Contest Winners Recognized During City Council Meeting

During Tuesday night’s Diamond Bar City Council meeting, the winners of the Diamond Bar Through My Lens contest were recognized and presented with certificates.

More than 270 photos were entered into the contest, which was open to all ages and skill levels. Mayor Steve Tye called the winners to notify them of the honor, and said, “It was very exciting to hear excitement in their voice for being chosen.”

The winning photos - which included shots of children playing, Diamond Bar landmarks, and nature - will be featured in several city marketing outlets this year, including the city’s government channel, website and calendar and services guide.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Jack Shah with the Sunshine Seniors Association announced that its Diwali celebration on November 5 raised $11,000. More than 600 people attended, with the funds raised going towards building hospitals in India.

“It was a grand success,” Shah said.

Later in the meeting, a public hearing was continued in regards to adopting a resolution establishing and adopting a schedule of rates, fees and charges for building construction services provided by the Community Development Department. Staff reported that the recommended fee adjustments will generate additional revenue that will partially offset the city’s true cost of providing services, with the total overall increase in revenue unknown at this time, and dependent on future project volumes. Staff added that the rates would still remain among the lowest in the area, and the resolution passed 5-0.

Before the vote, Council member Carol Herrera said, “I think it’s important for the city to keep pace with rising costs and not be a drain on our residents.”

The next meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are held at the AQMD/Government Center auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

For a list of the contest winners, check back with Diamond Bar Patch.