Public Safety to be Topic of Next City Presentation

Law enforcement, fire protection, and animal control all form part of the City’s comprehensive public safety program.

Information about the services provided in each of these areas, statistics, and crime prevention tips will be shared at the next City Government Explained presentation taking place 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at the Diamond Bar Center. This presentation is part of the new City Government Explained presentation series aimed at residents interested in increasing their understanding of how City government works.

Participation is free open to Diamond Bar residents age 16 and older. Space is limited and advance registration is required by visiting www.diamondbarca.gov/recregister and using keyword 9000. Alternatively, you can also register by contacting the City’s Public Information Division by email at publicinfo@diamondbarca.gov or phone call to (909) 839-7056.

Beware of Rising Catalytic Converter Thefts

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationwide, and a disproportionate number of these thefts are happening in California.

According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, California accounts for nearly 40 percent of catalytic converter theft claims nationwide.

Catalytic converters are a component found in all vehicles built in or after 1974. Their function is to convert engine pollutants into neutral gasses. The mechanism that makes this conversion possible involves precious metals that include platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This makes them valuable and tempting to thieves who profit by selling them at a scrapyard or recycler.

Free Bulky Item Pickup

Do you have a worn-out sofa or mattress, or a large appliance like a refrigerator or dishwasher that no longer works? You can get rid of it by scheduling a free pickup with your waste hauler. Both Waste Management and Valley Vista Services offer every customer up to four free bulky item pickups for items that are too large or heavy to fit in your cart or bin. Pickups must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of your next regularly scheduled trash collection day. To schedule a pickup with Waste Management, call (800) 266-7551 or fill out the Bulky Request Form available at www.wm.com/us/local/ca/ diamond-bar/residential. To request a pickup from Valley Vista Services, call (800) 442-6454 or fill out an online form available at https://www.valleyvistaservices.com/bulky-item/.

One way to help deter the theft of your catalytic converter is to have it etched...

Stealing a catalytic converter is relatively easy – it takes less than a minute and involves the use of basic tools.

One way to help deter the theft of your catalytic converter is to have it etched with an identifying number such as your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. If the visual deterrent does not stop a thief from taking your converter, the etched number will come in handy if it is ever recovered by law enforcement as they will be able to trace it back to the vehicle from which it was stolen, and may also support prosecution efforts.

Free Monthly Etching Events

On the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m., deputies from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station hold a free catalytic converter etching event at the parking lot of Calvary Chapel, located at 22324 Golden Springs Drive. The etching process only takes a few minutes, and is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not available. Upcoming converter etching events are scheduled for April 19, May 17 and June 21.

To learn more about catalytic converter thefts and how to protect it against theft, check out the March Safety Speak blog entry authored by Deputy Aaron Scheller posted at www.diamondbarca.gov/safetyspeak. For more information about the free converter etching events, contact the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595-2264.