Readers’ comments: November 1, 2024

Politics or domestic terrorism?
Dear editor:
The United States Department of Justice defines terrorism as “The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”
Over the past year, this pattern seems to have developed as a key strategy to influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential election in November 2024. This strategy seems to be the bedrock for one of the nationally recognized political parties as its primary means to influence, dare I say intimidate, the electorate of the United States of America. Mind you, these political parties are not actual governing bodies, but groups of like-minded people who seek to control the direction of governance of the country.
Attackers frequently exploit social media seeking to spread misinformation and broadcast their actions to audiences around the globe, with the desire of increasing fear while simultaneously bolstering their credibility and legitimacy with like-minded supporters. This sure seems to be happening with increasing intensity. The amount of unvetted and unverified information is out of control.
The Preamble of the United States Constitution sets the foundation for our country’s direction:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Currently, these fundamental foundations are ignored. They have been tossed into the sewer to eliminate our democratic society in the United States of America.
Is this politics or domestic terrorism?
Larry Horowitz
Claremont

Gascón for LA County District Attorney
Dear editor:
Anyone who examines Claremont’s demographics understands immediately that, if you’re a Republican candidate who wants to win locally — or lead here in a contest with wider jurisdiction — you must attract substantial numbers of Democratic votes. Which candidates this cycle stand a chance of doing this, and why might a Democrat vote for them?
George Gascón’s opponent in the race for LA County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, a Republican until last year, is ahead in polls, suggesting that Democrats troubled by what they regard as light punishment by the DA may be supporting him.
If this is the reason, though, it requires further thought. The U.S. incarcerates more people per capita than almost every other country on earth. California incarcerates people at three to four times the rate of England, Canada, and France. Unless you reject the premise of over-incarceration, therefore, the question is how to reduce it and mitigate the intergenerational traumas and racial disparities it leaves in its wake. Surely this requires skill and judgment, and even the best attorneys may make mistakes.
If Gascón’s opponent were proposing a different plan to reduce incarceration, that would be one thing. But even if he did, one look at his funding — largely donors who backed Gascón’s defeated predecessor — would expose the pretense. In short, this isn’t a wonky contest over whose plan for reducing incarceration is best. It’s a contest between one who recognizes the problem and one who denies it.
The Democratic Club of Claremont endorsement of Gascón is a challenge to voters not to waver in their commitment to improve the justice of the criminal justice system (or get sidetracked by the latest sensational smash-and-grab video). We didn’t get into this predicament overnight and we won’t get out of it overnight either. What matters is to continue the effort, not beat a premature retreat.
Mike Boos
Claremont

Calaycay for City Council
Dear editor:
I asked Corey to share with me the highlights of his nearly 20 years of service on our City Council, including his three terms as mayor. Here’s an excerpt from his reply (after he insisted that service on the council is teamwork): “ … the addition of Johnson’s Pasture to the Wilderness Park, the development and placement of Courier Place, the recruitment and placement of many popular businesses (Doubletree Hotel, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Super King, Norms, Claremont Mazda, Sanamluang Thai Cuisine), approval of the Village South Specific Plan and Historic Preservation Ordinance, and improvements to Indian Hill Boulevard, Foothill Boulevard, and Towne Avenue.” There you have it: evidence of Corey’s service through care of the earth, affordable housing, support of local business and commerce, preservation, and planned growth for the Claremont we love.
That’s why I’m asking you to join me in voting for Corey Calaycay as Claremont City Council’s District 1 City representative. We need his experience and leadership.
Butch Henderson
Claremont

Forester for City Council
Dear editor:
After a career as a transportation planner, I have come to rest in this nearly utopian community of Claremont, with one exception: our roads are scary and lethal, especially to our youth and elderly citizens.
In an effort to fix that, we have found surprising bureaucratic resistance to change that will require progressive City Council intervention. The council has two willing progressives, and three status-quo conservatives. Rachel Forester has, in no uncertain terms, made it clear that she embraces the mission of prioritizing safety over vehicle speed in the design of our streets. Electing her will switch our council from unwilling to willing on this topic and on other progressive topics that need intervention.
Vote for Rachel Forester.
Buff Brown
Claremont

