By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The April 13 Walnut City Council Meeting began by recognizing the many volunteers that gave their support to the City. To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Month, the Council recognized the Rotary Club, the American Youth Soccer Organization, the Walnut Valley Women’s Club, the Chinese American Association of Walnut, the Walnut Lion’s Club, the Walnut Valley Relay for Life, and several residents who have offered many hours of hard work and service to the City.

Following the presentations, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including an ordinance amending water efficient landscaping requirements of the Walnut Municipal Code; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $49,335.71; an alcoholic beverage license application for Valley Market & Liquor; a request by Canning Hunger for a non-profit solicitation permit and waiver of business license tax; rate increases for the fiscal year of 2016-17 and 2017-18 of a three year contract with West Coast Arborist for City wide tree trimming and related services and extension of the contract for an additional year, fiscal year 2018-19; the American Cancer Society 2016 Relay for Life request and fee waiver for City service and equipment fee; and an announcement for application period for the Senior Citizens, Parks and Recreation, and the Planning Commissions. The Council also approved a resolution of the Successor Agency allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,250.00.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on April 27 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd. in Walnut.

Staff Reports

Walnut–  The Walnut City Council election results are in! Incumbents Nancy Tragarz and Eric Ching were elected to the City Council on Tuesday night. However, Tony Cartagena’s open seat will be occupied by 23-year-old newcomer, Andrew Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is a Walnut High School graduate and he is the youngest City Councilmember ever elected in Walnut’s history.

“Over the last few months, it has truly been an honor and privilege to have met so many different people who genuinely care about the future of our community… I would like to thank the residents of this city for giving us a chance to showcase our vision for Walnut,” Rodriguez said a week before election day.

When he found out he won, Rodriguez posted a picture on his Facebook page with the caption, “Thank you Walnut! I look forward to serving as your City Councilman for the next 4 years!”

Unofficial results reported that Tragarz received 2,358 votes; Ching received 1,896 votes; and Rodriguez received 1,668 votes. They will take the three final seats on the Walnut City Council, joining Mayor Robert Pacheco and Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Su.

The unofficial results also reported that the candidate in fourth, Bella Cristobal, received 1,281 votes; Dino Pollalis in fifth place received 1,170 votes; and Betty Tang in last received 1,064 votes.

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 10 Walnut City Council meeting began by presenting Donut Tree with an award naming it the Winter 2016 Business of the Quarter. The Council thanked Donut Tree for its years of service to the community, for providing an excellent meeting place for celebrities and common residents alike, as well as for providing gracious donations of donuts to anyone who asked.

During the public comments, several residents reported burglaries between Pierre and Lemon, citing homes on Meadowpass and High Knoll as specific victims of these crimes. This group of concerned residents also announced a neighborhood watch meeting on February 16, and encouraged everyone to attend. Deputy Doug Daley also promised increased patrols around the area.

The Council then approved the minutes from the January 26 and 27 City Council special meeting, and the January 27 City Council meeting. After a brief public hearing, the Council remanded a conditional use permit from Sprint wireless back to the Planning Commission, who will review the permit and return the item back to the Council. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing $772,961.87 in claims and demands; an amendment to the agreement between the City and Silver and Wright LLP; and a bid to Toyota and Scion of Whittier for a City Fleet Vehicle.

Next, the Council agreed to post the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force Expansion and Growth Issues document to the City website, following a review of the document by the new City attorney. The Council also discussed front yard landscaping requirements in residential areas. Although front yards are not required to be completely green, considering the current drought, front yards are not allowed to be overgrown with weeds or have patches of dead soil. Residents should make sure any planned landscaping is in line with city code before remodeling their front yard.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 24 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

