Diamond Bar City Council, Community Salutes Ron Everett

Outgoing Diamond Bar Councilman Ron Everett's final meeting Tuesday was a night of tributes.

Lawmakers, elected officials from neighboring communities, and public safety representatives came to pay their respects to Everett, and the crowd at the AQMD boardroom where the council has its meetings gave him a standing ovation.

"It's been a great seven years, and I would like to personally thank you for your service to the residents of Diamond Bar," outgoing Mayor Jack Tanaka said.

The council members presented Everett, who wore a flower lei around his neck, with a engraved wooden box that contained a clock and a thermometer for his desk.

Everett was first appointed to the council in 2007.  He was elected in 2009.

He finished fourth in his bid for re-election Nov. 5, earning 16 percent of the vote.

Everett, who has lived in Diamond Bar since 1977, has served on the Walnut Valley Unified's Personnel Commission for 20 years. He and his wife Kay moved to town because of the area's quality schools and family atmosphere, Everett said during the election.

Everett is the council member who can often be seen out at community and school events.

Many who recognized him Tuesday night lauded his love for the community.

Representatives of U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, Sen. Bob Huff, Assemblyman Curt Hagman, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe honored Everett.

Council members from the neighboring cities of Chino Hills and Walnut also saluted him.

Walnut Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz and Councilman Bob Pacheco both lauded Everett's dedication.

"It's been a pleasure to work so closely with you," Tragarz said. "We know how dedicated you are to the city of Diamond Bar and to the whole Walnut Valley community and all the surrounding areas, and we appreciate your service."

Chino Hills Mayor Ed Graham and Councilman Peter Rogers praised Everett for working at forging a strong bond between the cities.

"We have a great partnership with the city of Diamond Bar," Rogers said. "Ron, whenever we had an event that took place that was appropriate for Diamond Bar to be there to represent the city and citizens, he was always there for us."

Both Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Scroggin and Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Dave Stone expressed appreciation for Everett's support of public safety.

"You've always given us the resources needed to fight crime," Scroggin said. "More importantly, and I truly mean this, you have always supported us through your presence at our many events. You've done a tremendous job of making Diamond Bar a safer place to live work and play and we congratulate you on a job well done."

Everett said helping the residents of the community is what he enjoyed most.

"It's been my pleasure to serve the people of Diamond Bar," he said. "The thing I've learned most about...and enjoyed the very most is the people of Diamond Bar.

He also praised the city staff and said he truly enjoyed working with the employees.

"I like people," he said, "so it has been a real treat and my pleasure to serve."