Forester for City Council
Dear editor:
I am a CUSD teacher and mother of two current CUSD students, writing to share my strong endorsement of Rachel Forester for City Council.
Her advocacy for affordable housing in our city, her championing of environmental issues, and her goal of supporting family-friendly neighborhoods and education for our city’s youth are all reasons I am excited to support Rachel. She understands the interconnectedness of the issues facing our city and is ready to work collaboratively to address them head on. As stated on her campaign website, “Rachel believes that the core of Claremont’s transportation policies should focus on creating a safe and accessible network for residents while addressing our climate crisis, housing crunch, and rising cost of living. She will collaborate with commissions, city staff, and community members to enhance infrastructure and sustainability and improve connections between transportation options for all ages and abilities. This includes enhancing walkability and safety with a focus on the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, children, and others facing mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can navigate the city comfortably and securely.”
Rachel believes in the importance of supporting every Claremont resident, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. We need leaders who understand the modern problems facing our community — our whole community – and Rachel is that leader for Claremont. If you live in City Council District 1, please cast your vote to elect Rachel Forester with an eye on our city’s future.
Lisa Schuster
Claremont

Forester for City Council
Dear editor:
Anyone who examines Claremont’s demographics understands immediately that, if you’re a Republican candidate who wants to win locally — or lead here in a contest with wider jurisdiction — you must attract substantial numbers of Democratic votes. Which candidates this cycle stand a chance of doing this, and why might a Democrat vote for them?
Start with the District 1 race between Forester and her opponent, 20-year incumbent Corey Calaycay. To what end has the incumbent placed his experience and institutional knowledge in the last 10 years?
While Forester was running the local League of Women Voters and organizing housing and tenant groups, her opponent did nothing on affordable housing until fresh faces on City Council led to the Baseline project (Courier Place being more than a decade ago). While Forester, a leader in these groups, met with council members to advocate on housing issues, her opponent refused to meet with them, denigrating them as “lobbyists.” When Forester successfully pushed a permanent renovation-eviction ordinance through City Council, her opponent voted against it.
While her opponent, the senior member of City Council, presided over a four year delay in the housing element, leading to legal penalties that deprived the city of further control over local development, Forester rolled up her sleeves and constructively advocated for timely passage.  When her opponent inserted a poison pill into Larkin Place, Forester advocated on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors. When her opponent ranted from the dais about the erosion of local control, Forester worked with her groups to propose ways to exercise local control.
When stonewalling and obstruction cap 10 years of a 20-year career, it’s time for change. The Democratic Club of Claremont endorsement of Forester is an invitation to Democrats who voted for the incumbent previously to reconsider their past support.
Lee Kane
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
Anyone who examines Claremont’s demographics understands immediately that, if you’re a Republican candidate who wants to win locally — or lead here in a contest with wider jurisdiction — you must attract substantial numbers of Democratic votes. Which candidates this cycle stand a chance of doing this, and why might a Democrat vote for them?
Consider the school board race between Cherly Fiello and her opponent, Mark Reynoso. It’s difficult to imagine him attracting much support from Democrats. Claremont school board races tend to be about nuts and bolts — outcomes, student achievement, reducing gaps — not wedge issues like the ones the GOP champions. Until last week he refused to participate in public forums, preferring to hide behind the coattails of his deep pocketed benefactor. Horrified by the drama and dysfunction they see on the Chino Valley, Temecula, and Placentia-Yorba Linda school boards (to say nothing of the expensive lawsuits), even Republican voters may desert him.
The Democratic Club of Claremont endorsement of Fiello expresses support for the only candidate in the race who is serious about education.
Tony Ferguson
Upland

