Readers’ comments: July 7, 2023

Thanks, Claremont Courier team
Dear editor:
I would like to thank and recognize the Courier team for their article about my original movie poster art show/exhibit and sale that was a part of Claremont’s Art Walk on July 1 [“Opening the vault: 40+ years of movie poster collecting on view, for sale Saturday,” June 30].
With no advance warning or notification and little time to prepare, owner Peter Weinberger and editor Mick Rhodes sent reporter and photographer Andrew Alonzo to my home for an outstanding interview and photo session. The article perfectly captured the essence of all that I was trying to accomplish with this show.
The result was an excellent turnout where everyone who stopped by to view and/or purchase expressed to me that they were so appreciative that I opened my storage facility vaults to bring people to the Village, to support the Art Walk, and most importantly, to give a portion of the proceeds to the Laemmle Theatres Claremont 5 to help keep it as a premier destination to see both mainstream and art house films in Claremont. All of this would not have been possible without The Courier jumping on the story and featuring it on their pages within days.
And know that the sale continues all month! A listing of the posters is at the theater, so please continue to support going to the movies at the Laemmle and buying a piece of movie history knowing that you are supporting what so many agree is a very worthy cause.
Brian Ofstedahl
Claremont

Kudos to the Benton Museum
Dear editor:
This letter is written to advise the public of the availability of the Pomona College’s Benton Museum of Art historical newspaper clippings on the subjects of civil rights and World War II. There are probably others which I may not be aware of.
The clippings are from newspapers throughout the USA, include photos, and are organized in binders sequentially. The staff, under the direction of Steve Comba, could not be more helpful. I have not been charged a fee although I plan to make an offering to the museum at the conclusion of my review.
I wrote to commend the staff and to advise the public of the availability of this resource. I’d recommend that others might avail themselves of what the museum has to offer. We are so fortunate that the Benton Museum is here.
Jennifer Fog
Claremont

Plea to Jamboree: consider a different population at Larkin Place
Dear editor:
In response to “Viewpoint: Jamboree explains commitment to Larkin Place, Claremont,” June 16:
I applaud Mr. Massie’s work to help the homeless.  He shares a compassionate story that warms the heart and I, and most Claremonters, are grateful for those residents who are able to be helped.  However, his story does not address the controversy surrounding those chronically homeless residents who will not want help.
Of great concern is that, due to Housing First policies, controlled mental health and drug addiction (per a 2019 California Policy Lab study, 80-90% of the chronically homeless suffer from these issues) is not a requirement for residency, according to California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 8255. Per Danielle Latteri at the May 12, 2022 Jamboree community meeting, there will be one property manager and, during working hours, the equivalent of “1.5 Jamboree staff with offsite clinical staff available as needed.” Housing residents with severe mental health illness and drug addiction without medical intervention could spill over into the neighboring community with increased police calls and disruptions.
Concerned Claremonters have shared with major stakeholders the dangers of placing this homeless category near Larkin Park. We plead with them to consider thoughtful, sensible strategies and solutions for housing homeless in our community; to reconsider a different population, i.e., seniors, veterans, or single mothers with children, so it brings a more harmonious fit into this vulnerable part of Claremont. These requests have been dismissed.
Why is Jamboree motivated to place the highest risk category of chronically homeless — into a vulnerable location dominated by school children, and senior citizens? Per Massie, it was the only homeless category that would make the project “pencil out.”
If Massie truly cares about more than Jamboree’s bottom line, provide help that does not put Claremonters at risk.
Paul Gendron
Claremont

Vote McDonald for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As a mother of three young children, two of whom will be in CUSD in the fall, I am invested in the quality and leadership of our school board. I support Alex McDonald for the July 25 special election because he is the best candidate for the job.
If you talk with Alex, you’ll learn that he is a CUSD parent and a doctor. He lives a life dedicated to public service and community health. As such, it’s no surprise that, in addition to prioritizing continued academic excellence in our district, Alex also recognizes the role that health and wellness play in education. That’s why he wants to tackle issues like bullying, anxiety/depression, and online safety. Alex views health holistically and understands that students can’t learn if they’re not well — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Another reason I support Alex is his commitment to equity and diversity. In spite of the political culture wars across the country, I would like CUSD to be a place where all children, teachers, staff, and families feel welcomed and included. I believe electing Alex will support that effort because he wants to make sure there is a place for all children in the district.
Local elections matter. They impact our daily lives and shape our future. We need people in leadership who genuinely care and are going to make the best decisions for our children. I encourage everyone reading this to do their research to discern what is truly best for our community. And I hope voters in Trustee Area 4 will join me in supporting Alex McDonald for CUSD.
Isabel Ebiner
Claremont

