lawn or garden with plants and flowers that are water-thrifty but big on curb appeal and how to turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost at this workshop.

Workshop attendees have a chance to purchase a compost bin at a reduced price of $40 (conventional bin) or $65 (worm bin with half-pound of worms). Only cash or check payment is accepted.

Paper Shredding – Bring up to five grocery bags or two banker boxes of household financial documents, personal medical records and other sensitive documents for on-site destruction and proper disposal. Make sure bags or boxes contain only documents and no batteries, binders, plastics or metals; folded, enveloped, stapled or paper-clipped papers are OK.

E-Waste and Textile Recycling – Have obsolete or broken electronics or clothing, shoes or linen that are too worn or damaged to donate? Bring them to the event to have them recycled.

Garden Mulch – Come ready with gloves, a shovel, and containers to collect and take home up to 80 gallons of mulch for your home garden.

Children’s Fun Area – Free earth-themed arts and crafts, and the chance to learn about, observe and touch more than 10 species of ocean animals inside the Long Beach Aquarium on Wheels that will be part of the kid-friendly offerings at this event.

Green Exhibits – Attendees will have the opportunity to check out displays of electric and plug-in hybrid-electronic vehicles, and visit various information booths to pick up giveaways and information about special programs to save money while conserving energy, water and preventing pollution.

For more information, call 909.839.7015 or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/earthday

FREE Sustainable Gardening Workshop

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is hosting a FREE Sustainable Gardening Workshop on Saturday, April 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:0a.m. The free Basic Composting Workshop will provide instructions on composting, worm composting, and water-wise gardening including a selection of drought tolerant plant.

California is either just starting a drought, in the middle of a drought or the last drought just ended but one way or another we are always in a drought. This can become a real problem and has even led to laws being changed and penalties being handed out. If we want to be a responsible California resident then we should always be learning new ways to conserve water and use our natural resources.

The City wants to invite residents to participate and learn about the plant combinations that require less water and add more color to your garden. Compost bins will be available for purchase at a discounted price of $45 for this event. Worm compost bins will also be available for the discounted price of $65. The FREE composting workshop will take place at the AQMD – West parking lot located at 21865 Copley Drive.

The workshop is OPEN to ALL Los Angeles County residents; however space is limited so pre registration is suggested. To register send an email to greendb@diamondbarca.gov, be sure to include your name and phone number or call the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909-839-7015.

The Last Great Race on Earth

By Kelli Gile

Evergreen students follow Iditarod sled dog race

DIAMOND BAR — For one exciting week in March, Evergreen Elementary second-grade students become immersed in tracking the Iditarod sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.

For the past 15 years, teacher Alice Oldag has incorporated the famous 1,000-mile journey of 65 musher teams into her lesson plans.

To educate students about the trail race and Eskimo culture, she first reads aloud two books, Balto and the Great Race and Black Star, Bright Dawn, before the race begins.

Then students randomly select a musher and follow the race on individual Chromebooks, recording team location, ranking, and number of dogs in notebooks.

“Each morning, the children run to the computers and ask each other ‘Where’s your musher?’” Oldag reported while wearing an Iditarod sweatshirt.

The teacher even purchased a subscription to the official Iditarod Insider website so students can watch real-time videos, read bios about their mushers, check the status of sled dogs, and weather conditions.

“It makes them feel like they’re part of the race,” she said.

Each day, the race can change drastically with the extreme sport racers dealing with frostbite, injuries, icy crossings, moose attacks, and whiteout conditions.

A team can fall from first to last place in just one day, the teacher commented.

Her classroom was buzzing as the children checked on their teams and watched streaming video footage on March 7.

“My musher is Shaynee Traska,” shared Akanksha Bhat, age 7, on the second day of the race.

“Right now, she’s in 49th place, has 16 dogs, and is in Nicolei.”

“It’s 27 degrees and cloudy there today,” the teacher reported to the class.

“That’s good racing weather!”

“My musher is Emily Maxwell and she’s in 40th place,” said Isabella Lok, age 8.

“Come on, Emily!” she cheered.

“When I grow up I want to be a musher!” she added.

“My musher helped another musher that crashed today,” reported Jacob Hinds while checking the website.

“My musher scratched, so I picked a new one – Monica Zappa, and she’s in 46th place today,” said Matthew Heng.

Kyle Lin followed Steve Watkins whose 16-dog team had checked into Finger Lake, Rainy Pass, and Rohn by the second day of the race.