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
If you haven’t voted yet and feel that your vote doesn’t matter, I am urging you to reconsider. In the school board Trustee Area 5 race, your vote can make a difference in the lives of our students, reaffirming Claremont as a community that values education, reasoned leadership and respect for all. Even if you do not have family members in the Claremont schools, the school board’s actions shape Claremont’s broader culture.
As a former Claremont High School math teacher, I worked closely with Cheryl and found her to exemplify thoughtful consideration of both the current state of education and the promise of exemplary educational practices for the future. Together we debated, agreed, and sometimes disagreed on the appropriate uses of technology in secondary mathematics. I was most impressed that these discussions went beyond math curriculum. From the start, she recognized that to be effective, implementation had to address issues beyond the classroom walls.
The most pressing of these was the realization that not all students had access to the internet, computers, tablets or even cell phones. In response, Cheryl, in collaboration with teachers, administration, and parents, developed policies and procedures to ensure devices were available in a wide variety of classes with the goal that all students would have the opportunity to benefit from educational technology. It was a slow and challenging process, but inequalities that affected our students’ ability to engage with these innovations were addressed rather than ignored.
Based on my working relationship with Cheryl, I fully support her candidacy. I am confident that her thoughtful examination of all aspects of educational practice will lead to sound decisions that support exciting opportunities for our students while addressing the realistic challenges that come with these advancements.
Linda Saeta
Claremont

Fiello for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I have known Cheryl Fiello for 23 years and am proud to endorse her candidacy for the CUSD Board of Education, Trustee Area 5.
In my 24 years as a Claremont educator, I’ve remained silent in local politics. However, at this time and with this candidate, I feel compelled to share why a vote for Cheryl would mean so much to this community.
For 11 years working alongside Cheryl, I saw her commitment to CHS students. With her enthusiasm and expertise, she inspired her students to explore higher levels of science as only the most dedicated teachers do. When Cheryl left the classroom to become a teacher on special assignment for our district, her prowess was unparalleled. I watched her in action as proctor of the language exam — one of the most arduous Advanced Placement exams to administer. It requires individual vocal recordings and data transfer over numerous devices. Recalling Cheryl effortlessly managing that project, I know our students were in the best possible hands. That to me symbolizes what Cheryl will bring to our school board. As a dedicated member, she will know the intricacies of what students need and will do the hard work to meet those needs, often behind the scenes.
Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside her on our CUSD Equity Advisory Council. Cheryl is committed to assuring that all students from all neighborhoods, with varying needs and abilities, have the resources, respect, and advocacy they need. As a counselor who has been witnessing increasing mental health needs, I applaud the energy Cheryl is willing to pour into development of the whole child.
A vote for Cheryl truly is a win for our families and students.
Nicki Mitchell
Pomona

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
Mark Reynoso is the perfect addition to our school board, bringing a unique set of skills and experiences that will only strengthen what’s already in place. As a small business owner, he has hands-on experience in budgeting and managing finances — skills that will help keep our district’s finances on track. While other candidates bring familiar perspectives, Mark adds something new and valuable.
His deep ties to education make him an ideal fit. With his wife as a special education teacher and his father as a retired educator, Mark understands the needs of both students and teachers. As a parent of three kids in the district, he is also personally invested in seeing our schools succeed.
Plus, Mark truly connects with kids — my own children felt comfortable with him right away, thanks to his years of coaching youth sports. Mark’s background, warmth, and dedication make him a great choice for our school board. Let’s support Mark Reynoso and continue building a board that reflects all parts of our community.
Rick Reyes
Claremont

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education 
Dear editor:
As a parent, I want to see real change in our school district. Specifically changes that will positively impact our children and our community. That’s why I am supporting Mark Reynoso for the CUSD school board Trustee Area 5 seat. Mark is a parent and someone who understands firsthand the concerns we have and who is willing to fight for our voices to be heard. Voting for anyone else is a vote to maintain the status quo, leaving current issues unaddressed.
Cheryl Fiello (the other candidate) has too much at stake to challenge what’s already in place, and that’s not what we need right now. Mark will stand up for me, my children, and all families who deserve better from our school system. This election is about making the changes we’ve been waiting for.
I encourage you to join me in supporting Mark Reynoso for the CUSD school board Trustee Area 5 seat.
Jennifer Tam
Claremont

