Claremont getting friendlier

The city of Claremont has joined the ranks of more than 250 other communities throughout the country honored as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Larry Scheetz of Cycle Claremont and the Claremont Senior Bike Group presented the award to the city council Tuesday evening.

The Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) dedicates itself to promoting the benefits of cycling and helps communities focus on improving transportation choices, health and sustainability. In 2003 Claremont was recognized as the first BFC in Los Angeles County, 47th in the nation.

After the LAB changed its criteria, adding a 5-tiered award system, Claremont reapplied and received a bronze level award in 2008. Over the past several years, the city has continued to implement bicycle-friendly programming and construction, like the Safe Routes to School Program and Bike Priority Zone, contributing to its newly acquired silver ranking. The city continues to work on a Bicycle Master Plan to continue in these efforts.

“Our bicycle friendliness is the result of a lot of community effort encouraged by the city council, coordinated by city staff and involving many organizations and individuals,” Mr. Scheetz said.

Our Nativity concert by the Claremont Chorale

The opening concert of the Claremont Chorale’s 2012-2013 season will feature Ariel Ramirez’s folk drama, Navidad Nuestra (“Our Nativity”) that retells the Christmas story and forms the framework for a variety of Christmas music from ancient times up to the present. At the concert to be held Saturday, December 1 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the Claremont Presbyterian Church, the Chorale will be joined by guitarists and percussionists, together providing a diverse and joyous holiday concert. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Season tickets are also available.

The Claremont Chorale was founded in 1968 and is currently in its 45th year.  It is composed of about 60 experienced choral vocalists, chosen by audition.  Gregory Norton has been its conductor and Music Director for the last 20 years, and its accompanist is Barbara Durost, a faculty member at the Claremont Community School of Music. 

The Chorale presents 3 concerts each season, all chosen to provide a variety of high-quality choral music to enrich the musical experience and enjoyment of residents in the Pomona-Claremont area. 

On Saturday, March 23, Hayden’s The Seasons will be presented, depicting the lives of country folks as they celebrate the yearly cycle. The final concert on Saturday, June 8, Thirsting to Sing will feature songs about food, wine, and love.

Donations and volunteers to help support the Chorale’s programs and activities are always welcome. Interested individuals are urged to contact the Chorale at P.O. Box 489, Claremont, CA, 91711, by phone at 542-8430, or by email to info@claremontchorale.org.

Scripps College hosts public lectures and performances

Scripps College will host a variety of scholarly lectures and performances. Each event is free and open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, events will be held on the campus of Scripps College. Upcoming events are listed below.

December 4: Scripps College Visiting Assistant Professor of Politics Dunya Cakir lectures at noon at the Tuesday Noon Academy on “Muslim Women and Civil Society Activism in Turkey” in the Hampton Room of the Malott Commons, 345 E. 9th St.

December 7: The Friday Noon Concert Series begins at 12:15 p.m. in Balch Auditorium, 1030 Columbia Ave. For more information, call 607-3266. (Food is prohibited in the auditorium).

December 7: The Holiday Choral Concert, featuring the Claremont Concert Choir and The Chamber Choir, begins at 8 p.m. with Scripps associate professor of music Charles Kamm conducting. Performances include excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and other works. The event will be held at Claremont United Church of Christ Congregational, 233 Harrison St.

Oversight Board to review non-housing funds

The Claremont Oversight Board, successor agency to the city’s Redevelopment Agency, meets again this Tuesday, December 4 at 5 p.m. in the Citrus Room above City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave. 

The Oversight Board will review the due diligence review for the city’s non-housing funds. An independent accountant conducted the review pursuant to health and safety code regulations. The board will also receive an update on the process of dissolution for the Redevelopment Agency. For information, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us.