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After a much welcomed reprieve, dangerously strong winds returned to Claremont and the rest of Southern California on Monday. “Everyone needs to be on high alert,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference. “Los Angeles and partner firefighters are pre-deployed, and we ask Angelenos to be prepared in case they need to evacuate.” The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings from noon Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday in foothill and mountain areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

“It’s unreal,” said Gracie Gonzalez. “I mean I’m sure you’ve seen it all on TV that homes are gone. It looks like they just dropped a bomb. And it’s just so devastating. We just can’t comprehend it.” Nearby Franklin Elementary School, which their children attended decades ago, was destroyed. Neighbors’ homes were gone as well. “This is our hurricane, the way you see on TV when the hurricanes go through and just wipe out everything,” said Gilbert Gonzalez Sr. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Claremont Police Department officers and firefighters from two area stations were among those helping with emergency efforts last week at the Eaton and Palisades fires. As of Wednesday evening, fire engines and crews from stations 101 and 102 continued working on the Eaton Fire, where they have been since January 7. An additional crew from station 102 was assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Wednesday in advance of a wind event. Photo/courtesy of Claremont Police Department

The dangerously high winds predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday were milder than expected, giving firefighters and residents a much-needed bit of good news in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, though fire danger in those areas remains critical. At press time Thursday the death toll from the wildfires had risen to 25, the Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 22% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena had consumed 14,117 acres and was at 55% containment. Photo/by Jhovany Quiroz

The dangerously high winds predicted for Tuesday were milder than expected, but fire officials say gusts up to 30 mph will blow through parts of northwest Los Angeles and southern Ventura County through 6 p.m. today. Fire danger in those areas remains critical. The death toll from the wildfires has risen to 25. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, The Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 19% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena had consumed 14,117 acres and was at 45% containment. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

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

Claremont Courier event calendar: January 10-18, 2025

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.