By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR– The December 15 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a presentation of a City Tile to Lt. Anthony Tachias upon his retirement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Council thanked him for his hard work and praised his 32 years of dedicated service to the Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Diamond Bar.

Next, representatives from the Los Angeles County Public Works department discussed El Nino preparedness. They emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of the El Nino season and its dangers, and the importance of the community preparing for potential problems caused by flooding from El Nino storms. More information can be found online at www.lacounty.gov/elnino.

During the public comments, a representative from Donate Life invited the Council to add a dedicated rose to the Donate Life float for the Rose Parade. The float will feature donors as well as those who received a donated organ and the gift of life. Also, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced a Holiday Music Program on December 19 at 2 p.m., as well as Santa’s arrival at the Diamond Bar Public Library.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Holiday Diamond Ride, a free shuttle service to and from Diamond Bar shopping centers, running from November 27 to January 1; and the Holiday Tree Curbside Collection Program, that will run December 26 through January 8. Trees free of decorations and flocking may be left at the curb for free pickup, although trees over six feet must be cut in half.  The Planning Commission meeting on December 22 and the Parks and Recreation meeting on December 24 are both canceled. City offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and will reopen on Monday, December 28.  City offices will also be closed January 1 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.  They will reopen on January 4, 2016.  The next City Council meeting will be on January 5; and the next Planning Commission meeting will be on January 12.  The next Traffic and Transportation meeting is on January 14. The Winter Snow Fest will be held on January 16 from 9-3 p.m. at Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar. It will have four snow hills, a snow play area, snowman building, a craft area, and children’s game booths.  Sleds will be provided.

Next, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on December 1; minutes from the planning commission; minutes from October 27; ratification of a check register totaling $421,068.45; adjourning the December 15 City Council meeting to January 19; a resolution approving the application for $267,500 of land and water conservation funds for the development of the Canyon Loop Trail; acceptance of work performed by Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to remove turf from the medians along Diamond Bar Blvd. and replace it with drought tolerant planting material and mulch, plus retro-fitting the irrigation system as necessary to meet state Water Board requirements; a funding agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to secure grant funds in the amount of $1,406,860 for the Diamond Bar adaptive traffic control; adoption of a resolution amending the City compensation plan; an amended and restated City Manager employment agreement; a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year administrative services agreement with ICMA-RC for 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Services; and a contract amendment to the consulting services agreement with Tait & Associates for construction administration services for the Ronald Reagan Park and Carlton Peterson Park parking lots rehabilitation projects in the amount of $40,000.

After a brief public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant Program allocation, including $198,757 in Fiscal Year 2016-17 funds and $72,709 from unallocated balance of funds for the total amount of $271,466. A second emergency ordinance was read, and subsequently adopted, which approved the guidelines for implementation of the City of Diamond Bar water efficient landscape ordinance.

Finally, the Council ratified City Council appointments and adopted a resolution confirming the appointment of specific representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.  A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement for other post-employment benefits, trust administration and investment management services with California Public Employees Retirement System was approved, and delegation of authority to request disbursements for qualified expenses was also approved.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again January 5, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Photo courtesy: Breitbart

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – It sounds ironic to talk about the dangers of El Niño causing massive flood damage as California is currently in the midst of a terrible drought; however Los Angeles County officials were adamant that residents should be prepared for an emergency as the weather gets colder and rainfall becomes more frequent.
Pamela J. Manning, from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, and Jeanne O’Donnell, senior emergency program manager for the County of Los Angeles, gave a short presentation at the Dec. 14 Diamond Bar city council meeting to dispel rumors associated with El Niño and to offer tips to Diamond Bar residents during the winter season.
For example, Manning stated that most citizens believe that El Niño is a yearly, singular storm that brings in heavy rains and flooding- when in fact El Niño is a climate cycle that causes multiple storms over the course of several months. In Southern California, El Niño is expected to cause increased rainfall from February through May, giving residents ample time to prepare for the worst.
“I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve heard people say ‘when is THE El Niño going to hit?’, as though it were one big bucket rainstorm,” Manning said. “That’s not at all what it is. Believe it or not, it’s actually a condition that has been happening since March, which a lot of people don’t realize.”
Manning stated that the county’s flood control systems are checked and that when flooding occurs, rainfall causes mudslides or if there are any other hazardous problems, public works will work to mitigate accidents from occurring.
Residents were also asked to prepare sandbags and to report any dangers caused by storm activity, which could help avoid accidents or injuries.
Manning said that the county looks at “Possible Vulnerable Locations” (PVLs) in every city which can be affected by inclement weather. These areas are noted in order to ensure that when El Niño does arrive, proper precautions are made to ensure that residents are not affected by problems caused around PVLs.
Manning said that only one PVL exists in Diamond Bar, an access road to the Indian Creek sewer maintenance pump.
While Manning covered the county’s ongoing actions, O’Donnell spoke about how residents can be proactive, and that the Internet has been and will continue to be an invaluable tool to warn residents of any storm related dangers.
O’Donnell said the county has been preparing for El Niño for months and that public outreach is important. She mentioned that #LARAIN on Twitter and other social media is a fast and clever way to let the masses know that El Niño can be dangerous, which areas to avoid, and when and where residents can go to receive help during a storm.
O’Donnell mentioned that during El Niño, the county will be working with various cities, emergency responders and even the Red Cross in the event that problems and injuries do occur.
“We’re really working hard to reach out and bring those agencies in and have conversations so that when El Niño does start, it’s not a ‘he said that, she said this’ situation and instead people understand the threats and the risks.”
Both O’Donnell and Manning agreed that having an emergency kit with food, water, clothing, a first aid kit, and various other survival items is important during an emergency and that keeping connected and informed is what can save lives and circumvent problems during El Niño.