“He’s in 65th place today, but he’s in great shape – he’s climbed Mount Everest.”

“This is fun!” exclaimed Hannah Miraflores.

“My musher is Michelle Wilgrees. She’s in 55th place today, but I think she’ll win!”

Oldag shared that the racers only take an 8-hour and 24-hour rest break during the nine-day race.

“It’s mainly for the dogs, racers snooze on the side of the trail and then keep going,” she said.

During the race, the mushers care for their dogs by cooking up frozen bits of fish with melted snow. They also stop to change snow boots on the entire team every few hours.

“The mushers live off of chocolate bars and frozen fish. There’s no Chick-fil-A in the middle of nowhere!” Oldag exclaimed.

The children trace the location of the international troop of mushers on a large map in the classroom each day.

And they covet Iditarod treasures on display including an autographed picture of famous musher Dee Dee Jonrowe, a tiny dog snow boot, and a cuddly stuffed Balto dog that goes home with one student each day during the month.

At the culmination of the event, Principal Trina Dreyer arranged for a real musher and team of sled dogs to visit with students.

“It is very rewarding to see children so enthusiastic about learning,” said Oldag, a 26-year veteran teacher.

“The Iditarod experience taught them about the Eskimo culture and a way of life that is so exciting. It is an excellent example of perseverance in its highest form!”

25th Annual Wine Soirée

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The social event of the year, the Wine Soirée, is fast approaching on Sunday, April 22 to Diamond Bar.  Co-chairs Dana Cox, Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce the spectacular 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wine Soirée with an afternoon of delicious food tasting from local restaurants, great wine tasting, other beverages, raffle, music, exciting book, silent and live auctions all to benefit the Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  For the first time Anheuser Busch in Pomona will be pouring their delicious craft beer, Golden Road.

The annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $65 per person so get your tickets soon as the number is limited.  You can purchase tickets online at http://www.dblibraryfriends.org/store/wine-soiree-ticket.html  or at the following Diamond Bar locations:  Midas Auto Service Experts, 796 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Xavier’s Florist, 1135 S. Grand Avenue; Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive; Basically BOOKS, 23447 Golden Springs Drive.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

Each year the Soirée is full of entertaining surprises:  There are many spectacular restaurants offering samples of their delicious foods including Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Market, Dilliwalla Indian Kitchen, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Julie’s Café, King Bap Korean, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mr. G’s Pizza, NiNi Bakery, Old Chendou , Round Table Pizza, Sprout’s Farmers Market, The Side Bar at Oh’Crab, Total Wine and More, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them is person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, the music they enjoy – all the proceeds from this will go to improve our quality of life and learning. With the support of the community, the Friends contributed to the Diamond Bar Library over $40,000 in 2017 for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored Read Together Diamond Bar 2017, a month-long celebration of literacy last October.  We could not do this without the help of the community.

Diamond Bar Community Library Manager Pui-Ching Ho announced recently that the Diamond Bar Library is the highest circulation library out of all 87 Los Angeles County libraries.  Diamond Bar Library has circulation with 470,000 volumes moving in and out of the library last year.  Additionally the Diamond Bar Library ranks sixth in total monthly patronage with a gate count of over 23,000 visitors per month.  The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library dedicate our time and energy to supporting this invaluable community institution—so you can see why we need your help!

 

Family Fun At DB 29th Birthday Bash

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is inviting the community to their 29th Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 14.  This annual event celebrates the city’s incorporation with a day of family fun at Pantera Park, located at 738 Pantera Drive.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of new activities for kids and adults.  Kids will love the carnival rides, games, inflatables, and a new Kiddie Land area that will cater to children ages 8 and younger.  The Kiddie Land will feature several age appropriate inflatables, activities, a puppet show, and a magic show.

Community members can also sit back and watch local groups and solo acts perform on stage, while enjoying food provided by various vendors.  In addition, several volunteers will be recognized at this birthday celebration, as part as the City’s Community Hero Award program.  Then, you will be able to enter various giveaways at the information booths and business showcase.  But the event highlights will be the Heritage Display, and the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area.

The Heritage Display will feature a short video, a display of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that tell the story of Diamond Bar’s ranch days.  This area will discuss how Diamond Bar’s land was “once known as Rancho Los Nogales, founded in 1840 by Jose de la Luz Linares to a grant issued by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado of Mexico,” according to the City of Diamond Bar.  Established by Frederick E. Lewis II in 1918, the Diamond Bar Ranch was known as one of the most respected ranches in Southern California.  If you want to find out more about Diamond Bar’s Ranch history, stop by the Heritage Display, where you will take part in activities like rope making, blacksmithing, and gold panning to demonstrate the life in the 1800s and 1900s.