By Natalie Kim
The January 27 Walnut City Council meeting began with an announcement from a Walnut United Taxpayers representative, who announced that Mt. Sac’s attempt to dismiss the injunction on the parking lot structure was dismissed by the court, and that Walnut United Taxpayers was able to add Mt. Sac’s proposed solar farm to their case. The case against Mt. Sac was reported to be very strong, although currently Mt. Sac’s current master plan still includes the contended parking lot structure.
Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including minutes from the January 13 City Council meeting; an ordinance imposing an express ban on marijuana cultivation, processing, delivery, and dispensaries; a resolution allowing claims and demands of $581,050; a resolution authorizing city application for all eligible CalRecycle payment programs; a first amendment to the purchase and sale agreement by and between the City and CalAtlantic Group Inc; appropriation of CalRecycle Beverage Recycling grant funds; awarding a bid to the Creekside Park Playground Renovation Project; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Rd for a special high school event; a request from Mt. Sac Relays Executive Committee to conduct a 5k/10k Fun Race/Walk on April 9; a request for a film permit; a resolution approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for July 2016 to June 2017; the administrative budget for July 2016 to June 2017; appeal of Planning Commission Conditions and a tentative tract map for a two-lot subdivision of undeveloped land within the Single Family Residential and Rural Overlay Zoning Districts.
The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Feb 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road, in the Council Chambers.

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT-The Oct. 28, Walnut City Council meeting began by recognizing resident John Hoang, who played an instrumental role in arresting the mail thieves that have been plaguing the city. The City thanked him for his diligence in reporting suspicious figures to the Sheriff, who in turn managed to arrest the thieves, who will be tried in a federal court. The City also recognized the Starbucks store located on Grand and Valley as the business of the summer 2015 quarter.

During the public comments, a resident expressed her concern with the current location of cell towers and their proximity to elementary schools. Several other residents complained about a lack of code enforcement in Walnut homes. Finally, a representative from Habitat for Humanity announced a lack of eligible families for a new home the organization is in the process of constructing. All Walnut residents that meet the requirements of being a multigenerational disabled veteran family are encouraged to call Habitat for Humanity at (909) 596-7098 and apply for housing.

An ordinance revising the methods of drawing warrants was read for the second time, and subsequently approved. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar: a resolution allowing claims and demands in $1,006,946.03; a request to solicit bids for City Attorney services; awarding a bid to Deere and Company for the purchase of utility tractor and attachments; awarding a bid to Shade Structures, Inc. for Creekside Park Fitness Zone shade structure installation; and an amendment to the agreement for Leibold McClendon & Mann.

During the Council comments and updates, Councilmember Su announced a health fair on Thursday (Oct. 29), from 9 a.m. to noon, where flu shots will be available. Councilmember Cartagena also announced a wildlife tour at Mt. San Antonio College’s wildlife sanctuary on Nov. 10.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road.

New Expedited Solar System Permit Process Adopted

By Monique Valadez

WALNUT– Walnut homeowners and businesses looking to go solar now have a team of city officials backing them in their smart, energy efficient lifestyle. With the passing of a new state law AB 2188, all California cities and counties had until September to implement a state-standardized permitting process for the alternative energy systems.

The new law takes out the red tape and burdensome permit process allowing for an easier and faster process for residents and installers alike.

The Walnut City Council made it official on June 24 by adopting a new ordinance to help expedite and streamline a formal permit process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

According to city officials, they hope to advance the use of solar energy by all its residents, businesses, and industries by providing an expedited permitting process to assure the effective deployment of solar technology.

According to the new state law, which builds on the Solar Rights Act of 1978, seeks to reduce permitting barriers by mandating cities institute a more accessible and straight-forward permitting process, and by reducing opportunities for local governments to delay and unnecessarily condition approvals.

Under the new law, the city must allow homeowners to apply for the permits online, and must make all required documents available on their websites. A standard plan and checklist must also be provided to homeowners that explains the local building and safety requirements for rooftop solar panels. Cities must also complete the application process including inspections in a timely manner.

This new permitting process is also expected to save homeowners and solar energy installers a significant amount of time and money. In the long-run, this is a win-win situation for both governing bodies and residents converting to solar energy as well as helping expedite California’s “Million Solar Roofs” initiative.

