City staffers pulled out all the stops for an open house on March 17, joining with program instructors and residents to celebrate the launch of the Claremont Human Services Department’s new logo and activities guide.

Greeting guests and residents as they approached the building was human services’ new vehicle, a 2015 Ford Explorer wearing the department’s new logo and eye-catching colors with pride. The SUV was recently purchased at a total cost of $32,695 to replace the department’s previous vehicle, a two-passenger 2002 Ford cargo van that, according to City of Claremont Finance Director Adam Pirrie, had been scheduled for replacement in the current budget.

“As well as having been utilized beyond its scheduled replacement life, the van was also replaced due to issues with functionality,” explains Mr. Pirrie. “It had no side or rear windows, which created some visibility issues. It was used primarily for transporting materials and supplies for special events, which involves driving only short distances, but aside from that the functionality was quite limited. The new Explorer has passenger seating as well as the ability to transport supplies, which will meet the department’s needs much better and allow for more consistent use.”

Given that the previous vehicle’s mileage was only at 16,878, it could be argued that the cargo van had more life to give but, according to Mr. Pirrie, it just wasn’t the right fit.

“Because of the previous vehicle’s limitations, it was not used extensively,” he said. “It was only used for special events. The Explorer will better serve the human services department’s needs.”

According to Director of Claremont Human Services Anne Turner, the new vehicle will get plenty of use.

“We’ll use it for all kinds of things like tours, transporting items for events, conferences and meetings, the upcoming Spring Celebration…even the mail run,” she says. “It’s just another way for us to let people know who human services is and what we do.”

Residents will have a hard time missing the message.

At a cost of $1,786, the white vehicle has been wrapped with the department’s new logo—a symphony of green, orange and blue—prominently displayed for all to see. The SUV continues its public relations duty even as it heads away, with its back window emblazoned with the human service department’s motto and the URL to the city’s website on the bumper. City staff shopped hard for a good price, looking at several designs and quotes before selecting a winner to do the job.

“Human services staff proposed to wrap the vehicle in order to promote the programs and activities of the department, and to increase the visibility of human services’ programs in the city,” explained City of Claremont Finance Director Adam Pirrie.

At the open house, guests were welcomed into the Hughes Center with a colorful balloon arch. Once inside, Councilmember Sam Pedroza and Ms. Turner were on hand to distribute goodie bags including a shopping tote, Frisbee, water bottle and sunglasses featuring Claremont Human Services’ new logo: “Creating Community. People. Parks. Programs.”

City Manger Tony Ramos, Mayor Corey Calaycay and additional city staff joined in the festivities.

Tables were peppered throughout the Hughes Center halls, displaying literature explaining the many programs and services and providing the roughly 200 guests the opportunity to speak with instructors about opportunities offered through Claremont Human Services.

Snacks, beverages and a fun photo booth were also available to visitors. At the center of it all were colored flyers that asked people of all ages to describe their favorite Claremont memory.

“My favorite Claremont memory is Halloween when we go to the Village,” wrote 13-going-on-14-year-old Kiara Mariscal. “The shops hand out candy and I volunteer and help with the games.”

Hayley Page, 22, wrote, “My favorite Claremont memory is getting to work with the youth of Claremont through Camp Claremont, the YAC and various city events.”

“My favorite Claremont memory is when I went to a concert with my friends,” wrote 7-year-old Silvia Rodela.

The human services department oversees not just city-wide events, but a host of activities and services provided through the city’s senior centers, the Joslyn and Blaisdell Centers. For more information about classes and services, visit claremontrec.com.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com