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Congratulations to David Sawhill, who was chosen at random among the 11 readers who correctly identified the December 27 “Where am I?”, the final entry for 2024, as the holiday decorations outside Espiau’s, at 109 N. Yale Ave., Claremont. The randomly chosen winner of 2024’s “Where am I?” grand prize, a copy of the Courier’s book of photography, “Timeless Claremont,” is Shelley Randles. So, “Where am I?” in this first entry of 2025? Email your answer, full name, and city of residence — and suggestions for future mystery photos — to contest@claremont-courier.com for your chance to win this year’s prize, a one-year subscription to everyone’s favorite award-winning local newspaper, the Claremont Courier. Courier photo/Tom Smith
In anticipation of Donald Trump’s second term and with speculation growing over potential changes to U.S. immigration and travel policies, several undergraduate Claremont Colleges have issued statements affirming their commitment to supporting international students, those protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and undocumented students.
The death toll from the windstorm-fueled Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24, with several people still unaccounted for as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 17% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena has consumed 14,117 acres and is at 35% containment.More strong winds are in the forecast through Wednesday, leaving fire officials on edge and fire conditions severe. The winds are forecast to blow from the northeast, with the strongest gusts up to 70 mph affecting the western San Gabriel Mountains/5 Freeway corridor; the northern San Fernando Valley, and mountain passes in Ventura and northern Los Angeles counties, including Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Santa Paula. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes
Though Tuesday’s jarring windstorm left its mark on Claremont in the form of downed trees, limbs, and some property damage, the city and the surrounding communities were clearly spared the worst. Violent wind gusts up to 90 mph drove fast-moving firestorms through several other Southern California communities, resulting in at least 11 deaths and more than 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures destroyed. Among those structures lost are national landmarks and regional treasures. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes
“I think we couldn’t just sit there and do nothing,” Herrera said, “and our hearts were very, very heavy so we felt very called to make an impact. We know a lot of people that know people that have been affected by it, and that’s what called us. We couldn’t just sit back and not do anything.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
“I woke early and made a pot of good coffee. Outside, bright sunshine mingled with storm clouds. The lake was blue again, magnificent, massive, and soothing. The condo had three east-facing balconies, each with a 180-degree view of the lake. I stepped outside on the top floor to take it in. Deep breaths. Gratitude. My quasi-spiritual moment was interrupted when I noticed a set of very large bear tracks in the fresh snow below, trailed by a smaller set. I alerted the kids. They were a little shaken. It seemed dad’s weekslong nagging about ursine etiquette suddenly made sense.”
Donation drives to help residents affected by the fires in Los Angeles will take place through 5 p.m. Friday, January 10, and from 8:30 to noon Saturday, January 11 at PETCO, 915, W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont. Items accepted include water bottles, snacks and non-perishable goods, socks, underwear, blankets, dog and cat food, hygiene items, first aid kits, baby care products, gift cards, and backpacks. Photo/courtesy of Susan Brunasso
The high winds buffeting Southern California felled trees this evening on Foothill Boulevard just east of Indian Hill, and College Avenue just south of Foothill, and widespread power outages have been reported in north Claremont. There are also reports of trees down in Lewis Park. The heavy winds are expected to continue through Wednesday. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
The Claremont Police Department announced Saturday that it had arrested 31-year-old Covina resident Hector Bernal, who is alleged to have committed a series nighttime commercial burglaries between January 2 and January 4. Police say Bernal hit six businesses over three days, including four in the 800-900 block of W. Foothill Boulevard, and two in the 700 block of S. Indian Hill Boulevard. Courier file photo
It’s not unusual for those in Boy Scouts of America Troop 407 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Since 1962 the troop has had 132 Eagles. And, over the last five years, 23 have reached scouting’s plateau, including this year’s class of Kate Emmert, Jacob Watson, and Porter Wonacott. The highlight of the December 28 Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Claremont United Church of Christ was arguably Kate’s promotion, as she is the first girl from Troop 407 to make it to Eagle. “I’m really excited and I feel like it’s a really big accomplishment,” Kate said. “I mainly am just excited to help future generations see that it is possible and inspire them.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
When the clock struck midnight last Wednesday, hundreds of new state laws went into effect, including Assembly Bill 2347, which grants tenants 10 days to respond to a notice, an increase of five days. Assembly Bill 1955 mandates officials within school districts, county-run educational offices, charter schools, and state special schools may not disclose the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of a student. Photo/courtesy of Pexels
Claremont Unified School District’s seven elementary schools will hold open houses this month for parents and caregivers interested in enrolling their children in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten.
The City of Trees continued a local Hanukkah tradition Monday, December 30 with the lighting of a nearly 10-foot menorah outside council chambers. In recognition of the Jewish holiday’s sixth day, Jacob Haiavy, a Rancho Cucamonga-based cosmetic surgeon, ignited six wicks at the event organized by Chabad of the Inland Empire. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
“The point here is we are not necessarily obligated to jump aboard the seasonally trendy self-improvement bandwagon. Do you feel okay? Do your kids mostly like you? Are you north of bankrupt? If you answered yes to some or all of these, well then, you deserve a pat on the back and cocktail. It ain’t easy staying afloat, especially in Southern California. No need to get all nervous about your station or waistline. Take a gap year.”
As the Claremont Courier staff presents every year, 2024 provided many magical moments for photography. It’s also a very difficult edit that started with 112 of our best images, paired down to 10. At the very least, it gives us a chance to review what happened in Claremont during a news filled year. Here’s wishing all our readers a Happy New Year! Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Pomona Inland Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Project invites all to its 43rd annual free MLK Celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday, January 19, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 600 N. Garey Ave., Pomona.