Readers’ comments: September 27, 2024

Save a life: donate blood stem cells
Dear editor:
I was moved to write after reading “Awaiting the call: family hopes to find blood stem cell donor” [September 20]. I don’t know Mr. Berrio or his daughter Itzel personally, but this story is so familiar.
I’ve spent my career at City of Hope partnering with NMDP. I’ve met hundreds of patients just like Mr. Berrio, desperately awaiting the news of a matched donor. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with thousands of donors said “Yes, I will save the life of a stranger.” I feel so privileged to get to experience human nature in its best form.
As the article explained, signing up to be part of the NMDP registry is very simple. People often hesitate at the thought of signing up because donating blood stem cells seems scary. Don’t let fear stop you. Time and again, I hear donors say that donating was easy, painless, and the best thing they’ve ever done. It truly is a rare occasion that a person gets the chance to give a little of themselves to save a life and save a family. The inconvenience donating might bring changes lives forever. It’s worth it!a
Imagine looking around a crowded stadium and knowing that someone in the stadium could save your family member’s life, but they’re not even registered. This is what families like Mr. Berrio’s face daily. Families wonder if the stranger they see in the grocery line might be their match. Not knowing and waiting for a stranger is excruciating.
Patients like Lou Berrio need you.
Take the step today. Go to nmdp.org to check eligibility and commitment requirements, and register today. If you can’t sign up, encourage a friend to do so. Consider hosting a donor drive at your workplace, school, or organization. Saving lives feels good!
Jill Erb
Claremont

Kudos to city’s asphalt contractor
Dear editor:
I live on Highpoint Drive, which was recently re-paved. While this process, by its nature, involves disruption of daily activities, I wanted to offer kudos to the contractor, All American Asphalt, who did the job, was very professional, and extremely considerate of the residents during the process. Again kudos for a job well done!
Ken Rowland
Claremont

More info needed on traffic rules for e-bikes
Dear editor:
I know that the Courier has covered different issues on bikes in Claremont, from bike lanes, to horrible bike accidents, to the possible new e-bike decisions.
What I believe to be needed is an article describing the rules/laws of biking and e-biking on the streets in Claremont for the safety of all. In fact, as I was walking north on Indian Hill Boulevard approaching Memorial Park, an e-bike going west on Eighth Street was waiting at the red light but then decided to gun the bike across the street while light was still red. This action reminded me to stop by your offices and ask about you doing an article.
A car surely can’t do this, but can a bike or e-bike do it? Obviously, best if all should know the rights of cars, bikes, and now e-bikes. I can look up the many rules, but all should know the obvious ones pertaining to all drivers of vehicles, thus an article.
A walker normally worries about cars and lights, but now more bikes and e-bikes. Being older, I don’t move as quickly to avoid these situations.
Thanks for listening.
Barry Minehart
Claremont

Novel solution for CGU
Dear editor:
The solution to CGU’s finances [“CGU reimagines its financial future: 10 years of deficits prompt hard look,” September 20]: rename the school Drucker University and erect a sign.
Vince Turner
Upland