For more information about solar energy systems and inspections, contact your city’s building division. The Walnut City Building Division can be contacted at (909) 595-7543.

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The Sept. 23 Walnut City Council meeting began with the recognition of Maintenance Supervisor, Kenny Martinez. Due to his efforts, Walnut remains verdant and beautiful despite the harsh drought, and the trees across the town remain healthy and strong because of his care. The Council also declared Oct. 10 as Arbor Day.

During Communications, numerous complaints were made about the solar farm project on Grand Ave. proposed by Mt. San Antonio College. One complaint was made by a resident of West Covina, who agreed with several other Walnut residents that the solar farm’s proposed location would deprive Walnut of the majesty of the hills and result in an “eyesore” along Grand Ave. Other complaints noted the increase in traffic in the already busy intersection of Amar Rd. and Grand Ave. that would occur if construction were approved.

“We’re not against solar,” one resident clarified, “we’re fighting the location.”

In response to the widespread unrest concerning the proposed location of the college’s solar farm, the Council agreed to make the solar farm an item on the agenda for the next meeting on Oct. 14.

Council then approved the minutes from the Aug. 26 Study Session; and after minor adjustments, approved the minutes from the Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 City Council meetings.

After the Public Hearing, the Council adopted a resolution amending the fees and charges for services provided by the Community Development Department. The Council also approved an ordinance amending the City’s municipal code concerning purchase and sale of equipment and supplies. A second ordinance concerning the City’s municipal code on the drawing of warrants was discussed, but ultimately was unsatisfactory to the Council. The ordinance will be revised and brought back in the Oct. 14 Council meeting. The Council also awarded a bid of $99,545.26 to Greenfields Outdoor Fitness to begin constructing outdoor fitness equipment in Creekside Park; and appointed Ben Zhang to the Youth Advisory Commission. The Council also adopted a resolution allowing $647,584.01 in claims and demands on a 3-1-1 vote – with Councilwoman Tragarz voting against on the grounds that the claims and demands in the resolution should have been covered in a separate item brought before the Council, and Councilman Ching abstaining.

The Council then approved all items on the Successor Agency Consent Calendar, including a resolution allowing $41,586 in claims and demands; approval of a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for Jan. to June 2016; and a resolution approving the administrative budget for Jan. to June 2016. The Council also approved a sale agreement with Standard Pacific Corporation.

A multitude of residents came together at the Council meeting to protest Verizon’s appeal of a site plan concerning a Monopine at 555 Gartel Dr. Residents from all walks of life argued against the Monopine –  from professors to mothers and fathers concerned for their children, even to 10-year olds disquieted by the potential telecommunication construction project – all voiced their concerns to the Council and refuted the need for another cell tower, especially at the proposed address of 555 Gartel Dr. In line with the sentiments expressed, the Council denied Verizon’s appeal.

The Council approved a 30-day extension of time for the rear wall found at 20638, 206230, 20624, and 20618 Loyalton Dr. in light of a new proposal brought to the Council. The Council will revisit the proposal and discuss further action at their next meeting.

Following individual comments and announcements, the meeting was adjourned until Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., at the City Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Rd.

By Natalie Kim

Q:  As the only member of the City Council to have served on the State Assembly before, how different is the State Assembly from the Walnut City Council?

A:  Well, it’s substantially different, obviously. You’re part of 80 people in the State Assembly, and people are from all over the state. So you represent a different constituency. The 60th Assembly District, which is the one I was in, represented three counties: Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the San Bernardino County. It’s a huge area.

Q:  What part of Walnut are you most proud of?

A:  There are a couple things. When I was on the Council last time, we put into play several things that today are great for the city. We built the Teen Center gymnasium, we built the Senior Center, and we built the Starbucks center. Those are the three most prominent things we have in Walnut that have the greatest activity. I’m very pleased to be a part of that.

Q:  Is there anything you would change about Walnut if you could?

