Readers’ comments: October 25, 2024

Election rhetoric is disheartening
Dear editor:
As a lifelong member of the Claremont community, I am deeply saddened by the tone of discourse surrounding this election, especially at the local level. I have witnessed people vilifying candidates, making unsubstantiated accusations, and arguing with neighbors rather than engaging in thoughtful dialogue.
As an educator, I provided a safe space for my students and their varying vantage points, as it is a microcosm of the world around us. I supported diverse beliefs and encouraged students to challenge their perspectives by considering other viewpoints. To protect inclusivity of thought, I taught students to disagree respectfully, offering sentence stems to foster healthy, diplomatic conversations. It is disheartening to see how much this tool is needed among adults in our own community today. I have friends that resemble that same range of diversity in thought, and all are good people, despite who they are voting for in this election. One discussion prompted me to write this, as many Claremont residents feel silenced in political discussions, believing that “Claremont promotes inclusivity, but only one line of thought is accepted.” At a time where democracy is in peril, how does this resemble free speech and democracy?
Claremont has long valued education, diversity, and civic engagement, but this election’s divisiveness is eroding those values. We must remember that before, during, and after any election, we are still a community. Tearing each other down won’t improve our town or help anyone win. It’s ironic when people who oppose hate use hateful language toward neighbors, promoting more division. Disagreements are inevitable, but how we express them matters. Let’s focus on building relationships, not dismantling them. Regardless of political differences, we all call Claremont home, and that’s something we can build on together.
Daniela Castro-Kent
Claremont

Vote Calaycay for City Council
Dear editor:
We are writing to wholeheartedly support Corey Calaycay in the upcoming City Council election. Through our attendance at City Council meetings, Zoom sessions, community forums, and face-to-face interactions, we have found Corey to be accessible, open to listening to differing viewpoints, and highly knowledgeable. The wisdom that comes from having served on the City Council for almost two decades will no doubt continue to aid him in making the many hard decisions to come before him.
Corey has demonstrated his ability to think about the long-term consequences of actions the City Council is called upon to make. He strives to create a balance between the desire of maintaining the character of Claremont’s various neighborhoods (as is called for in our general plan), and considering the mandates the state imposes upon the city. We have been especially impressed by Corey’s thoughtful parsing out of the consequences that the new housing laws bring. The balancing of local control vs. the mandates imposed by the state can be a daunting challenge for all council members to navigate, and we have found that Corey takes this responsibility very seriously. We applaud his role in having brought Courier Place, an affordable housing project, into our community, as well as his work with Tri-City Mental Health, which partnered with the city and others on the Claremont Gardens senior housing development. We also appreciate his work on making Claremont a vibrant and desirable city by his advocacy for the arts, open space, and senior and youth programs.
We believe Corey possesses the qualities that make for the ideal council member: transparency, approachability, honesty, integrity, a willingness to listen, and a deep love of our city. Please vote for Corey on November 5!
Lynne Lundquist, Alisa Allen Atkinson, and George Atkinson
Claremont

Vote Calaycay for City Council
Dear editor:
I have known Corey Calaycay for decades, and have closely followed his career on the City Council since he was installed 19 years ago. During that time, three qualities stand out and set Corey apart in terms of his effectiveness as a council member: responsiveness, mentorship and institutional memory.
In terms of being responsive, a story I heard recently about Corey sums it up. Several years ago, he was told about a street sign in south Claremont that had been defaced. He went down to personally check out the sign and saw that it had been badly damaged. Instead of passing that information on to someone in the city maintenance department to add to their “to do list,” Corey removed the sign and took it directly to the city manager’s office. A new sign was immediately ordered and put in place of the old one.
For those who may think Corey has been in office too long, I would like to note his unique ability to mentor. The majority of the current council members are in their second terms; but when they were new to the job, Corey stepped up to offer them his help and support. I have personally heard from two current council members how Corey not only helped them learn “the ropes,” but how he also mentored them on the finer points of being an effective council member. That quality develops over time, as does institutional memory. The latter quality has been invaluable to have on the council when complex issues arise. Corey is able to provide critical background information and context from prior decisions that illuminate the current discussion. This has led to far better outcomes on many key issues for Claremont and its residents.
I think it goes without saying that a vote for Corey Calaycay is a vote for the Claremont we know and love.
Mary Weis
Claremont