Trump should be disqualified
Dear editor:
This election year has been muddied by some of the most unprofessional campaigning not seen in some time by the GOP. Their candidate should have been disqualified back in 2021 and all this avoided.
On January 20, 2017, the inauguration of Donald J. Trump took place on the steps of the United States Capitol. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, which in part, had Trump swear that he would uphold and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
On January 6, 2021, the president of the United States willfully and intentionally violated his oath office when he openly and vehemently encouraged violence to overthrow the election from November 2022. Americans, regardless of political ideology or party affiliation, should have been outraged and demanded the immediate removal of Trump from office and that he be disqualified from ever holding any office of public trust. There is no justification or excuse for his treason.
It is ironic that Chief Justice Roberts is now at the center of controversy over exposed memoranda regarding presidential immunity prior to a decision being rendered. The subsequent piece of legal fiction rendered by the Supreme Court regarding presidential immunity negated treason and has hammered another nail into the coffin for democracy.
Trump’s initials certainly portended his character: Dishonest John Trump.
Larry Horowitz
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
This November, voters in Claremont Unified School District Trustee Area 5 will choose between two candidates for school board: Cheryl Fiello and Mark Reynoso. The contrast between the candidates is striking.
Fiello has actively sought out public forums in order to share ideas with parents, caregivers and concerned citizens. A former CUSD teacher and administrator, she is endorsed by Claremont parents, teachers, and community members. Her platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, student safety, mental health, and supporting students still recovering from the pandemic.
Unfortunately, Reynoso has refused to participate in the CUSD candidate forum. His avoidance of this public forum while running for public office raises concerns about transparency regarding his platform, leaving voters in the dark.
While Fiello’s campaign finances reflect her grassroots, broad-based support from many Claremont donors, the majority of the funding for Reynoso’s campaign comes from his father, a Claremont resident.
Most troubling are Reynoso’s family ties to the Chino Valley School Board members who have embroiled that district in expensive lawsuits over prayer in school board meetings, harmful policies targeting LGBTQ+ students, and promoting book bans. In 2022, Reynoso’s uncle and aunt, Upland residents Charlie and Sherry Reynoso, donated over $100,000 to the two Chino Valley school board candidates who supported these policies. Currently, the Reynosos have continued to fund two CVUSD candidates. Not one has participated in a public forum.
Perhaps Reynoso wants to distance himself from his family’s involvement in Chino Valley School District elections, but without the opportunity to ask him questions in a public forum, voters in Claremont cannot judge his commitment to our students.
We urge you to support Cheryl Fiello, a candidate committed to representing all Claremont families. She will provide the experience, stability and balance our school board needs.
Marcella Zita, Sorrel Stielstra, Scott Myers, and Colleen Coxe
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I enthusiastically support Cheryl Fiello’s candidacy to represent Trustee Area 5 on the CUSD Board of Education.
An experienced former educator and administrator, Fiello is well equipped to deliver on the district’s critically important mission of educating and nurturing our community’s youth. As a parent to CUSD students, she also has a front row seat to the outcomes and impact that our schools can have on young people.
Beyond her relevant professional expertise in instruction and educational leadership, Fiello outshines her competitor in two critical ways: transparency and accessibility.
Where Ms. Fiello has availed herself to the public by agreeing to participate in multiple candidate forums, the other candidate has declined. Where Fiello has availed herself to neighbors, CUSD parents, and other constituents both in person and via online office hours, he has instead gone so far as to temporarily block some members of the public (including CUSD parents) from asking questions on his campaign’s social media pages. And I have yet to see him respond to pertinent, reasonable comments and questions on those pages.
A candidate who is unwilling, unavailable, and uninterested to hear from voters as he seeks elected office raises red flags. Does he have any aims beyond serving as a proxy and puppet for the few deep pocketed donors known to be behind his campaign?
Cheryl Fiello has built trust and garnered wide support by letting the public analyze the objectives of her candidacy with an honest, practical and transparent approach. These are qualities we need in a school board member.
Vote for Cheryl Fiello for Claremont Unified School District Board Trustee Area 5.
Phalana Tiller
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I’m excited to share my wholehearted support for Cheryl Fiello as a candidate for the Claremont Unified School District’s Board of Education, Trustee Area 5.
As a longtime professor and administrator in higher education at Cal Poly, Pomona, I know how important it is to have leaders like Cheryl, who genuinely care about students, teachers, and families. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Cheryl over the years, and what stands out most is her deep commitment to the community and her passion for making sure all students have the chance to succeed. She is not only a strong advocate for equity and inclusion, but she’s also someone who listens carefully and takes the time to understand the unique challenges our schools face.
What I admire most about Cheryl is her unwavering focus on doing what’s best for our kids. She’s a parent of Claremont students herself, and that perspective really drives her to ensure every student in the district gets the support and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their background. Her approach is practical, thoughtful, and always centered on student success.
Cheryl is the kind of leader we need — someone who will roll up her sleeves, work alongside teachers, support staff, and families, and bring people together to find effective solutions. I know she’ll make a positive and lasting impact on our schools, and I’m proud to endorse her for CUSD Board, Trustee Area 5.
Sara Garver
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I am unequivocally supporting Cheryl Fiello to serve on Claremont Unified School District’s Board of Education representing Trustee Area 5. Cheryl knows the needs of our students as she taught at Claremont High School, served as a district administrator, has two children in elementary school, and is a parent volunteer in the classroom and for the Claremont Education Foundation. She understands the importance and value of educating the whole child, including the provision of academic excellence, mental health programs/services, and extra-curricular activities in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
I urge all Claremont residents to get to know Cheryl before the November 5 election. She will serve the community and our youth with integrity, dedication and passion.
Bridget Healy 
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
When my family moved to Claremont in 2017, we were warmly welcomed by a note from the previous homeowner, Cheryl Fiello. In the letter, she introduced us to our new neighbors and to Chaparral Elementary, our new school. Cheryl’s kindness and thoughtfulness made us feel instantly welcome in Claremont.
Now she is running for Claremont Unified School District’s Board of Education in Trustee Area 5, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.
Cheryl is the ideal candidate. Not only is she a kind and thoughtful individual, but she is also experienced and ready to serve on day one. Her previous experience as a Claremont High School teacher, CUSD administrator, and parent volunteer on the Chaparral School Site Council demonstrate that she understands the diverse perspectives in the school community and is ready to navigate the complex issues facing it.
I am a parent of two children who have attended Chaparral, El Roble, and now Claremont High. It is very important to me that a school board member who makes crucial decisions for the school district truly understands the inner workings of public education and of the district. Cheryl recognizes and celebrates what makes Claremont schools special, and is ready to address the district’s challenges. These include ensuring school safety, attracting and supporting highly qualified staff, addressing potential budget shortfalls facing California schools, and supporting students’ social and emotional needs.
I strongly support Cheryl’s candidacy for CUSD Board of Education Trustee Area 5, as she has the experience, character, and dedication needed to be the next board member.
Kate Jackson
Claremont