The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area will feature our local public safety agencies, such as the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments, and emergency medical response personnel.  The information, resources, and giveaways that will be displayed are aiming to improve personal safety, reduce property crime, and prepare for emergencies, such as earthquakes or wildfires.  This will be a great area to visit, meet the local personnel, learn about crime prevention techniques, and pick up a free pine tree seedling ready for planting.  You will also be able to enter the “Shakey Quakey School House” that simulates shaking, falling objects, and sounds typical during an earthquake.  In addition, your child can have an identification card made with his or her fingerprints, height, weight and other identifying information documented for your records.

Event admission is free for this birthday party, but there will be nominal fees for the kids’ activities: carnival rides ($10 unlimited access), Kiddie Land ($5 unlimited access), and games and activities ($1 card for any four).  Don’t forget to bring cash too, as this is a cash-only event, and bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Also, if you park on a surrounding neighborhood street, a free and frequent shuttle service will take you to and from Pantera Park.  This shuttle service will start to transport local residents at 10:30 a.m. and continue until the end of the event.

There are so many great things to look forward to at this year’s Diamond Bar Birthday Celebration.  But many local residents are excited to simply get together with the members of our community.

Gil Rivera, Diamond Bar resident and local realtor, agrees that the community is a big reason why he loves attending the birthday celebration each year.  “I enjoy the fact that our community is so diverse,” said Rivera, who is also the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club President.  “Especially on that day, we gather together as one family to enjoy rides, food, and entertainment!”

So stop by this year’s Diamond Birthday Celebration on April 14th for a great day of fun, food, and activities to enjoy with your “like family” community!

 

Diamond Bar High presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR, CA–The Diamond Bar High School Performing Arts Department opens up its spring season with the Disney musical “The Little Mermaid” showing April 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee on April 14.

 

Fans of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and musical theatre won’t be disappointed with the live version of this beloved animated film that will soon splash onto the Diamond Bar High stage.

 

“The Little Mermaid” features memorable songs including “Kiss the Girl, “Under the Sea”, “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics).

 

From stellar performances — including a scene-stealing Ursula — to gorgeous costumes, beautiful sets and fun ensemble dance numbers, everything those who enjoy live theater could want they will find in the production.

 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and may be purchased online at seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.

 

Diamond Bar High School is located at 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar High Robotics Team Headed to World Championships

Regional Champs!

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—After a long weekend of broken parts and design flaws to overcome, Diamond Bar High’s Team Sprocket took home the prestigious blue banner as winners of the 2018 Orange County Regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) on Saturday.

The team has now qualified for the World Championships that will be held in Houston, Texas on April 18-21.

“We couldn’t have done this without all of the support from our members, alumni, parents, mentors, teachers and our sponsors,” said senior captain Karen Tan after the four-day competition held at UCI Bren Events Center.

“We will first celebrate the accomplishments of our hard work over the course of the season, and then we will focus on learning from the mistakes we made this year, so we can improve our program and grow to be even more successful in the future.”

On Friday, the competitive robotics team hosted 36 students from Chaparral, South Pointe and Suzanne Middle Schools to tour the FRC competition pits and enjoy matches in an effort to inspire the next generation of engineers.

After two days of game play, Sprocket #3473 finished qualification matches with a record of 7-3-0 and ranked 12th out of 52 teams.

The team was then selected as the 1st pick for the 3rd Ranked Alliance, including alliance members “Assembly Required” (Santa Margarita) and “The Midnight Mechanics” (La Jolla).

In the exciting Finals match, Team Sprocket defeated the 1st ranked alliance (2-0).

“This accomplishment is even more impressive considering that the #1 Alliance consisted of the #1 & #2 overall ranked teams. Team Sprocket and their alliance members stunned the arena by taking down “Goliath” in two straight matches with an unconventional defensive strategy… securing the title of FRC Orange County Regional Winners,” said instructional dean and advisor Gabriel Aguilar.

This is the second year in a row that the Diamond Bar High team qualified to compete at the World Championships.

“This is a testament to the high-quality instruction that these students are receiving in DBHS STEM classes!” Aguilar added.