Vote Calaycay for City Council
Dear editor:
Since I moved to Claremont in 2017, I have had the opportunity to interact with Corey Calaycay on various occasions, ranging from mayor’s recitals and scout-related activities to City Council meetings and election forums. During these occasions, I have come to appreciate his approach to local matters, but also his openness to questions and diverse opinions and his overall approachability.
Considering the upcoming election and the divisive politics plaguing our country, it is noteworthy that Corey has not been endorsed by any political party, nor has he accepted donations outside of Claremont, which proves his commitment to the city, rather to any specific agenda.
His long record of public service is another testament to this dedication. Currently, with state mandates and laws becoming increasingly complex in their implications for local jurisdiction and power, Corey’s institutional knowledge is seminal to deciphering and navigating these complexities.
At City Council meetings, I have also had the opportunity to listen to his contributions, which are reasonable, despite sometimes sounding unpopular; they are solutions-oriented, well-reasoned, and based on facts. Moreover, Corey has not been confrontational during those meetings, but instead has been respectful to his colleagues, city staff, and audience members.
Corey’s civil and non-polemic manners are further complemented by his openness and approachability. He has always been available and eager to meet with me, answer questions, respond to emails, and engage in conversations in a straightforward and cordial manner.
Commitment to local matters without rigid attachment to any political party, rich institutional knowledge, a sensible approach to problems, and openness to diverse opinions are qualities of great value to any individual seeking public office. Corey Calaycay possesses all these qualities.
Ninetta Papadomichelaki
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I am writing to offer my full support and endorsement for Cheryl Fiello as a candidate for the Claremont school board in Trustee Area 5. Having known Cheryl for 18 years, including six years when I had the honor of supervising her as the principal of Claremont High School, I have seen firsthand her dedication to education and her commitment to students. Cheryl was a highly effective biology teacher, known for creating engaging and relevant lessons. Her students found her classroom to be a motivating and positive space, and they valued her fairness and dedication to helping them achieve their best.
Cheryl’s deep sense of responsibility to both family and community led her to leave CUSD to help run her family-owned dairy processing facility. However, she has never strayed from her roots in education. Cheryl continues to serve in key roles that directly support student learning and public education. As chair of the Chaparral Elementary School Site Council, she has worked to align resources and strategies for the benefit of students. Additionally, her role as a board member of the Claremont Educational Foundation highlights her commitment to enhancing public education through the arts, music, and technology.
Cheryl’s background as a teacher, mentor, and district administrator, combined with her extensive leadership in the community, makes her uniquely qualified to serve on the school board. Throughout her campaign, I’ve been impressed by her work ethic and willingness to engage with voters. Cheryl has held multiple webinars, participated in meet and greet events, and attended the twice monthly school board meetings since February. Her focus has always been on listening to the concerns of community members and learning more about the district’s needs.
For these reasons, I strongly endorse Cheryl. Her experience, dedication, and community involvement make her the ideal candidate to lead and serve our schools.
Brett O’Connor
Claremont

Vote Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
Cheryl Fiello is the only Trustee Area 5 candidate for school board who can provide the inclusive, accessible leadership and forward thinking vision we need in CUSD.
I met Cheryl a decade ago during my time as a board member with Claremont Educational Foundation. Cheryl was serving as a teacher on special assignment for technology in CUSD, just as the district was navigating the adoption and implementation of iPads. While today this technology is standard equipment for students, at the time it was novel and controversial. Cheryl partnered with our board, predominantly parent volunteers with kids in the district, to address our questions and concerns.
I was struck not only by her deep expertise — she was way out in front of an issue we were just beginning to wrap our heads around — but also by her empathetic listening and patience as we voiced concerns about equity and access to technology, its pedagogical implications, and its cost. Most of all, I was struck by Cheryl’s contagious enthusiasm for the learning that happens in CUSD classrooms, and her ability to imagine and make possible exciting opportunities for every child. I knew that our kids would be in competent, caring hands as we navigated this change.
And I know these competent, caring hands are exactly what we need to help lead CUSD today.
Jennifer Rachford
Claremont