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I recently met Mark Reynoso as he campaigned for a seat as trustee on the Claremont school board and am genuinely convinced, he is exactly the advocate our community needs. Mark is not only deeply informed about the challenges our kids, teachers and parents currently face, he also took the time to listen to concerns I have — something that stood out as a testament of his commitment to the community.
With a strong family connection to education, as his wife teaches special education, Mark understands the importance of providing a voice on the board for special needs students. Beyond his dedication to children and education, he brings extensive experience from the business world, where he successfully negotiates government contracts and manages budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and resourcefully. His position on his HOA board illustrates his willingness to serve and lead with integrity.
Mark Reynoso has the skills, compassion and fresh perspective to be a real asset as trustee of the school board. I truly believe he would bring meaningful change, supporting all children’s needs and making our schools a better place to learn and grow.
John Scott
Claremont

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As a long-time member of the Claremont community and resident of Trustee Area 5, I am writing in strong support of Mark Reynoso for our school board. Mark exemplifies the values we hold dear: dedication to family, inclusiveness, and a commitment to creating a bright future for all our children.
Mark’s warm and welcoming nature is evident to everyone who meets him. He believes in creating genuine, personal connections, which is clear in his interactions with others. Whether chatting with parents, teachers, or neighbors, Mark listens and seeks to understand their perspectives, creating a supportive atmosphere that brings people together. His dedication to personal connection is rare and makes him an ideal fit for the school board.
Mark’s family-oriented values drive his commitment to our schools, and he brings a unique perspective to his candidacy. Some might argue that a candidate should have a background in education, but I believe Mark’s distance from traditional educational roles is a strength. He provides a fresh perspective on the needs of our community and represents an alternative to the existing advisory boards already connected with education. Mark’s insights are grounded in his roles as a parent, a hardworking community member, and a thoughtful citizen who genuinely cares about Claremont’s future. This unique viewpoint will encourage the kind of open minded, innovative problem solving that will benefit all our students.
Mark has a strong work ethic and a clear vision, shaped by his core values of family, integrity, and collaboration. He brings a dedication that will make a positive impact on the school board, advocating for a balanced, community-centered approach to decision making. I wholeheartedly endorse Mark Reynoso for the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education, and look forward to seeing his positive influence on our schools.
Laura Sunseri
Claremont

Reynoso for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
Voting for school board candidates who are part of the establishment risks perpetuating the same ineffective policies and maintaining the status quo. These candidates are often too aligned with entrenched interests, more focused on preserving old systems than bringing meaningful change.
Be watchful when a candidate says they want to foster a “high functioning school board” which is just another way of saying they want to continue the same “rubber stamping” of policies without much dialogue. The community shouldn’t be complacent with a school district that has a top heavy administration that created a new director of human resources or rehired a previous superintendent with a premium price tag who continually hires staff from the same Placentia-Yorba Linda school district, while our teachers received an unsatisfactory pay increase that cannot keep up with the cost of inflation!
Fresh leadership, free from establishment ties, is essential to address evolving community needs, improve educational outcomes, and ensure transparency. Electing independent voices fosters accountability and encourages new ideas, which can better serve students, parents, and teachers alike. If we want real progress, we need to look beyond those who represent “business as usual” and support candidates willing to challenge outdated practices.
Many in our community have this misconception that a candidate is qualified for the school board position because they have a background in education or just started attending the last few school board meetings as a sign of commitment. A well rounded school board must have a diverse group of members from different ethnicities and career backgrounds to fully represent our Claremont community for the common goal of gaining student achievement.
Keep in mind, Fiello endorsed and is endorsed by the same “club” associated to two active CUSD lawsuits going on (Riley’s Farm and Steven Llanusa). Isn’t it time for change?
Joe Gonzales
Claremont