Helpful tips from Los Angeles County:

• Monitor TVs and the radio for news
• Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation has been ordered
• Stay away from flooded channels and rivers
• Do not try to cross flooded areas
• Flood water picks up sewage and chemicals- throw away any food or medication that comes in contact with flood waters
• Stay away from steep slopes- they become unstable during heavy rainfall
• Never touch a downed power line
• Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences, and walls on hillsides
• If trapped in your vehicle- stay inside. If the water level rises, get on top of your car
• Be alert when driving
• Report small problems before they become big problems

As Manning and O’Donnell concluded their presentation, they said that additional information can be obtained at www.lacounty.gov/elnino and www.dpwcare.org.

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Holiday Diamond Ride has returned to Diamond Bar. This holiday season, the City of Diamond Bar and Dial-A-Ride has once again partnered to offer residents free transportation to and from the city’s shopping centers. The free service brings peace of mind to residents seeking to avoid the holiday traffic while supporting local businesses. Holiday Diamond Ride will operate through Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.

Residents must be at least 18 years of age to schedule a trip, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of Diamond Bar residency (license or utility bill) is required to participate. For more information or to book a trip, call 800-578-6555.

By Monique Valadez
DIAMOND BAR–There’s one thing you can put on your to-do list this holiday season that will keep your home safe if you’re leaving town.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Diamond Bar-Walnut station is offering to watch your home free of charge.
Tis’ the season for burglars to scout out empty neighborhoods. But, this year the local sheriff’s department is taking extra steps to prevent break-ins through its vacation check service.
“This service acts as an extra set of eyes and ears for homes and neighborhood,” said Sergeant Mark Saldecke with the L.A. County Sheriff Department – Diamond Bar-Walnut Station. “And, it’s free!”
The free service involves a sheriff’s deputy or trained volunteer on patrol monitoring the registered properties, at least once a day while you are away, to check for evidence of possible forced entry or any other suspicious activity, Saldecke said.
“It’s very reassuring for homeowner’s away on vacation as well as for the neighborhood,” Saldecke said of the year-round service.
The patrol officers or volunteers make it a point to get out of their vehicles and conduct a thorough check of the vacant homes.
“We’ll walk through, look at all the windows and doors, check the backyard, make sure the screens are intact,” said Saldecke. “We don’t just drive through the neighborhood. We make sure to conduct meaningful checks of the homes.”
Saldecke also encourages residents to get involved in their local neighborhood watch program that works together with the local sheriff’s to keep a close eye on suspicious activity.
Residents are so appreciative of this service that they often return from their vacation bearing treats to the station for offering a helping hand while they were away, Saldecke said.

To register for the free vacation check service, visit the station located at 21695 E. Valley Boulevard in Walnut or call Sergeant Saldecke at 909-595-2264.

Sheriff’s still recommend a few tips that can prevent your home from being a target: stop any mail or packages from being delivered, put your lights on a timer, keep your blinds closed, and tell someone you trust you’re going out of town.

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR – The Nov. 17 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began by presenting a City Tile to the former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner Ted Carrera, in recognition of his excellent services rendered to the City. Retiring Council member Jack Tanaka was also recognized for his hard work over the past 10 years on the Council. Tanaka was honored not only by the Council, but also by several others, including State Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang and several representatives from the City Councils of several different Cities. Tanaka himself stated that it was “a privilege and an honor” to serve the residents of Diamond Bar.

Following the several recognitions for Tanaka, the City Manager reports and comments were discussed where James DeStefano thanked the patience of Diamond Bar residents and business owners concerning the construction on Grand Avenue over the past several weekends.

During the public comments, a representative from Diamond Bar Youth for Action and Stop At Hunger announced Stop At Hunger’s third annual holiday food drive, beginning on Nov. 17 and ending on Dec. 17. Residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable goods to the Diamond Bar Center, Diamond Bar City Hall, Diamond Bar Library, and Heritage Park Community Center. A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several upcoming events, including Michael Rayner’s Comedy and Juggling Show on Nov. 19, from 4 to 4:45 p.m.; a Girl’s Only Party on Nov. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Baby and Toddler Storytime on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and a fun parents and children workshop on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Concluding the public comments was a representative from Waste Management, who presented the City a check rewarding the City for paint recycling.