Vote Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As someone who has been deeply involved in supporting quality public education in Claremont for the last 40 years, I offer my wholehearted endorsement of Cheryl Fiello, a candidate for the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 5.
As a founding member of the original nonprofit Claremont Educational Foundation, I understand the importance of developing financial support from across the community to complement the district’s educational programs for our students. CEF has contributed over $4 million to benefit CUSD students since its founding in 1992. For the past two years, Cheryl has served on the CEF board and on its SLICE Committee, which provides the summer enrichment program.
As a Claremont teacher and administrator for 18 years, Cheryl was honored as an Apple Distinguished Educator for her work guiding the district’s teachers in integrating the use of iPads and other technologies into their lessons. Not only does she know how to stimulate students’ learning in innovative ways, she has a deep understanding of their needs. She is particularly concerned about remediating our students’ learning losses since the COVID-19 pandemic and intends to focus on addressing this issue if she is elected to the board.
I urge you to vote for Cheryl Fiello, a candidate with relevant experience and a deep commitment to quality public education for all CUSD students.
Teddie Warner
Pomona

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
On recent social media posts and during the League of Women Voters Forum, Mark Reynoso has once again shown that he lacks the substance and depth of knowledge required to be a member on Claremont’s school board.
I’ll try to unpack some of the half-truths and flat out misinformation that he seems to rattle off to whomever will listen. First of all, as a longtime member of the Claremont Faculty Association bargaining team, I’m offended that Mr. Reynoso thinks he can pontificate on a subject and about a situation that he has zero knowledge about. He was not at that bargaining table and he does not know what the budget looks like. The fact that we were able to find enough for an off-schedule, 1% raise was a victory that 98% of Claremont educators voted in favor of during contract ratification. But of course, Mr. Reynoso hasn’t even bothered to Google the California state budget shortfall, and wouldn’t be privy to the ratification results of the very union which he bashes.
Furthermore, he conflates the Claremont Teachers Action Committee endorsement with our bargaining negotiations, claiming that we took funding away from teacher salaries in order to fundraise for his opponent. A simple scan of the school board minutes (Does Mr. Reynoso attend these meetings or read the minutes for the very position he hopes to win?) would have shown him that negotiations ended in June and endorsements for the school board began in August. Get your facts straight Mr. Reynoso. Speaking without thinking in this manner does not accurately represent the education you received at our fine district of choice.
Jason Remedios
Rancho Cucamonga

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Mark Reynoso for the Trustee Area 5 seat on Claremont Unified School District’s Board of Education.
I have witnessed firsthand Mark’s dedication to our schools and commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all students. I am proud to call him my friend. We have raised our children together in this school district.
Claremont has a long history of student achievement. This was a district other districts have wanted to emulate. This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, as Bonita and other school districts have seen increased enrollment while Claremont languishes with decreases. It is an embarrassment.
Mark has a profound understanding of the challenges our schools face, from funding key issues to curriculum development. His experience as both a business owner, youth coach, parent and generational community member uniquely positions him to advocate for the needs of our students and teachers. He consistently demonstrates a passion for education and a willingness to listen to the concerns of parents, teachers, and students.
One of the most commendable aspects of Mark’s campaign is his focus on student achievement and community engagement. He believes that every voice matters in shaping the future of our schools, and he is committed to fostering an environment where all families feel heard and represented.
I encourage my fellow community members to support Mark Reynoso in this important election. Our schools are at a critical juncture, and the leadership we choose will have lasting implications. By voting for Mark Reynoso we are not just supporting an individual, we are investing in a brighter future for Claremont’s students.
Let’s come together to support a candidate who truly cares about our community and is dedicated to making positive changes. Time is running out. We can’t have more of the same.
Abraham Poovakad
Claremont

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As a long-time dedicated parent of three children who have and/or are currently students in Claremont Unified School District, a CUSD alumni, as well as my wife is a teacher in CUSD, I am supporting Mark Reynoso in the CUSD Trustee Area 5 school board election.
Mark is a parent of three kids currently attending CUSD schools, as well as his wife is a special educator in Pomona Unified School District. Mark is also a local business owner, which would give our board a variety of professionals at the dais. Mark wants to serve CUSD by improving student state test scores, addressing the districts revenue decline, increasing compensation for our teachers, and make CUSD an elite public school district in the area for students to attend. Mark plans to address the issue of safety for our students by increasing resources and policies.
Throughout Mark’s campaign, he has been going door to door in Trustee Area 5, talking and listening to those residents. Through this, he has learned what they want and expect from the CUSD board. He has also learned the needs of the community are not all being addressed. Mark will commit to the school board position by being a voice for Trustee Area 5 and all CUSD families. I am confident Mark will serve the families of CUSD with dedication and professionalism. Vote for Mark Reynoso for Trustee Area 5 in the CUSD Board of Education election on November 5.
Andrew W. Mowbray
Claremont