Diamond Bar Council Honors Outgoing Planning Commissioner Steve Nelson

Steve Nelson, who recently resigned from the Diamond Bar Planning Commission, received a city tile last week in recognition for his service.

The Diamond Bar City Council honored Nelson, who served more than 13 years on the commission, for his dedication to the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Ron Everett highlighted some of the projects Nelson has been involved with getting approved, including Site D and the Target, and praised his "collegial attitude and spirit."

"The legacy of his leadership and mentorship will be long lasting," Everett said. "Steve, you will be missed."

Nelson, a resident since 1976, thanked the council members past and present, as well as the city staff and his wife Marian.

"It's been a great great honorable duty to have done this," he said. "I am pleased to have done it and I will never forget the experience. I've learned a lot."

Nelson was first appointed to the commission in 1998 and served until 2004.  He was reappointed in 2006 and resigned this month.

His 13.5 years of service is "longer than any other person on any city commission," said Everett, who last appointed Nelson.

"That's phenomenal," Everett said.  "That's more than half the life of Diamond Bar."

Both Mayor Jack Tanaka and Councilman Steve Tye served with Nelson at one time on the Planning Commission and wished him the best.

"You are the Carol Herrera of the Planning Commission," Tye said, giving a nod to his long-serving fellow council member.  "You have served with distinction and honor and it has been a pleasure to serve with you."

Councilwoman Carol Herrera said Nelson, who is vice president of an environmental consulting firm, used his expertise to help his fellow commissioners grapple with difficult technical issues coming before them.

"You showed tremendous leadership," Herrera said. "You shared your knowledge and experience with (fellow commissioners) and the Planning Commission also got through all of the serious, complicated issues that were in front of them."

The city is taking applications until Friday for Nelson's vacant seat on the commission.