After public comments were closed, the schedule of future of events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.; on Nov. 26-27, City Offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving, and will reopen on Nov. 30; from Nov. 27-Jan. 1, Holiday Diamond Ride will be operational, and will shuttle residents 18 years or older to and from the Diamond Bar Shopping Centers; the next City Council meeting is on Dec. 1 at 6:30; the Candy Cane Craft Fair will be on Dec. 5, starting at 9 a.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.; and the last City Council meeting of the year will occur on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar including minutes from the Nov. 3 City Council meeting; minutes from the Oct. 13 Planning Commission meeting; ratification of a check register totalling $1,523,335.31; transmittal of comprehensive annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2015; and a resolution approving the application for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for the fourth supervisorial district 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition funding for Stardust Mini Park ADA retrofit and approving the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan.

Following a public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution confirming a cost report for nuisance abatement costs concerning 783 Bowcreek Drive and establishing a special assessment and lien thereof.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.

Carol Herrera

By Monique Valadez

DIAMOND BAR – As of Nov. 13, criminal prosecutor Ruth Low and the incumbent city council member Carol Herrera appear to have clinched the top seats for the Diamond Bar City Council. The final verdict will be announced on Friday, Nov. 27 by the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/Clerk.
Retired police officer Robert Nishimura is close behind Low and Herrera. According to the unofficial results, Low received 2,266 votes, Herrera received 2,216 votes and Nishimura received 2,149 votes. Coming in the fourth spot, Robert Velker received 730 votes.
Herrera, who’s held the council seat since 1995, remains optimistic and continues to push her community goals.
“My priorities are public safety, reducing traffic and economic development,” Herrera said. One of the economic development project’s Herrera hopes to visit if re-elected is the rehabilitation of the Kmart center.

Ruth Low

Low and Herrera both support the reconfiguration of the traffic madness along the 57/60 freeway interchange, a project that recently broke ground with construction starting in early 2016.
Low’s campaign also pushes for public safety and solving the city’s traffic issues.  “I have directly contributed to making our community safer by vigorously enforcing our criminal laws, and as Councilmember, I will make community safety my top priority,” the current Planning Commissioner said. “My goals are to maintain public safety, promote excellence in education and lifelong learning, mitigate traffic, conserve our environment and promote fiscal prudence.”
Low will take the seat vacated by Councilman Jack Tanaka, who decided not to run for re-election.
According to city officials, Diamond Bar’s city clerk will certify the election results and swear in the newly elected council members during the Dec. 1 council meeting.

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
City officials and local dignitaries officially break ground on the first phase of the long-anticipated 57/60 Confluence Project.

Traffic relief draws near for one of California’s worst bottlenecks

By Monique Valadez

DIAMOND BAR – Deemed the eighth worst bottleneck in the nation by the American Transportation Research Institute, the two-mile stretch where the 57 Freeway and 60 Freeway merge is on the fast track for a face lift that is set to begin in January 2016.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 10, city officials from cities of Diamond Bar and Industry were joined by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other dignitaries to help break ground on the first phase of the two-mile stretch, referred to as the 57/60 Confluence Project.

“We applaud Los Angeles County for moving this project forward,” Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “It is tremendously important to the economy of California and, by extension, to the nation as a whole.”

During both the morning and afternoon grind, commuters attempt to weave across multiple lanes where 17 lanes of traffic condense sharply into just 14 lanes, resulting in a traffic choke hold on both freeways and frequent accidents. The $256-million freeway facelift promises to alleviate this problem with three major phases of improvements.

The first phase of the project calls for construction of the westbound freeway on-ramp from Grand Avenue. Phase two will include two series of improvements: Street widening in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive and construction of the westbound freeway off-ramp and secondary lane to Grand Avenue.

The third and largest phase will bring improvements to the freeway mainline and bypass connectors. Funding is yet to be identified for this phase.

The project will be funded with a mix of funds from local, State and Federal sources. Similar projects nationwide are not moving forward due to the lack of funding, according to federal officials.

Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) who represents the project area says that the nearly 40 year old freeway redesign is long overdue.

“The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates about 356,000 vehicles, including 26,000 big rig trucks, travel on the 57/60 Confluence every day,” said Huff. “During rush hours, peak traffic generally last for three to four hours on a typical weekday. Nearly ten thousand vehicles travel this stretch nearly every hour of the day.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says that the interstate redesign project will make a big difference in the quality of life.

“This project is a win for businesses and people living in Los Angeles County,” said Foxx. “Not only will it improve the efficient movement of freight, which is an important priority for the economy, it will also improve the quality of life for people who have experienced the frustration of waiting in rush hour traffic.”

The proposed improvements would result in a reduction of at least 162 accidents per year, or nearly 3,300 less accidents over the next 20 years, and likely reduce accidents that cause injury or fatality by at least 1,000 occurrences over the next 20 years, according to project planners.

This freeway fix is expected to be completed in about two years depending on weather.

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
Traffic relief draws near for one of California’s worst bottlenecks.