A:  No, I like Walnut the way it is. I like the atmosphere, I like the way the City is laid out, I like the fact that we have great parks and facilities for people to enjoy. The only thing we can do, that can be improvements, are to add onto those things. When I ran the last time, one of the things I urged was to build a swim complex over by Walnut Ranch, and we’re in process of beginning to do that. It will be a major area for swimming; for children playing in the water, for seniors to have a place to exercise in the water, a clubhouse, a place for people to gather, and then an ampitheater. We’re in the process now; we’re selling the land up there, and we’re using the proceeds to begin the development. The other thing we want to develop are shopping centers and to bring more restaurants into the City. The Albertson’s shopping center has been vacant for five years. It’s a blight on the City, and we want to redevelop that area. The thing that I want to do is [possibly] make that into an artist area. We have a lot of artists in the City and people don’t even know that. They gather here in City Hall and they do their painting. What I’d like to see done is bring in a major tenant and redo the whole area. Artist groups have a good idea of how to do that, so I want to bring them in and make that happen.

Q:  There’s been a lot of consternation surrounding your appointment as Mayor. Is there anything you would like to say to address that?

A:  I understand. I just call it politics – no matter where you are.  I’ve been in involved in politics at the local level, at the state level, and at the federal level. The thing that people don’t realize is that my appointment of Mayor is a selection by members of the City Council, not voters. Anyone can be Mayor. All it takes is three votes on the City Council. There have been at least four or five other occurrences where the people who were sitting as Mayor Pro Tem were passed [over]. So it’s not an unusual occurrence. I know people were saying that it was going against tradition.  The reality of it is many of the cities around us have the same situation. Many of the people on the City Council never get to be Mayor, because they get voted out. Bottom line is, I want to do what’s good for the City, and I want to treat people with respect, and I want the City Council to conduct its affairs in a respectful manner – which is, I think, the reason why the other members voted me in. We have not been having City Council acting in a respectful manner. It’s simply that. Yes, there were a number of people upset, but the reason people were upset was because Eric [Ching] was bypassed. I meet a lot of people, and most everyone I talk to is very happy I became Mayor. The Mayor is basically like a figurehead. They don’t really have power. They are a representative of the city. Somebody who is representing the city needs to act in a manner that is good for the city. I think that’s the only reason they selected me to be mayor; that I would be good for the City, and bring respect and more structure to the City Council.

Q:  What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job?

A:  I don’t really have a least favorite. My favorite part is really interacting with the public. I am very responsive. People call me or see me on the street, or in the grocery store, or at church, and ask me to do things or look into things. That is the real key of who you are as a representative of the City, is to be responsive to the needs of the citizens. That’s my most favorite part – interacting with the citizens, being responsive to them, and making sure the City is being run in a proper manner.

Q:  Do you have any advice for someone interested in running for City Council or beginning a career in politics?

A:  The first thing they need to do is be involved. If you want to be part of the city and a representative of the city, you must be involved and care about things that go on – which means you participate and volunteer.  You participate in things that may not be creating a big name for yourself, but make you part of a community. Sometimes people want to run, but they’ve never been in involved with anything. They haven’t served on any of the commissions, they haven’t done much in the way of participation in civic affairs, and then they want to be mayors or councilmen. You have to pay your dues, I think. I was on the Mayor’s Advisory Commission at first. After that, I was appointed to the City Planning Commission, and after that, I was elected to the City Council. Then, of course, I moved to the state legislature, and then I came back. But I participate. I participate in a lot of things. I started the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. We give teacher grants, student grants, and we help the school district. We’ve raised nearly $2 million for the school district over almost 20 years now. That’s participating in the community. That’s giving back. At my church – St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church – I was one of the initial people helping to create the church, building and raising money, and all that. I’m part of the Lyon’s Club, and I work with the Chamber of Commerce.  And I work with other organizations; I’m doing an event for the Republican Women’s group at my house to raise their membership. These are things you have to do for the community. And then, when you’ve done that, then you can be part of the leadership.

Natalie Kim is a student at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. She requested an interview with the new Mayor of Walnut, Bob Pacheco, and he readily agreed.