Vote McDonald for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I could not be more enthusiastic about Alex McDonald as a potential school board member. After having served on three education boards — CUSD, Baldy View ROP and Citrus College, and at the state level on the California Community College Trustee Board — I can say that Alex exhibits the best leadership qualities I have seen across the state.
Alex would bring a vast expanse of skills, talent, and knowledge to the CUSD Board of Education. He understands the role of the school board member and can be highly effective within that role. He is neither right nor left, but a strong advocate for the academic and social needs that will allow all students to succeed.
I have lived in Claremont for more than 50 years and cultural issues have been handled collaboratively with sensitivity and care for all parties involved. Claremont Unified School District will continue in that tradition.
I do not see Alex in any camp, except for what will give all students opportunities to thrive and succeed academically, both at CUSD and in their future endeavors.
Sue Keith
Claremont

Vote McDonald for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As a resident of District 4, and the mother of two sons, I strongly support Alex McDonald for CUSD Board of Education.
I knew nothing about Alex until listening to a meet the candidate Zoom meeting. He impressed me with his intelligence, practical approach, and empathy. I was also impressed that Alex understood that learning a trade is just as valid as going to college. Alex discussed the fact that learning a trade is not inferior to going to college, it is important to the individual and to our community.
I am an attorney who does workplace investigations. I have seen the value of learning a trade. A union apprentice can earn a six-figure income after completing some programs, without student loans. Yet we tell all students that a four-year college degree is their ticket to success. Why do we do that? Alex seems to understand that students can follow different paths, each leading to success.
My family moved to Claremont in 1999. Our two young sons had previously attended a Spanish/English 50/50 bilingual school. Studies show that early learning of a second language improves all learning. I wanted that for my sons, but there was no program here. In the meeting I watched, Alex expressed interest in bilingual education. I think that is great.
Alex understands that different students need different ways to learn. One of my sons was smart but not at his best in a traditional class. He needed a different way of learning. Alex understands that many students may need something different to thrive. I like that about him. Please join me in voting for Alex McDonald for school board. I think he will do a really good job.
Nora Quinn
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I am a parent of children in the Claremont Unified School District, and I strongly desire education to come back as the primary focus of our schools.
We have let so much else besides basic education run rampant in our schools. Our kids deserve our attention to prepare them efficiently for their future. We need our future generations to have the capability to excel in the future.
However, with what has occurred in the last few years, with limited interaction or engagement between parents and the school board, a new voice is needed. Aaron Peterson can effectively voice parents’ concerns and ensure their voices are not only heard but also taken seriously!
I personally know Aaron and he has a gift for asking questions that provoke deep thought, whether the topic is simple or complex. Please give Aaron your vote to allow our kids a chance for their schools to bring back the focus of academics and necessary skills for them to become respectable adults.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (Proverbs 11:4)
Emily Lara
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I proudly endorse Aaron Peterson for CUSD Board of Education, recognizing his understanding of education’s crucial role in personal growth, development, and success. As an engineer, Aaron values fundamental knowledge and essential skills that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
As an educator, I share Aaron’s concerns about the decline in these foundational elements. Electing Aaron as a school board member will strengthen our educational system, preparing children for an ever-evolving world.
Aaron is committed to nurturing a love for learning. He creates stimulating environments that ignite curiosity, exploration, and a thirst for knowledge, fostering lifelong passion. Moreover, Aaron emphasizes critical thinking skills, empowering students to analyze, evaluate, and make informed decisions. He encourages questioning assumptions, embracing diverse perspectives, and fostering independent thought.
Aaron also realizes the synergy that parents, community, and teachers bring when everyone works together for the benefit of students.
By endorsing Aaron Peterson, we support a candidate aligned with our educational values. Together, we ensure children receive a quality education, equipping them with tools for success, fostering a love for learning, and nurturing critical thinking.
Vote for Aaron Peterson for school board. Let’s shape a brighter future for our children together.
Manny Reynoso
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As a longtime resident of Claremont, I am proud to support Aaron Peterson for CUSD School Board of Education, Trustee Area 4.
Aaron will not only bring an objective voice on the board, but one shared by many in Claremont.  He is someone who believes in raising the standard of education our children receive in order to properly prepare them for their future. We’re no longer the global standard, therefore it is imperative our children are given that competitive edge in the global economy.
He will be an excellent liaison between parents, students, and staff, with promised transparency and reliability needed to link that bridge of communication.
Vote for Aaron! Claremont needs this voice!
Alicia Zorn
Claremont