Diamond Bar’s Online Presence Allows Residents Access to City 24/7

With its website, Facebook page, and Twitter account, the city of Diamond Bar is still within reach even after City Hall is closed.

“The Internet is not restricted to business hours or physical locations, so having a presence via our website or social media pages has helped strengthen three areas of City Hall – information, communication, and service delivery,” said Lauren Hidalgo, public information specialist with the city. “Visiting our city website, because it is designed to closely mimic City Hall in terms of how information is displayed and organized, is a close second to visiting City Hall in person, and we’re proud of that fact; it means our residents, businesses, and the general public can access information and services from any location, any hour of the day with an Internet connection.”

For those with iPhones, the city has an app, which can be found by searching “Diamond Bar” in the iTunes store, that allows users to utilize GPS, video, and camera options to report issues like potholes and graffiti to City Hall. 

“It also provides access to maps and directions to city and county facilities; one-touch direct phone or email connection to City Council members and city departments; and the news and meetings and event calendar sections of the city website,” Hidalgo said. “The increased use of smart phones led us to expand the way we communicate and provide services, with the ultimate goal of keeping our residents engaged, connected, and informed.”

For those who are unable to attend City Council meetings, they are streamed live on the website, and archived as well.

“If there’s something in the agenda that interests you, you don’t have to worry about having to drive over to attend the meeting,” Hidalgo said. “Simply visit the website and watch live from wherever you are.”

The city’s Public Information Division manages all social media pages, although collaboration with other departments does occur. Some of the services offered online, like signing up for recreation classes, save residents a trip or phone call to City Hall. 

“Other services still require a visit to City Hall, but save residents or businesses time up front such as obtaining the initial paperwork needed to apply for a building permit,” Hidalgo said.

The city delivers its monthly print newsletter, City News, to all residential and business addresses in Diamond Bar. For those who want news brought to their inbox, there are several electronic newsletters that are available by subscription, with more than 1,100 subscribing to City News and over 850 to the recreation guide.

“Facebook posts and Twitter tweets enable us to supplement our newsletters and news releases with concise and timely messages for individuals who like to obtain their news on the go via their smart phone,” Hidalgo said.

To spread the word, the city’s website address is printed on all publications, and City Hall visitors stopping by are reminded to go online.

“I believe residents value the time-saving convenience that the city website affords them,” Hidalgo said.

In 2011, the city was recognized for the fourth year in a row with the Excellence in Information Technology Practice Award. Created by the Municipal Information Systems Association of California, it is designed to recognize public agency efforts that exceed industry practices. 

“Diamond Bar was one of only 21 cities statewide to earn this distinction,” Hidalgo said. “This is a big deal because it acknowledges and certifies our high level, 99.9 percent, uptime on servers to ensure residents and businesses have constant access to the city website, and that online credit card transactions such as transit pass sales and recreation class registration are safe and secure.”

Diamond Bar Online:

Website: http://www.DiamondBarCA.gov

Twitter: http://twitter.com/diamondbarcity

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CityofDiamondBarCA